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SCU Hockey #4
One-Touch Pass
Nate meets a stranger at a party, and in the span of seventeen minutes, his life changes.
Marcos meets a stranger at a party and wonders if the universe is laughing at him. His life has become a seemingly endless stream of bad days. Everything is a struggle, from his friendship with Max, to the simple act of changing in the locker room after a baseball game. Stress and anxiety sit so heavy on his shoulders, he can barely function under the weight of it. Starting a relationship is the very last thing he wants or feels he deserves. Particularly when Nate— beautiful, gregarious, and kind Nate— could have anybody he wanted.
If there is one thing Marcos knows, it’s this: Nate deserves someone far better than him.
But despite his best efforts to keep him away, Nate persists. He knows what he wants. He wants Marcos. He wants to coax him out of his shell, take him horseback riding, and treat him right. Seventeen minutes isn’t enough for Nate and Marcos.
Marcos meets a stranger at a party and wonders if the universe is laughing at him. His life has become a seemingly endless stream of bad days. Everything is a struggle, from his friendship with Max, to the simple act of changing in the locker room after a baseball game. Stress and anxiety sit so heavy on his shoulders, he can barely function under the weight of it. Starting a relationship is the very last thing he wants or feels he deserves. Particularly when Nate— beautiful, gregarious, and kind Nate— could have anybody he wanted.
If there is one thing Marcos knows, it’s this: Nate deserves someone far better than him.
But despite his best efforts to keep him away, Nate persists. He knows what he wants. He wants Marcos. He wants to coax him out of his shell, take him horseback riding, and treat him right. Seventeen minutes isn’t enough for Nate and Marcos.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2025
621 people are currently reading
2258 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews
July 9, 2025
3.5 stars.
I was genuinely looking forward to this book, but I must admit that I felt a bit disappointed with how it turned out. The first half really pulled me in with its engaging plot and dynamic characters; I was completely immersed in the narrative. However, somewhere around the midpoint, the story seemed to lose its spark for me.
Don’t get me wrong; I still enjoyed parts of it, but it didn’t quite reach the same level of excitement and emotional depth as the previous books in this series. The chemistry between the couple felt lacking, which was surprising given how well the author usually crafts her relationships. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what was missing, but I struggled to feel a genuine connection between them.
Marcus, who was such a dynamic and compelling character in Max's story, somehow became rather dull in this installment. His potential for growth and development seemed stunted, even though the author did a commendable job of addressing his trauma with sensitivity and grace. I truly admire her approach to such delicate subjects.
On the other hand, Nate was a character I just couldn’t seem to warm up to, no matter how hard I tried. He rubbed me the wrong way on multiple occasions, leading to moments of frustration where I almost wanted to put the book down. There were fleeting instances where he exhibited qualities I appreciated, and he and Marcus shared some cute moments, but overall, I didn’t feel the sizzling chemistry that had made previous couples in this series so captivating.
Unfortunately, I think this is my least favorite couple in the entire series.
In conclusion, while I enjoyed certain aspects of the book, I found myself feeling bored for the most part, wishing for more excitement and emotional resonance in the story. It just didn’t live up to the high expectations set by its predecessors.
I was genuinely looking forward to this book, but I must admit that I felt a bit disappointed with how it turned out. The first half really pulled me in with its engaging plot and dynamic characters; I was completely immersed in the narrative. However, somewhere around the midpoint, the story seemed to lose its spark for me.
Don’t get me wrong; I still enjoyed parts of it, but it didn’t quite reach the same level of excitement and emotional depth as the previous books in this series. The chemistry between the couple felt lacking, which was surprising given how well the author usually crafts her relationships. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what was missing, but I struggled to feel a genuine connection between them.
Marcus, who was such a dynamic and compelling character in Max's story, somehow became rather dull in this installment. His potential for growth and development seemed stunted, even though the author did a commendable job of addressing his trauma with sensitivity and grace. I truly admire her approach to such delicate subjects.
On the other hand, Nate was a character I just couldn’t seem to warm up to, no matter how hard I tried. He rubbed me the wrong way on multiple occasions, leading to moments of frustration where I almost wanted to put the book down. There were fleeting instances where he exhibited qualities I appreciated, and he and Marcus shared some cute moments, but overall, I didn’t feel the sizzling chemistry that had made previous couples in this series so captivating.
Unfortunately, I think this is my least favorite couple in the entire series.
In conclusion, while I enjoyed certain aspects of the book, I found myself feeling bored for the most part, wishing for more excitement and emotional resonance in the story. It just didn’t live up to the high expectations set by its predecessors.
July 20, 2025
This was really cute but I did find the time jumps hard to follow because they weren't clearly defined, which kept taking me out of the story.
I really liked Nate and how he just knew Marcos was his immediately. I would have preferred to see him talking to his family about Marcos though, rather than being told it happened.
Marcos had a lot on his plate and he was easy to empathise with because I also have touch aversion and PTSD, so he was really relatable to me. I would have liked to see him working through his issues in therapy though rather than being told it happened. It also felt like there should have been a conversation between Nate and Marcos about why he had PTSD, but nothing happened? Surely Max wouldn't have forbidden Marcos to talk about the traumatic event that happened...
I'm keen to see who's up next for their story though!
I really liked Nate and how he just knew Marcos was his immediately. I would have preferred to see him talking to his family about Marcos though, rather than being told it happened.
Marcos had a lot on his plate and he was easy to empathise with because I also have touch aversion and PTSD, so he was really relatable to me. I would have liked to see him working through his issues in therapy though rather than being told it happened. It also felt like there should have been a conversation between Nate and Marcos about why he had PTSD, but nothing happened? Surely Max wouldn't have forbidden Marcos to talk about the traumatic event that happened...
I'm keen to see who's up next for their story though!
June 23, 2025
What a delight!
I've been waiting for Marcos' novel since the very first time he was introduced in Max's story. He seemed like such a fascinating character, and I'm glad to say "One-Touch Pass" did not disappoint. I adored being in Marcos' head: he's a sweet, little grump, and he deserves every good thing. His mental health struggles, the way he still carried so much guilt for Max's assault, made my heart break, though. Ugh! His and Max's friendship was one of my favourite things of this novel.
And Nate! God, I think I might have found my new fav J.J. Mulder character. Nate is A DELIGHT; he's obsessed with Marcos immediately, and I loved how head-over-heels he was with him. He's also so kind and so sunny and just, the best.
I loved their romance too! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, squealing and screeching and kicking my feet at every single one of their interactions.
If I had ONE complaint, it would be that I felt like there should have been a bit more time spent on Marcos' mental health struggles and PTSD.
However, apart from those small issues, I adored this novel. I've got a good feeling about the MC for the next novel, and I'm excited.
That epilogue was PRETTY GREAT TOO <3
Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.
I've been waiting for Marcos' novel since the very first time he was introduced in Max's story. He seemed like such a fascinating character, and I'm glad to say "One-Touch Pass" did not disappoint. I adored being in Marcos' head: he's a sweet, little grump, and he deserves every good thing. His mental health struggles, the way he still carried so much guilt for Max's assault, made my heart break, though. Ugh! His and Max's friendship was one of my favourite things of this novel.
And Nate! God, I think I might have found my new fav J.J. Mulder character. Nate is A DELIGHT; he's obsessed with Marcos immediately, and I loved how head-over-heels he was with him. He's also so kind and so sunny and just, the best.
I loved their romance too! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, squealing and screeching and kicking my feet at every single one of their interactions.
If I had ONE complaint, it would be that I felt like there should have been a bit more time spent on Marcos' mental health struggles and PTSD.
However, apart from those small issues, I adored this novel. I've got a good feeling about the MC for the next novel, and I'm excited.
That epilogue was PRETTY GREAT TOO <3
Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.
July 16, 2025
So first things first, this was good. I've been craving crazy for Marcos' book since Save The Game, and he got the perfect sunshine cinnamon roll for himself in the form of Nate. I adored every second of their interactions, the way Nate was head over heels for Marcos at the first sight, their sweet, sweet love and touches and GAH, i just want to give them both a tight hug so bad.
Okay so now i have to get this off my chest too. I love JJ Mulder's books. I devour her books like crazy. BUT just tell me JJ, what beef do you have with writing slow and proper endings?? Why do you have to end the books just like that? Like give me a second to prepare myself to say goodbye to these characters. And the epilogues are so unfulfilling, PLEASE GIVE ME A PROPER ENDING!?!
P.S. if the next book isn't about Micky, we're gonna have a huge problem cuz i want my bubby boo to have someone reassuring on his side asap
Okay so now i have to get this off my chest too. I love JJ Mulder's books. I devour her books like crazy. BUT just tell me JJ, what beef do you have with writing slow and proper endings?? Why do you have to end the books just like that? Like give me a second to prepare myself to say goodbye to these characters. And the epilogues are so unfulfilling, PLEASE GIVE ME A PROPER ENDING!?!
P.S. if the next book isn't about Micky, we're gonna have a huge problem cuz i want my bubby boo to have someone reassuring on his side asap
July 6, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book it feels like there were three books in one. One of the books was about Marcos' handling Max's issues which inevitably became Marcos' issues.
The next book was about touch aversion and mental issues that drove him to seek professional help. This professional help kind of got lost at some point through the book we only learned that he took some medical assistance and then there were economic issues that probably made him stop going, we never really know.
The third book was about Marco finally letting Nate in and leaving room in his life for a relationship. And we see how Nate literally accommodates Marcos every need.
Besides that, we see their lives both in school and their lives at the ranch.
It felt like a journey, many many ideas a little drama and yet it is incomplete because the elephant in the room was never ever addressed.🐘 I cannot fathom that JJ Mulder didn't write the chapter where Marcos spoke to Nate about what happened to Max. There is no way they could get into such a relationship and he not open up about this major part of his mental being and his problems not to mention that his doctors would have told him to speak up about it because inevitably it would have made his touch aversion issues get better. So in the end even though it was a good book for me it felt messy and incomplete.
Thoughts and notes as reading:
Touch aversion makes for a very difficult read. Here we have it enhanced by the mental issues caused by trauma. The pairing of Nate, who is a very tactile person and Marcos, who has many issues makes this book feel like it's unbalanced. As if we're reading with the breaks on.i like and understand them both but this slow burn is burning itself out.
The next book was about touch aversion and mental issues that drove him to seek professional help. This professional help kind of got lost at some point through the book we only learned that he took some medical assistance and then there were economic issues that probably made him stop going, we never really know.
The third book was about Marco finally letting Nate in and leaving room in his life for a relationship. And we see how Nate literally accommodates Marcos every need.
Besides that, we see their lives both in school and their lives at the ranch.
It felt like a journey, many many ideas a little drama and yet it is incomplete because the elephant in the room was never ever addressed.🐘 I cannot fathom that JJ Mulder didn't write the chapter where Marcos spoke to Nate about what happened to Max. There is no way they could get into such a relationship and he not open up about this major part of his mental being and his problems not to mention that his doctors would have told him to speak up about it because inevitably it would have made his touch aversion issues get better. So in the end even though it was a good book for me it felt messy and incomplete.
Thoughts and notes as reading:
Touch aversion makes for a very difficult read. Here we have it enhanced by the mental issues caused by trauma. The pairing of Nate, who is a very tactile person and Marcos, who has many issues makes this book feel like it's unbalanced. As if we're reading with the breaks on.i like and understand them both but this slow burn is burning itself out.
July 8, 2025
I love them (duh!)
This book was everything I expected and more. Marcos and Nate definitely mean (almost) as much to me as Max and Luke. Their stories being connected just gave me a double dose of the feels I always get from a JJ Mulder book 🥰
The themes in this story weren’t as heavy as Save The Game but still just as important. Seeing how what happened to Max impacted Marcos was a great addition to this series. It tackled the way a devastating event can affect the ones that love you the most in a careful, nuanced way that I’ve come to expect from JJ. Marcos bottled up so much and was so hard on himself that I just wanted to give him a hug (only if it was a good day for one) 🥺 The guilt, shame and anger he felt towards himself was hard to read at some points but realistic given the circumstances. Nate was the perfect person for him, his emotional intelligence was at 1000%
Nate…oh Nate 😍 He was just a swoonfest from the first page to the last. His patience, considerate nature, and sunshine personality was exactly what Marcos needed and deserved 🥹 The fact that he was smitten from day one was so adorable. I like that he was similar to Luke but not a carbon copy. Putting those two together was golden retriever boyfriend GOLD 💛
I couldn’t end this review without mentioning my bbys Luke and Max. I loved how much more we got of them in the story.
Max and Marcos’ relationship was so beautiful and important. I loved seeing how Marcos warmed up to Luke (bc he better 🫵🏾) and of course, Luke remains my fave character of the series.
This book was everything I expected and more. Marcos and Nate definitely mean (almost) as much to me as Max and Luke. Their stories being connected just gave me a double dose of the feels I always get from a JJ Mulder book 🥰
The themes in this story weren’t as heavy as Save The Game but still just as important. Seeing how what happened to Max impacted Marcos was a great addition to this series. It tackled the way a devastating event can affect the ones that love you the most in a careful, nuanced way that I’ve come to expect from JJ. Marcos bottled up so much and was so hard on himself that I just wanted to give him a hug (only if it was a good day for one) 🥺 The guilt, shame and anger he felt towards himself was hard to read at some points but realistic given the circumstances. Nate was the perfect person for him, his emotional intelligence was at 1000%
Nate…oh Nate 😍 He was just a swoonfest from the first page to the last. His patience, considerate nature, and sunshine personality was exactly what Marcos needed and deserved 🥹 The fact that he was smitten from day one was so adorable. I like that he was similar to Luke but not a carbon copy. Putting those two together was golden retriever boyfriend GOLD 💛
I couldn’t end this review without mentioning my bbys Luke and Max. I loved how much more we got of them in the story.
Max and Marcos’ relationship was so beautiful and important. I loved seeing how Marcos warmed up to Luke (bc he better 🫵🏾) and of course, Luke remains my fave character of the series.
June 17, 2025
This series is one of my all-time favourites, I would literally give my life for these boys. I’ve been waiting for Marcos’s story and I’m so happy he ended up with Nate. Nate is such a sweetheart!
Marcos is still traumatized by what happened to Max (Save the Game) and the guilt is eating him alive. He needs help to move on and accept that it wasn’t his fault. He’s such a good friend and deserves all the love and care in the world.
This book hit even harder because I’ve read Max’s story, so I already knew how much the assault affected him and changed his friendship with Marcos. Now, seeing it from Marcos’s POV, it shattered me. He’s so weighed down by guilt and trauma and it affects his ability to connect with others. He needed someone steady and kind and Nate was exactly that.
I adore Nate and Marcos. I LOVE THEM. Like, they fully own my heart and are living rent-free in my head forever.
Nate reminded me so much of Luke. He’s patient, gentle, understanding. Even while discovering new parts of his sexuality, he never pressured Marcos, he let him go at his own pace. He helped Marcos smile again, laugh again and slowly feel okay. The love between them is healing.
I deeply appreciate JJ Mulder’s approach to intimacy in all her books. It’s never just about sex. It’s about trust, consent, little gestures and communication. She writes intimacy in such a tender, grounded way. I love when MM romance isn’t centered around anal sex. Not every queer man has it and this idea that it’s the “ultimate goal” is such a heteronormative mindset. In this book, we have two queer men sharing beautiful, affirming intimacy through frotting, caresses, blowjobs, but more than anything, through connection. It’s so refreshing. JJ Mulder is not only my favourite author for ace rep, she’s becoming my favourite author for writing intimacy, period.
Another thing I loved was how the story explored Marcos and Max’s friendship. It’s strong, deep, almost codependent. It was definitely affected by Max’s assault but their bond is still so full of love and unspoken understanding. And the fact that both found amazing boyfriends who are just as sweet and who became besties themselves is adorable.
The way mental illness and trauma are portrayed here is also incredibly well done. Marcos wasn’t the direct victim that night, but he still suffered. He felt responsible. He was broken, couldn’t stand being touched anymore and felt like a failure as a friend. Even though he was seeing a therapist, what really helped him heal was Nate, and the ranch, the horses, the quiet peace of that life. The way animals, especially horses, can support healing was beautifully shown and it made such a difference for Marcos.
This book is yet another amazing installment in a series that has completely stolen my heart. JJ Mulder writes romance and characters with so much care and emotional depth. I can’t recommend this book enough but please read the earlier books first, especially Max and Luke’s story.
Marcos is still traumatized by what happened to Max (Save the Game) and the guilt is eating him alive. He needs help to move on and accept that it wasn’t his fault. He’s such a good friend and deserves all the love and care in the world.
This book hit even harder because I’ve read Max’s story, so I already knew how much the assault affected him and changed his friendship with Marcos. Now, seeing it from Marcos’s POV, it shattered me. He’s so weighed down by guilt and trauma and it affects his ability to connect with others. He needed someone steady and kind and Nate was exactly that.
I adore Nate and Marcos. I LOVE THEM. Like, they fully own my heart and are living rent-free in my head forever.
Nate reminded me so much of Luke. He’s patient, gentle, understanding. Even while discovering new parts of his sexuality, he never pressured Marcos, he let him go at his own pace. He helped Marcos smile again, laugh again and slowly feel okay. The love between them is healing.
I deeply appreciate JJ Mulder’s approach to intimacy in all her books. It’s never just about sex. It’s about trust, consent, little gestures and communication. She writes intimacy in such a tender, grounded way. I love when MM romance isn’t centered around anal sex. Not every queer man has it and this idea that it’s the “ultimate goal” is such a heteronormative mindset. In this book, we have two queer men sharing beautiful, affirming intimacy through frotting, caresses, blowjobs, but more than anything, through connection. It’s so refreshing. JJ Mulder is not only my favourite author for ace rep, she’s becoming my favourite author for writing intimacy, period.
Another thing I loved was how the story explored Marcos and Max’s friendship. It’s strong, deep, almost codependent. It was definitely affected by Max’s assault but their bond is still so full of love and unspoken understanding. And the fact that both found amazing boyfriends who are just as sweet and who became besties themselves is adorable.
The way mental illness and trauma are portrayed here is also incredibly well done. Marcos wasn’t the direct victim that night, but he still suffered. He felt responsible. He was broken, couldn’t stand being touched anymore and felt like a failure as a friend. Even though he was seeing a therapist, what really helped him heal was Nate, and the ranch, the horses, the quiet peace of that life. The way animals, especially horses, can support healing was beautifully shown and it made such a difference for Marcos.
This book is yet another amazing installment in a series that has completely stolen my heart. JJ Mulder writes romance and characters with so much care and emotional depth. I can’t recommend this book enough but please read the earlier books first, especially Max and Luke’s story.
August 25, 2025
“Ay dios mío,” I whisper, closing my eyes. Maybe when I open them he’ll be gone, Luke will be gone, and it’ll just be me and Max. “Nope, not God. Just me, Nate.”
Obsessed and down bad for JJ Mudler hockey series! I don’t know what she puts in her books but I fall in love with her characters every time.
Obsessed and down bad for JJ Mudler hockey series! I don’t know what she puts in her books but I fall in love with her characters every time.
June 8, 2025
4.5⭐️
Ah Marcos! From Max’s book to his own, he’s been too hard on himself. The doctor was right; he and Max shared the trauma, just in different ways. Nate was very like Luke and a lovely guy; he was patient and kind to Marcus when he needed someone.
This story is a little different to the others; it’s Sport meets Country, and I’m here for it. I love a ranch story, and I can just picture Nate and Marcus all cowboy’d up.
It’s a slow-burn romance. Marcus’s trauma has increased a childhood aversion to touch to a higher degree. He struggles to have skin-to-skin contact, which hurts any relationships he’s tried to make until he separated himself from everyone but Max. He’s also on a misguided mission to never let another friend get hurt on his watch. Nate doesn’t know anything about his backstory but supports him through his challenging anxiety.
It was good to have updates on other characters, and I have a feeling the next book might be about our extremely shy goalie!
As usual with this series, I really enjoyed it. It was a little less romantically intense than Max or Henri’s book, and there were a few things I would have liked more on. For example, a conversation between Max, Marcos, and Nate. But I still enjoyed it, and as usual, I couldn’t put it down.
——————————————
I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest review.
Ah Marcos! From Max’s book to his own, he’s been too hard on himself. The doctor was right; he and Max shared the trauma, just in different ways. Nate was very like Luke and a lovely guy; he was patient and kind to Marcus when he needed someone.
This story is a little different to the others; it’s Sport meets Country, and I’m here for it. I love a ranch story, and I can just picture Nate and Marcus all cowboy’d up.
It’s a slow-burn romance. Marcus’s trauma has increased a childhood aversion to touch to a higher degree. He struggles to have skin-to-skin contact, which hurts any relationships he’s tried to make until he separated himself from everyone but Max. He’s also on a misguided mission to never let another friend get hurt on his watch. Nate doesn’t know anything about his backstory but supports him through his challenging anxiety.
It was good to have updates on other characters, and I have a feeling the next book might be about our extremely shy goalie!
As usual with this series, I really enjoyed it. It was a little less romantically intense than Max or Henri’s book, and there were a few things I would have liked more on. For example, a conversation between Max, Marcos, and Nate. But I still enjoyed it, and as usual, I couldn’t put it down.
——————————————
I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest review.
October 10, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
I enjoyed this one, especially the first 60% or so, but then when typically character’s would start getting into deeper bonding conversations, it just kinda fizzled out and I couldn’t believe there was so much book left lol. I have to say that I still think this author crafts fantastic characters. I really liked both MCs. I didn’t think they had a ton of chemistry though…at first they did but that also fizzled out. I was kinda more interested in Marcos and Max’s friendship, and was sad they got split up in the end. The ending wasn’t crazy abrupt this time which was a nice change!
I enjoyed this one, especially the first 60% or so, but then when typically character’s would start getting into deeper bonding conversations, it just kinda fizzled out and I couldn’t believe there was so much book left lol. I have to say that I still think this author crafts fantastic characters. I really liked both MCs. I didn’t think they had a ton of chemistry though…at first they did but that also fizzled out. I was kinda more interested in Marcos and Max’s friendship, and was sad they got split up in the end. The ending wasn’t crazy abrupt this time which was a nice change!
July 8, 2025
4.45
This book had basically everything I love: baseball, hockey, cowboys, cute baby animals, and sweet lovable characters. AND a satisfying ending!!! I’m so happy to be able to say that I enjoyed the ending of a book in this series.
A few things I thought were missing: I think that Marcos’s touch aversion was handled very well, but the professional help was just kind of abandoned halfway through the book. I loved the use of all of the returning characters but for some reason I thought Atlas would have more of a role so I was a little disappointed. Also, I felt that we could have seen a little more backstory for both Marcos and Nate.
Overall a fun read that I finished in a day. :)
This book had basically everything I love: baseball, hockey, cowboys, cute baby animals, and sweet lovable characters. AND a satisfying ending!!! I’m so happy to be able to say that I enjoyed the ending of a book in this series.
A few things I thought were missing: I think that Marcos’s touch aversion was handled very well, but the professional help was just kind of abandoned halfway through the book. I loved the use of all of the returning characters but for some reason I thought Atlas would have more of a role so I was a little disappointed. Also, I felt that we could have seen a little more backstory for both Marcos and Nate.
Overall a fun read that I finished in a day. :)
July 10, 2025
I love Marcos and Nate almost as much as I love Max and Luke. This was a nice kinda extension of their story too! Really great stuff, I love everything about this one, great vibes and sweet men being sweet to each other, and horses!
July 18, 2025
I’ll just stare into the void now.
NATE AND MARCOS FOREVER
We have One Touch Pass here - or the one where I fell deeply in love with Marcos and Nate but OMG is Nate a little MINX. I’m truly obsessed with him. He’s quite literally everything to me.
I really really loved this book and how it discussed Marcos’ touch aversion and PTSD. I loved Nate’s calm and loving and funny and heartwarming personality. I LOVED Nate’s casual affection with his friends and teammates - it was so refreshing to see.
I absolutely adored their relationship and how Nate was so set on wooing Marcos that he lured Max into helping. I loved how Nate and Luke became little besties. I loved that Marcos was insecure because *relatable*.
These characters feel so real to me. Like they are real people. And I am so happy they do. It’s why I get so attached to them. They are a part of my heart.
HOW AM I SUPOOSED TO WAIT TIL OCT FOR THE LAST BOOK?? It has to be Micky right!? God, he’s my favorite and I would love a book with him.
I also want 10000000 epilogues and short stories with my favorites cause I love them so so so much.
NATE AND MARCOS FOREVER
We have One Touch Pass here - or the one where I fell deeply in love with Marcos and Nate but OMG is Nate a little MINX. I’m truly obsessed with him. He’s quite literally everything to me.
I really really loved this book and how it discussed Marcos’ touch aversion and PTSD. I loved Nate’s calm and loving and funny and heartwarming personality. I LOVED Nate’s casual affection with his friends and teammates - it was so refreshing to see.
I absolutely adored their relationship and how Nate was so set on wooing Marcos that he lured Max into helping. I loved how Nate and Luke became little besties. I loved that Marcos was insecure because *relatable*.
These characters feel so real to me. Like they are real people. And I am so happy they do. It’s why I get so attached to them. They are a part of my heart.
HOW AM I SUPOOSED TO WAIT TIL OCT FOR THE LAST BOOK?? It has to be Micky right!? God, he’s my favorite and I would love a book with him.
I also want 10000000 epilogues and short stories with my favorites cause I love them so so so much.
December 29, 2025
Nie moje klimaty, więc bałam się tej części i faktycznie podobała mi się najmniej, a jednak bawiłam się przy niej cudownie i relacja bohaterów nie zawiodła mnie. Seerioo, ta seria tak zdrowo karmi moją hiperfiksację, że nie wiem, co ze sobą zrobię po kolejnym (ostatnim) tomie.
June 21, 2025
Ugh, why is every single book in this series so ridiculously cute?!
Seriously, Nate completely stole my heart back in book 3, so I was counting down the seconds until I could dive into his story and the author absolutely delivered! The dynamic between Nate and Marcos is so natural, even as Marcos wrestles with his inner demons. I was a little nervous that Nate might have to compromise too much of himself for Marcos' sake, but the story took such a thoughtful, beautiful turn that eased all my worries.
I loved seeing familiar faces pop back in, especially getting more insight into Micky (please let that mean he’s getting his own book?? Pretty please?).
What stood out in this installment was how central friendship felt, more so than in the previous books. The bond Nate and Marcos have with their friends felt real, not just an excuse to give earlier main characters a quick cameo. Their support, the dialogue, it all felt meaningful and essential to the story, not just background noise.
And the timeline? So well done. Watching everyone grow, heal, stumble, and open themselves up to love,especially from this new perspective, was just chef’s kiss.
I’m already dreading saying goodbye in the next book. So many of these characters have carved out a permanent little home in my heart.
Tropes:
hockey player x baseball player
college
opposites attract
touch aversed mmc
golden retriever mmc
bi awakening
spice: 🌶️🌶️
Seriously, Nate completely stole my heart back in book 3, so I was counting down the seconds until I could dive into his story and the author absolutely delivered! The dynamic between Nate and Marcos is so natural, even as Marcos wrestles with his inner demons. I was a little nervous that Nate might have to compromise too much of himself for Marcos' sake, but the story took such a thoughtful, beautiful turn that eased all my worries.
I loved seeing familiar faces pop back in, especially getting more insight into Micky (please let that mean he’s getting his own book?? Pretty please?).
What stood out in this installment was how central friendship felt, more so than in the previous books. The bond Nate and Marcos have with their friends felt real, not just an excuse to give earlier main characters a quick cameo. Their support, the dialogue, it all felt meaningful and essential to the story, not just background noise.
And the timeline? So well done. Watching everyone grow, heal, stumble, and open themselves up to love,especially from this new perspective, was just chef’s kiss.
I’m already dreading saying goodbye in the next book. So many of these characters have carved out a permanent little home in my heart.
Tropes:
hockey player x baseball player
college
opposites attract
touch aversed mmc
golden retriever mmc
bi awakening
spice: 🌶️🌶️
July 17, 2025
I’ve always adored J.J. Mulder’s characters, and now we get a Latino MMC? Yes, please! I loved having a character who speaks my native language—something I haven’t encountered very often in other books (or at least not that I remember). Seeing Latino representation in an MM romance made me so happy, and it only deepened my love for this author.
“Descansa, amor,” he says on a sigh, shifting a touch closer. Even when we’re fighting, he says the same thing every night. I wait, knowing there’s more. “Te veo al amanecer.”
“This time, not even biting my lip can hold back my groan. “Mierda,” I mutter helplessly, as he does it again. I can feel his lips curve up in a smile from where they’re pressed against me. Nobody touching my skin has ever felt this good.”
When Marcos was introduced in Max and Luke’s book, I had a completely different impression of who he was and that changed entirely in his own story. At first, I saw him as a broody, confident, sporty, and protective guy. But after reading his book, I realized that’s not all there is to him. And there’s nothing wrong with that—actually, I loved him even more. His more reserved, insecure, slightly shy, and introverted personality made him even more endearing and, honestly, so much cuter in my eyes. My heart broke for him so many times. From Max’s book, I already sensed his trauma, I even mentioned it in my review of that one. You could feel the pain and guilt he carried. I’ve never read a book before with a character who hated being touched to this extent, and it was truly heartbreaking. It made me feel so frustrated for him—reading how much he wanted Nate’s touch but how his body simply wouldn’t let him have it. The way he was constantly aware of other people’s movements around him—it was devastating to experience that secondhand.
“There’s something wrong with me, and if I don’t figure it out, I’ll never have again what I had tonight with Nate. And I want that. I want someone to talk to, and be with. Someone who wants me to spend the night with them, and kisses me just because they feel like it. I want to be someone who can receive that without feeling sick.”
I’ve honestly never encountered a situation like this in any book before, and it left a deep impression on me.
“Falling in love with Nate was a little like stumbling while walking down a hill. I tried to catch myself, but eventually gravity won.”
“He was handsome the other night, but he’s breathtaking in the daylight. It’s terrifying.”
I adore Nate. He’s such a fun, extroverted person—and so good-looking that you might assume he’d be a bit of an asshole, but in reality, he’s incredibly kind and a genuinely good friend. I loved his relationship with Micky (who I absolutely adore—I just know he’s going to be the shyest, cutest man in the series). Nate is so caring toward every single one of his friends, and really, toward people in general. I love how loudly he loves, and how unashamed he is about it. The way he respected Marcos’s boundaries, even when he didn’t fully understand them, was beautiful to see. I also loved that he’s a true cowboy, and how the simplest things brought him happiness and a sense of fulfillment.
“Marcos doesn’t really smile the same way other people do, with their full mouth and teeth participating. He smiles like he’s not really sure he wants to commit. Like smiles are precious and he can’t give them away to just anyone. The trick is to look at his eyes. His mouth might lie, but the smile will be in the warm, deep brown of his eyes.”
“I remind myself that it’s probably not personal, and that last year he specifically told me he wasn’t big on contact. Let him come to you, I reproach myself firmly, even though my fingers itch for him.”
I truly like them as a couple, and I think they’re perfect for each other. Nate is definitely the kind of partner Marcos needs, and vice versa. Given Marcos’s personality, I think he needed someone who’s a little obsessed with him, someone who loves him loudly and unapologetically, so that he can actually believe he’s worthy of it. And Nate? He just needed someone who loves him back and is willing to live a quiet life on a ranch with him, because let’s be real, that’s not a life for everyone. It honestly felt like I was reading the autobiography of two regular people falling in love. Their story was so... normal, and it unfolded so naturally that it made everything feel real and possible. I really did enjoy that. Though I’ll admit, there were a few moments where it bored me just a tiny bit—like, the smallest bit—but at the same time, I loved how grounded it felt because of that realism.
“What should we do tonight? Do you like cards? I could teach you how to play Peanuts.”
“Sure.”
He glances at me. “Unless you’ve got another idea?”
“I was sort of hoping you might want to fuck me,” I offer.
“Your idea,” he says swiftly. “Definitely your idea.”
“Nah, let’s play cards,” I tease, and earn myself Nate’s approximation of a glare.
I do wish we had seen more character development with Marcos, maybe more focus on his journey with everything he was going through. I know his trauma, especially related to what happened with Max, was touched upon, but it felt incomplete to me. If I’m being honest, the whole book felt a bit unfinished. I think the author tried to incorporate too much into Marcos’s character, and because of that, there wasn’t enough space to fully explore those layers or show his growth by the end. Similarly, I wish we had seen more depth to Nate’s character as well. We caught a brief glimpse of his struggle with his sexuality, but beyond that, the story shifted more toward his growing obsession with Marcos rather than diving into anything deeper or more personal about him.
It made me so happy that my favorite boys were included in this book! I loved the little moments where Max and Henri appeared, and I especially appreciated getting glimpses of Max’s healing and how his relationship with Luke is growing. I do wish Henri had shown up more, but even the small moments we got of him made me so, so happy. I loved seeing them through Nate’s perspective, his friendship with both Max and Henri and also witnessing Marcos’s friendship and healing journey with Max. God, how I love these two. They’re my favorites in the series, so getting those little moments with them made me so happy!
The only word I can use to describe this book is cute. It had me giggling, and I probably said the word “cute” hundreds of times while reading. I love this series so much, and I find myself genuinely invested in every single one of the characters. I also really appreciate how the author includes such a diverse range of people—each with unique backstories, struggles, sexualities, and ways of being. There’s no character in this series that feels like a copy of another, and I absolutely love that. The stories in this series tackle serious, uncomfortable, and sometimes heartbreaking topics. They also shine a light on different types of sexuality that aren’t often talked about or widely known. It’s truly a wonderful thing—to enjoy an entertaining romance while also becoming more informed and aware of these important issues and types of love.
I struggled with rating this book because I really did like it, and the simple fact that there’s a Latino MMC makes me want to rate it higher. But, like I mentioned earlier, it felt incomplete to me. Even though I liked the romance between Nate and Marcos, I was left wishing the author had made the book longer. I wanted more time for Marcos’s trauma and struggles to be fully explored and to feel like he was truly on a path toward healing and more time to connect with them as a couple on a deeper level. So, while there were many things I genuinely enjoyed, I’ll have to give it 3.6 stars. Can’t wait for Micky book!
“If you still want me to, by then.” […] He half turns around, just enough that he can look at me. Backlit by the fire, I can hardly see his face. Not that it particularly matters. I’d know him blind.
“I’ll want you to. I love you, and that’s not going to change.”
“Even when I don’t want you to touch me? Or cuddle?” I trail my fingertips up his side, drawing attention to how close we’re sitting.
“Even then.”
“Even when I take long trips to visit Max?”
“Especially then,” he agrees firmly. “Because I’ll miss you so bad, it’ll be incredible once you return.”
“Well, good. Because I love you, too.”
“Descansa, amor,” he says on a sigh, shifting a touch closer. Even when we’re fighting, he says the same thing every night. I wait, knowing there’s more. “Te veo al amanecer.”
“This time, not even biting my lip can hold back my groan. “Mierda,” I mutter helplessly, as he does it again. I can feel his lips curve up in a smile from where they’re pressed against me. Nobody touching my skin has ever felt this good.”
When Marcos was introduced in Max and Luke’s book, I had a completely different impression of who he was and that changed entirely in his own story. At first, I saw him as a broody, confident, sporty, and protective guy. But after reading his book, I realized that’s not all there is to him. And there’s nothing wrong with that—actually, I loved him even more. His more reserved, insecure, slightly shy, and introverted personality made him even more endearing and, honestly, so much cuter in my eyes. My heart broke for him so many times. From Max’s book, I already sensed his trauma, I even mentioned it in my review of that one. You could feel the pain and guilt he carried. I’ve never read a book before with a character who hated being touched to this extent, and it was truly heartbreaking. It made me feel so frustrated for him—reading how much he wanted Nate’s touch but how his body simply wouldn’t let him have it. The way he was constantly aware of other people’s movements around him—it was devastating to experience that secondhand.
“There’s something wrong with me, and if I don’t figure it out, I’ll never have again what I had tonight with Nate. And I want that. I want someone to talk to, and be with. Someone who wants me to spend the night with them, and kisses me just because they feel like it. I want to be someone who can receive that without feeling sick.”
I’ve honestly never encountered a situation like this in any book before, and it left a deep impression on me.
“Falling in love with Nate was a little like stumbling while walking down a hill. I tried to catch myself, but eventually gravity won.”
“He was handsome the other night, but he’s breathtaking in the daylight. It’s terrifying.”
I adore Nate. He’s such a fun, extroverted person—and so good-looking that you might assume he’d be a bit of an asshole, but in reality, he’s incredibly kind and a genuinely good friend. I loved his relationship with Micky (who I absolutely adore—I just know he’s going to be the shyest, cutest man in the series). Nate is so caring toward every single one of his friends, and really, toward people in general. I love how loudly he loves, and how unashamed he is about it. The way he respected Marcos’s boundaries, even when he didn’t fully understand them, was beautiful to see. I also loved that he’s a true cowboy, and how the simplest things brought him happiness and a sense of fulfillment.
“Marcos doesn’t really smile the same way other people do, with their full mouth and teeth participating. He smiles like he’s not really sure he wants to commit. Like smiles are precious and he can’t give them away to just anyone. The trick is to look at his eyes. His mouth might lie, but the smile will be in the warm, deep brown of his eyes.”
“I remind myself that it’s probably not personal, and that last year he specifically told me he wasn’t big on contact. Let him come to you, I reproach myself firmly, even though my fingers itch for him.”
I truly like them as a couple, and I think they’re perfect for each other. Nate is definitely the kind of partner Marcos needs, and vice versa. Given Marcos’s personality, I think he needed someone who’s a little obsessed with him, someone who loves him loudly and unapologetically, so that he can actually believe he’s worthy of it. And Nate? He just needed someone who loves him back and is willing to live a quiet life on a ranch with him, because let’s be real, that’s not a life for everyone. It honestly felt like I was reading the autobiography of two regular people falling in love. Their story was so... normal, and it unfolded so naturally that it made everything feel real and possible. I really did enjoy that. Though I’ll admit, there were a few moments where it bored me just a tiny bit—like, the smallest bit—but at the same time, I loved how grounded it felt because of that realism.
“What should we do tonight? Do you like cards? I could teach you how to play Peanuts.”
“Sure.”
He glances at me. “Unless you’ve got another idea?”
“I was sort of hoping you might want to fuck me,” I offer.
“Your idea,” he says swiftly. “Definitely your idea.”
“Nah, let’s play cards,” I tease, and earn myself Nate’s approximation of a glare.
I do wish we had seen more character development with Marcos, maybe more focus on his journey with everything he was going through. I know his trauma, especially related to what happened with Max, was touched upon, but it felt incomplete to me. If I’m being honest, the whole book felt a bit unfinished. I think the author tried to incorporate too much into Marcos’s character, and because of that, there wasn’t enough space to fully explore those layers or show his growth by the end. Similarly, I wish we had seen more depth to Nate’s character as well. We caught a brief glimpse of his struggle with his sexuality, but beyond that, the story shifted more toward his growing obsession with Marcos rather than diving into anything deeper or more personal about him.
It made me so happy that my favorite boys were included in this book! I loved the little moments where Max and Henri appeared, and I especially appreciated getting glimpses of Max’s healing and how his relationship with Luke is growing. I do wish Henri had shown up more, but even the small moments we got of him made me so, so happy. I loved seeing them through Nate’s perspective, his friendship with both Max and Henri and also witnessing Marcos’s friendship and healing journey with Max. God, how I love these two. They’re my favorites in the series, so getting those little moments with them made me so happy!
The only word I can use to describe this book is cute. It had me giggling, and I probably said the word “cute” hundreds of times while reading. I love this series so much, and I find myself genuinely invested in every single one of the characters. I also really appreciate how the author includes such a diverse range of people—each with unique backstories, struggles, sexualities, and ways of being. There’s no character in this series that feels like a copy of another, and I absolutely love that. The stories in this series tackle serious, uncomfortable, and sometimes heartbreaking topics. They also shine a light on different types of sexuality that aren’t often talked about or widely known. It’s truly a wonderful thing—to enjoy an entertaining romance while also becoming more informed and aware of these important issues and types of love.
I struggled with rating this book because I really did like it, and the simple fact that there’s a Latino MMC makes me want to rate it higher. But, like I mentioned earlier, it felt incomplete to me. Even though I liked the romance between Nate and Marcos, I was left wishing the author had made the book longer. I wanted more time for Marcos’s trauma and struggles to be fully explored and to feel like he was truly on a path toward healing and more time to connect with them as a couple on a deeper level. So, while there were many things I genuinely enjoyed, I’ll have to give it 3.6 stars. Can’t wait for Micky book!
“If you still want me to, by then.” […] He half turns around, just enough that he can look at me. Backlit by the fire, I can hardly see his face. Not that it particularly matters. I’d know him blind.
“I’ll want you to. I love you, and that’s not going to change.”
“Even when I don’t want you to touch me? Or cuddle?” I trail my fingertips up his side, drawing attention to how close we’re sitting.
“Even then.”
“Even when I take long trips to visit Max?”
“Especially then,” he agrees firmly. “Because I’ll miss you so bad, it’ll be incredible once you return.”
“Well, good. Because I love you, too.”
July 1, 2025
JJ always manages to weave in the heavy topics among the mostly lighthearted vibes. And this is no exception. I was excited for Marcos' story since we met him as a crucial part of Max' story, and to see the happenings from his perspective and how he was impacted without being the victim was done so well! It's certainly not an easy topic, but JJ handles it with great care and empathy. Everything resulting from this trauma also was described really well - I really appreciated the take on touch aversion (and how that influences a relationship) and especially the therapy rep. I always find it refreshing if a romance with mental illness rep doesn't take that path with the new love being healing, because that's unfortunately not possible (and absolutely not healthy), and JJ really does that well.
I would have wished for a bit of a different pacing and less time at SCU and more time on that gorgeous farm, the vibes just were on point (maybe a cowboy series would be something in JJ's future?🤓). But that made up my (overall rather minor) struggle with the book, because it felt lengthy overall and the best parts that kept my attention over a longer period of time all happened in the last like 30%. I know I'm in a bit of a reading slump right now, but it still took me way too long to finish, because I wasn't super invested - even tho I really wanted the HEA for Marcos.
All in all this was an enjoyable read, mostly lighthearted with tougher topics being discussed with great care.
I would have wished for a bit of a different pacing and less time at SCU and more time on that gorgeous farm, the vibes just were on point (maybe a cowboy series would be something in JJ's future?🤓). But that made up my (overall rather minor) struggle with the book, because it felt lengthy overall and the best parts that kept my attention over a longer period of time all happened in the last like 30%. I know I'm in a bit of a reading slump right now, but it still took me way too long to finish, because I wasn't super invested - even tho I really wanted the HEA for Marcos.
All in all this was an enjoyable read, mostly lighthearted with tougher topics being discussed with great care.
January 29, 2026
This was over too soon; I desperately need more slice-of-life goodness between Marcos and Nate.
Marcos’ inner dialogue broke my heart at times, but Nate’s unconditional love was there to fix it. This series is truly golden.
A few things to expect from One-Touch Pass:
- black cat / golden retriever
- baseball player / hockey player (college)
- anxiety & PTSD rep manifested through touch-aversion
- “you’re really pretty, like my horse”
Marcos’ inner dialogue broke my heart at times, but Nate’s unconditional love was there to fix it. This series is truly golden.
A few things to expect from One-Touch Pass:
- black cat / golden retriever
- baseball player / hockey player (college)
- anxiety & PTSD rep manifested through touch-aversion
- “you’re really pretty, like my horse”
June 20, 2025
Oh look, another JJ book that I’m in love with. Shocker, I know. 🤪
Nate, the actual human embodiment of a golden retriever, was just the absolute best man ever. So understanding and persistent (maybe stalkery…just a bit). I love that even though he was obsessed, it still took quite a while to get them going.
Marcos is just perfection. He’s one catcher size suitcase of baggage and brooding but he still has it in him to find and accept love.
Their story spans nearly two years and once I was sucked in, there was no putting it down. I love that JJ didn’t waste time or try to fill in gaps with inessential information. It just was what it was.
This book might move to my favorite of the series, if not number two at the least. No one can compare to my CM3 bb 🥹
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review! 🖤
Nate, the actual human embodiment of a golden retriever, was just the absolute best man ever. So understanding and persistent (maybe stalkery…just a bit). I love that even though he was obsessed, it still took quite a while to get them going.
Marcos is just perfection. He’s one catcher size suitcase of baggage and brooding but he still has it in him to find and accept love.
Their story spans nearly two years and once I was sucked in, there was no putting it down. I love that JJ didn’t waste time or try to fill in gaps with inessential information. It just was what it was.
This book might move to my favorite of the series, if not number two at the least. No one can compare to my CM3 bb 🥹
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review! 🖤
July 15, 2025
SO I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH !!!!!
i was in such a reading slump 😭😭😭 but i can always trust in j.j mulder books 🥰🥰🥰
i loved marcos (definitely not because im latino … definitely not….) and the little peaks of spanish we got 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 nate was such a cutie pie too ! now i lowkey want to pet some horses 😭😭😭😭🙁
i was in such a reading slump 😭😭😭 but i can always trust in j.j mulder books 🥰🥰🥰
i loved marcos (definitely not because im latino … definitely not….) and the little peaks of spanish we got 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 nate was such a cutie pie too ! now i lowkey want to pet some horses 😭😭😭😭🙁
July 2, 2025
My new favorite book from J.J Mulder! I don’t have words for how much I loved this book. Nate and Marcos captured my heart right from the start and didn’t let it go the entirety of the book.
Let’s start with Nate. Listen, I was as obsessed with him as he was with Marcos. He was confident, determined, and a bit goofy. I loved how how he took care of Marcos and reminded him that he is worthy of good things. And how he looked after his teammate, Micky. The man is just an all around sweetheart. Plus he’s a hockey playing cowboy. 🫠
Marcos I adored too. Our grouchy catcher was going through a lot after the events of Save the Game. PTSD, guilt and touch aversion that he wasn’t really dealing with at first. I really enjoyed his journey of healing, it was one of my favorite parts of the story. Him realizing that he does deserve good things in his life, to live for himself. He was such a loyal, caring, and protective person. And his friendship with Max was so beautiful.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series because it’s Micky’s and I already have a soft spot for him! And I think I have a idea of who his love interest could be. 👀
*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Let’s start with Nate. Listen, I was as obsessed with him as he was with Marcos. He was confident, determined, and a bit goofy. I loved how how he took care of Marcos and reminded him that he is worthy of good things. And how he looked after his teammate, Micky. The man is just an all around sweetheart. Plus he’s a hockey playing cowboy. 🫠
Marcos I adored too. Our grouchy catcher was going through a lot after the events of Save the Game. PTSD, guilt and touch aversion that he wasn’t really dealing with at first. I really enjoyed his journey of healing, it was one of my favorite parts of the story. Him realizing that he does deserve good things in his life, to live for himself. He was such a loyal, caring, and protective person. And his friendship with Max was so beautiful.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series because it’s Micky’s and I already have a soft spot for him! And I think I have a idea of who his love interest could be. 👀
*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
July 20, 2025
3.75⭐️
Mannnn. JJ writes the best characters that you are just rooting for, but damn they are always leaving me wanting with the books themselves. The relationships develop outside of actual scenes that we’re given so we have to fill in this blanks ourselves. Nate was a little confusing in how he just immediately had an instalust/love thing going on which I wish JJ gave us more scenes between him and Marcos to justify those intense feelings. But we didn’t get them and so it felt rather out of the blue for me. And these damn endings!! We never get a decent ending is this series!! I’m enjoying the book well enough - really just appreciating the characters for how much I love them and want them to be in love - then boom the book’s done and I’m left hanging, feeling like I it’s r missed something. Yeesh. A tiny epilogue would help a lot. I did enjoy this but am bummed with how things feel left out
Mannnn. JJ writes the best characters that you are just rooting for, but damn they are always leaving me wanting with the books themselves. The relationships develop outside of actual scenes that we’re given so we have to fill in this blanks ourselves. Nate was a little confusing in how he just immediately had an instalust/love thing going on which I wish JJ gave us more scenes between him and Marcos to justify those intense feelings. But we didn’t get them and so it felt rather out of the blue for me. And these damn endings!! We never get a decent ending is this series!! I’m enjoying the book well enough - really just appreciating the characters for how much I love them and want them to be in love - then boom the book’s done and I’m left hanging, feeling like I it’s r missed something. Yeesh. A tiny epilogue would help a lot. I did enjoy this but am bummed with how things feel left out
June 8, 2025
4.25⭐️
Nobody does a touch-averse MC the way JJ Mulder does 🙌
The fourth book in the SCU hockey series follows Nate (Atlas’ hockey player roommate) and Marcos (Max’s best friend). There’s something so absolutely charming about the characters Mulder creates in this series. They’re all so lovable, yet unique and real feeling. Nate and Marcos were an excellent addition to the series.
In the beginning, Nate spots Marcos at a party, and is instantly enamoured. After an unexpected encounter outside 🤭, Nate becomes obsessed with Marcos, but in the cutest, golden retriever way. Marcos has his own demons to battle, with his main worry being that he hates it when people touch him 99% of the time. This story follows the romantic journey between the reluctant Marcos, and the unflappable Nate, who can’t seem to resist each other, no matter how much time passes.
In this book you’ll get:
-college romance
-touch-averse MC
-opposites attract (introvert/extrovert vibes)
-phone 🌶️
-horseback riding and farm shenanigans
-lots of cameos from beloved characters like Vas, Max, and more!
-really cute dates and texts
-character-centred plot
Though Henri will always have my heart, I really enjoyed these characters, especially Nate. He was funny and laid back while still being incredibly attentive and sweet. I LOVED his friendship with Mickey, the goaltender (do I smell the MC for book 5? I really hope so!!! Loved him!)
This series feels like a comfort series, and I really enjoy it! Definitely don’t miss Nate and Marcos ❤️
Nobody does a touch-averse MC the way JJ Mulder does 🙌
The fourth book in the SCU hockey series follows Nate (Atlas’ hockey player roommate) and Marcos (Max’s best friend). There’s something so absolutely charming about the characters Mulder creates in this series. They’re all so lovable, yet unique and real feeling. Nate and Marcos were an excellent addition to the series.
In the beginning, Nate spots Marcos at a party, and is instantly enamoured. After an unexpected encounter outside 🤭, Nate becomes obsessed with Marcos, but in the cutest, golden retriever way. Marcos has his own demons to battle, with his main worry being that he hates it when people touch him 99% of the time. This story follows the romantic journey between the reluctant Marcos, and the unflappable Nate, who can’t seem to resist each other, no matter how much time passes.
In this book you’ll get:
-college romance
-touch-averse MC
-opposites attract (introvert/extrovert vibes)
-phone 🌶️
-horseback riding and farm shenanigans
-lots of cameos from beloved characters like Vas, Max, and more!
-really cute dates and texts
-character-centred plot
Though Henri will always have my heart, I really enjoyed these characters, especially Nate. He was funny and laid back while still being incredibly attentive and sweet. I LOVED his friendship with Mickey, the goaltender (do I smell the MC for book 5? I really hope so!!! Loved him!)
This series feels like a comfort series, and I really enjoy it! Definitely don’t miss Nate and Marcos ❤️
July 31, 2025
This one was cute, and started off as one of my favorites of the series—but for some reason, I felt like the pacing was a little weird, and found it a bit hard to stay focused on the story come 50% of it.
Still, it was fun reading Marcos’ and Nate’s story!
3 ⭐️
Still, it was fun reading Marcos’ and Nate’s story!
3 ⭐️
July 11, 2025
I really like JJ Mulder but this was probably the weakest in the series in my opinion. I really wasn’t that invested in the MCs, which is such a bummer considering how much I was looking forward to Marcos’ story in particular. It just didn’t feel believable? There were a lot of places this could have gone and instead it was kind of… boring, unfortunately.
July 15, 2025
I felt nothing for this book
December 18, 2025
what can i say, i'm a sucker for these idiot athletes.
i do think these books are a strange dichotomy because they're both really vulnerable and full of trauma and a bit dark at times...and yet they also are very utopian and lack almost any real conflict or stakes. in many ways, we go really deep, dealing with deeply intimate and vulnerable shit like ptsd and touch aversion and anxiety and sexual assault, but then a lot of it doesn't get fully resolved and/or there's not conclusion aside from the happy ending. the couples rarely argue, there aren't many third-act break-ups, everybody is instantly 110% in love and ready to get married, and even when there's some kind of conflict on the horizon, it never takes much for them to just apologize or overcome it. which makes it incredibly unrealistic but i choose to live in the utopia anyway!!! i don't care!!!! i think from a craft perspective i have to ignore the fact that we just skated over a lot of marcos' issues to get to a happy ending, and we barely even explored nate's coming out and the nuances of that, but actually SHRIMP!!!! AND TUNA!!!!!!!!! AND THEY'RE LIVING THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER ON THE RANCH!!!!
that said, i am so appreciative that jj explored touch-aversion in this one. while i'm not nearly as bad as marcos, i saw a lot of myself in him, and it was really uplifting to see him work through that and also to see nate support him through that as a partner. i think part of why i am so enamored with these books is that they give me a glimpse into a world where my "issues" aren't really issues at all, but something that someone would love me for. like it gives you hope ya know?
i also just really appreciate that all these guys are best friends with each other in a queerplatonic way. like everything about this series speaks to my aspec heart and i deserve that!!!!
head empty, just gay hockey players who love their friends and their boyfriends
i do think these books are a strange dichotomy because they're both really vulnerable and full of trauma and a bit dark at times...and yet they also are very utopian and lack almost any real conflict or stakes. in many ways, we go really deep, dealing with deeply intimate and vulnerable shit like ptsd and touch aversion and anxiety and sexual assault, but then a lot of it doesn't get fully resolved and/or there's not conclusion aside from the happy ending. the couples rarely argue, there aren't many third-act break-ups, everybody is instantly 110% in love and ready to get married, and even when there's some kind of conflict on the horizon, it never takes much for them to just apologize or overcome it. which makes it incredibly unrealistic but i choose to live in the utopia anyway!!! i don't care!!!! i think from a craft perspective i have to ignore the fact that we just skated over a lot of marcos' issues to get to a happy ending, and we barely even explored nate's coming out and the nuances of that, but actually SHRIMP!!!! AND TUNA!!!!!!!!! AND THEY'RE LIVING THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER ON THE RANCH!!!!
that said, i am so appreciative that jj explored touch-aversion in this one. while i'm not nearly as bad as marcos, i saw a lot of myself in him, and it was really uplifting to see him work through that and also to see nate support him through that as a partner. i think part of why i am so enamored with these books is that they give me a glimpse into a world where my "issues" aren't really issues at all, but something that someone would love me for. like it gives you hope ya know?
i also just really appreciate that all these guys are best friends with each other in a queerplatonic way. like everything about this series speaks to my aspec heart and i deserve that!!!!
head empty, just gay hockey players who love their friends and their boyfriends
June 11, 2025
As an avid lover of the SCU universe I may be bias in my opinion about all of JJ’s work. I expected to love this book the same way I have loved the first three books in the series. I also thought there was NO way it could top book two for me. I stand corrected. In book two I knew I wanted a book for Marcos. The way he threw all of himself into protecting Max just made me know I would love him so much. When she introduced Nate in book three and he hinted at his situation, I knew I was going to be obsessed!
Marcos
When something traumatic happens to his best friend during their first transfer year at SCU Marcos shuts down. Having always had a slight touch aversion it slowly grew as he spent all his time focusing on keeping all of his friends safe. When a random hook up leads to a slightly stalkerish loverboy hanging onto him he slowly learns that its okay to want happiness for himself and that there is absolutely able to be loved, just the way he is. Marcos is probably one of my favorite misunderstood boys. This sweet sweet man deserved the world. He carried the weight of the world on his back as well as guilt for something that was far from his fault. I loved the way he opened up, the way he communicated with Nate and the way he genuinely cared for every person in his life. His friendship with Max was absolutely EVERYTHING.
Nate
Straight, right? Until one night at a party tall, dark, and broody caught his attention Nate had always thought he was straight. After a sloppy hookup in the backyard of a party he was hooked. The only problem, he didn’t catch his number. Finally seeing him again at a baseball game Nate sets his sights on Marcos and refuses to give up. The way he accepts all of Marcos was absolutely beautiful. He never fails to accept him. He is able to read Marcos and show him the love he deserves. This man is the sweetest little rabid golden retriever. His patience, his acceptance, his love and adoration that he kept sending straight towards Marcos and everyone around him was so beautiful. The friendship he built with Max was cute, but the bestie relationship with Luke worked so beautiful.
All in all, these two had so much heart. They were beautifully written. They had it all. JJ never fails to amaze me and make me fall for her guys.
Marcos
When something traumatic happens to his best friend during their first transfer year at SCU Marcos shuts down. Having always had a slight touch aversion it slowly grew as he spent all his time focusing on keeping all of his friends safe. When a random hook up leads to a slightly stalkerish loverboy hanging onto him he slowly learns that its okay to want happiness for himself and that there is absolutely able to be loved, just the way he is. Marcos is probably one of my favorite misunderstood boys. This sweet sweet man deserved the world. He carried the weight of the world on his back as well as guilt for something that was far from his fault. I loved the way he opened up, the way he communicated with Nate and the way he genuinely cared for every person in his life. His friendship with Max was absolutely EVERYTHING.
Nate
Straight, right? Until one night at a party tall, dark, and broody caught his attention Nate had always thought he was straight. After a sloppy hookup in the backyard of a party he was hooked. The only problem, he didn’t catch his number. Finally seeing him again at a baseball game Nate sets his sights on Marcos and refuses to give up. The way he accepts all of Marcos was absolutely beautiful. He never fails to accept him. He is able to read Marcos and show him the love he deserves. This man is the sweetest little rabid golden retriever. His patience, his acceptance, his love and adoration that he kept sending straight towards Marcos and everyone around him was so beautiful. The friendship he built with Max was cute, but the bestie relationship with Luke worked so beautiful.
All in all, these two had so much heart. They were beautifully written. They had it all. JJ never fails to amaze me and make me fall for her guys.
September 9, 2025
*3.5 rounded down
More ranch hand hockey boys please and thank you.
I had a lot of fun with this one and really enjoyed the depth of both of the main characters. I really appreciated Nate’s patience and understanding when it came to Marcos’ struggles with physical touch. They were both so sweet to each other as they progressed their relationship.
The side friendships in this were very well done. I loved seeing the bits and pieces of Nate with Micky, I actually fell in love with Micky in this and am super excited for his upcoming story. Marcos and Max were also very interesting and complex. It’s evident that they have a deep history and close connection, which I will definitely be finding out more about when I go back and read book two.
My main complaint is that there were so many scenes that I was excited to see but then were just completely skipped over. For instance the double date bowling scene would’ve been such a fun inclusion but instead we were robbed of it (sigh). Another one would be Marcos having dinner with Nate’s parents, like what do you mean we didn’t even get a meet the parents scene.
I also found the passage of time and scenes to be a bit abrupt at times but I appreciate some of the time skips so their relationship could develop and marinate without feeling too rushed. I’m glad we got to see them at the ranch together during the summer following Marcos’ last semester. Between this and Free From Falling I am loving the concept of country boy hockey players, like yes please show me your horses and farm!
I will still 100% be circling back around to book two to read about Max and Luke because I really enjoyed them in this book. Book five will also be seeing me because I need more of my anxious boy Micky!
More ranch hand hockey boys please and thank you.
I had a lot of fun with this one and really enjoyed the depth of both of the main characters. I really appreciated Nate’s patience and understanding when it came to Marcos’ struggles with physical touch. They were both so sweet to each other as they progressed their relationship.
The side friendships in this were very well done. I loved seeing the bits and pieces of Nate with Micky, I actually fell in love with Micky in this and am super excited for his upcoming story. Marcos and Max were also very interesting and complex. It’s evident that they have a deep history and close connection, which I will definitely be finding out more about when I go back and read book two.
My main complaint is that there were so many scenes that I was excited to see but then were just completely skipped over. For instance the double date bowling scene would’ve been such a fun inclusion but instead we were robbed of it (sigh). Another one would be Marcos having dinner with Nate’s parents, like what do you mean we didn’t even get a meet the parents scene.
I also found the passage of time and scenes to be a bit abrupt at times but I appreciate some of the time skips so their relationship could develop and marinate without feeling too rushed. I’m glad we got to see them at the ranch together during the summer following Marcos’ last semester. Between this and Free From Falling I am loving the concept of country boy hockey players, like yes please show me your horses and farm!
I will still 100% be circling back around to book two to read about Max and Luke because I really enjoyed them in this book. Book five will also be seeing me because I need more of my anxious boy Micky!
July 10, 2025
Although I have enjoyed all the books in this series, they all feel like they have abrupt and/or unsatisfying endings. This one especially felt like it had a lot of loose ends or items that were never addressed. There is an epilogue and even a bonus chapter that let you see their future, but I am talking about feeling like there is a large chunk missing immediately after the end of the book. Something similar happens earlier in the book too where it seems like a chapter is ending and clearly leading up to something that should be happening next, but when it is just skipped over entirely. Hard to talk about without spoilers.
Overall it was an enjoyable book and I really like Marcos and Nate as characters, both for themselves and how they interact with each other. The storyline itself though in terms of pacing and unresolved items leaves a lot to be desired.
Overall it was an enjoyable book and I really like Marcos and Nate as characters, both for themselves and how they interact with each other. The storyline itself though in terms of pacing and unresolved items leaves a lot to be desired.
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