What do you think?
Rate this book
Smithton Bears #1
One-Time Shot
The jock, the geek, and the hockey project…
Jett
My pro hockey dreams are hanging by a thread. I need to have a great season and that means no partying, no distractions, no fun. The grad student pestering me for science-y help on his thesis is the definition of no fun, so…okay.
Pros and cons of agreeing to this deal:
Pro: Positive use of free time. (At least that’s what my agent says.)
Con: Malcolm likes big words and his first language is math. He’s also bossy, clumsy, and he doesn’t know the first thing about hockey.
But he’s also cute and he’s got a great sense of humor and—oh no.
I cannot have a crush on the geek. No way. Not now.
Malcolm
Yes, I’m a serious student, but a hockey project is not serious. Who cares about big hunky hockey players zipping around a sheet of ice at warp speed? Not I.
According to my professor, however, the only way to attain the required data is to study the specimen in his natural habitat, AKA, the ice rink.
Pro: My thesis should lead to a bevy of job offers.
Con: Jett. He’s impossible—too big, too handsome, too gruff and yet disarmingly charming and—
Okay, fine. I like the jock…a lot.
Lately, I find myself wondering if there’s such a thing as a one-time shot at forever.
One-Time Shot is a low-angst, geek-jock MM college hockey romance featuring a charismatic hockey star and an adorkable scientist.
Jett
My pro hockey dreams are hanging by a thread. I need to have a great season and that means no partying, no distractions, no fun. The grad student pestering me for science-y help on his thesis is the definition of no fun, so…okay.
Pros and cons of agreeing to this deal:
Pro: Positive use of free time. (At least that’s what my agent says.)
Con: Malcolm likes big words and his first language is math. He’s also bossy, clumsy, and he doesn’t know the first thing about hockey.
But he’s also cute and he’s got a great sense of humor and—oh no.
I cannot have a crush on the geek. No way. Not now.
Malcolm
Yes, I’m a serious student, but a hockey project is not serious. Who cares about big hunky hockey players zipping around a sheet of ice at warp speed? Not I.
According to my professor, however, the only way to attain the required data is to study the specimen in his natural habitat, AKA, the ice rink.
Pro: My thesis should lead to a bevy of job offers.
Con: Jett. He’s impossible—too big, too handsome, too gruff and yet disarmingly charming and—
Okay, fine. I like the jock…a lot.
Lately, I find myself wondering if there’s such a thing as a one-time shot at forever.
One-Time Shot is a low-angst, geek-jock MM college hockey romance featuring a charismatic hockey star and an adorkable scientist.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2025
137 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hayes
114 books1,728 followersLane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
June 3, 2025
4.5 stars
When I read the short excerpt from Chapter 1 that the author included in her newsletter, I was instantly drawn to this story and I couldn’t wait to read the rest.
I loved both Jett and Malcolm as the main characters. Malcolm is the typical nerd - super smart, clumsy and cute. He made me chuckle many times. Jett is a typical college hockey player, but also really sweet. Their personalities are so distinct and well-developed that I always knew whose POV I was reading. They think in the same way they speak.
Compared to the other hockey books I’ve read, this one is more science-heavy. I have no idea if there’s actual science behind all the experiments, but I had a lot of fun reading about them.
I loved that Jett and Malcolm spend so much time talking, getting to know one another, learning they had more in common than they realized and developing friendship, while secretly crushing on each other. They are so sweet and adorable. Loved their friends, too.
When I read the short excerpt from Chapter 1 that the author included in her newsletter, I was instantly drawn to this story and I couldn’t wait to read the rest.
I loved both Jett and Malcolm as the main characters. Malcolm is the typical nerd - super smart, clumsy and cute. He made me chuckle many times. Jett is a typical college hockey player, but also really sweet. Their personalities are so distinct and well-developed that I always knew whose POV I was reading. They think in the same way they speak.
Compared to the other hockey books I’ve read, this one is more science-heavy. I have no idea if there’s actual science behind all the experiments, but I had a lot of fun reading about them.
I loved that Jett and Malcolm spend so much time talking, getting to know one another, learning they had more in common than they realized and developing friendship, while secretly crushing on each other. They are so sweet and adorable. Loved their friends, too.
March 5, 2026
~2.5~
So Lane Hayes wrote a book about two college boys, a jock and a geek, falling in love in a small town. Oh, and it's about a college hockey team named, you guessed it, the Smithton Bears.
But hasn't she already written a whole series about hockey players? Yup, The Elmwood Stories.
And it was set in a ... You got it! A small town.
And wasn't there a series about geeks? The Script Club, yes.
And about college athletes? That would be Out in College.
So basically ...
She's written the same story over and over and over again.
Unsuprisingly, One-Time Shot (like a hockey shot and also a shot at love, get it?) was predictable to the nth degree:
• brilliant, adorable jock (Malcolm) who wears glasses and uses big words;
• clueless, cuddly hockey player (Jett) who's really hot and also a closeted bisexual (get outta here, Hayes wrote a bisexual character?? She did, shocking I know);
• college antics, parties, talk of titties and how much Jett likes going down on women (apparently, this needs to be explained in painstaking detail lest we forget he's bi);
• cute diner, where all the players hang out, that makes delicious, homey food;
• forced coming out (No!);
• jock making a big gesture (Yes!).
Disclaimer: This is my fault. I am damn tired of Hayes' schtick, yet I read this book anyway.
If you enjoy the above-mentioned tropes (which I actually do in variation and moderation), you'll like this book. But after thirteen years reading MM romance, I am officially a picky bitch.
Plus, I dislike books that break the fourth wall, and it was nearly unbearable here, with both MCs addressing the reader directly at every opportunity as if we were casually chatting around a campfire.
So Lane Hayes wrote a book about two college boys, a jock and a geek, falling in love in a small town. Oh, and it's about a college hockey team named, you guessed it, the Smithton Bears.
But hasn't she already written a whole series about hockey players? Yup, The Elmwood Stories.
And it was set in a ... You got it! A small town.
And wasn't there a series about geeks? The Script Club, yes.
And about college athletes? That would be Out in College.
So basically ...
She's written the same story over and over and over again.
Unsuprisingly, One-Time Shot (like a hockey shot and also a shot at love, get it?) was predictable to the nth degree:
• brilliant, adorable jock (Malcolm) who wears glasses and uses big words;
• clueless, cuddly hockey player (Jett) who's really hot and also a closeted bisexual (get outta here, Hayes wrote a bisexual character?? She did, shocking I know);
• college antics, parties, talk of titties and how much Jett likes going down on women (apparently, this needs to be explained in painstaking detail lest we forget he's bi);
• cute diner, where all the players hang out, that makes delicious, homey food;
• forced coming out (No!);
• jock making a big gesture (Yes!).
Disclaimer: This is my fault. I am damn tired of Hayes' schtick, yet I read this book anyway.
If you enjoy the above-mentioned tropes (which I actually do in variation and moderation), you'll like this book. But after thirteen years reading MM romance, I am officially a picky bitch.
Plus, I dislike books that break the fourth wall, and it was nearly unbearable here, with both MCs addressing the reader directly at every opportunity as if we were casually chatting around a campfire.
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 25, 2025
One Time Shot is book one in the Smithton Bears series by Lane Hayes. I admit at this point in my life I don’t always go for college romance. BUT, these two are older, one is a senior and is twenty two and the other is a grad student. And the author is one I love so I went for it. I loved it so much!!
Malcolm Maloney is a grad student in the physics department at Smithton College in Pine Ridge, New York. Malcolm is pretty much a genius and is adorkably adorable. When he gets nervous, he gets clumsy. But he’s confident in his knowledge and love of physics. He’s working on his thesis and his professor has told him to go out of his comfort zone and apply his theory to hockey. So to do this, he needs the help of the school hockey star. Now if only he could convince him to participate.
Jett Erickson is a senior at Smithton and is a right wing offensive player for the Bears, their hockey team. He is twenty two years old. Jett wants to be a pro hockey player but the clock is ticking and he’s getting nervous. His agent hasn’t called him with any offers and it’s throwing off his concentration. When Malcolm approaches him, Jett decides it’s the last thing he needs, another distraction. But Malcolm is VERY persistent. And he kind of grows on Jett. Maybe having something else to think about is just what he needs. So, he agrees. It’s an added bonus that Malcolm is so cute.
As these two spend time together, they both develop crushes on each other. Jett is bi but he’s in the closet due to his desire to play pro. Malcolm is out and proud and has no idea that Jett is having the same feelings he is having. These two were so cute. I loved them both so much. They were funny and sweet and just wonderful. I read it in no time at all because I just couldn’t stop reading. And the ending was perfect. I can’t wait for more from this series. The next book will be Jett’s friend Ty’s book in Something to Prove.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Malcolm Maloney is a grad student in the physics department at Smithton College in Pine Ridge, New York. Malcolm is pretty much a genius and is adorkably adorable. When he gets nervous, he gets clumsy. But he’s confident in his knowledge and love of physics. He’s working on his thesis and his professor has told him to go out of his comfort zone and apply his theory to hockey. So to do this, he needs the help of the school hockey star. Now if only he could convince him to participate.
Jett Erickson is a senior at Smithton and is a right wing offensive player for the Bears, their hockey team. He is twenty two years old. Jett wants to be a pro hockey player but the clock is ticking and he’s getting nervous. His agent hasn’t called him with any offers and it’s throwing off his concentration. When Malcolm approaches him, Jett decides it’s the last thing he needs, another distraction. But Malcolm is VERY persistent. And he kind of grows on Jett. Maybe having something else to think about is just what he needs. So, he agrees. It’s an added bonus that Malcolm is so cute.
As these two spend time together, they both develop crushes on each other. Jett is bi but he’s in the closet due to his desire to play pro. Malcolm is out and proud and has no idea that Jett is having the same feelings he is having. These two were so cute. I loved them both so much. They were funny and sweet and just wonderful. I read it in no time at all because I just couldn’t stop reading. And the ending was perfect. I can’t wait for more from this series. The next book will be Jett’s friend Ty’s book in Something to Prove.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
June 2, 2025
✰ 3 stars ✰
It's hard sometimes to even find an opening sentence for a story that is simple and straightforward, low-key predictable choices, minimal angst, cheesy cliché, and typical cuteness, and still not entirely a waste of time, but still enough to make for a pleasant enough time. 🙂↕️
Somewhat...
“And it was us pretending nothing out of the ordinary had happened when everything had changed.”
I wasn't expecting it to have a novella-feel; like it wasn't rushed, it just didn't extend on the whole hockey tutoring, or even the exploration of Malcolm and Jett's friends shenanigans. It just was. So, not gonna beat my head around the bush for being more grandiose in my thoughts, cuz gorgeous jock meets adorkable nerd is nothing groundbreaking, but it makes for a breather of a time pass for me. 🤷🏻♀️ It helps that I am already familiar with the author's writing style, so...
Jett and Malcolm made a cute pair. I like that it's not suddenly hallelujah, but rather, you like me, I like you, why not do something fun with it, which feels just so natural and honest. 😊 As much as Adonis in the flesh Jett was determined to put his future prospects on the right path, his burgeoning feelings for painfully smart, a little shy, super focused, and extra quirky Malcolm triumphed that. 🌈
“And now…I was glued at the hip to a genius who felt like my best friend.”
They were good together - complementary opposites that just clicked for how calm and loving spending time togetherer was. 🥹 And then add to that flame of mutual attraction and affection, thus leading to some really feisty and even sweet-loving time where they could go from dirty talk to pillow talk, without breaking a sweat or batting an eyelash for how well they molded themselves into each other's arms - and lives. 💝 Although , we didn't get any funny business on the ice rink, which feels like a missed opportunity, imo. 😔
The conflict was a surprising one - and kinda not, but it still set my heart aflutter. Shocking, I know. 🥰 But, it felt sincere, albeit, maybe in today's day and age, kinda left behind... or maybe not. It tied in nicely to how committed Jett was to his desire for Malcolm, despite his professional ambitions, whilst also showing how loyal Malcolm was to staying simply the geeky nerd who initially only needed Jett's stats for his thesis, but ultimately turned into something much more meaningful for both. 💕
I took a One-Time-Shot in the hopes it would be mildly entertaining, and it sufficed. Hey, I didn't roll my eyes, or groan at any misguided jokes, so that counts as something, right?! ☺️ Kudos to Lane Hayes for not dedicating time to future pairs, which is a win-win. Jett's team sounds like a robust and enthusiastically supportive one, even though we didn't get much of the two interacting with them. but it'll be interesting to see how their respective stories play out. ⛸️🏒
“Yes, and it’s that simple. You might not get exactly what you want, but if you stop, you get nothing.”
It's hard sometimes to even find an opening sentence for a story that is simple and straightforward, low-key predictable choices, minimal angst, cheesy cliché, and typical cuteness, and still not entirely a waste of time, but still enough to make for a pleasant enough time. 🙂↕️
Somewhat...
“And it was us pretending nothing out of the ordinary had happened when everything had changed.”
I wasn't expecting it to have a novella-feel; like it wasn't rushed, it just didn't extend on the whole hockey tutoring, or even the exploration of Malcolm and Jett's friends shenanigans. It just was. So, not gonna beat my head around the bush for being more grandiose in my thoughts, cuz gorgeous jock meets adorkable nerd is nothing groundbreaking, but it makes for a breather of a time pass for me. 🤷🏻♀️ It helps that I am already familiar with the author's writing style, so...
Jett and Malcolm made a cute pair. I like that it's not suddenly hallelujah, but rather, you like me, I like you, why not do something fun with it, which feels just so natural and honest. 😊 As much as Adonis in the flesh Jett was determined to put his future prospects on the right path, his burgeoning feelings for painfully smart, a little shy, super focused, and extra quirky Malcolm triumphed that. 🌈
“And now…I was glued at the hip to a genius who felt like my best friend.”
They were good together - complementary opposites that just clicked for how calm and loving spending time togetherer was. 🥹 And then add to that flame of mutual attraction and affection, thus leading to some really feisty and even sweet-loving time where they could go from dirty talk to pillow talk, without breaking a sweat or batting an eyelash for how well they molded themselves into each other's arms - and lives. 💝 Although , we didn't get any funny business on the ice rink, which feels like a missed opportunity, imo. 😔
The conflict was a surprising one - and kinda not, but it still set my heart aflutter. Shocking, I know. 🥰 But, it felt sincere, albeit, maybe in today's day and age, kinda left behind... or maybe not. It tied in nicely to how committed Jett was to his desire for Malcolm, despite his professional ambitions, whilst also showing how loyal Malcolm was to staying simply the geeky nerd who initially only needed Jett's stats for his thesis, but ultimately turned into something much more meaningful for both. 💕
I took a One-Time-Shot in the hopes it would be mildly entertaining, and it sufficed. Hey, I didn't roll my eyes, or groan at any misguided jokes, so that counts as something, right?! ☺️ Kudos to Lane Hayes for not dedicating time to future pairs, which is a win-win. Jett's team sounds like a robust and enthusiastically supportive one, even though we didn't get much of the two interacting with them. but it'll be interesting to see how their respective stories play out. ⛸️🏒
May 20, 2025
3.5
This was a really cute hockey / nerd college romance novella, but for me there was sooo much hockey knowledge where they were quizzing each other that I started to lose concentration. It felt like I was reading a blend of hockey for dummies and a romance at times! I think if the book had been longer then the hockey info would have felt more balanced with the romance, and the conflict at the end would have felt more full also, but it was still a sweet, feel-good story.
I really liked both characters, they were both sweet and driven and they spent a lot of time getting to actually know each other which is something I always enjoy to read.
The epilogue was cute too, and I loved how mushy they were for each other!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
This was a really cute hockey / nerd college romance novella, but for me there was sooo much hockey knowledge where they were quizzing each other that I started to lose concentration. It felt like I was reading a blend of hockey for dummies and a romance at times! I think if the book had been longer then the hockey info would have felt more balanced with the romance, and the conflict at the end would have felt more full also, but it was still a sweet, feel-good story.
I really liked both characters, they were both sweet and driven and they spent a lot of time getting to actually know each other which is something I always enjoy to read.
The epilogue was cute too, and I loved how mushy they were for each other!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
September 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this! I wasn’t sure what to read or what type of mood I was in but I can always count on a Lane Hayes book! I was a bit unsure because she has already done the geek/jock series and I wasn’t a big fan but this was different in a lot of ways.
First of all our “geek”, Malcolm, was a very self assured man who may have talked using big words, wore glasses, and had no clue about hockey but he was not ashamed of that. He actually had experience with sex even if he didn’t have it with relationships and he knew what he liked. I loved that about him because so often the nerdy characters will be virgins. Malcolm didn’t care that he didn’t fit in with the jocks, he was happy being who he was.
Jett, our “jock”, was a sweetheart of a man who didn’t have his life figured out. He loved hockey but wasn’t sure he was good enough to go pro. He had a broken home life and not a great relationship with his mother or father. Jett knew he was bi-sexual and wasn’t afraid to admit it but because of his future in hockey he didn’t date men and was basically in the closet. Even though that was the case he never treated Malcolm as a dirty secret.
These two start working together for Malcolm’s thesis and even though they’re both attracted to the other they don’t know that yet. They develop a friendship with Jett teaching Malcolm all about hockey, to Malcolm’s dismay. It was fun reading about them getting to know each other and they don’t get physical until about half way through the book, which was perfect for the story. This story actually flew by so I didn’t feel like I was waiting forever for them to kiss.
Once they both give in to their attraction these two are very hot together. But this isn’t all about sex and they still spend time together hanging out and being friends.
I wasn’t crazy about the way Jett was outed but it didn’t go overboard and everything wrapped up quickly. I was relieved because I was hoping there wouldn’t be unwanted drama.
This was so fun to read and I was smiling about as big as Jett would smile whenever he got a text from Malcolm. 😊
First of all our “geek”, Malcolm, was a very self assured man who may have talked using big words, wore glasses, and had no clue about hockey but he was not ashamed of that. He actually had experience with sex even if he didn’t have it with relationships and he knew what he liked. I loved that about him because so often the nerdy characters will be virgins. Malcolm didn’t care that he didn’t fit in with the jocks, he was happy being who he was.
Jett, our “jock”, was a sweetheart of a man who didn’t have his life figured out. He loved hockey but wasn’t sure he was good enough to go pro. He had a broken home life and not a great relationship with his mother or father. Jett knew he was bi-sexual and wasn’t afraid to admit it but because of his future in hockey he didn’t date men and was basically in the closet. Even though that was the case he never treated Malcolm as a dirty secret.
These two start working together for Malcolm’s thesis and even though they’re both attracted to the other they don’t know that yet. They develop a friendship with Jett teaching Malcolm all about hockey, to Malcolm’s dismay. It was fun reading about them getting to know each other and they don’t get physical until about half way through the book, which was perfect for the story. This story actually flew by so I didn’t feel like I was waiting forever for them to kiss.
Once they both give in to their attraction these two are very hot together. But this isn’t all about sex and they still spend time together hanging out and being friends.
I wasn’t crazy about the way Jett was outed but it didn’t go overboard and everything wrapped up quickly. I was relieved because I was hoping there wouldn’t be unwanted drama.
This was so fun to read and I was smiling about as big as Jett would smile whenever he got a text from Malcolm. 😊
May 22, 2025
This was a really cute story set in Lane's new college town with an ice hockey team at the heart of the narrative.
It's an opposites' attract vibe with an element of jock/nerd as well and both characters are really compelling and make you want to root for their romance as a reader.
Jett is a closeted bisexual ice hockey player with a bit of an overbearing dad who wants him to join his real estate firm rather than continue to the professional leagues, he's outwardly confident but he's definitely got hidden demons pushing him.
Malcolm, on the other hand, is out and a TA working towards getting his thesis published in a college book and his idea about motion and reactions has him trying to set up an experiment with Jett as his guinea pig so he can study how ice hockey play is affected by physics.
There's plenty of technical stuff, both ice hockey and physics, in the narrative, but it never became too much for me to find my eyes glazing over, I loved seeing both Jett and Malcolm stumbling through their attraction to each other.
They have a lovely gently joking and teasing friendship which strengthens into much more when they finally give in to the UST that's been bursting off the page for ages and then the steam comes out boiling hot!
I loved this starter for Lane's new series, there's a good bunch of secondary characters who help to flesh out the student world and the setting is familiar, a college small town, while still bringing its own unique charms.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review
It's an opposites' attract vibe with an element of jock/nerd as well and both characters are really compelling and make you want to root for their romance as a reader.
Jett is a closeted bisexual ice hockey player with a bit of an overbearing dad who wants him to join his real estate firm rather than continue to the professional leagues, he's outwardly confident but he's definitely got hidden demons pushing him.
Malcolm, on the other hand, is out and a TA working towards getting his thesis published in a college book and his idea about motion and reactions has him trying to set up an experiment with Jett as his guinea pig so he can study how ice hockey play is affected by physics.
There's plenty of technical stuff, both ice hockey and physics, in the narrative, but it never became too much for me to find my eyes glazing over, I loved seeing both Jett and Malcolm stumbling through their attraction to each other.
They have a lovely gently joking and teasing friendship which strengthens into much more when they finally give in to the UST that's been bursting off the page for ages and then the steam comes out boiling hot!
I loved this starter for Lane's new series, there's a good bunch of secondary characters who help to flesh out the student world and the setting is familiar, a college small town, while still bringing its own unique charms.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review
September 29, 2025
4.5 stars for the narration, 3-ish for the story.
One Time Shot, the first book in Lane Hayes’ new Smithton Bears college-set hockey series, is a cute, jock/nerd romance that kicks off when Physics grad student Malcolm Maloney nervously approaches Smithson hockey star Jett Erickson to ask if he will agree to take part in an experiment Malcolm is conducting as part of his research for his thesis. Initally, Jett isn’t minded to help – he has enough on his plate and needs to keep his focus on playing his best game in order to land a professional contract. But Mal is surprisingly persistent, and after a few days of seeing him around everywhere, Jett gives in and says he’ll do the experiment – provided Mal lets Jett teach him about hockey. Mal needs to know what he’s watching in order for it to make sense, right? Besides, maybe Jett needs something else to think about while he’s waiting to hear from his agent – and it certainly doesn’t hurt that Mal is all kinds of cute.
The experiment commences, and as Jett and Mal spend time together, they start to bond over a mutual love of sci-fi movies and TV shows, Star Trek in particular – and a genuine friendship develops between them, which soon turns into something more when the mutual attraction and longing that’s been sparking between them finally boils over.
One Time Shot is entertaining and well-written, but it’s pretty predictable. Mal has never been interested in hockey (or any sport, really); Jett lives for the game and, in his final year in college, is hoping to make it his career in one way or another. He knows he’s unlikely to play in the NHL, but hopes that maybe a contract with the ECHL might one day lead to an AHL spot. I liked him and Mal together and enjoyed their gentle teasing and banter, and it’s clear they’re completely gone for each other – but they have to keep things on the downlow because while Mal is out and proud, Jett is in the closet because he doesn’t want to ruin his chances of getting picked up by a pro hockey team. Mal is mostly okay with this short-term; they’ll both be leaving Smithson at the end of the academic year to go their separate ways anyway, so it’s not as though they can be anything other than ‘casual’. Or can they?
Kirt Graves is one of those narrators I always enjoy listening to, so I was pleased to see he’d signed on to narrate this new series. His voice has a pleasantly husky note to it and is easy on the ear; his pacing is good, he differentiates very effectively between all the characters and his portrayals of Mal and Jett fit them perfectly, with Mal’s higher pitch and slightly faster delivery contrasting nicely with Jett’s deeper, more considered manner. The humour in the story comes across really well, as does the growing connection between the two leads; it’s an excellent performance and I enjoyed it.
One Time Shot is a short listen, coming in at five hours and twenty minutes. Mal and Jett are likeable and endearing if somewhat stereotypical; Mal is geeky and a bit clumsy, and Jett is the hockey-focused hot jock, albeit a bit more intelligent than he initially appears. I liked them individually and together, and even though they’re opposites, they compliment each other well and are good for each other. On the downside, the story sometimes feels a bit… bare bones, there’s some telling-not-showing, the reasons for the (short-lived) third-act break-up could have been a bit more original, and the reconcilition is of the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it variety.
For all its predictability One Time Shot is a well-crafted and steamy opposites-attract romance – and if that’s your jam, you could do a lot worse than choose to listen to this one.
One Time Shot, the first book in Lane Hayes’ new Smithton Bears college-set hockey series, is a cute, jock/nerd romance that kicks off when Physics grad student Malcolm Maloney nervously approaches Smithson hockey star Jett Erickson to ask if he will agree to take part in an experiment Malcolm is conducting as part of his research for his thesis. Initally, Jett isn’t minded to help – he has enough on his plate and needs to keep his focus on playing his best game in order to land a professional contract. But Mal is surprisingly persistent, and after a few days of seeing him around everywhere, Jett gives in and says he’ll do the experiment – provided Mal lets Jett teach him about hockey. Mal needs to know what he’s watching in order for it to make sense, right? Besides, maybe Jett needs something else to think about while he’s waiting to hear from his agent – and it certainly doesn’t hurt that Mal is all kinds of cute.
The experiment commences, and as Jett and Mal spend time together, they start to bond over a mutual love of sci-fi movies and TV shows, Star Trek in particular – and a genuine friendship develops between them, which soon turns into something more when the mutual attraction and longing that’s been sparking between them finally boils over.
One Time Shot is entertaining and well-written, but it’s pretty predictable. Mal has never been interested in hockey (or any sport, really); Jett lives for the game and, in his final year in college, is hoping to make it his career in one way or another. He knows he’s unlikely to play in the NHL, but hopes that maybe a contract with the ECHL might one day lead to an AHL spot. I liked him and Mal together and enjoyed their gentle teasing and banter, and it’s clear they’re completely gone for each other – but they have to keep things on the downlow because while Mal is out and proud, Jett is in the closet because he doesn’t want to ruin his chances of getting picked up by a pro hockey team. Mal is mostly okay with this short-term; they’ll both be leaving Smithson at the end of the academic year to go their separate ways anyway, so it’s not as though they can be anything other than ‘casual’. Or can they?
Kirt Graves is one of those narrators I always enjoy listening to, so I was pleased to see he’d signed on to narrate this new series. His voice has a pleasantly husky note to it and is easy on the ear; his pacing is good, he differentiates very effectively between all the characters and his portrayals of Mal and Jett fit them perfectly, with Mal’s higher pitch and slightly faster delivery contrasting nicely with Jett’s deeper, more considered manner. The humour in the story comes across really well, as does the growing connection between the two leads; it’s an excellent performance and I enjoyed it.
One Time Shot is a short listen, coming in at five hours and twenty minutes. Mal and Jett are likeable and endearing if somewhat stereotypical; Mal is geeky and a bit clumsy, and Jett is the hockey-focused hot jock, albeit a bit more intelligent than he initially appears. I liked them individually and together, and even though they’re opposites, they compliment each other well and are good for each other. On the downside, the story sometimes feels a bit… bare bones, there’s some telling-not-showing, the reasons for the (short-lived) third-act break-up could have been a bit more original, and the reconcilition is of the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it variety.
For all its predictability One Time Shot is a well-crafted and steamy opposites-attract romance – and if that’s your jam, you could do a lot worse than choose to listen to this one.
December 18, 2025
4⭐️
This was my first Lane Hayes book, and I will definitely read more from this author.
Nerd x Jock
College Hockey
Coming out of the closet
Malcolm wants Jett to partake in his research for a physics paper, but Jett is reluctant to agree. After some convincing Jett is totally on board with some requests of his own. Cute read, with a HEA.
Another hockey romance read for those in the Heated Rivalry whirlwind 🏒
This was my first Lane Hayes book, and I will definitely read more from this author.
Nerd x Jock
College Hockey
Coming out of the closet
Malcolm wants Jett to partake in his research for a physics paper, but Jett is reluctant to agree. After some convincing Jett is totally on board with some requests of his own. Cute read, with a HEA.
Another hockey romance read for those in the Heated Rivalry whirlwind 🏒
May 28, 2025
This was really sweet.
Read
May 29, 2025DNF ~31%
Not rating, because this is probably fine? it just really bored me, and I thought Malcom's voice was distractingly old-fashioned.
Not rating, because this is probably fine? it just really bored me, and I thought Malcom's voice was distractingly old-fashioned.
September 12, 2025
This was cute and thoughtful. I was hesitant to pick up this author again, but I was surprisingly pleased at the depth of the characters this time.
May 26, 2025
Very cute, fairly low angst, just fluffy hockey nerd/jock goodness. I think it's so obvious Lane knows her hockey and knows it well, it's why she's so good at writing hockey romances. It was a little heavy handed here for me and I feel like Malcolm was a little too stereotypical "nerd". If it's a trope you love though, you'll like this one, it's a very sweet easy read.
Read
June 19, 2025DNF’d at 25%
The characters just aren’t working for me.
The characters just aren’t working for me.
May 25, 2025
This is a really cute opposites attract story. A nerdy science student meets a hockey jock.
It’s definitely more educational than I’m used to, both in hockey and physics, but Malcolm still had me laughing, which stopped it from becoming too much.
They have a lovely relationship from the start. They tease and play with each other, which is a great quality to have in a relationship, being able to banter off each other without taking any offence. They were both just so gone for each other that you couldn’t help the smile on your face; it was adorable. Jett’s reaction to Malcolm’s fixing his outing was so lush; he wasn’t going to let him do that, and he didn’t waste any time in making sure Malcolm knew how he felt.
I think the pacing was good; the time skips so that it doesn’t feel like insta-love, and the way they both fumbled through their mutual attraction until they inevitably couldn’t escape it anymore. Too cute.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
It’s definitely more educational than I’m used to, both in hockey and physics, but Malcolm still had me laughing, which stopped it from becoming too much.
They have a lovely relationship from the start. They tease and play with each other, which is a great quality to have in a relationship, being able to banter off each other without taking any offence. They were both just so gone for each other that you couldn’t help the smile on your face; it was adorable. Jett’s reaction to Malcolm’s fixing his outing was so lush; he wasn’t going to let him do that, and he didn’t waste any time in making sure Malcolm knew how he felt.
I think the pacing was good; the time skips so that it doesn’t feel like insta-love, and the way they both fumbled through their mutual attraction until they inevitably couldn’t escape it anymore. Too cute.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
June 18, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
One-Time Shot is the first book in the new Smithton Bears series by Lane Hayes, focusing on a small-town college and the players on the hockey team. We’re off to a strong start with this book, with two incredibly endearing characters who are the epitome of the opposites attract trope. I absolutely adored these two and the way they worked together. The chemistry sparked from the start and they were so good together.
This book hits the right beats for a romance and, for the most part, it’s predictable in the best ways.
All in all, this one is another solid book by Hayes and, as I said, a great start to a new series. If you can’t get enough hockey romance, and I know there are a lot of us out there, then definitely check this one out.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
One-Time Shot is the first book in the new Smithton Bears series by Lane Hayes, focusing on a small-town college and the players on the hockey team. We’re off to a strong start with this book, with two incredibly endearing characters who are the epitome of the opposites attract trope. I absolutely adored these two and the way they worked together. The chemistry sparked from the start and they were so good together.
This book hits the right beats for a romance and, for the most part, it’s predictable in the best ways.
All in all, this one is another solid book by Hayes and, as I said, a great start to a new series. If you can’t get enough hockey romance, and I know there are a lot of us out there, then definitely check this one out.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
June 6, 2025
This is a cute jock/nerd college romance. Very sweet and relatively low angst. It just moves a little slow at times, and I'm not quite sure I'm satisfied with the ending... It feels a little unfinished. Still! the chemistry between Jett and Malcom is cute and sweet and hot, and I adore how simply they just *fit* together.
November 4, 2025
As usual, Lane Hayes has produced a book which made me smile 😊 Jett and Malcolm's story is a perfect blend of humour, love, and heart.
Jett is a college hockey player, rough around the edges, and charming, whose unlikely pairing with the lovable, klutzy geek, Malcolm, with his adorable quirks, is just so joyful.
As they navigate a growing friendship, a blooming attraction, their differences become the foundation of a beautiful relationship. Who knew two people, so different, could be so perfect for one another? They both have doubts, Jett is in the closet and is afraid that if he comes out as bi, it'll affect his goal of playing professional hockey. But as he says to Malcolm:
"You don’t walk away from special, baby. You just don’t.” 😍
It's full of the witty banter Lane is so good at, and lots of beautiful emotions. Their romance totally captured my heart and left me swooning. A delightful, feel good read, the ending of which made me sigh 🥰
"Someday we’d get married, buy a house, plant a veggie garden, get a dog…or two, and have children. Big plans that had nothing to do with our careers. We weren’t in a hurry, but it would all happen. I knew it. We’d taken a one time shot at love and scored. This was forever."
LE SIGH 👨❤️👨
Jett is a college hockey player, rough around the edges, and charming, whose unlikely pairing with the lovable, klutzy geek, Malcolm, with his adorable quirks, is just so joyful.
As they navigate a growing friendship, a blooming attraction, their differences become the foundation of a beautiful relationship. Who knew two people, so different, could be so perfect for one another? They both have doubts, Jett is in the closet and is afraid that if he comes out as bi, it'll affect his goal of playing professional hockey. But as he says to Malcolm:
"You don’t walk away from special, baby. You just don’t.” 😍
It's full of the witty banter Lane is so good at, and lots of beautiful emotions. Their romance totally captured my heart and left me swooning. A delightful, feel good read, the ending of which made me sigh 🥰
"Someday we’d get married, buy a house, plant a veggie garden, get a dog…or two, and have children. Big plans that had nothing to do with our careers. We weren’t in a hurry, but it would all happen. I knew it. We’d taken a one time shot at love and scored. This was forever."
LE SIGH 👨❤️👨
August 7, 2025
Wow love this author I can read his books all day every day. Here’s a new series that will definitely keep you hooked! Can’t wait to see what’s next! I loved Malcolm & Jett and all that they tried sacrificing for each other. Such a cute friends to lovers.
July 3, 2025
Fantastic Story & Narration🎧Sweet & Enjoyable!
One-Time Shot
Smithton Bears, Book 1
By: Lane Hayes
Narrated by: Kirt Graves
Lane Hayes pens another wonderful novel, putting her own unique spin on the nerd/jock trope in this first book of her new “Smithton Bears”, a college sports mm romance that is captivating from start to end. I adored the two lead characters, Jett Erickson, the hockey player, and Malcolm Maloney, the geek, both students at Smithton College. Malcolm is a science geek who is working on his thesis and when his professor gives him more incentive to do something different, he jumps on an idea of doing a sport related scientific experiment. The incentive is having it published, so now he needs to find someone on one of the college sports teams to work with him, and his first choice is hockey, because he can test the speed of the puck, though he did not know the name of it then, which was hilarious. He asks Jett, the star hockey player, but he doesn’t take him seriously or give him the time of day. His roommate tells him to not give up on him, so he stalks Jett, hoping to get him to agree, which leads to another hysterical scene. Jett agrees with one stipulation, to teach him all about hockey. I thought these two were great together and for each other, the perfect opposites attract pairing. I loved how everything unfolded in this story, a well-written and plotted story with the perfect balance of drama, witty dialogue and humor, heartfelt emotions and a slow burn romance. A great start to a new series! Lane Hayes, thank you for this fabulous story, the laughs, the charm and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Lane Hayes cast the perfect narrator to bring her characters and story to life. Kirt Graves is a versatile voice artist, and he did a fantastic job voicing these characters, taking each role and owning it, sounding believable and just as I imagined they would sound. He did a superb job portraying both Malcolm’s geeky adorableness and Jett’s kind, patient personality, and his performance of the side/secondary characters was equally fabulous. Graves is an entertaining storyteller and his captivating performance rivets you to the story
One-Time Shot
Smithton Bears, Book 1
By: Lane Hayes
Narrated by: Kirt Graves
Lane Hayes pens another wonderful novel, putting her own unique spin on the nerd/jock trope in this first book of her new “Smithton Bears”, a college sports mm romance that is captivating from start to end. I adored the two lead characters, Jett Erickson, the hockey player, and Malcolm Maloney, the geek, both students at Smithton College. Malcolm is a science geek who is working on his thesis and when his professor gives him more incentive to do something different, he jumps on an idea of doing a sport related scientific experiment. The incentive is having it published, so now he needs to find someone on one of the college sports teams to work with him, and his first choice is hockey, because he can test the speed of the puck, though he did not know the name of it then, which was hilarious. He asks Jett, the star hockey player, but he doesn’t take him seriously or give him the time of day. His roommate tells him to not give up on him, so he stalks Jett, hoping to get him to agree, which leads to another hysterical scene. Jett agrees with one stipulation, to teach him all about hockey. I thought these two were great together and for each other, the perfect opposites attract pairing. I loved how everything unfolded in this story, a well-written and plotted story with the perfect balance of drama, witty dialogue and humor, heartfelt emotions and a slow burn romance. A great start to a new series! Lane Hayes, thank you for this fabulous story, the laughs, the charm and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Lane Hayes cast the perfect narrator to bring her characters and story to life. Kirt Graves is a versatile voice artist, and he did a fantastic job voicing these characters, taking each role and owning it, sounding believable and just as I imagined they would sound. He did a superb job portraying both Malcolm’s geeky adorableness and Jett’s kind, patient personality, and his performance of the side/secondary characters was equally fabulous. Graves is an entertaining storyteller and his captivating performance rivets you to the story
May 22, 2025
Here's Lane Hayes's "One-Time Shot." It's the first novel in her new series, the Smithton Bears.
["The jock, the geek, and the hockey project…
Jett
My pro hockey dreams are hanging by a thread. I need to have a great season and that means no partying, no distractions, no fun. The grad student pestering me for science-y help on his thesis is the definition of no fun, so…okay.
Pros and cons of agreeing to this:
Positive use of free time. (At least that’s what my agent says.)
Malcolm likes big words and his first language is math. He’s also bossy, clumsy, and he doesn’t know the first thing about hockey.
But he’s also cute and he’s got a great sense of humor and—oh no.
I cannot have a crush on the geek. No way. Not now.
Malcolm
Yes, I’m a serious student, but a hockey project is not serious. Who cares about big hunky hockey players zipping around a sheet of ice at warp speed? Not I.
According to my professor, however, the only way to attain the required data is to study the specimen in his natural habitat, AKA, the ice rink.
My thesis should lead to a bevy of job offers.
Jett. He’s impossible—too big, too handsome, too gruff and yet disarmingly charming and—
Okay, fine. I like the jock…a lot.
Lately, I find myself wondering if there’s such a thing as a one-time shot at forever."]
My, GOD, Malcom is adorable as hell. So thinks Jett. Jett's gooooone. Really fucking gone.
Then again, Malcom was equally as gone on Jett, just in a more dignified and scientific manner.
These two were adorable as hell. Even if they made me roll my eyes (during the will-they-won't-they period) and almost sob (during the third-act business). Their friends didn't wholly understand them, but they didn't need to. Malcom and Jett understood each other, and that's all that matters.
They were sweet and nerdy together, soft and warm, understanding and encouraging.
I want all of the more.
Trigger Warnings: slight homophobia and more.
#grr #arcs #arcteammember
#onetimeshot #somethingtoprove #lanehayes #smithtonbears #smithtonbearsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["The jock, the geek, and the hockey project…
Jett
My pro hockey dreams are hanging by a thread. I need to have a great season and that means no partying, no distractions, no fun. The grad student pestering me for science-y help on his thesis is the definition of no fun, so…okay.
Pros and cons of agreeing to this:
Positive use of free time. (At least that’s what my agent says.)
Malcolm likes big words and his first language is math. He’s also bossy, clumsy, and he doesn’t know the first thing about hockey.
But he’s also cute and he’s got a great sense of humor and—oh no.
I cannot have a crush on the geek. No way. Not now.
Malcolm
Yes, I’m a serious student, but a hockey project is not serious. Who cares about big hunky hockey players zipping around a sheet of ice at warp speed? Not I.
According to my professor, however, the only way to attain the required data is to study the specimen in his natural habitat, AKA, the ice rink.
My thesis should lead to a bevy of job offers.
Jett. He’s impossible—too big, too handsome, too gruff and yet disarmingly charming and—
Okay, fine. I like the jock…a lot.
Lately, I find myself wondering if there’s such a thing as a one-time shot at forever."]
My, GOD, Malcom is adorable as hell. So thinks Jett. Jett's gooooone. Really fucking gone.
Then again, Malcom was equally as gone on Jett, just in a more dignified and scientific manner.
These two were adorable as hell. Even if they made me roll my eyes (during the will-they-won't-they period) and almost sob (during the third-act business). Their friends didn't wholly understand them, but they didn't need to. Malcom and Jett understood each other, and that's all that matters.
They were sweet and nerdy together, soft and warm, understanding and encouraging.
I want all of the more.
Trigger Warnings: slight homophobia and more.
#grr #arcs #arcteammember
#onetimeshot #somethingtoprove #lanehayes #smithtonbears #smithtonbearsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
December 4, 2025
3.5-4 This was actually really cute.
After reading this though I remembered why I kind of shied away from this author. She isn’t exactly 100% safe for me personally and most of her characters are manwhores.
Jett and Malcom were really sweet though. They were both such great and lovable characters. I loved how this went from strangers to friends to lovers. In between their sexual relationship we get to see them get really close emotionally and I enjoyed that. Though it may have all started as a sort of friends with benefits thing it was cute how much time they spent together and how Malcom spent the night almost every night. There was a lot of info about hockey in here though with Jett teaching Malcom about it and I did get a little bored with it. Malcom reminded me of Sheldon from the Big Bang theory in the way that he spoke. Expect he didn’t have a bad attitude. Malcom was very sweet.
OW drama. Which I should have expected from this author because she seems to love adding this in her books. We see Jett go to a party and let this girl rub all over him. He plans on leaving with her. Describes her in great detail that we didn’t need (great tits etc) but then he gets a text from Malcom and decides he doesn’t want to hook up with her. I hate that if he never got that text he definitely would have. A little later on, at about 37% he goes out with his friends and ends up making out with some girl and even grabs her ass. He says he thought about Malcom the whole time and didn’t feel anything for her 🙄. This was annoying and not needed. He had already somewhat had a crush on Malcom at this point so why even go and do that? And then go and hang out with Malcom the next day…
Not sure if I’ll continue the series. While the other MCs seemed interesting they both seem like manwhores and I’m just so sick of reading about them. Especially knowing this author likes to push it a little as far as safety goes for me I’ll probably skip it and think about coming back to it later.
No cheating (technically they weren’t together when Jett kissed a girl)
OW drama (see above)
Third act break up that lasted 1 day
Nerd/jock
HFN
After reading this though I remembered why I kind of shied away from this author. She isn’t exactly 100% safe for me personally and most of her characters are manwhores.
Jett and Malcom were really sweet though. They were both such great and lovable characters. I loved how this went from strangers to friends to lovers. In between their sexual relationship we get to see them get really close emotionally and I enjoyed that. Though it may have all started as a sort of friends with benefits thing it was cute how much time they spent together and how Malcom spent the night almost every night. There was a lot of info about hockey in here though with Jett teaching Malcom about it and I did get a little bored with it. Malcom reminded me of Sheldon from the Big Bang theory in the way that he spoke. Expect he didn’t have a bad attitude. Malcom was very sweet.
OW drama. Which I should have expected from this author because she seems to love adding this in her books. We see Jett go to a party and let this girl rub all over him. He plans on leaving with her. Describes her in great detail that we didn’t need (great tits etc) but then he gets a text from Malcom and decides he doesn’t want to hook up with her. I hate that if he never got that text he definitely would have. A little later on, at about 37% he goes out with his friends and ends up making out with some girl and even grabs her ass. He says he thought about Malcom the whole time and didn’t feel anything for her 🙄. This was annoying and not needed. He had already somewhat had a crush on Malcom at this point so why even go and do that? And then go and hang out with Malcom the next day…
Not sure if I’ll continue the series. While the other MCs seemed interesting they both seem like manwhores and I’m just so sick of reading about them. Especially knowing this author likes to push it a little as far as safety goes for me I’ll probably skip it and think about coming back to it later.
No cheating (technically they weren’t together when Jett kissed a girl)
OW drama (see above)
Third act break up that lasted 1 day
Nerd/jock
HFN
May 26, 2025
𝑶𝒌𝒂𝒚, 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒎. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒉𝒚𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒔...
I might not be a physics expert, but I do understand chemistry, and Jett and Malcolm had tons of it in One-Time Shot by Lane Hayes, book one in the new Smithton Bears series.
This sweet, low angst, jock/geek MM romance is a perfect read if you want a story that will keep you hooked from the start, with a great couple you'll root for and totally fall in love with.
Physics student Malcolm Maloney needs a hockey player for his thesis - on the advice of his professor and much against his will - as he looks at Newton's laws of motion when applied to sports.
Malcolm is a science guy, not a sports guy, and that's where star player Jett Erickson comes in. He's the best on the team; the fastest, most accurate, but unfortunately for Malcolm, Jett isn't interested in taking part in the experiment. As a college senior, his focus is having the best season possible so he can secure a professional contract after college.
With a little light stalking - and a sudden interest in jogging from Malcolm, which is hilarious - eventually Jett agrees to work on the project, in exchange, he'll teach Malcolm hockey.
I loved seeing the friendship develop between Jett and Malcolm, and how even for all their apparent differences, they discovered just how much they had in common.
These two were so sweet together, I honestly adore them, and the relationship and love that developed between them was perfect.
There eventually came a moment when Malcolm and Jett faced adversity, but thankfully, the book remained pretty low angst, and it helped them to realise their feelings and what they stood to lose...
𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎. 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒎 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘...
𝑰’𝒅 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔. 𝑰’𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑰’𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒎. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎.
One-Time Shot is a fantastic, feel-good read, and I honestly loved it. I can't wait for what the rest of the series has in store!
𝙒𝙚’𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙤𝙣𝙚-𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧.
I might not be a physics expert, but I do understand chemistry, and Jett and Malcolm had tons of it in One-Time Shot by Lane Hayes, book one in the new Smithton Bears series.
This sweet, low angst, jock/geek MM romance is a perfect read if you want a story that will keep you hooked from the start, with a great couple you'll root for and totally fall in love with.
Physics student Malcolm Maloney needs a hockey player for his thesis - on the advice of his professor and much against his will - as he looks at Newton's laws of motion when applied to sports.
Malcolm is a science guy, not a sports guy, and that's where star player Jett Erickson comes in. He's the best on the team; the fastest, most accurate, but unfortunately for Malcolm, Jett isn't interested in taking part in the experiment. As a college senior, his focus is having the best season possible so he can secure a professional contract after college.
With a little light stalking - and a sudden interest in jogging from Malcolm, which is hilarious - eventually Jett agrees to work on the project, in exchange, he'll teach Malcolm hockey.
I loved seeing the friendship develop between Jett and Malcolm, and how even for all their apparent differences, they discovered just how much they had in common.
These two were so sweet together, I honestly adore them, and the relationship and love that developed between them was perfect.
There eventually came a moment when Malcolm and Jett faced adversity, but thankfully, the book remained pretty low angst, and it helped them to realise their feelings and what they stood to lose...
𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎. 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒎 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘...
𝑰’𝒅 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔. 𝑰’𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑰’𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒎. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎.
One-Time Shot is a fantastic, feel-good read, and I honestly loved it. I can't wait for what the rest of the series has in store!
𝙒𝙚’𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙤𝙣𝙚-𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧.
May 31, 2025
This is the first book in the Smithton Bears series. I really enjoyed this book. It is written well and is easy to read. This is the story of Malcolm Maloney and Jett Erickson. Malcom is a graduate student who is determined to get his work selected to be published in a college textbook. His professor recommends that he work with a hockey player to support his ideas in physics. Malcom is not a sports guy. He knows hockey exists but that is about the depth of his knowledge. So if he has to work with on, he wants the best. So that is Jett Erickson. Jett is in his final year of school. All his focus is on making it to the professional hockey leagues. He is determined to not let anything get in his way. So when Malcom approaches Jett, he turns him down. Numerous times. After the two go on a light jog together, Jett begins to appreciate Malcom and the way his brain works. So he agrees to the testing. But turnabout is fair play, he wants Malcom to learn all about hockey with him. Thus begins the working relationship that quickly turns into friendship and more. Jett is happy to do something not just in support of his hockey career. He likes that Malcom likes him just for him. He has no stake in hockey or winning games. Malcom is surprised by how well he and Jett get along. They have much more in common than either of them first imagined. This is their story. It is a feel good story with little to no angst. I really enjoyed it. I received a complementary advance review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 11, 2025
Malcolm & Jett
This shorter story was so much fun!
Malcolm's persistence in getting Jett's attention while attempting to make it not "quite" like stalking was hilarious and fun. He definitely had that aloof nerd persona down pat. I loved his intelligent humor and his general sweetness. He definitely grew into himself a lot more throughout the story than I think he could have predicted for himself, and it was really fun to see.
Jett was quite the character to get to know. You can see that he's still trying to find himself and figure things out, but is realizing he's not having as much fun doing the same old thing all the time. Even though he starts out denying Malcolm's research request, something about Malcolm intrigues him and they start to form a bond that Jett never knew he needed. As the duo's relationship develops, they both realize that the physical attraction they feel for one another has built to a closer relationship and love than they could have initially imagined.
I loved One-Time Shot as much as I have loved anything I've read from Lane Hayes. I just love the way she creates her characters and how much fun they all have. There's always sweet humor on top of just the right amount of spice. I'm always entertained, and I'm always smiling while reading her stories. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series develops with Ty's story up next.
Audiobook Update:
Narrated by Kirt Graves
This is only the second audiobook I've enjoyed from Kirt Graves, but the other was also a Lane Hayes book (Moody ❤️). I loved his characterizations for both Malcolm and Jett. They each had just that right amount of attitude, sass and humor to compliment one another throughout the story. The story is enjoyable no matter how you choose to consume it, but I really enjoyed the audiobook version because it was just so fun to listen to and interact with the characters that way.
I received an authorized copy of this audiobook and am volunteering my honest review.
This shorter story was so much fun!
Malcolm's persistence in getting Jett's attention while attempting to make it not "quite" like stalking was hilarious and fun. He definitely had that aloof nerd persona down pat. I loved his intelligent humor and his general sweetness. He definitely grew into himself a lot more throughout the story than I think he could have predicted for himself, and it was really fun to see.
Jett was quite the character to get to know. You can see that he's still trying to find himself and figure things out, but is realizing he's not having as much fun doing the same old thing all the time. Even though he starts out denying Malcolm's research request, something about Malcolm intrigues him and they start to form a bond that Jett never knew he needed. As the duo's relationship develops, they both realize that the physical attraction they feel for one another has built to a closer relationship and love than they could have initially imagined.
I loved One-Time Shot as much as I have loved anything I've read from Lane Hayes. I just love the way she creates her characters and how much fun they all have. There's always sweet humor on top of just the right amount of spice. I'm always entertained, and I'm always smiling while reading her stories. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series develops with Ty's story up next.
Audiobook Update:
Narrated by Kirt Graves
This is only the second audiobook I've enjoyed from Kirt Graves, but the other was also a Lane Hayes book (Moody ❤️). I loved his characterizations for both Malcolm and Jett. They each had just that right amount of attitude, sass and humor to compliment one another throughout the story. The story is enjoyable no matter how you choose to consume it, but I really enjoyed the audiobook version because it was just so fun to listen to and interact with the characters that way.
I received an authorized copy of this audiobook and am volunteering my honest review.
May 20, 2025
Jett has been working his butt off to make his hockey dreams come true. But the start of senior year isn’t exactly going as he wants in terms of winning. He needs to get out of his head a bit. A little distraction to keep him from worrying and playing the game he worked so hard at. Who would have thought it meant saying yes to a science project. It wasn’t Malcolm’s idea to make his project based on hockey. What even his hockey? Malcolm honestly has no clue how the game works. But his mentor insists it can help his physics paper. So he tries to convince the best player on the team at Smithton to help him out. And after some light stalking, Jett agrees. Their deal is simple, Jett runs these experiments on the ice for Malcolm and Malcolm has to learn hockey from Jett. The two of them form an unlikely friendship while also developing big crushes on the other. And it’s only a matter of time until they finally do something about it. Really loved this story! Malcolm was this adorkable nerd and Jett was just this super sweet hockey guy. Opposites in a lot of ways but they actually had more in common than either realized. I loved their dynamic and the way they became friends and how it just built from there. Super cute! Can’t wait for more in this series!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2025
Everything about Malcolm and Jetts story was so well written.
We get angst, fierce attraction, loyal friends, hot, smexy times, 2 men who think the other is an amazing person who deserves the best and is there in full support of the others dreams and plans.
Malcolm's way of speaking all proper sometimes just made me smile.
Jett seemed to a bit of a player until he met Malcolm. Soon he realized what he was missing, a piece of his life, someone who would be with and love him for him, not for his hockey prowess.
The first meeting between Malcolm and Jett was so adorable. The shyness, and a bit of dorkiness from Malcolm which intrigued Jett and Jett who is a hot, smart and funny guy.
All the best ingredients for an amazing love story.
Them moving forward until they FINALLY got together. Gah, great moment.
Layla , Malcolm's friend/roommate was a woman after my own heart.
I mean come on!
She not only loved and supported Malcolm, she quoted Pride and Predjudice AND loves black jelly beans!
I laughed so many times while reading this, sighed over the love growing between the boys, got mad at Jetts dad, and was anxious at one point, which the reader will have to discover for themselves.
I enjoyed every word of this book!
A must read as far as I am concerned.
I am also looking forward to the next book in this series.
100/100💖
We get angst, fierce attraction, loyal friends, hot, smexy times, 2 men who think the other is an amazing person who deserves the best and is there in full support of the others dreams and plans.
Malcolm's way of speaking all proper sometimes just made me smile.
Jett seemed to a bit of a player until he met Malcolm. Soon he realized what he was missing, a piece of his life, someone who would be with and love him for him, not for his hockey prowess.
The first meeting between Malcolm and Jett was so adorable. The shyness, and a bit of dorkiness from Malcolm which intrigued Jett and Jett who is a hot, smart and funny guy.
All the best ingredients for an amazing love story.
Them moving forward until they FINALLY got together. Gah, great moment.
Layla , Malcolm's friend/roommate was a woman after my own heart.
I mean come on!
She not only loved and supported Malcolm, she quoted Pride and Predjudice AND loves black jelly beans!
I laughed so many times while reading this, sighed over the love growing between the boys, got mad at Jetts dad, and was anxious at one point, which the reader will have to discover for themselves.
I enjoyed every word of this book!
A must read as far as I am concerned.
I am also looking forward to the next book in this series.
100/100💖
May 29, 2025
So sweet and a lot of fun
Love this new book and the premise of this series. Small town, hockey, jock/geek, low angst. It’s a winning formula. This book sets the stage and gets us acquainted with the town of Smithton as well as Jett and Malcolm.
Jett is a senior at Smithton and a hockey player worried about making it to the next level. Malcolm is a grad student in Physics working on his thesis and needing help from the hockey star to gather data. At first Jett refuses but when he keeps getting all up in his head he decides he needs a distraction so he agrees to help Malcolm. When he discovers Malcolm knows nothing about hockey he insists that Malcolm has to agree to being tutored on the game as a condition of his participating in the science research. A friendship develops and ultimately a friends with benefits situation which turns into more.
It’s a really sweet, low angst story which makes it a perfect read…either for escaping from reality or as a palate cleanser after something more intense. As usual Hayes’ writing is clever and crisp. She has created characters the reader can’t help but fall for and root for. The big crisis moment, a timely bit of social commentary about our far too social media obsessed culture, had me wanting someone to pay big time!!
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Love this new book and the premise of this series. Small town, hockey, jock/geek, low angst. It’s a winning formula. This book sets the stage and gets us acquainted with the town of Smithton as well as Jett and Malcolm.
Jett is a senior at Smithton and a hockey player worried about making it to the next level. Malcolm is a grad student in Physics working on his thesis and needing help from the hockey star to gather data. At first Jett refuses but when he keeps getting all up in his head he decides he needs a distraction so he agrees to help Malcolm. When he discovers Malcolm knows nothing about hockey he insists that Malcolm has to agree to being tutored on the game as a condition of his participating in the science research. A friendship develops and ultimately a friends with benefits situation which turns into more.
It’s a really sweet, low angst story which makes it a perfect read…either for escaping from reality or as a palate cleanser after something more intense. As usual Hayes’ writing is clever and crisp. She has created characters the reader can’t help but fall for and root for. The big crisis moment, a timely bit of social commentary about our far too social media obsessed culture, had me wanting someone to pay big time!!
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 13, 2025
This is a sweet, feel-good romance between two great men that, on paper, could never work out. Despite their differences, they managed to gel as a couple.
Jett is trying hard to get a hockey contract before graduation. He ignores his knee pain and perseveres. He is stunned when a geeky, but adorable guy asks if he can collect data on his hockey moves for an important paper. Jett agrees, and before long, he is trying to drag out this data collecting by teaching Malcolm hockey basics. At first, Malcolm is baffled, but soon doesn’t care as they get along so well and enjoy each other’s company.
The attraction grows until neither can deny it anymore. They were a strong couple, and I loved how they put each other’s needs first. Jett is a fierce man with a kind heart, and Malcolm has clearly stolen it. Jett can’t let the world know his true feelings, as this could jeopardize his only chance at going pro.
Malcolm is very understanding, and I loved how the protective side of him came out in full force. The future seems mapped out for both men, but will they have to go in different directions? The ending did not disappoint in true Lane fashion. I highly recommend this book of opposite attractions. Happy reading.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement*
Jett is trying hard to get a hockey contract before graduation. He ignores his knee pain and perseveres. He is stunned when a geeky, but adorable guy asks if he can collect data on his hockey moves for an important paper. Jett agrees, and before long, he is trying to drag out this data collecting by teaching Malcolm hockey basics. At first, Malcolm is baffled, but soon doesn’t care as they get along so well and enjoy each other’s company.
The attraction grows until neither can deny it anymore. They were a strong couple, and I loved how they put each other’s needs first. Jett is a fierce man with a kind heart, and Malcolm has clearly stolen it. Jett can’t let the world know his true feelings, as this could jeopardize his only chance at going pro.
Malcolm is very understanding, and I loved how the protective side of him came out in full force. The future seems mapped out for both men, but will they have to go in different directions? The ending did not disappoint in true Lane fashion. I highly recommend this book of opposite attractions. Happy reading.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement*
July 13, 2025
A fun MM hockey romance (an audio review)
I’m on a hockey audiobook streak these days – it’s all that seems to come my way. And you know what? I’m loving them! This audio was no exception.
I’ll start with Kirt Graves’s narration. Kirt is talented and always does a great job, including with this book. His balance between Jett and Malcolm is executed perfectly. Malcolm the geeky science nerd and Jett the ultra cool hockey jock. All is not as it seems, though. Jett has a soft side – like bringing Malcolm chicken soup when he thinks the other man is sick. And Malcolm teaching Jett about physics in a way that’s almost relatable.
This is an opposites attract romance. This is low angst. This is…just fun. And there’s the conundrum of one guy being out while the other is bi and in the closet. Life’s not always easy, even in college. The obsession about obtaining a contract dictates everything in Jett’s life. Malcolm also needs the data he can collect from Jett for a paper whose findings might also appear in a textbook. So yeah, a lot is riding on this relationship and keeping things under wraps.
But this is a Lane Hayes romance, and she’s going to give me the ending I want. The ending that, as a listener, I feel I deserve. She did a great job, Kirt narrated brilliantly, and I’m so glad I listened.
I’m on a hockey audiobook streak these days – it’s all that seems to come my way. And you know what? I’m loving them! This audio was no exception.
I’ll start with Kirt Graves’s narration. Kirt is talented and always does a great job, including with this book. His balance between Jett and Malcolm is executed perfectly. Malcolm the geeky science nerd and Jett the ultra cool hockey jock. All is not as it seems, though. Jett has a soft side – like bringing Malcolm chicken soup when he thinks the other man is sick. And Malcolm teaching Jett about physics in a way that’s almost relatable.
This is an opposites attract romance. This is low angst. This is…just fun. And there’s the conundrum of one guy being out while the other is bi and in the closet. Life’s not always easy, even in college. The obsession about obtaining a contract dictates everything in Jett’s life. Malcolm also needs the data he can collect from Jett for a paper whose findings might also appear in a textbook. So yeah, a lot is riding on this relationship and keeping things under wraps.
But this is a Lane Hayes romance, and she’s going to give me the ending I want. The ending that, as a listener, I feel I deserve. She did a great job, Kirt narrated brilliantly, and I’m so glad I listened.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews