Second Shot- Hockey Romance

by Caitlyn Best

Genres: Hockey Romance

1698 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2026

Reviews

[The Book Ssirren]

I love this series. I love all of the characters, the storyline and side stories. It’s all just been so awesome. This one being Colson and Lucy’s story was great. Seeing them connect and get closer to one another. I loved Colsons family. And this was great because there was still a good amount of hockey throughout. This had a wonderful depth and I’m glad this was thick, because I felt like we really got deep into everything that’s going on as well as really getting to know all the characters. I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Elly Ando]

I really loved how real Lucy felt. She was strong, but not in that untouchable, has-everything-figured-out kind of way. We actually got to watch her grow, change and mature throughout college, and I could relate so much to her struggles with family, obligation and feeling like you have to earn love.

As an eldest daughter, that part hit particularly hard. The addiction storyline, the pressure Lucy carried and that constant feeling of needing to be enough for the people you love felt incredibly real. There were definitely moments where I was tearing up.

And Colsen. 🥹 He was beautiful, thoughtful and carrying so much more than you initially realise. He had been hurt, he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, but we got to see him grow too. I loved watching him become more attentive and learn how to really be there for Lucy rather than just trying to fix everything for her.

Their second chance made sense because you could genuinely believe that they had always loved each other — they just weren’t ready for each other the first time. They needed the time and space to grow up separately before they could find their way back.

The found family and hockey-house chaos were such a highlight and balanced out the heavier parts of the story perfectly.

The beginning did drag a little for me, but once it got going I really enjoyed the pacing and how much of their lives we actually got to experience. It almost felt like watching an entire season of a TV series — we didn’t just get snapshots of their relationship, we got the whole college year and then those extra months afterwards, which felt like such a bonus.

Emotional, messy, funny and full of growth. Second Shot really was about more than getting another chance at love — it was about growing into the people who were finally ready for it. ❤️

[Emily]

I received an ARC of this book thanks to author Caitlyn Best. This review does not contain any major spoilers.

If I could, I would give the book 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

There were what some would consider difficult topics and trauma that happened from start to end of the book. I recommend reading up on the book first for content/trigger warnings.

In this book, there were at least 6-7 prominent new male characters that were introduced (along with another 5) plus at least 5 female characters that were new to the story. At times, I found myself re-reading pages to try to remind myself of distinct traits to help characters straight.

Compared to other books, the story was easier to follow as there were fewer sections that repeated and somewhere between 3-4 confusing timelines in total throughout the entire book. One of the timelines that did not match up was in my opinion, one of the more sensitive and difficult topics of the book. This was definitely another lengthy book which I give major kudos to the author for. At times, I still do believe that there are too many details that aren't necessarily relevant. One thing that I could help is putting months and years (even within chapters; especially when they get lengthy) as it was really easy for me to lose track of time/what part of the year(s) the book was in.

Hockey certainly played a part in this story, but really appreciated seeing/learning more about Colsen's family. I really enjoyed these parts of the book and appreciate that it was different compared to other books. I enjoyed Colsen when he was with his family. I was really surprised that two former characters (Parker and Julian) do not make appearances at various points of the book and made me question a few things / what may have been going on.

Overall, this book should definitely be read in order (as the 4th book). While it is not the longest book in the series, I did find myself rushing through certain parts of the book due to other commitments that I have.

[Monique Tinline]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
Wow! Second Shot completely stole a piece of my heart. Caitlyn Best has delivered another hockey romance, but this one felt extra special.

Colsen and Lucy’s story was filled with emotion, chemistry, drama and all the feels. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and seeing them navigate everything life throws at them. Colsen — his love, loyalty and the way he supported the people around him made it impossible not to fall for him. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, taking on family responsibilities and pressure on his future.

Lucy - family tore her down, Colsen picked her up. Family blamed her, Colsen picked her up. Her fighting nature, personality and drive was a strong part of there relationship.

I also loved the family banter and the friendships throughout the book. There were plenty of moments that had me laughing, but also some emotional moments that really tugged at the heartstrings.

This was a great read. The perfect mix of hockey, romance, second chances, drama and plenty of heart. Definitely one of my favourites in the NorthLake University series!

[Susan Stover]

I really enjoyed this one! Second chance romance mixed with hockey already had my attention, but this book ended up being so much more emotional than I was expecting.

Colsen and Lucia’s story had me hooked because their relationship wasn’t just easy and perfect. There are real feelings, family struggles, hurt, and things from the past that they have to work through. I loved watching Lucia find her strength and figure out what she truly wanted for herself. There were definitely moments where I just wanted to reach into the book and hug her.

And Colsen… I loved him. The way he cares and loves so openly was one of my favorite parts of the story. Their chemistry was there, but I also liked that there was an emotional connection behind it. It made me actually care about them finding their way back to each other.

There’s a good mix of romance, hockey, family moments, drama, and some funny moments that helped balance out the heavier parts. I also really enjoyed the family banter! That’s always fun!

This was one of those books where I became invested in the characters and wanted to see them get the happiness they deserved. I love books like this!

[Samantha Flory]

This was such a fun and emotional college hockey romance! I really loved Lucy and Colsen and watching them find their way back to each other. The second-chance tension, family drama, found family and hockey house chaos kept me hooked.
Colsen was definitely a favourite — cocky, dramatic and protective, but with such a big heart. 🥹 I also loved seeing Lucy learn to put herself first and work through everything she was carrying.
A great read if you love hockey romance, second chances, fake dating and a hero who falls first!

[Jennifer Watts]

ARC Review:
I didn't expect to be tearing up through the whole book.
I haven't loved an addict myself, but I got Lucia wanting to be enough for a parent. Lucia and her mom's relationship? Been there. So proud she found her happiness and stood up for herself. You don't have to dim your light for someone who seeks control. Colsen was everything in this book. His loud and proud love for people balanced Lucia. Him and his family banter had me giggling. Loved it!
Davey and Jack reminded me of Derek and Dylan. 🤣🤣 And I'm here for it.

[Miri]

I really enjoyed this book about Colson and Lucia. Similar to Against the Boards, you get the action, packed hockey, the golden retriever, who is loud and proud. But definitely dedicated. I really enjoyed the family aspect in the book and how everything played out together. The length of the book was quite long, but you definitely get a full view of everything that’s happening because of the length.

I really enjoy this series and can’t wait to read the rest of the stories of the other characters!

[Hayley Coelho]

This is the first book I've read by Caitlyn and WOW!! Just WOW!!
I absolutely loved this book. I will definitely be backtracking to read the other in this series.

I cannot wait for more work from Caitlyn!

[Wendy Rich]

Book 4 in the NLU series - they can be read out of order but you don't want to miss the other books. This one has it all strong MMC and FMC and a believable story line. I highly recommend this book and all the books in this series l.

[Mads]

I need some processing time bc somehow I think this book became the best contemporary romance I’ve ever read

*actual review to come*

[Melanie Lloyd]

Loved this one! Such a great hockey romance.

[Tiffany Ann]

Pausing this book for now because I don’t have the time or mental capacity to read a 1600+ page ebook lol.

[Barbara Shelby]

Loved it so much. Couldn't put it down

[Tania Percy]

Loved this book, was looking forward to Colsen's story, and I wasn't disappointed, I thought Lucy was perfect for him and again their friendship group brings it altogether, with all the hilarious moments.
I really love this series and how Caitlyn writes her stories.
Thanks for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Book Junkie]

This is the story of Lucy and Colsen who meet freshmen year and fast become a couple. Lucy has some underlying issues stemming from her family's treatment of her and it all becomes a little too much for her and she dumps Colsen completely out of the blue. Heartbroken Colsen turns into the campus playboy and never lets anyone close again and Lucy plays it safe with the boyfriend she knows her family think she should be with. Lucy and Colsen then spend the next few years avoiding each other as best they can until they can't. Lucy's brother and his frat mates won't leave her alone so Colsen steps in to play hero and they fall very easily and very quickly back into the same pattern. This does contain cheating but not between the main characters so be warned. What is then supposed to be a fake relationship / friends with benefits situation turns real, except it was never really fake!

"Lucy Del Rosso is not a 'mistakes were made' girl when it comes to you. She's your kryptonite."

[Victoria Todd]

WOW - if you thought Against the boards was enjoyable to read, get started on this straight away! I fear it may have ruined romance books for me for a while.

Again it’s a long book but free up some time, settle down with a brew and let it take over your life.

[Lisa]

Colson and Lucy have a wonderful story I loved this story I was glad I got to arc for Caitlyn best I wouldn't want to miss this book

[Only.ever.books]

Review:
🏒Second Shot🏒
NorthLake University #4

By Caitlyn Best

🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Sports Romance
🏒 College Romance

⭐ 4/5

Colsen and Lucy

This is the fourth installment in this series. And this time we follow the romance of Colsen and Lucy.
We get all the feels here. Second Chance, banters, chemistry and drama as well.
Lucy and Colsen failed at their first chance years ago, but couldn’t really let go of the idea of each other.
But Colsen has a lot on his plate today and he really doesn’t need drama in his life. All while trying to make sure everyone around him is taking care of.
Lucy hasn’t got the jackpot with her family, she really needs people in her corner who love her for herself.
That’s what friends are for. And Colsen. And second chances at love, happiness and happy ends.
A sweet story about hockey and emotions.

[Marni Ortiz]

Words cannot even start to describe how in love with this series I’ve fallen . Second Shot is Colson and Lucia’s story and oh was it absolutely everything. Fun , steamy , emotionally charged, beautiful and Uttely addictive. The emotion , the chemistry, the drama , the challenges, the love , the passion, the family and friendships. Second Shot had it all in spades . One of the things I loved most was the progression of Colsen and Lucias relationship , the pace at which it developed and the fact that they had to overcome many things to fight for their happy ending. I was genuinely smiling, laughing, crying and cheering them on so freaking hard .

[Leanne]

Too be honest this is my favourite book of the series. I love that it is a lengthy book and it goes all the way. This is Colsen and Lucy's story and it has the high rated emotional stakes of dating a hockey player. The chapters draw a picture of drama. The second chance romance is pronounced and keeps the story engaging. I felt like I was watching a sports love drama playing out on my TV screen.

[Reader]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, great plot with good pace