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Lacrosse My Heart #1
Taking the Shot: A Lacrosse My Heart Novella
Professional lacrosse player Avalon Rivera, "The Ice Queen", has been in love with her best friend's older brother since she was a kid. But after his stinging rejection, she wrote him off for good. Eight years later, he's back in her life and the lacrosse star is forced to work with him to salvage her team's reputation, or she'll lose the career she's fought hard for. JJ Jennings is a premier player in men's professional lacrosse, both on the field and off. But when he is reunited with Ava, the young girl he once thought of like a sister, he's tempted into becoming a one-woman man. If only he can convince The Ice Queen to give him another chance to heat up her sheets and thaw her heart.
236 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2017
15 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 30, 2025
I loved this book, especially since it was about a sport that many don't know about or write about. I loved the connection between JJ & Avalon and the fact that he was the one that introduced her to the sport... even better!
Ava has been BFFs with JJ's younger sister since she moved to their town when her parents divorced. She was always over JJ's house and one day he needed to practice and taught Ava how to play so she could practice with him. Ava had been crushing on him and when he went to college and came home, she blossomed into someone that caught JJ's attention, but she was still too young. Right before she goes off to college, they share a kiss and the next day she thinks she needs to make a move and tell him how she feels, but before she can do so, she overhears a conversation and decides to leave for college without saying goodbye to him. Years later they are both in the same town playing professional lacrosse for the same club owner and are thrown together. They haven't spoken since the kiss and while the age gap hasn't changed, they are both older and it is not a big deal since they are both still attracted to the other. What happens when the team owner wants them to make public appearances together to draw more attention to their teams and bring in more crowds. While they get to spend more time together, they realize the attraction is still there and the team owner and fans love it. What is going to happen when JJ dream come true? JJ realizes how important Ava is to him and doesn’t want to go another 8 years without speaking to her. How can he make them both happy?
Overall, a great romance with awesome characters that had chemistry that was jumping off the pages. I was rooting for them and wanted more when it ended. While this is my first book by this author, I can’t wait to read more from her!
Ava has been BFFs with JJ's younger sister since she moved to their town when her parents divorced. She was always over JJ's house and one day he needed to practice and taught Ava how to play so she could practice with him. Ava had been crushing on him and when he went to college and came home, she blossomed into someone that caught JJ's attention, but she was still too young. Right before she goes off to college, they share a kiss and the next day she thinks she needs to make a move and tell him how she feels, but before she can do so, she overhears a conversation and decides to leave for college without saying goodbye to him. Years later they are both in the same town playing professional lacrosse for the same club owner and are thrown together. They haven't spoken since the kiss and while the age gap hasn't changed, they are both older and it is not a big deal since they are both still attracted to the other. What happens when the team owner wants them to make public appearances together to draw more attention to their teams and bring in more crowds. While they get to spend more time together, they realize the attraction is still there and the team owner and fans love it. What is going to happen when JJ dream come true? JJ realizes how important Ava is to him and doesn’t want to go another 8 years without speaking to her. How can he make them both happy?
Overall, a great romance with awesome characters that had chemistry that was jumping off the pages. I was rooting for them and wanted more when it ended. While this is my first book by this author, I can’t wait to read more from her!
July 29, 2025
Body Check by Cate Tayler is a steamy second-chance sports romance that blends fiery chemistry with the fast-paced world of women’s professional lacrosse. The story follows Ava Rivera, a fierce and focused athlete with a reputation as “The Ice Queen,” and JJ Jennings, her best friend’s charming older brother and the man who once broke her heart. When unexpected circumstances force Ava and JJ to work together—both on and off the field—they’re pulled into a passionate whirlwind of unresolved feelings, professional tensions, and undeniable attraction.
Tayler does a great job capturing the intensity of high-level sports while weaving in a compelling romance. The lacrosse setting adds a fresh angle to the typical sports romance genre, and Ava’s strength as a female lead in a male-dominated world is refreshing and empowering. The chemistry between Ava and JJ crackles from the start, making their romantic tension believable and emotionally satisfying. Readers who love the “enemies-to-lovers” and “second-chance” tropes will find this story hits all the right notes.
However, the plot structure follows a fairly familiar formula, which may make it feel a bit predictable for seasoned romance readers. Some of the emotional arcs could have been explored more deeply, especially regarding the characters' personal growth and past wounds. That said, the story is still enjoyable and engaging, with enough charm, humor, and heart to keep readers hooked.
Overall, Body Check is an easy, feel-good read for fans of sports romance, especially those looking for strong female leads, fast-paced flirtation, and a satisfying second-chance love story. It may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises—and does it with style. I’d rate it a solid 3.5 to 4 out of 5 stars.
Tayler does a great job capturing the intensity of high-level sports while weaving in a compelling romance. The lacrosse setting adds a fresh angle to the typical sports romance genre, and Ava’s strength as a female lead in a male-dominated world is refreshing and empowering. The chemistry between Ava and JJ crackles from the start, making their romantic tension believable and emotionally satisfying. Readers who love the “enemies-to-lovers” and “second-chance” tropes will find this story hits all the right notes.
However, the plot structure follows a fairly familiar formula, which may make it feel a bit predictable for seasoned romance readers. Some of the emotional arcs could have been explored more deeply, especially regarding the characters' personal growth and past wounds. That said, the story is still enjoyable and engaging, with enough charm, humor, and heart to keep readers hooked.
Overall, Body Check is an easy, feel-good read for fans of sports romance, especially those looking for strong female leads, fast-paced flirtation, and a satisfying second-chance love story. It may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises—and does it with style. I’d rate it a solid 3.5 to 4 out of 5 stars.
July 17, 2025
This is the first book I have read by Cate Taylor and I would say it was pretty good. Probably 3.5-4 stars. It is your typical sports romance, friends to lovers, best friends older brother trope. Writing style was good and easy to follow. Decent plot also. I wish there had been more development of the secondary characters that we will most likely get books of. But overall a fast and easy read.
Basically Ava has been in love with JJ since she was about 13 and he was 18; he is her best friends older brother. But the age gap is definitely a hurdle early on in their relationship. When JJ broke her heart at 18, she became something of an "Ice Queen" and won't give her heart or time to anyone but her sport. Fast forward 13 years and JJ is back in town on the men's lacrosse team and Ava plays on the women's lacrosse team for the same owner. The two are required to make nice with each other or face the team owner's wrath. JJ is all for it and doesn't know why Ava doesn't want anything to do with him. As old hurts come to light and the two reconnect, there is a chance at love for both of them. But JJ's dream is to return to his original team and Memphis whereas Ava is staying in Baltimore. Can the two do long distance? Is there a chance for their relationship to finally flourish?
Overall a decent read. I would read the second in series if there is one depending on who the main characters are.
Basically Ava has been in love with JJ since she was about 13 and he was 18; he is her best friends older brother. But the age gap is definitely a hurdle early on in their relationship. When JJ broke her heart at 18, she became something of an "Ice Queen" and won't give her heart or time to anyone but her sport. Fast forward 13 years and JJ is back in town on the men's lacrosse team and Ava plays on the women's lacrosse team for the same owner. The two are required to make nice with each other or face the team owner's wrath. JJ is all for it and doesn't know why Ava doesn't want anything to do with him. As old hurts come to light and the two reconnect, there is a chance at love for both of them. But JJ's dream is to return to his original team and Memphis whereas Ava is staying in Baltimore. Can the two do long distance? Is there a chance for their relationship to finally flourish?
Overall a decent read. I would read the second in series if there is one depending on who the main characters are.
July 13, 2025
This was a short and sweet read about second chances and true love.
Avalon and JJ have been best friends since childhood but Avalon has always had a major crush on JJ. JJ breaks her heart at a young age when she overhears a conversation. A decade later, they meet again when they’re both star lacrosse players. When Avalon’s former coach is indicted on criminal charges, JJ and Avalon are pushed together to market good PR for their team. Feelings begin to resurface and their connection begins to get real and intense.
JJ fights hard for his relationship with Avalon after choosing to leave her a decade ago. He grovels and apologizes in every way that he can. Avalon and JJ had a tender and heartfelt relationship with each other that was enjoyable to read.
Avalon and JJ have been best friends since childhood but Avalon has always had a major crush on JJ. JJ breaks her heart at a young age when she overhears a conversation. A decade later, they meet again when they’re both star lacrosse players. When Avalon’s former coach is indicted on criminal charges, JJ and Avalon are pushed together to market good PR for their team. Feelings begin to resurface and their connection begins to get real and intense.
JJ fights hard for his relationship with Avalon after choosing to leave her a decade ago. He grovels and apologizes in every way that he can. Avalon and JJ had a tender and heartfelt relationship with each other that was enjoyable to read.
March 30, 2018
I like how the author used the sport of lacrosse as a running theme over several years, forming both a basis for Ava's and JJ's friendship, as well as an eventual source of conflict between them.
When she's not leading her team to victory, Ava seems like a bit of a loner. That's probably because she's been burned more than once by a love interest and is not willing to open her heart so easily. JJ acts like a ladies' man, but you can tell that he's always had a soft spot for Ava, even if it took him years to acknowledge it.
This was a fun and quick read. Highly recommended.
When she's not leading her team to victory, Ava seems like a bit of a loner. That's probably because she's been burned more than once by a love interest and is not willing to open her heart so easily. JJ acts like a ladies' man, but you can tell that he's always had a soft spot for Ava, even if it took him years to acknowledge it.
This was a fun and quick read. Highly recommended.
October 30, 2025
This is Book 2 in the Lacrosse My Heart Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is an age gap, off limits, second chance romance between Avalon and her best friend's older brother JJ. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an enjoyable read. Once they reconnect, it is a bumpy ride with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, forgiveness and redemption, twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. An emotional page turner.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
July 14, 2025
Ava has been in love with JJ since forever. Right before she went to college, he broke her heart. Now years later, they are forced to work together. Would she trust him again with her heart? Would they be able to overcome the challenges ahead?
The story is steamy, filled with undeniable attraction, steamy hot scenes and unexpected twist and turns.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
The story is steamy, filled with undeniable attraction, steamy hot scenes and unexpected twist and turns.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
July 14, 2025
She has been in love with him for years but he rejected her so now she turned his back on him. Now he is back and they will need to work together to save the team. He now sees her in a different light and he wants more with her but she is not interested. See how it all goes
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful tale
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful tale
July 19, 2025
She has been in love with JJ for a long time but right before college he broke her heart sending them in different directions. Now they are back in the same place working together and sparks ignite. Will she be able to give JJ a second chance and find happiness with him. This sports romance had me all caught up in their drama.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
July 14, 2025
Intense exciting so freaking good. Descriptive storyline full of twists and turns. Many secrets added to the story.Main characters shared great banter and the chemistry between them was scorching hot. Definitely enjoyed reading this book
July 29, 2025
This was my first Cate Tayle story. I loved seeing Jj and Ava's love play out in the writing. The spark between them came to life as I read through the chapters. Nice easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2025
The characters and romance aspect were not developed nearly enough for this to be an enjoyable sports romance. Ava is still so hurt by JJ’s actions from several years ago that she has become an ice queen but they almost immediately end up together after being reunited again.
September 7, 2020
Loved it!
A quick and fun read, love the story of JJ and TH, can’t wait for the next one in the series!!
A quick and fun read, love the story of JJ and TH, can’t wait for the next one in the series!!
February 29, 2024
Sports romance that was quick and fun to read. The characters seemed to keep missing each other due to timing. Sweet story of growth
July 17, 2025
So good I liked it a lot a fun book. I was given an arc and i choose to give a honest review.
July 19, 2025
wasn't a favorite book but that's okay. I'm not much into the sports themed books.
August 1, 2020
This book was super cute and super quick. Years after Ava plays catch with her best friend's older brother JJ, catching not only a lacrosse ball but feelings for JJ too, JJ makes a reappearance when he's traded to the pro lacrosse team where Ava calls home. On the field she's become known as the Ice Queen, never getting close enough to have her feelings hurt, like JJ did all those years ago. Now the two are paired together for positive publicity and all Ava's long buried feelings for JJ come flooding back. But, will he ever see her as anything but his little sister's friend? If she gives him another chance at her feelings, will he drop the ball?
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews