Book Review: Shoot Your Shot by Lexi LaFleur Brown
When I first stumbled upon Shoot Your Shot by Lexi LaFleur Brown on my TikTok FYP, I was intrigued. The author, who often shares insights about hockey and romance through her videos, piqued my interest with promises of a hockey love story that would stand apart from traditional tropes. As someone who doesn’t typically dive into hockey romances or M/F narratives, I approached this book with moderate expectations—curiously hoping to discover something refreshing.
Unfortunately, what I encountered was a rather convoluted and often tedious tale. Our protagonist, Lucy, quickly reveals herself as the quintessential "not like other girls," and from her initial disdain for hockey broadcasts at the bar, I felt a sense of disconnect. While I appreciate a strong, unique character, Lucy’s self-insert qualities felt a bit too strong, almost making her insufferable at times. I wanted to root for her, but she seemed preoccupied with proving her individuality instead of developing meaningful connections with others.
The plot quickly bogged down, and I found myself powerlessly waiting for something — anything — to happen. The pacing felt painfully slow; sections dragged on in such detail that I needed to take breaks to avoid boredom. Intriguingly, while LaFleur Brown dedicates pages to explaining hockey nicknames, she neglects to define some basic acronyms like PTO or PIMs, leaving casual fans confused. These moments highlighted a disjointed narrative that aimed for comprehensive detail yet faltered in areas that truly mattered.
Then we arrive at the relationship dynamics, which felt rushed and confusing. The transition from casual partners to a committed relationship was jarring, especially given Lucy’s repetitive insistence that she didn’t do relationships. It was frustrating to watch her accept Jaylen’s declarations of love seemingly without a second thought. The emotional depth I craved was simply absent.
One bright spot, however, was some of the quirky banter and memorable lines that emerged, including my favorite, "Men are like bears; if you hold eye contact with them for too long, they think it’s a challenge they can’t back away from." Moments like these felt entertaining, but too often they were overshadowed by the narrative’s shortcomings.
And let’s not overlook the book’s attempt at "spiciness." As a gay reader, I found the depictions of intimacy juvenile and overly focused on Jaylen’s eagerness to please Lucy. While I commend the effort to portray a caring partner, the repetitive focus on her pleasure felt excessive and lacked authenticity.
Despite its faults, Shoot Your Shot may resonate with readers looking for a light-hearted, if flawed, romance set against a hockey backdrop. Those who enjoy tropes of personal growth may find joy in Lucy’s journey, despite her contradictions. For me, though? The experience felt like trying to skate on thin ice—frustrating and ultimately unfulfilling.
In conclusion, if you’re intrigued by a story that blends hockey and romance, perhaps give this one a shot—but be prepared for some bumps along the way. For now, I’ll be looking for my next read with much higher hopes.
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