Rating: 4 out of 5.

This was a fun and cute college romance. It’s a quick and easy book that I read in a few hours. I haven’t read any college romance books before and am surprised I liked it as much as I did. Renee is on the rowing team and Jesse Tremblay is a star hockey player with NHL dreams. He only has one-night stands and his policy regarding women is one and done. During a murder mystery party, Renee and Jesse meet while hiding out in the kitchen and make a connection. Feeling daring, Renee sheds her “good girl” persona for a few hours and takes Jesse up on his offer of a one-night stand.

Afterwards they find themselves thinking about the other, and when Renee discovers she’s pregnant, she tells Jesse he doesn’t have to be involved, but she’s keeping the baby. Both Renee and Jesse have issues from their past that hinders them getting close to anyone. As they navigate Renee’s pregnancy it’s hard to deny their chemistry and they begin to wonder if perhaps they can make it work.

I like the author’s writing style and the book is well-paced. I really like Renee and Jesse, and their cute banter and chemistry is off the charts. The supporting characters had minimal impact on the story and are there just to bounce off the main characters. This didn’t bother me too much because the story is laser focused on Renee and Jesse. There are some spicy scenes in the book, and they are incorporated well into the story.

This is the second book in the Castoria U series and I haven’t read the first one. This book can be read as a stand-alone and I didn’t feel like I missed anything by not having read the first book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Katie and Brey PA and the author. All opinions are my own.