Zone Entry: Camrose U, Book 1

In this first book of a series, Nick Sandoval is a good student and star athlete on his college's hockey team, but secretly feels out of place with his father and stepmother. It is clear to him that he is a product of an unwanted pregnancy. His desire to repay his father for taking him in after his mother died leads him to choose working for his father over pursuing a hockey career. That's because he believes he owes this to his dad because of his help to Nick. Nick's hockey world is disrupted when Caleb Jennings transfers to Camrose University. A trash talker on the ice, Caleb is a seducer off of it. He is frustrated that he can't get Nick to respond to his banter on the ice and in the locker room. Caleb's uncle, the college team coach, pairs him with Nick, hoping they'll excel together on the ice. Nick is someone who keeps everything inside; he doesn't share important things with his dad or reveal information to others. He just holds it all in. His smile frustrates Caleb, who believes Nick is doing it to provoke him. Caleb makes it his mission to uncover the truth behind Nick's composed exterior, realizing that Nick is a man of values and passion. Maia Kenley weaves a rich narrative filled with college friends and family, including Caleb's ailing sister, who occasionally requires hospitalization at a facility supported by Nick's family. Ultimately, Maia Kenley delivers an emotional and powerful happy ending. Caleb becomes the one who speaks for Nick, but in a way that…

I went into this book blind. I was unfamiliar with the author or the plot. I thought if I didn’t like the writing I would quit. It was very well written and held my attention right from the start. The actual hockey is pretty nonexistent. This is more a college sports romance that puts the main characters on a hockey team but could easily be swapped for any other sport. I liked the main characters. Their personalities complimented each other and I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship. The main conflict is miscommunication, or more accurately non communication, so that was frustrating at times. There isn’t anything deep or earth shattering. Just a simple sports romance with solid writing. It was a pleasant read.