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The Official Blurb
“Lauren “Chip” Bellinger — Laur — and her hockey star brother, Nick, were inseparable until a devastating tragedy changed everything. She loses not only herself but her love for hockey.
Nine months later, Laur receives an amazing opportunity to join the marketing and PR program at West Michigan University supporting their stellar hockey team-the Wyverns. Except she never applied.
Despite her hesitancy to dive back into normal life, Laur decides to accept.
Her eyes instantly lock with Lucas Donato’s, the new captain of the Wyverns, but Laur has zero interest in getting involved with anyone romantically. Ever.
Lucas is dead set on bringing the team to the Frozen Four this year, while also hoping to make an early impression on NHL scouts. He can’t lose sight of his one shot at his first season as captain.
Despite their best efforts, Laur and Lucas find themselves constantly together. Sparks fly between them. Laur refuses to let her heart dictate her decisions while Lucas tries his best to push his feelings aside.
But the universe has other plans for Lucas and Laur this hockey season.
Does Lucas let the sparks between him and Laur turn into an ice melting flame?
Can Laur keep her promise to herself to swear off love and avoid falling for the captain?
Will Lucas bring the team to victory?
Find out in One Shot.”
Book Review: One Shot by A.C. Wonderland
Published March 2025 | Romance Sub-Genres: Hockey Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance
Main Characters
Lauren aka “Laur” aka “Chip” Bellinger
Lucas Donato
Plot Summary
Lauren comes from a hockey family. Her dad and brother are both legends of the game. Growing up, she dreamed of becoming a sports reporter, shadowing her brother with her camera and notebook as he played. After starting at community college, she planned to transfer to Western Michigan to work on the Wyverns hockey team’s PR and marketing crew.
But after a devastating series of events, those dreams stall. When she unexpectedly receives an acceptance letter to join the Wyverns’ PR team — despite not applying — she and her family see it as a second chance.
At Western Michigan, Laur reconnects with friends and family, and meets Lucas Donato — the youngest Wyverns captain in school history. He’s talented, driven and under pressure to go pro. Their chemistry is immediate but both Laur and Lucas are carrying their own trauma and fears that threaten to derail their goals and growing feelings for each other.
Let’s just say: the ice isn’t the only thing heating up.
Spice Level: Jalapeño to Habanero 🌶️
This one’s spicy — and location matters. We’re talking hockey rinks and benches and, yes, even the penalty box (it’s called the sin bin for a reason). The language got a little raw for me — certain words aren’t my favorite — but the energy and pacing definitely deliver on tension.
Things I Loved
- Relatable language. I cackled at phrases like “lady bits” showing up in dialogue. I love seeing familiar humor and honesty in a romance.
- Beer Olympics! Flippy-cup, quarters, dizzy bat, beer pong … I love adult bar olympics even at my ripe ol’ age.
- Captain Boyfriend. Laur’s pet names for Lucas always include Captain, which made me laugh out loud. (Bob (my husband), if you’re reading this, yes — “Captain Awesome” lives on.)
Favorite Quotes
“My cheeks grow hot as my lady bits start to hum with desire.”
(Though personally, I wish they had thrummed with desire but I’ll still take it.)
And one that really stuck with me:
“I close my eyes, taking in subtle hints of his woodsy, warm cologne mixed with the fresh smell of clean linens that lingers on his clothes. The blend of these two scents is uniquely him.”
We’ve been talking about character scent notes lately on the podcast — and this one is perfection. (We’re definitely tracking this trend next year.)
Further Appreciation
As someone with a background in broadcast journalism, I loved seeing how the communications field has evolved. Laur’s classes on social media marketing, online content, and using her phone for interviews made me nostalgic for the days of 3/4” tape and literally splicing audio tracks. It’s wild to see how far things have come — Henry Lippold of UW-Eau Claire and journalism renown would be proud.
Challenges
There are a few typos and minor editing hiccups but that’s typical for a fresh indie release.
My biggest personal hurdle? The age gap between me and the characters. College romances just don’t hit the same now that I’m solidly in my grown-woman era. But that doesn’t mean they’re not authentic. The emotional beats and chaos of early adulthood are captured really well in this novel.
Also, there are scenes discussing domestic violence (emotional and physical) that hit a chord with me as a domestic abuse survivor. A.C. handled them with care but they did catch me off guard.
And finally, let’s talk about the Michigan girls who won’t walk half a mile in heels on New Year’s Eve. As a former Wisconsin girl, I call bluff — we survived Water Street winters in skirts without jackets. Respectfully: weak sauce, ladies. 😉
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a slow burn hockey romance with emotional depth, strong character growth and an author who truly loves the sport, One Shot delivers.
It’s heartfelt, a little steamy and full of the kind of realism that makes you root for both the romance and the individual healing journeys.
Sequel Alert: Summer Shot follows Laur and Luc into their senior year — and I can’t wait to see where their story goes next. I am absolutely rooting for them from the stands.
Listen Now
This review pairs with our Romance on the Rocks Double Shot episode, where Meghan and I dive deeper into this book and another excellent hockey romance read. We share favorite moments and talk through the emotional and spicy bits — cocktails in hand.
🎧 Listen to the episode here →
Get the Book
Have you read One Shot? Let me know your thoughts on this book in the comments! Want to learn more about the author, A.C. Wonderland? Click here.
