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.

I almost DNF due to utter frustration. Maybe it's because I've been reading these types of books back-to-back, with the lack of communication between the MCs. My god I was done with Nick and I stayed with the book because I kept switching between the ebook and audiobook because the audio gave the story some personality. While Caleb was the better of the two it was Iggy Toma who made me tolerate him just a little bit because if he were my brother I would tell him to move on because again Nick is frustrating. Don't get me wrong it's understandable where he's coming from but DUDE!!!!!!!!!! I rolled my eyes so hard because whether or not I get it and it was explained why the way he is his assumptions are plain judgmental and unfair because DUDE YOU DON'T USE YOUR WORDS AND COMMUNICATE! Every time he explained why he won't go pro I just scoffed, speaking of there was far too little hockey action for me. This story has massive potential, but Nick is a turn-off. His attitude makes me care zero about him, and there's too much telling me what's happening; I want to feel, connect, and dive into the beauty of the book. As much as I liked Maddox I won't be continuing with the series.

Yes to all of this!! This was my first ever MM romance and it won't be the last! I read this book on my Kindle and just couldn't put it down! The chemistry between Nice and Caleb goes from dislike to loving each other. I was in awe while reading this book because I loved seeing Nick grow and strive, learning how to want thing and discovering who he wants to love. Caleb being an extrovert and knowing how to get under people's skin-in the best ways of course. These two just clicked in the best way and seeing how navigate in each other's lives during and after college made me so happy. There were the funny moment with them and their teammates and of course the serious and loving moments. Let me not forget the SPICCEEEE HELLOOO I will definitely be reading more MM romances!!

This was so cute!!! Caleb was such a jerk in the beginning but once Nicky put him in his place (with a hand necklace) he grew on me. Nick! That poor guy! That was quite the burden he placed on himself at such a young age. It explained a lot of his personality though. There were a few parts that had me kicking up my feet in giggles. It's been a minute since that has happened. It was just so sweet at times and gave me all the feels. And the spice was on point! 🥵 Very excited for the next book because Rhys, Schultz and Maddox were very fun side characters!!