One-Time Shot

Smithton Bears, Book 1

By: Lane Hayes

Narrated by: Kirt Graves

The jock, the geek, and the hockey project…

Jett

My pro hockey dreams are hanging by a thread. I need to have a great season and that means no partying, no distractions, no fun. The grad student pestering me for science-y help on his thesis is the definition of no fun, so… okay.

Pros and cons of agreeing to this deal:

Pros: Positive use of free time. (At least that’s what my agent says.)

Cons: Malcolm likes big words and his first language is math. He’s also bossy, clumsy, and he doesn’t know the first thing about hockey.

But he’s also cute and he’s got a great sense of humor and—oh no. I cannot have a crush on the geek. No way. Not now.

Malcolm

Yes, I’m a serious student, but a hockey project is not serious. Who cares about big hunky hockey players zipping around a sheet of ice at warp speed? Not I.

According to my professor, however, the only way to attain the required data is to study the specimen in his natural habitat, a.k.a. the ice rink.

Pros: My thesis should lead to a bevy of job offers.

Cons: Jett. He’s impossible—too big, too handsome, too gruff and yet disarmingly charming and—

Okay, fine. I like the jock… a lot. Lately, I find myself wondering if there’s such a thing as a one-time shot at forever.

One-Time Shot is a low-angst, geek-jock MM college hockey romance featuring a charismatic hockey star and an adorkable scientist.

©2025 Lane Hayes (P)2025 Lane Hayes

Sweet series starter: the nerd and the jock

I read the ebook when One Time Shot was first released, and loved listening to the audio version, maybe even more. Malcom and Jet are delightful together from start to finish. A great listen, and I can’t wait for book two.

Starting off a sweet new series!

Malcolm & Jett
This shorter story was so much fun!
Malcolm's persistence in getting Jett's attention while attempting to make it not "quite" like stalking was hilarious and fun. He definitely had that aloof nerd persona down pat. I loved his intelligent humor and his general sweetness. He definitely grew into himself a lot more throughout the story than I think he could have predicted for himself, and it was really fun to see.
Jett was quite the character to get to know. You can see that he's still trying to find himself and figure things out, but is realizing he's not having as much fun doing the same old thing all the time. Even though he starts out denying Malcolm's research request, something about Malcolm intrigues him and they start to form a bond that Jett never knew he needed. As the duo's relationship develops, they both realize that the physical attraction they feel for one another has built to a closer relationship and love than they could have initially imagined.

I loved One-Time Shot as much as I have loved anything I've read from Lane Hayes. I just love the way she creates her characters and how much fun they all have. There's always sweet humor on top of just the right amount of spice. I'm always entertained, and I'm always smiling while reading her stories. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series develops with Ty's story up next.

Audiobook Update:
Narrated by Kirt Graves
This is only the second audiobook I've enjoyed from Kirt Graves, but the other was also a Lane Hayes book (Moody ❤️). I loved his characterizations for both Malcolm and Jett. They each had just that right amount of attitude, sass and humor to compliment one another throughout the story. The story is enjoyable no matter how you choose to consume it, but I really enjoyed the audiobook version because it was just so fun to listen to and interact with the characters that way.

I received an authorized copy of this audiobook and am volunteering my honest review.

nerd/jock fun

I know I’m always in for a good read with Lane Hayes' books. Add in the talented Kirt Graves and the audio performance is so enjoyable. We’ve got opposites attract with the classic nerd/jock pairing, a trope the author does well. Jett and Malcolm are distinct characters and I enjoyed their road to HEA. This is a college setting with the pressures of “life decisions” and parental expectations, they’re senior and grad student and don’t feel fresh-faced.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from GayRomanceReviews.

Loved it!!

Physics grad student genius Malcolm needs college hockey player Jett for his thesis research. Jett is not receptive until Malcolm wears him down.

I really liked both of these characters. This opposites story was a fun and you really felt the way they cared and supported each.

I loved the way the narrator brought these men to life, especially Malcolm. I haven't read the book but I feel like I still would have enjoyed the audio more as you get a greater insight to Malcolm with the way he speaks. His clumsy adorkableness was endearing and sweet.

Distracted by Science!

Malcolm's personality was so absolutely super smart nerd perfection. And I cannot even stress enough how well Kirt Graves brought his overly serious and organized personality to life. The text messages were classic. I am glad I dove straight to audible for this one. Jett was so likable and his growing feelings and attraction to Malcolm were absolutely natural. A perfectly paced slow burn romance that I felt like I was part of with them.