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Review: Faking the Shot - Northwest Ice #4

Faking the Shot book cover on blue background

It's release day for Faking the Shot by Carolyn Miller, the fourth book in the Northwest Ice series! Getting to spend the fall in Vancouver, Canada means a whole lot less snow (though there is that rain) ❄

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Content to be aware of: There are likely longer trigger warning lists on Goodreads; however, this book does discuss domestic violence, family members in same-sex relationships, and sexual exploitation. Those sensitive to these issues are welcome to do more research before reading the book. The author addresses each subject from a Christian worldview.

Book Synopsis

Lights, camera... action?

Ainsley Beckett might be television's sweetheart, star of a dozen romantic movies and known the world over for her sweet-as-pie schoolmarm on hit historical TV show As The Heart Draws. But while she's always found love on-screen, her private life is less of a happily-ever-after, with secrets aplenty. A string of one-date only and showmances has ruined her reputation and convinced her that finding true love is impossible, as no ordinary guy dares look at her, and the celebrity world is full of fakes.

Zac Parotti is used to fame and its flip side, like women (literally) throwing themselves at him, but he's finding his feet as a new Christian, and wants to do things God's way now.

When a chance encounter at a Vancouver party brings these two together they decide a fake relationship might prove the best way to stop the media speculation and fan--and family--pressure. Until fake feelings turn into something deeper. For one of them, at least...

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

What does real love look like? Not only does this book bring 1 Corinthians 13 to life within a Christian relationship, it explores what love means for a Christian when sacrifice, endurance, and faith in God are involved. I love that the title perfectly encapsulates the dilemma that both Zac and Ainsley are working through in that “faking it” can come more naturally to us than in being honest where it matters. Whether the shot is in hockey or in films, both characters need to grow deeply in their walks with God and learn to become the people that He has made them to be, not who they think they should be.

This is a book that carries much weight and depth, making it feel even more authentic. It moves beyond the saccharine and sanitized and instead takes an honest look at what people experience in a fallen world. Not everything is neatly tied up and there are real consequences to sin, which makes it meaningful when the characters have to cling to Jesus, the hope of this world. If you are looking for realistic Christian fiction that tackles complex social issues and characters grappling with God, Faking the Shot shows that life may not be tidy, but God can be trusted to bring good from evil and to walk alongside His children.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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