The Pass

Smart Jocks, Book 5

De: Rebecca Jenshak

Narrado por: Scott Rose, Bridget Bordeaux

I've been in love with her for two years.

The first time around, I screwed things up. I hesitated, and the moment was gone.

I passed when I shouldn't have.

Not a total loss. I gained a best friend instead of whatever we might have been.

Sydney is hands down the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I'll do anything to keep her in my life. Even bury my feelings deep inside.

But one hot summer together at the lake filled with lots of teeny-tiny bikinis and I'm ready to risk it all for a second chance.

It's time to take my shot.

©2020 Rebecca Jenshak (P)2023 Rebecca Jenshak

tje narrators

“She short-circuited whatever part of my brain is responsible for that. Every time I see this girl, she legit takes my breath away.” —Tanner Shaw

“He managed to give me something I didn’t even know I wanted. He’s made me feel special. Extremely frustrated? Yes. But also extremely special.” —Sydney Turner

sighing rolling eyes wheezing screaming fuming throwing up

Okay, first of all, screw this book. Second of all, I'll retract my statement from the previous book's review that I was eager to read this book since the character's banter looks so promising. Last but not least, I regret reading this one so much; no wonder it's called The Pass because it deserved to be passed.

Why do must Ms. Jenshak had to mad this one since this was the worst way to wrap up the series. It almost feels like a different story from the same universe with the mmc that mostly mention from the previous four. I think this one will be better if made as a novella or a spin-off or whatever we wanted to call the story that functioned as a complimentary thing. I dunno tho. It might be since this timeline was took place two year after the things that happen from the last book? Also the lack appearance from the couple from the previous four was unfair either, for me tho.

I hate how overwhelming everything is, despise how annoying the plot is and detest how irritating the main characters are. Their situationship was pure miscommunication chaos. They had instant chemistry and shared a steamy moment, but her “five-date rule” threw him off, so he backed away hoping for a signal. Meanwhile, she assumed he lost interest, and neither of them actually talked about it, classic closed-mouth spiral indeed. arghajgsafuh. Time passed, they dated other people, stayed “best friends,” and never addressed the tension, which made everything feel messy and kinda unfair to their other partners. Listen, friend-to-lovers might probably still be my favorite trope from the romance contemporary genre, but this book it's just not for me.

Negativity aside, Sydney’s fierce confidence and unapologetic vibe made her instantly magnetic, and Tanner’s flirty charm with just the right dash of possessiveness was perfectly attuned to her energy. Their banter and slow-burn honesty gave off that delicious “we’ve always belonged together” feeling an ideal friends-to-lovers arc rooted in real connection. But tbh, I kind of disdain at how messy the road was. The miscommunication weighed so heavy, dragging through rocky moments that didn’t need to be so hard. It made their eventual connection feel earned, but also frustrating. Like, they could’ve had this magic all along if they’d just cracked open their hearts a little sooner. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge Scott Rose and Bridget Bordeaux for narrating this book. I like how well they brought the characters to life and depicted them.

Overall, this sports romance series was a total serotonin overload; chaotic, and irresistibly binge-worthy. The found-family vibes were peak comfort, and every couple brought spicy, swoony magic. However, Book 5 was a major letdown. It felt like a disconnected spin-off with an irritating main character, a flawed plot full of miscommunication, and a disappointing lack of emotional resolution. The absence of beloved previous couples was particularly frustrating.

Despite it all, I still highly recommend the series if you're looking for a fun, swoony sports romance with memorable connections! 🏀💥❤️‍🔥

very cute

4 ⭐ 2 🌶️ 4 🎧

Another great addition to the Smart Jocks series. I really loved Tanner and Sydney, they were so sweet and perfect for each other. I loved the time lapse and how they ended up together, especially all of the dates. So stinking cute.

The sister drama was a bit much... I wanted to scream THEY DIDN'T SLEEP TOGETHER BEFORE THEY GOT TOGETHER from the top of my lungs and I'm still a little upset the record never got set straight. I understand why she was upset, but it seemed like her and Tanner weren't actually that close if she really thought Sydney was a Jock Chaser and not his actual bestie.

The audio was great. I absolutely adore Bridget Bordeaux and Scott Rose was great. This was a really fun and quick listen.