Review: Shutout (Rules of the Game #2) by Avery Keelan

*I received a copy of this book from Bramble Books in exchange for an honest review.

Shutout

(Rules of the Game #2)

by Avery Keelan

December 9, 2025

Goodreads Summary:

Tiktok sensation Avery Keelan is back with the second in the addictive Rules of the Game series, Shutout, an unputdownable and steamy college hockey romance.

He's the tall, tattooed stranger I hooked up with on Halloween... and now he's my new roommate.

After a sudden cross-country move, I’m stuck crashing with my older brother and two of his hockey teammates for sophomore year. I'm not thrilled about shacking up with three athletes and their stinky gear, rotating door of hookups, and tendency to inhale every snack in the house. Just one reason of many that hockey players aren't my type.

When I walk in the front door with an armload of boxes, however, I'm faced with another problem.

My anonymous fling from two months ago is Tyler Donahue, the superstar goalie for my brother’s team.

We both agree to pretend it never happened, but it quickly becomes clear neither of us can forget. Before I know it, we're exchanging heated glances from across the room, sending spicy texts at all hours of the night, and stealing kisses behind closed doors.

Since my overprotective brother would freak out, we decide to keep things between us a secret. There’s no point in rocking the boat when I don't want a boyfriend, and Tyler doesn't have time for a girlfriend with his grueling hockey schedule. But as our no-strings arrangement turns into something deeper and more meaningful, I begin to see a softer side of the broody, closed-off goalie. He's gentle, protective, and giving in every sense of the word. Despite what I told myself going in, I'm falling hard and falling fast.

We said we'd keep things casual, but hearts have a way of breaking all the rules.

Review

Shutout was a short and sweet romance. It highlighted genuine relationships and touched upon realistic health concerns while not forgetting to have some fun.

Seraphina (Sera) and Tyler were more similar than they knew- both dealing with a lot of uncertainties while navigating life in general. “While I have a hazy, imprecise understanding of what I want out of life, I couldn’t articulate it if I tried.” (p. 89) “It’s easier to maintain where you are than to make a comeback if you fall.” (p. 256) They unwittingly change each other's lives when they met (again). Tyler helped Sera move forward (eg. leave toxic friendships behind) while she helped him realize there was more to life than hockey. Both were ready to start living their lives to the fullest.

I thought Chase and Bailey were hot in Offside but Tyler’s dirty talks and stealthy rendezvous with Sera were liquid fire in Shutout. They really lit up the pages! Neither were shy about their needs too ;) They owned the bedroom/announcer box.

The Rules of the Game teammates might be my favourite friend group ever. From Dallas and Siobhan’s priceless reactions when they accidentally found out about Sera and Tyler to Chase's unspoken understanding of Tyler's feelings, these guys and gals cared for one another. They showed it in their own unique way and everyone was funny as hell ;)

I have come to realize that family and hockey is a great combo when it comes to sports romances. Shutout was a heartwarming read with support from all sides. I'd love to read more in this expert world on ice!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.