Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
One kiss - that's all it took

For her to go from off limits to my off duty lover. For years we worked side by side and in an instant everything changed in the best way possible.

Jessica McBee was my best friend, my partner on the force and my only weakness.

When Myla Hayes, the wife of the captain of the NY Otters hockey team, is being harassed, we have to work together to take down the suspect.

But how can I let her be in the line of fire when I'm in love?

**Off Duty is the sixth book in the Shots On Goal series and can be read as a STANDALONE.**

99 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2017

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Kristen Hope Mazzola

60 books1,101 followers
Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Kristen Hope Mazzola, is a Florida native that has found herself loving a North Carolina life. She writes contemporary romance ranging from steamy romantic comedy, sexy erotica, angsty new adult, all the way to sports romance – with dirty bikers, hot military men, and swoon-worthy rockstars in between.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
57 (41%)
4 stars
55 (39%)
3 stars
13 (9%)
2 stars
12 (8%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl Whitty.
904 reviews14 followers
December 1, 2017
Reviewed on Behalf of http://bookaddict.live,
This book is about Sean the policeman friend of Gavin and Myla, and plenty of other characters from same world. Sean has got used to seeing his best friends happy, fulfilled and in love.
Then he gets a new partner Jessica McBee, and he works with her for a year or two before either one will admit to other how they feel.
This was a quick and I felt quite a festive read, but there is so much packed in, with the story and the time line. This is no insta lust or love, they get to become best friends and partners first and the rest follows. There is so much more but that’s it from me, you need to read it yourself. This can be read as a standalone or a great addition to the series.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
764 reviews10 followers
April 23, 2018
Loved!

The last book in this stand alone series, was just like the others AMAZING!Loved every page of it, I think Sean may be one of my favorite hero's from all the books!
Profile Image for Samantha Grubey.
Author 4 books27 followers
February 2, 2023
Oh wow I’d like to thank L. Woods PR for sending me an e-arc of this book and I am so sorry about how long this review took to actually get up. I feel terrible but you know what they say? Better late than never! I have never read anything by this author and I was very pleasantly surprised by what I read. I really enjoyed this story. It was very fast paced but that didn’t take away from the story and it, in fact, worked with the story.

I loved Sean and Jessica, they were fantastic characters and it was nice to see a woman in such a powerful position being a cop. I loved how we had a time jump between from when Jessica first started on the force and was partnered with Sean to a year (I think) later when they are both comfortable with each other.

You could tell how close Jessica and Sean was with each other and everyone could tell they liked each other. They both really liked each other and I’d say they both loved each other before they really started dating, and you could tell. They both felt a little jealous in certain circumstances and it did make me smile. I loved how he just tried to protect her and she didn’t want to leave him in the line of fire when it came to their job. It was so sweet.

This story was told in two points of view and I did love it, you could see how both Sean and Jessica felt with each other. There were so many moments in this story that just made me laugh and it gave me such sweet and cute feelings. The plot aside I really did love the romance and it was like the best thing in the book. I liked the plot it showed ways of Jessica and Sean and how they felt about each other.

Something I did laugh out loud on was the fact all their friends and colleagues had a wager on them on when they would get together. I love stories when everyone else knows they’re going to get together. I loved this book it was what I wanted to read at a time and I will definitely be reading more from this author!
Profile Image for Liz.
3,504 reviews58 followers
December 1, 2017
Off Duty by Kristen Hope Mazzola was a quick and fun read with a touch of the forbidden, but mostly a friends-to-lovers romance.

Sean Whistler has been on the force for a few years when he gets a new partner. Though he finds her attractive, she is his partner and off-limits. He introduces her to his friends and they all become very good friends. But as they get to know each other, Sean’s feeling begin to change.

Jessica McBee has always kept to herself, but when she joins the force, she gains not only a great friend as a partner, but his friends as well. She loves being on the force and is all she ever wanted. But the more time she spends with Sean, the more she wants him. But he is her partner and off limits.

Though I have read other books by this author, this is the first time I am reading about this group of characters. This novella was a great introduction to them and will read Hat Trick soon, however, it is a standalone novella and can be read as such. I loved this group of friends and the chemistry and banter between Sean and Jessica.

Off Duty was a great quick read with very likeable characters. The story drew me in and the added suspense added to the story.

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Book Snob Sue.
1,336 reviews123 followers
December 24, 2017
This book takes you through different points of times in the characters lives. Starts out with Sean’s first day on the job as a cop...which turns out to be one of his worst days. Fast forward and Seans best friend, Gavin the hockey player, gets stood up at his own wedding. Fast forward again and Sean meets his new partner Jessica. This book is a series of events and lives intertwined leading up to a major moment in the book.

This was my first book by this author and I did like it. Not sure I felt it flowed really well, I felt it just moved from timeframe to timeframe a little too quickly. But it was good writing, a safe read and an epilogue after the couple officially got together. I will definitely be checking more of her books.
Profile Image for Rachel Caplinger.
174 reviews9 followers
December 1, 2017
The semi forbidden love of partners at work, comes to real life in another one of Kristen Hope Mazzola's works of utter art. Another home run with this one from the USA bestseller author! A nice spin/off from the Otters hockey series that she has written, these two cops find themselves on sizzling ground and really falling in love in the best of ways-- with your absolute best friend and partner in all things. I loved everything about this book and I know I am going to sound all fan girl when I say I haven't read a single one of this author's books that I didn't just absolutely love. Simply put--- Read this, I promise you will be fan-girling also by the time you finish!
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,269 reviews74 followers
December 1, 2017
4.5 Stars

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, suspense, and heartbreak.

This is Jessica and Sean’s story. This story is about beat friends and partners who over time start having feelings for each other. They work at trying to move there relationship to lovers. Everything is going good that is until someone asks Sean to take a case that could get he more into the line of fire. How will Jess take it? Is this the end of them? Or will they be able to move forward and count on each other?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,471 reviews17 followers
December 1, 2017
Off Duty by Kristen Hope Mazzola a four-star read that will have you fighting for what you want. This is the sixth book in the Shots on Goal series but can be read a stand-alone. I wish this story was longer, it was a great story just some-times it felt a touch rushed. But Kirsten Hope Mazzola has a way of making you forget that, the story between Sean and Jessica was sweet and funny made you want to be part of their world. Keep up the good work Kristen.
Profile Image for Elaine.
719 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2017
This book was short but it had everything from laughing to crying but oh man it was sexy and hot in all the right places. Sean and Jess make a sweet couple!
Profile Image for Julie.
2,004 reviews31 followers
December 22, 2017
A nice read. Sean and Jessica are NYPD partners who's feelings for each other have developed beyond friendship, they know it's wrong as partners are off limits, so they each keep their feelings to them selves. But how can they carry on this way? They both feel like they are living in a live time bomb.

This book was not as entertaining as the previous Shots on Goal stories, I found it a little confusing at times and had to back track several times to get the plot straight in my mind. I think if it wasn't a novella, more time could have been spent on the flash backs and it wouldn't have been a problem.

But in hindsight, the story was an enjoyable fast read once you have "got" the plot. There's tension when a friend needs their professional help which adds some suspense. And I liked Sean and Jessica but would have liked to have seen more of their growing relationship, but there was added previous characters which is nice, but that's novella's for you.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Horbaczek.
765 reviews6 followers
December 4, 2017
4 stars


If you are looking for a quick read with a lot of action, hot cops, and a great story line; you got it right here. This is a book that you can read in a couple of hours and love every minute of it. The characters of this book are great. They tell a good story between all of them and you feel like you are part of their little family. This book only goes about sixty eight percent through the book, but then you get a sneak peak of Unacceptable. And that in itself is pretty awesome. Kristen put together this short book and keeps you interested all the way through the book. I loved McBee and Whistler. Whistler was a cop that took a rookie under his belt, but wanted more than that from the beginning. What was nice is that they formed a bond and with that bond it was more than a fling. You knew how the felt for each other and that it took them time to get there. That makes the book something that you want to keep on reading. McBee comes from a family of cops. This was her dream and when she gets paired with Whistler, well she doesn't know how she is going to do it without wanting to be with him.

Years go on and then a case comes up that involves his best friend. But it also means it may put McBee in danger. Is Sean going to be able to control how he feels to protect McBee, or will that be their downfall. These two were great to watch and the action in the book keeps the reading intense at times. I loved that it moved in years that nothing happened overnight. They needed to develop and grow with each other and that is what they did. Kristen did a great job of making it a believable book and not a wham bam everything happens at once book.

Kristen has become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to see what else she brings out.
Profile Image for Spellbound Stories.
686 reviews401 followers
December 3, 2017
Off Duty by Kristen Hope Mazzola is a quick read that I enjoyed...however I didn't love it. It revolves around two police officers who over time develop a relationship. While not a story of instant love, the two become close friends before they become lovers. Sean struggles with his feelings for Jessica regardless of his respect for her as a police officer. He loves her and the thoughts of her in jeopardy terrify him. The two are partners and are not allowed to have a physical relationship with one another...therefore it's kept secret. That adds a thrilling element to the couple's affair.

Kristen Hope Mazzola writes a good story, and while I have read her in the past, this is not my favorite of her work. The book did jump around quiet a bit, which I just didn't care for. I understood the timeline she was trying to establish...I just felt like it was too cut and dry at times. I liked Sean and Jessica, and I loved that the story was duel perspectives but I didn't connect with the two as I might have under different circumstances. Sean and Jess as a couple were sweet...and the sexy times were hot. But ultimately I had to backtrack a few times and when the book you are reading is short, I feel like that is unnecessary.

Don't be deterred by my review...Kristen Hope Mazzola is a USA Times Best Selling Author for a reason. Not all her books can be five star books...although most definitely are! I am pretty sure if you are reading this without a blogger/Editor's eye...you will love it! Reviewed On Behalf of Spellbound Stories http://www.thespellboundstories.com
Profile Image for Michelle Abascal Monroy.
336 reviews39 followers
November 22, 2016
5 SEXY BLUE STARS

I received an ARC of Off Duty in exchange for an honest review.

This book is about two sexy characters from Hat Trick, Jesicca McBee and Sean Whistler, If you have already read Hat Trick you're expecting this story just like me!! we know that Sean is the best friend of Gavin and that he's a sexy policeman who has a new partner the beautiful McBee. When I finish Hat Trick I was like OMG I need their story and thank god happened!.

In this short story that is part of the Bleed Blue 69 anthology, we know the beautiful story about these two amazing persons!! is amazing to see how the friendship and partner relationship started, and also you can feel since the beginning that the chemistry between them is amazing! I love all the situations and events in this short story but I also love that Kristen makes crossovers (I love read this in books) because whe can see in this story characters from other of her books!!

I seriously love this story and if the others in this anthology are the same I can say that I can't wait to read them!!

Congrats Kristen for this story and is awesome that you're part of this amazing anthology that support a great charity!
Profile Image for Chasing Away Reality.
469 reviews31 followers
December 2, 2017
I loved these characters, but I needed something more from this story. We were introduced to Jess and Sean in the previous books of this series and got to know a little about their involvement with the players, friends, and family of the NY Otters Hockey team. We also got to witness a little of the tension that existed between these partners, so the anticipation of what was to come was high. But the final story of their coming together just fell short for me.

If you haven't read the other stories in this series, you may feel lost. There were too many character introductions/interactions quickly explained in addition to the sporadic timeline. I was okay with it, since I'm familiar with the other stories. What threw me off was the lack of depth to Sean and Jess, as well as their rushed relationship. I realize it was years in the making, but we only get a small glimpse of their past and present. I wanted tension, uncertainty, passion, and conflict. What we got was one moment of misplaced jealousy turned to rushed on-duty sex. I also couldn't really get into the stalker part of the story. That entire situation felt contrived and was without explanation or being fully developed.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
4,570 reviews243 followers
December 8, 2017
**Disclaimer: Please keep mind this story was originally published as part of the Bleed Blue 69 anthology. It has since been expanded and is now a full-length book.**

Sean and Jessica, best friends and partners, have worked together as cops for years, but in an instant the way they viewed one another changed, an explosively intense kiss between them being the catalyst.

Jessica is Sean's weakness, and vice versa, and while both know their friendship could be at risk, as well as potentially their jobs, neither can deny the attraction now that it's been discovered.

But now their personal relationship is impacting that of their professional one. When Myla, the Otters' captain's wife, is combating harassment, Sean and Jessica must work together to discover who is behind it and why. However, with love in the mix now, well, that of a more intimate kind, Sean is struggling with the danger Jessica faces due to their job.

Can they keep Myla safe and uncover who is bothering her? Can they maintain both parts of their lives, or will one have to give? Will Sean accept that Jessica isn't any less able to do her job now that they're a couple? Is a HEA possible?

One-click now and follow along as two people's friendship takes a drastic change.- By Elizabeth
Profile Image for Laura.
2,421 reviews115 followers
December 4, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Author and L. Woods PR***

Sean and Jessica never seemed like real people to me. Part of it, I think, was the writing style of the autor which felt a little inaccessible to me. There seemed to be more "tell" what was happening than show, and I really never felt engaged with the characters in the story.

I think part of the issue is that this book really doesn't function as a standalone. The story of Jessica and Sean is contained within, but the problem is that you are also given a whole bunch of other characters and it is impossible to keep them all straight. It becomes clear that while this is a standalone, it is a book that has a lot of crossover and not knowing who the characters were from the previous books makes it hard to invest with them as well.

All of the characters, and the writing style, left me feeling like I was picking this up in the middle and I never really caught up to the characters, their pasts, or the action.

I am not really able to recommend this title, however, if you have read all of the other books in the series, you may have a very different take on the book and the characters.
Profile Image for 2kasmom.
1,449 reviews54 followers
November 30, 2017
This book is #6, in the Shots On Goal series. It is intended to be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment and to avoid spoilers, I would read this series in order.

Sean has a rough job. Good thing he has amazing friends. When he gets a new partner, the last thing he expects to be is attracted and have feelings for her. He knows if he acts on those feelings, they will be separated.

Jessica is excited to have such a great partner. He respects her, and even invited her to meet his friends. Only one problem - she is attracted to him. She can never act on it unless she wants to get a new partner.

This book moves at such a fast pace! I found myself confused as to the arrangement of it at some times. I think the series as a whole will put more perspective on what I felt I missed. There is lots of good humor, friendship, and even sexy times. I look forward to finishing the rest of the series to come.


***This ARC copy was given in exchange of an honest review.
December 1, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author and it's left me a little disappointed.

Billed as a standalone even though it's part of a series was a bit deceptive as you are introduced to multi characters all at once and have no real idea of the relationship. I understand this is the case with most books of this nature but some are longer books so you get more of a back story.
At the beginning Sean is supporting his best friend dumped at the alter. Then it jumps few years where Sean finds himself with a new partner in the police force. Another year time leap finds him madly in love with Jess, his partner.

While time jumps work in some books I don't think this book was one of them. As it's a novella the whole story to me just felt too rushed, which in my opinion is very distracting. Also with time leaps I had to check back a few times to keep track of characters, again not something I enjoy in a book.

As a longer book with more detail, back story and less time leaps I may have enjoyed this story more, but in its current form I found little enjoyable about it.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.2k reviews87 followers
May 4, 2018
Low Blow - When Griffin was 16 a harmless punch led to a heart infection and suddenly he needs a heart transplant to live. It is a devastating situation to be in as you hope for a heart and at the same time you know that for you to receive a heart someone else has to die. Ten years later he still hasn’t gotten over the guilt, so he decides to meet the donor’s adult daughter.

Olive was 14 when her Dad passed away and she still feels a void to this day. She works as a mechanic out of her dad’s garage and was beyond shocked to see the recipient of his heart.

From the moment they met they had an instant connection and they both finally feel whole but is it enough to over the pain of the past?

This is an emotional story of appreciating every day and every moment you have with your loved ones. I have bought all these stories separately and I will definitely be reading the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Crystal.
238 reviews6 followers
November 28, 2017
3.5 stars
Off Duty
By Kristen Hope Mazzola

Fast cute read. This is the story of Sean and Jessica. NYPD partners so they know a relationship and feelings for each other are off limits. How long can they keep their feelings quite for each other?

I really liked the blurb and was expecting more action than there was in the novella. The beginning of the book was very hard to follow with the flashback scenes. I found myself going back and having to read over the first few chapters to catch what was happening and what time frame.

The story was very predictable but overall a sweet and no angst story. I know I would like to check out Gavin and Kyle's story and also Jordon and her crush :) recommend to anyone wanting a sweet quick read with no angst.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews95 followers
November 30, 2017
If it’s one thing I’ve learned since discovering Kristen Hope Mazzola, it’s that you can always count of her to deliver something that will leave you happy. She’s the queen of fast, sweet, sexy romance. While not long, Off Duty delivers a beautiful story of love, friendship, and suspense that leaves you dying for more of Kristen’s incredible writing. I’m always blown away how full her books are even when they aren’t long. She has this ability to give you a story that blows you away while you quickly devour every page.

Sean and Jess were such a sweet and beautiful couple. I could not get enough of them. Their friends/partners to lovers romance was so incredibly sweet I couldn’t help but absolutely love them! I was grinning ear to ear while reading every page with them.
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,800 reviews116 followers
December 1, 2017
4.5 Stars!

Kristen Hope Mazzola is semi newish to me but man I'm digging her style. Sexy. Sweet. Short. Light. Easy. And such beautiful romances. She gives me the type of love story that I love after I read heavy...in all the best ways.

Off Duty was such an amazing journey and a brilliant book. Captivating. Undeniable. Unforgettable. Jessica and Sean hooked me from the very start and didn't let go.

Partners. Best friends. Something more.
Sizzling chemistry. Steamy sexy times. Great banter. Intense...everything.

This is one you do not want to miss and it's perfect to heat you up on a chilly afternoon or evening.

I highly recommend this book.

Review Post >> https://reneeentress.blogspot.com/201...
Profile Image for Becky Baldridge.
3,400 reviews104 followers
December 1, 2017
Another fantastic read from Kristen Hope Mazzola! This author has a talent for packing a lot of story into a novella length read - a good thing because I couldn't put this one down. Off Duty is fast-paced and a perfect combination of friends, family, romance, suspense, and action. There are time jumps in the story, which can be tricky, but they are done quite well and I didn't feel like I missed anything. Those time jumps along with all the great characters did pique my curiosity and completely suck me in, so I'll certainly be checking out the rest of Shots on Goal books! As I've come to expect from this author, the story is well-written and entertaining, packing a big punch into a fun, quick read.
Profile Image for Kim  Brewing.
3,335 reviews35 followers
December 1, 2017
3.75 stars

I haven't read any of the previous stories in the series, so I did feel I missed some of the connections. Although, I do want to go back and read them now.

This is about two police officers, a man and a woman. Sean has had a group of friends for ages and when introduced to Jess, they all fell into a great friendship. The problem, one of their friends has a stalker and our two in blue are fighting feelings for each other! The beginning has some, what I call "time windows" before coming to present day. Since it a novella, these help in getting to know our main characters.

Overall a quick, enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Jessica .
975 reviews24 followers
December 4, 2017
I volunteered to read an ARC of this story. No form of payment was received.

The story line was great and I loved Jess and Sean. Jess and Sean are NYPD Police officers and partners. They are both fighting their feelings, not sure if the other one is feeling the same thing, plus not wanting to have to get new partners if they decided to be a couple.

Will the two finally give in or will they always put their job first? Read to find out.

What I didn't care for was all the jumping in time, it left me feeling like I was missing parts of the story! I do plan to go back and read book with the other characters in this book because I loved them all.
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,342 reviews78 followers
December 10, 2017
This is the story of Jessica and Sean . They are thrown together as partners on a police force and they work well together in the field. Their group of friends know each time they see them together that they would make a fabulous couple in their personal life. Neither Sean or Jessica want to cross that line. The more they spend time together the stronger the urge to become more than friends intensifies ! I loved their journey it was filled with fun, sweetness , action and mystery ! Everything that you would want In a great read!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Profile Image for Melissa.
830 reviews
December 4, 2017

Jessica is Sean's new partner.  They become best friends.  A year or 2 later, Sean kisses Jessica on duty and everything changes between them.  But, when they are to talk about the changes, they get an urgent call to go see Myla about a note she received.  

This is book #6 in the Shots in Goal series.  This is my first book ever by Kristen Hope Mazzola.  I can not wait to read more from her and more of this series.

Great book!!


☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa 
318 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2017
Aclittle biy if everything

I really enjoyed this story of Jessica and Sean. While this is a standalone to have the back stories of some of the other characters would make this a bit easier to follow. This is not your typical love story and it has a bit of mystery figuring out who the stalker is. This is a shorter story that can be read in one for 2 sittings. Also this story takes place over the Christmas holiday so it was fitting to read this time of year. Also I loved the friendship that this group of friends share. I think this story could be enjoyed by everyone!!!
Profile Image for Ree.
2,456 reviews51 followers
December 1, 2017
A nice book to read - not overly long but not too short. It's a little different from the regular friends-to-lovers tropes, but not in a bad way. It focuses on different aspects of other relationships in addition to the main one we're reading about.

It's light, and has very little in the way of emotional upheaval or angst. I was very surprised at the length, though, and felt it could be a little longer.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.