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The Baltimore Banners #6
Delay of Game
Valerie Michaels knows all about life, responsibility--and hockey. After all, her brother is a defenseman for the Baltimore Banners. The last thing she needs--or wants--is to get tangled up with one of her brother's teammates. She doesn't have time, not when running The Maypole is her top priority. She opened the popular sports bar and restaurant two years ago and has been busy ever since. Maybe too busy. Could that be the reason she's suddenly drawn to the troubled Justin Tome? Or is it because she senses something deeper inside him, something she thinks she can fix?
On the surface, Justin Tome has it all: a successful career with the Banners, money, fame. But he's been on a downward spiral the last few months. He's become more withdrawn, his game has gone downhill, and he's been partying too much. He thinks it's nothing more than what's expected of him, nothing more than once again failing to meet expectations and never quite measuring up. Then he starts dating Val and realizes that maybe he has more to offer than he thinks.
Or does he? Sometimes voices from the past, voices you've heard all your life, are too strong to overcome. And when the unexpected happens, Justin is certain he's looking at a permanent Delay of Game--unless one strong woman can make him see that life is all about the future, not the past.
On the surface, Justin Tome has it all: a successful career with the Banners, money, fame. But he's been on a downward spiral the last few months. He's become more withdrawn, his game has gone downhill, and he's been partying too much. He thinks it's nothing more than what's expected of him, nothing more than once again failing to meet expectations and never quite measuring up. Then he starts dating Val and realizes that maybe he has more to offer than he thinks.
Or does he? Sometimes voices from the past, voices you've heard all your life, are too strong to overcome. And when the unexpected happens, Justin is certain he's looking at a permanent Delay of Game--unless one strong woman can make him see that life is all about the future, not the past.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2016
About the author
Lisa B. Kamps
65 books796 followersLisa B. Kamps is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes steamy romance with real-life characters and relatable stories that evoke deep emotion. She likes her men hard, her bed soft, her coffee strong, her whiskey neat, and her wine chilled...and when it comes to sports, hockey is the only thing that matters!
Lisa currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons (who are mostly sorta-kinda out of the house), one very spoiled Border Collie, two cats with major attitude, several head of cattle, and entirely too many chickens to count. When she's not busy writing or chasing animals, she's cheering loudly for her favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals--or going through withdrawal and waiting for October to roll back around!
For more information, please visit: www.LisaBKamps.com
Lisa currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons (who are mostly sorta-kinda out of the house), one very spoiled Border Collie, two cats with major attitude, several head of cattle, and entirely too many chickens to count. When she's not busy writing or chasing animals, she's cheering loudly for her favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals--or going through withdrawal and waiting for October to roll back around!
For more information, please visit: www.LisaBKamps.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 24, 2016
Delay of Game by Lisa B. Kamps is a spicy emotional tale that will sneak up on you. Justin Tome has it all or at least that what it seems to everyone else, he's part of a successful hockey team after all. Justin has been going through a downward spiral that has affected his play for the past few months, drinking and partying have put his career future in jeopardy. When Justin wakes up after a bender in his teammates sisters bed it's only another thing to remind him everyone expects him to screw up. Valerie Michaels lives and breathes hockey, part owner in Maypole sports bar and sister of Randy who plays for the Banners, so when Justin is drop down drunk and his teams aren't around she can't help but take him home to care for him. Valerie is attracted to Justin but others can't seem to hold back their opinions that maybe it's just a attraction to fix Justin. Can Justin clean up is act and become the man Valerie deserves? Will Valerie start to live life instead of only living for work and open her heart to options?
I love this series so much and this book did not disappoint I devoured it in less than a day! Lisa created a very emotional story of abuse that I didn't see coming. Big strong hockey players are held to higher standards and when they break down they need support like anyone else if not more because they won't ask for help. With all the issues with forceful hockey parents in youth hockey this could play as a warning sign for parents. The chemistry between Justin and Val is undeniably white hot and you'll be cheering for them too. Another fantastic installment of the Baltimore Banners series these books just keep getting better and better and I can't wait for the next one! 5 Stars for Lisa B. Kamps Delay of Game.
** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
I love this series so much and this book did not disappoint I devoured it in less than a day! Lisa created a very emotional story of abuse that I didn't see coming. Big strong hockey players are held to higher standards and when they break down they need support like anyone else if not more because they won't ask for help. With all the issues with forceful hockey parents in youth hockey this could play as a warning sign for parents. The chemistry between Justin and Val is undeniably white hot and you'll be cheering for them too. Another fantastic installment of the Baltimore Banners series these books just keep getting better and better and I can't wait for the next one! 5 Stars for Lisa B. Kamps Delay of Game.
** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
February 11, 2016
Delay of Game (Baltimore Banners #6) by Lisa B. Kamps I loved Lisa B. Kamps’s Delay of Game. It is a wonderful addition to the Baltimore Banners Series. NHL player Justin Tome has been failing to measure up. The last thing he should do is get involved with his teammate's sister, Valerie Michaels. This contemporary hockey romance is suitable for new adult and adult audiences.
My son plays hockey and his name is Justin, so I had a little spot in my heart for Justin Tome right away. Plus, he used to wear the same jersey number, 90. Grant it other than that, they are nothing alike. Justin Tome has had a hard life. His mom dies when he was young, and his dad is …evil…a jerk…pond scum; you get the idea. My heart went out to Justin, the abuse he endured is tragic. It was no wonder he felt so little self-worth. Val has the perfect personality for Justin. She is tough. She doesn’t pity him. She cares about him and wants to help him. I like that she does not let her brother’s opinion sway her out of dating Justin. They have great chemistry. They have numerous obstacles to overcome. The hockey scenes are well described. I enjoy the team dynamics and comradery. I enjoyed the plot. The story had unexpected situations and felt well resolved. I love the ending. Lisa B. Kamps has continued to do a wonderful job with the Baltimore Banners Series. I look forward to her next book.
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My son plays hockey and his name is Justin, so I had a little spot in my heart for Justin Tome right away. Plus, he used to wear the same jersey number, 90. Grant it other than that, they are nothing alike. Justin Tome has had a hard life. His mom dies when he was young, and his dad is …evil…a jerk…pond scum; you get the idea. My heart went out to Justin, the abuse he endured is tragic. It was no wonder he felt so little self-worth. Val has the perfect personality for Justin. She is tough. She doesn’t pity him. She cares about him and wants to help him. I like that she does not let her brother’s opinion sway her out of dating Justin. They have great chemistry. They have numerous obstacles to overcome. The hockey scenes are well described. I enjoy the team dynamics and comradery. I enjoyed the plot. The story had unexpected situations and felt well resolved. I love the ending. Lisa B. Kamps has continued to do a wonderful job with the Baltimore Banners Series. I look forward to her next book.
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2016
This was really cute, loved the ending. This whole series just keeps getting better and better and I can't wait for the next 2 books
February 26, 2016
Another SCORE for Ms. Kamps!! This series just keeps getting better and better as it goes along. Val, the little sister of one of the Banners, has been around hockey forever and has never really been drawn to one of the players, then comes Justin Tome. He is a man with baggage, but Val cannot seem to stay away. Justin is so much more than just a hockey player and is dealing with a whole lot more than scoring the next goal. The story is filled with heat, sweet, and sweat! Loved how real the characters seem and how the story pulls you in. I really love this whole team and the lovely ladies from the Maypole! I hope this series go on and on! This is a series that you should be reading and reading now!
February 8, 2021
I wasn’t sure what to think about this book when I started it. A drunk hero who couldn’t remember anything from the night before, waking up at the heroine’s apartment. And there their love story started.
What was the chemistry between this couple? Justin was getting wasted for the last couple of months in Val’s pub. And somehow that attracted her, because she had a major crush on him. I don’t see anything appealing in a drunk guy, but she apparently did. They went from acquaintances to lovers in seconds. I didn’t read the previous books, so perhaps there was a build up in these books. But according to Justin’s POV I don’t think so. I also don’t know how Justin felt about her. Was he attracted to her before? He is taken by surprise by her seduction and is having sex with her before he knows what’s going on. He can’t get her out of his mind after their rendez-vous, but it’s never clear if he saw her as anything else than his teammate’s sister before that.
I loved Justin and was curious why he felt such a fuck up, when he clearly wasn’t. He let these thoughts run him, which was caused by mental abuse for years. I felt sorry for him, because he was a good guy. Val opened up his eyes and made him believe he was worthwhile. His story still raised some questions. Why didn’t his father care for him? I thought perhaps he wasn’t his biological father. But did wasn’t evolved in the book. Their story ended abruptly and wasn’t fulfilling. What about his brother? Why didn’t he had his back and where does it leave him in their family future? The same with Justin’s ex wife. Why did he marry her when he disliked her so much? Why did they split up? Justin’s story left me with more questions than answers.
We don’t learn much about Val’s past, except for her brother Randy. I have some mixed feelings about Val, can’t say I really liked her. She was sweet for Justin but she played dumb too many times. Her interactions with Alyssa annoyed me. Her friend clearly wanted to help, but she was too much in denial and played dumb “I don’t know what you’re talking about” and “What do you mean?” It was annoying and made me dislike Val at times.
I was waiting for Justin’s big fuck up, but it never came. If the author meant him taking his time to clear his head, then no that wasn’t a fuck up in my opinion. I was waiting for him drinking again or getting addicted to his medication. But it never came. Then I thought his ex wife must show up and cause drama, but that also didn’t happen. This book was low in angst and besides the drama with Justin’s family this story was flat.
Perhaps you have to read the previous books in this story (which I didn’t) and this isn’t quite a standalone. But I’m left with questions and don’t think their story is quite complete. Although I didn’t not like the book, my expectations were higher.
What was the chemistry between this couple? Justin was getting wasted for the last couple of months in Val’s pub. And somehow that attracted her, because she had a major crush on him. I don’t see anything appealing in a drunk guy, but she apparently did. They went from acquaintances to lovers in seconds. I didn’t read the previous books, so perhaps there was a build up in these books. But according to Justin’s POV I don’t think so. I also don’t know how Justin felt about her. Was he attracted to her before? He is taken by surprise by her seduction and is having sex with her before he knows what’s going on. He can’t get her out of his mind after their rendez-vous, but it’s never clear if he saw her as anything else than his teammate’s sister before that.
I loved Justin and was curious why he felt such a fuck up, when he clearly wasn’t. He let these thoughts run him, which was caused by mental abuse for years. I felt sorry for him, because he was a good guy. Val opened up his eyes and made him believe he was worthwhile. His story still raised some questions. Why didn’t his father care for him? I thought perhaps he wasn’t his biological father. But did wasn’t evolved in the book. Their story ended abruptly and wasn’t fulfilling. What about his brother? Why didn’t he had his back and where does it leave him in their family future? The same with Justin’s ex wife. Why did he marry her when he disliked her so much? Why did they split up? Justin’s story left me with more questions than answers.
We don’t learn much about Val’s past, except for her brother Randy. I have some mixed feelings about Val, can’t say I really liked her. She was sweet for Justin but she played dumb too many times. Her interactions with Alyssa annoyed me. Her friend clearly wanted to help, but she was too much in denial and played dumb “I don’t know what you’re talking about” and “What do you mean?” It was annoying and made me dislike Val at times.
I was waiting for Justin’s big fuck up, but it never came. If the author meant him taking his time to clear his head, then no that wasn’t a fuck up in my opinion. I was waiting for him drinking again or getting addicted to his medication. But it never came. Then I thought his ex wife must show up and cause drama, but that also didn’t happen. This book was low in angst and besides the drama with Justin’s family this story was flat.
Perhaps you have to read the previous books in this story (which I didn’t) and this isn’t quite a standalone. But I’m left with questions and don’t think their story is quite complete. Although I didn’t not like the book, my expectations were higher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2019
Not thrilled with this book at all. I found both characters lacking and the self deprecation is really annoying. The book starts with Justin waking up hung over from a drink night out where he blacks out and gets sick. Then finds out that Val took care of him. There's no build up to their relationship at all. It was just there. And I'm also getting tired of the reoccurring theme of internal dialogue only to just suddenly kiss the other out of the blue. It's as if the author is running out of ideas and recycling the same thing over and over. Disappointing...
August 10, 2018
Hockey romance
Love this series and all the players. It s been a lot of fun meeting each one. I can't wait to read next book.
Love this series and all the players. It s been a lot of fun meeting each one. I can't wait to read next book.
February 12, 2020
Great books series
I love this series of books. I can’t wait for the next book comes out and I always keep reading until I finish no matter what time it is.
I love this series of books. I can’t wait for the next book comes out and I always keep reading until I finish no matter what time it is.
January 29, 2024
⛔️ (in notes)
February 29, 2016
4.5 out of 5
This series has really been a mixed bunch for me. I’ve quite liked some and others not so much. Happy for me this is one I liked quite a bit.
We didn’t really meet him but our hero Justine Tome, was mentioned in a previous book where it was mentioned he had quite an issue with alcohol. Seems all of his team mates are aware of it. He started off his career great but the more he drinks, the worse he plays. He hits rock bottom when he wakes up in a strange place, naked, stinking of vomit and he only has the vaguest of recollections as to what happened the night before.
He lucks out though. The home of Valerie Michaels is where he ends up. She is the sister of one of his teammates and also part owner of the team’s local hang out. With a great deal of difficulty, she manages to get him back to her place and into bed. He is horrified and embarrassed when he realizes where he is and who cleaned him up. He knows Valerie slightly due to the connections so at least she isn’t a total stranger. But still he feels he needs to make it up to her.
A short time later he has the mother of all hangovers and really suffers through a practice for the team’s next game. After it’s evident to everyone how much he is suffering, he’s called into the coaches office and told he’s sitting out the next game as a healthy scratch. For those who don’t know hockey, this is an uh,oh move. It usually means the player has been a very bad boy, too many players called up from the minors, ok or a looming possible trade.
Between waking up in a strange place, his embarrassment over it and a real scare about screwing up his career, Justin begins to see how far he has sunk and is determined to change his ways.
This means getting in touch with Valerie to do a mea culpa. Now she doesn’t let Justin know but she’s been ‘aware’ of him for a while. But up until now there have been too many obstacles for either to make any kind of move. The two biggies, she knows he’s a mess emotionally and then there is the unwritten Bro Code that you don’t mess with a teammate’s sister. And Randy, her brother is a pretty protective brother.
But as Justin begins to open up to Valerie and share his demons, the demons that are destroying him, they become friends and then more.
I love Justin. He’s the kind of hero you want to just hug and hug and hug until his pain goes away. It’s no surprise he’s become the man whore/drunk that he has. He’s got real nasty issues working against him.
Ad Valerie is an equally well written character. As she gets to know Justin and spends more time in his company, she becomes less and less of a workaholic. They really are good for each other.
I have no problems at all recommending this book to those who enjoy reading this kind of story.
This series has really been a mixed bunch for me. I’ve quite liked some and others not so much. Happy for me this is one I liked quite a bit.
We didn’t really meet him but our hero Justine Tome, was mentioned in a previous book where it was mentioned he had quite an issue with alcohol. Seems all of his team mates are aware of it. He started off his career great but the more he drinks, the worse he plays. He hits rock bottom when he wakes up in a strange place, naked, stinking of vomit and he only has the vaguest of recollections as to what happened the night before.
He lucks out though. The home of Valerie Michaels is where he ends up. She is the sister of one of his teammates and also part owner of the team’s local hang out. With a great deal of difficulty, she manages to get him back to her place and into bed. He is horrified and embarrassed when he realizes where he is and who cleaned him up. He knows Valerie slightly due to the connections so at least she isn’t a total stranger. But still he feels he needs to make it up to her.
A short time later he has the mother of all hangovers and really suffers through a practice for the team’s next game. After it’s evident to everyone how much he is suffering, he’s called into the coaches office and told he’s sitting out the next game as a healthy scratch. For those who don’t know hockey, this is an uh,oh move. It usually means the player has been a very bad boy, too many players called up from the minors, ok or a looming possible trade.
Between waking up in a strange place, his embarrassment over it and a real scare about screwing up his career, Justin begins to see how far he has sunk and is determined to change his ways.
This means getting in touch with Valerie to do a mea culpa. Now she doesn’t let Justin know but she’s been ‘aware’ of him for a while. But up until now there have been too many obstacles for either to make any kind of move. The two biggies, she knows he’s a mess emotionally and then there is the unwritten Bro Code that you don’t mess with a teammate’s sister. And Randy, her brother is a pretty protective brother.
But as Justin begins to open up to Valerie and share his demons, the demons that are destroying him, they become friends and then more.
I love Justin. He’s the kind of hero you want to just hug and hug and hug until his pain goes away. It’s no surprise he’s become the man whore/drunk that he has. He’s got real nasty issues working against him.
Ad Valerie is an equally well written character. As she gets to know Justin and spends more time in his company, she becomes less and less of a workaholic. They really are good for each other.
I have no problems at all recommending this book to those who enjoy reading this kind of story.
December 12, 2016
5 Star Read:
My absolute favorite and will read again and again. I strongly recommend! It has outstanding qualities. The characters are wonderful and surprising and multi-dimensional. The writing is luring, engaging, and well-crafted enough to keep me interested from cover to cover and beyond. The plot is astonishing with twists and turns weaved into a well thought and planned story. There’s no pretense and romance was well balanced and done entirely correctly with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and incredible, undeniable chemistry. Predictability is at an all-time low. With the exception of series based books that follow the same path but are just as good. Overall, Favorite, must read again, recommend!!!
Full Disclosure : I participate in reviews with NetGalley, Author Review Requests, Publisher Requests, and Book Tours. An e-copy was provided to me by NetGalley and/or the Author, and/or the publishers. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
My absolute favorite and will read again and again. I strongly recommend! It has outstanding qualities. The characters are wonderful and surprising and multi-dimensional. The writing is luring, engaging, and well-crafted enough to keep me interested from cover to cover and beyond. The plot is astonishing with twists and turns weaved into a well thought and planned story. There’s no pretense and romance was well balanced and done entirely correctly with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and incredible, undeniable chemistry. Predictability is at an all-time low. With the exception of series based books that follow the same path but are just as good. Overall, Favorite, must read again, recommend!!!
Full Disclosure : I participate in reviews with NetGalley, Author Review Requests, Publisher Requests, and Book Tours. An e-copy was provided to me by NetGalley and/or the Author, and/or the publishers. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
February 24, 2016
Score!!!
Another great book added to this awesome series!!! The perfect balance of love, turmoil, and hockey!! Justin has a lot of baggage. He has hit rock bottom. He knows he has to make changes quickly or loose his love, hockey. Val is there for Justin. There relationship continues to grow. Justin must ultimately decide to let go of his past in order to embrace the new love his has found with Val!!!
Another great book added to this awesome series!!! The perfect balance of love, turmoil, and hockey!! Justin has a lot of baggage. He has hit rock bottom. He knows he has to make changes quickly or loose his love, hockey. Val is there for Justin. There relationship continues to grow. Justin must ultimately decide to let go of his past in order to embrace the new love his has found with Val!!!
February 23, 2016
Awesome Series
I hate spoilers in reviews so not going to retell the story line. This is a good relaxing read about a hockey player and a hockey players sister. Enjoyed the book and have read the series. Each book could be read as a stand alone by why when you can get a great deal of entertainment with an awesome story. Well written series.
I hate spoilers in reviews so not going to retell the story line. This is a good relaxing read about a hockey player and a hockey players sister. Enjoyed the book and have read the series. Each book could be read as a stand alone by why when you can get a great deal of entertainment with an awesome story. Well written series.
March 3, 2016
3.5 Cocktails
It's a hockey romance, so immediately my interest was peaked. The story was good. Justin, the hero, had the requisite amount of angst I require in my leading men. But the romance with Val kind of feel short and Justin suddenly getting his act together because of her didn't seem realistic either.
It's a hockey romance, so immediately my interest was peaked. The story was good. Justin, the hero, had the requisite amount of angst I require in my leading men. But the romance with Val kind of feel short and Justin suddenly getting his act together because of her didn't seem realistic either.
May 9, 2016
What a good book
This book is awesome! I absolutely loved Val and her character! Strong, fierce woman who is stubborn and can take on anything. This is a great story and a must read all the way to the end! Another Great book in this series!!
This book is awesome! I absolutely loved Val and her character! Strong, fierce woman who is stubborn and can take on anything. This is a great story and a must read all the way to the end! Another Great book in this series!!
September 5, 2016
Very tender romance
I enjoyed the story about Justin and Val. Their romance was tough going. Justin had a lot of baggage and Val wanted to help him work it through It was very tender.
I enjoyed the story about Justin and Val. Their romance was tough going. Justin had a lot of baggage and Val wanted to help him work it through It was very tender.
February 14, 2016
Review to come!
February 23, 2016
Another great read in the Banners' series. Looking forward to Mat's story!
April 15, 2016
3.5 stars
Sweet, fun and enjoyable read. Good characters, but I felt that the romance was a tad rushed, I found it hard to believe in.
But both likeable and the series overall is good
Sweet, fun and enjoyable read. Good characters, but I felt that the romance was a tad rushed, I found it hard to believe in.
But both likeable and the series overall is good
Read
August 23, 2018EMOTIONAL
Damage to your soul can happen at any time especially if abuse is started at a young age. Physical and or mental abuse is damaging...period.
This story of a young hockey star, Justin, goes a long way to show the damage. Luckily he falls for Val, a strong woman, business owner and sister to one of his teammates. Strong as Val is though, she is not prepared for the evil that is Justin's father.
I loved this raw look at the effect of child abuse. While it is fiction, it is still a look at the results into adulthood. Well written. Can't help but love Val and Justin! My only regret is that we didn't have the story between the last chapter and the Epilogue.
Damage to your soul can happen at any time especially if abuse is started at a young age. Physical and or mental abuse is damaging...period.
This story of a young hockey star, Justin, goes a long way to show the damage. Luckily he falls for Val, a strong woman, business owner and sister to one of his teammates. Strong as Val is though, she is not prepared for the evil that is Justin's father.
I loved this raw look at the effect of child abuse. While it is fiction, it is still a look at the results into adulthood. Well written. Can't help but love Val and Justin! My only regret is that we didn't have the story between the last chapter and the Epilogue.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews