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Aces Hockey #5
Slap Shot
My name's Max Hall, and I need to f***. As a pro hockey player who's been away from the game for over a year, my libido has picked one hell of an inconvenient time to come roaring back to life. After my wife died from a rare form of cancer, sex was the last thing on my mind. Same with hockey, the other love of my life. Now, after fifteen months of eating too much, drinking too much, and generally just feeling sorry for myself, I'm facing a steep uphill battle to get my ass in shape and play my way back onto the Chicago Aces. So I'm not looking for a relationship. Just sex. Yeah, I know how that makes me sound. But the truth is, I'll never love another woman the way I loved my wife. When I meet a sexy bridesmaid at my teammate's wedding, I decide to scratch that itch. A fling with Kendra Armstrong in her posh hotel room could be just what the trainer ordered. Not only is Kendra smokin' hot, she's dynamite in bed--one of the perks of being a sex toy designer. Since she lives in New York anyway, we agree to keep things casual, no strings attached. The arrangement is perfect . . . until one of us falls in love. And it's not me. Contains mature themes.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
231 people are currently reading
963 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Jamieson
136 books2,643 followersKelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over 70 romance novels and novellas. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex,” “sweet and satisfying,” and “blisteringly sexy.” She likes black coffee, white wine and high heels…and of course cheering on her Winnipeg Jets during hockey season! She loves hearing from readers, so please visit her website at www.kellyjamieson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
December 13, 2018
"Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional."
Dalai Lama
Loved loved loved this book, or to be honest
LOVED LOVED FREAKING LOVED THE HEROINE!
One of the best books I read this year.
Thanks God there are still authors, who write strong, confident, generous female characters!
I can’t express how much I loved the heroine. I wish I could write beautiful sophisticated reviews like many of my friends. But I can still try, don’t I? ;-)
Heroine – 5+ stars
Hero – 4 stars
Story – 4.5 stars
Kendra is a woman I'd like to have as my friend.
She is strong, she is self-confident, she has a freaking big and amazing heart – she is one of the best fictional humans I read.
A woman after my heart.
How freaking incredible is it to read about sexually experienced and sexually courageous woman? Damn, after 2365 virgins and celibate nuns constantly blushing and whimpering, it was like a breath of fresh air! She wasn’t slutty (I hate this word *ugh*); she was bold, but also feminine and gentle.
She designed sex toys for women; she was a psychologist with an interest in sexuality, she did counselling in the past and built her own company with her BFF. Hell yeah!!! And she was proud of herself, and she wasn’t ashamed to tell the others about her business. Double hell yeah!!!
“I guess most parents don’t really want to think about their daughter having sex.”
"But it’s okay for their sons?" She pounces on my words, her chin lifting.
"I didn’t say that…but you’re right, there probably is a double standard there."
"Sure. Guys who like to have sex are studs. Girls who like to have sex are sluts. Why should it be different?"
"Not gonna argue with you on that." I hold up my hands.
She slumps a little. "Sorry. Slut-shaming is a hot button for me."
For me too!!!
But she was much more. She had such huge and loving heart, I envy her. She was very wise and very human.
It’s not a secret/spoiler that the hero lost his wife on cancer. She died 15 months ago and he gave up his career to take care of her. He grieved, he still loved her and till the end of the story he didn’t gave up on her memory. I know, that dead spouse is a trigger for many readers and many of my friends. I can totally understand it. It’s not mine though. I read fiction, but I love a healthy part of reality in my books. And in real life, the same for fiction, I don’t like when they ‘just forget and move on’. I’m a weird one to feel for both sides – for the gone person and for the one who lives. I despise, when they bash dead (she/he wasn’t good/kind/sexy etc enough, he/she cheated, betrayed, lied and so on) – it’s the easiest way out. This author made an incredible good job – she wrote perfect ‘solution’, for my preference of course.
I loved, that the heroine spoke with him about his late wife; she respected her and her memory. Incredible woman, my kind of a person!
"It’s totally normal. When people start to live again and enjoy their life, they often feel they’re betraying the loved one they’ve lost."
I don’t want to talk about this. I don’t want to listen to this.
"You can’t replace what you lost." Her tone is so even and reassuring I can’t help but let the words filter through my sudden tension. "But you can make connections, have new relationships, new inter-dependencies. Denying your feelings doesn’t help…you should listen to them."
"I never wanted to talk about Ariana to you. I thought maybe it would bother you."
"That I’d be jealous?"
"I guess."
"Well, as a psychologist I can tell you that jealousy is about a fear of losing something you have to someone else. How could I be jealous of her?" I touch his face. "I could be envious, though, of what you two had. And maybe I was a little."
I honestly adored the heroine.
I liked the hero, but I didn’t love him. Sorry, but his character was a bit shallow at the beginning. The heroine described him to the point – poor baby. I respected him for his love and devotion to his wife, I respected him for his doubts, I was angry at him when he hurt the heroine, but I could understand why.
Some readers would say the heroine was his 2nd best, I disagree. For me it was perfectly clear, that he loved her very much. He still loved and would always love his wife, but his love for the heroine was strong and deep – I was convinced.
Their story began light and sexy and I loved loved loved, how cool the heroine was. No drooling, nada clingy, zero doormatishness. Really cool and confident.
I could feel how their feelings changed, how they both fell hard for each other. And I applauded her for revealing her love first. Actually not my coppa, I like the man to say it first, but here it fitted, it was just right. I’m not a writer (not yet *lol*), I can’t describe it, you just need to read the book *lol*
No insta-love. And no insta HEA. When he ‘came to his senses’ and fought for her, she didn’t jumped and said yes immediately. She took her time, she didn’t want to rush, she gave him and herself time and space. Kinda not romantic *lol* We all used to fireworks and wet panties after a man crocks his finger *cough cough*. Well, not with this amazing girl!
The book was told solely from his POV (except 1 last chapter)– loved it. I always fear they write her thoughts and ruin her character – general ‘issue’ with many romance books. She ‘plays’ cool and then.. bummer – ott needy and ready to fall to her knees and worship the ground he walks on.
Lucky me, like really lucky me – the author didn’t ruin her character. She was constant incredible. Not that there were no signs of her vulnerability and feelings, there were plenty, but it was written so freaking good and it just fitted. See, my lack of sophisticated writing is showing *lol*
Blah blah blah -> I loved her!
I believe it’s because we had both reached the place in our lives where we were ready for this…even though it took Max a while to realize that. We’ve both been through tough times—hurt and heartbreak and disappointment. We’ve both used those challenges to grow and learn more about ourselves. It’s taken me years to truly know that I can’t fix everyone.
That the only person I can save is myself.
That the only person I can control is myself. And that I can meet my needs for support, love, and affection in ways other than by trying to fix others.
Safety:
Note for my friends: despite I floved this book, it still has dead spouse and grief. If it’s your trigger, think twice. I loved it and I was fine with everything, but it could be an ‘issue’ for you.
I would be happy, if one of my close friends would read it and share her thoughts with me. If not, I drink alone *lol*
P.S. You though it was all? *lol*
What did Alex not like? Please excuse my freaking attitude - I don't like model's look on the cover. Sorry! Don't hate me. Or do *lol* He is definitely a very handsome man, but his face expression is a bit odd. Am I the only one? Sorry again!!!
There were many talks about hero's diet. Too many for my taste.
And... I kinda wished for an epilogue with babies and jazz. Ugh!
August 10, 2018
Well... don't I feel like a heel?
Not only have I had this book for approximately 7.345678 kagrillon years, but to add insult to injury, I didn't particularly like it.
So let me keep this short. Because I'm an asshole.
I had trouble getting into this mostly because of the prose. It's stuffed to the gills with interior decorating, menus of what Max can eat on his super strict training diet and his exercise regimen. And him constantly bitching about said exercise regimen.
The whole story is told from Max's perspective except the epilogue and there were some... questionable things that went through his head. There were also some eyebrow raising events that transpired. Things that I questioned whether or not a professional athlete would engage in. Things that made me go...
He meets Kendra at a wedding and they quickly make their way to her hotel room. After deciding they have oodles of chemistry they start a "no strings" sexual relationship. Because he can never love again after losing his wife to cancer a little over a year ago. Predictably, one of them becomes attached.
There is a lot of sex. Some of it was spicy but after a certain point it became a rinse and repeat sitch. I started skimming the sex scenes. Her being a sex toy maker and him supposedly being sexually adventurous had me hoping for more spice. Those hopes never came to fruition.
Kendra is a nice girl and Max is a nice guy but neither of them are dynamic characters, nor was their romance. I could've done with a lot less of Max's denial antics. I appreciate that he didn't want to disrespect his wife but after you realize you're lying to yourself AND that you're being an asshole to your for all intents and purposes girlfriend...
I typically enjoy sports romance but this takes place during the offseason after Max took off a significant amount of time. He's out of shape but determined to make the starting roster of the Chicago Aces again so most of the story revolves around him training to achieve that goal rather than sports or team dynamics, which is what I crave from a sports romance.
Jamieson seems to strive for realism in her books and Slap Shot fits that bill. I appreciate that these characters and their journey were relatable but I needed a little more pizazz to make me really invest in their journey.
If any of the above appeals to you, Slap Shot is a book you will enjoy. As always, my opinions are my own and YMMV.
A copy was provided by NetGalley.
Not only have I had this book for approximately 7.345678 kagrillon years, but to add insult to injury, I didn't particularly like it.
So let me keep this short. Because I'm an asshole.
I had trouble getting into this mostly because of the prose. It's stuffed to the gills with interior decorating, menus of what Max can eat on his super strict training diet and his exercise regimen. And him constantly bitching about said exercise regimen.
The whole story is told from Max's perspective except the epilogue and there were some... questionable things that went through his head. There were also some eyebrow raising events that transpired. Things that I questioned whether or not a professional athlete would engage in. Things that made me go...
He meets Kendra at a wedding and they quickly make their way to her hotel room. After deciding they have oodles of chemistry they start a "no strings" sexual relationship. Because he can never love again after losing his wife to cancer a little over a year ago. Predictably, one of them becomes attached.
There is a lot of sex. Some of it was spicy but after a certain point it became a rinse and repeat sitch. I started skimming the sex scenes. Her being a sex toy maker and him supposedly being sexually adventurous had me hoping for more spice. Those hopes never came to fruition.
Kendra is a nice girl and Max is a nice guy but neither of them are dynamic characters, nor was their romance. I could've done with a lot less of Max's denial antics. I appreciate that he didn't want to disrespect his wife but after you realize you're lying to yourself AND that you're being an asshole to your for all intents and purposes girlfriend...
I typically enjoy sports romance but this takes place during the offseason after Max took off a significant amount of time. He's out of shape but determined to make the starting roster of the Chicago Aces again so most of the story revolves around him training to achieve that goal rather than sports or team dynamics, which is what I crave from a sports romance.
Jamieson seems to strive for realism in her books and Slap Shot fits that bill. I appreciate that these characters and their journey were relatable but I needed a little more pizazz to make me really invest in their journey.
If any of the above appeals to you, Slap Shot is a book you will enjoy. As always, my opinions are my own and YMMV.
A copy was provided by NetGalley.
October 17, 2017
If you have read the previous book in the series then you would already know Max Hall. He's the one that broke our hearts when we learned his wife was dying of cancer. In Slap Shot, Kelly Jamieson brought him back to show us how he was dealing with that loss and helping him to come back to life from his grief.
I'm not always a fan of stories that have one of the main characters finding love again after a deceased spouse. I think it's not an easy thing to accomplish having that character properly mourn the spouse without making them too much of the focus in the new relationship or being too callous about the death.
I think Kelly did a good job with Max's story. At least, for me I was satisfied with how she handled everything. He did still mourn his wife and truly believed he would never find love again or more like he was afraid to find love again, but I never felt like the deceased spouse took over in the story.
We got to see Max open up to Kendra even when he was in denial. He wasn't perfect, which you really can't expect from someone that is coming out of grief. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I'm so happy that Max found Kendra. They were so great together.
If you are taking request Kelly Jamieson, I want to see Kendra's best friend and business partner get a book. We only got one scene with her little girl but she was adorable and I want to see one of these strapping hockey players come into their lives.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
I'm not always a fan of stories that have one of the main characters finding love again after a deceased spouse. I think it's not an easy thing to accomplish having that character properly mourn the spouse without making them too much of the focus in the new relationship or being too callous about the death.
I think Kelly did a good job with Max's story. At least, for me I was satisfied with how she handled everything. He did still mourn his wife and truly believed he would never find love again or more like he was afraid to find love again, but I never felt like the deceased spouse took over in the story.
We got to see Max open up to Kendra even when he was in denial. He wasn't perfect, which you really can't expect from someone that is coming out of grief. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I'm so happy that Max found Kendra. They were so great together.
If you are taking request Kelly Jamieson, I want to see Kendra's best friend and business partner get a book. We only got one scene with her little girl but she was adorable and I want to see one of these strapping hockey players come into their lives.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
October 11, 2017
Max and Kendra meet at her cousin’s wedding and decide to hook up. When the night doesn’t end exactly as they plan, Kendra isn’t shy about letting Max know they can remedy that problem. Soon they are embroiled in a hot and heavy sex only relationship that involves lots of sexting.
From the beginning Max declares that their set up can be nothing but sex. He’s lost his wife and didn’t think he’d survive the agony. He won’t put himself in that position again. When he realizes that Kendra has crossed that line and fallen in love, he is lost as to how to deal with it.
I didn’t realize this was going to be about a widower. I struggle with this trope because I need the hero to love the heroine more than he’s ever loved anyone before. If I can feel that and believe that the heroine isn’t second best then I’m happy.
Unfortunately, that didn’t happen here. Despite the occasional comparisons Max made between the two women, his thoughts are that he truly loved his wife and will remember and miss her forever. I get that in real life such is the case but when I read, I’m reading for the fantasy, the fairytale. However, I will say that this was written in a manner to show that while Max might not love Kendra more than his deceased wife – again, the wife he had some uncharitable thoughts about- he certainly loved her equally. I’m still processing that.
The characters in Slap Shot were fun and witty and I’m sure we’ll be seeing even more of them in future books. Kelly Jamieson definitely knows how to write hot and steamy scenes as well as great dialogue and a fast upbeat story. Overall, I enjoyed this book and if the deceased spouse isn’t an issue for you, you’re going to love it.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Loveswept.
Mainly hero POV with a tad of heroine
Safe
No apparent triggers
From the beginning Max declares that their set up can be nothing but sex. He’s lost his wife and didn’t think he’d survive the agony. He won’t put himself in that position again. When he realizes that Kendra has crossed that line and fallen in love, he is lost as to how to deal with it.
I didn’t realize this was going to be about a widower. I struggle with this trope because I need the hero to love the heroine more than he’s ever loved anyone before. If I can feel that and believe that the heroine isn’t second best then I’m happy.
Unfortunately, that didn’t happen here. Despite the occasional comparisons Max made between the two women, his thoughts are that he truly loved his wife and will remember and miss her forever. I get that in real life such is the case but when I read, I’m reading for the fantasy, the fairytale. However, I will say that this was written in a manner to show that while Max might not love Kendra more than his deceased wife – again, the wife he had some uncharitable thoughts about- he certainly loved her equally. I’m still processing that.
The characters in Slap Shot were fun and witty and I’m sure we’ll be seeing even more of them in future books. Kelly Jamieson definitely knows how to write hot and steamy scenes as well as great dialogue and a fast upbeat story. Overall, I enjoyed this book and if the deceased spouse isn’t an issue for you, you’re going to love it.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Loveswept.
Mainly hero POV with a tad of heroine
Safe
No apparent triggers
November 22, 2017
4.5 stars.
I looked at a few other reviews of this book before I started writing this and I realized that I really like Kelly Jamieson and the way she writes books and this one was no exception.
It is probably impossible to write a romance that involves a dead wife without receiving some criticism about how you treat the subject and not everybody will necessarily like this story for that reason alone.
What I personally like about her books is that her characters do have flaws and they feel more realistic to me (maybe because of this).
Max is getting over his wife's death and he is not looking for a relationship but when he meets Kendra(a beautiful bridesmaid) at a teammates wedding he is attracted to her and they spend the night together after agreeing to a no-strings attached arrangement. When he unexpectedly meets up with her again, he realizes that they are good together and he likes her. She lives in New York and he lives in Chicago and they both agree to a casual relationship with no expectations.
Max is working hard, trying to restart his stalled hockey career and Kendra is developing her business selling sex toys to women.
This story is very much about grieving, letting go of that personal grief and moving on to where you can open your heart to somebody else and something new.
I really liked Kendra. Her sweet personality along with her kindness and forgiving nature made her strong in my eyes even though she may be perceived as weak by some readers.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from netgalley.
I looked at a few other reviews of this book before I started writing this and I realized that I really like Kelly Jamieson and the way she writes books and this one was no exception.
It is probably impossible to write a romance that involves a dead wife without receiving some criticism about how you treat the subject and not everybody will necessarily like this story for that reason alone.
What I personally like about her books is that her characters do have flaws and they feel more realistic to me (maybe because of this).
Max is getting over his wife's death and he is not looking for a relationship but when he meets Kendra(a beautiful bridesmaid) at a teammates wedding he is attracted to her and they spend the night together after agreeing to a no-strings attached arrangement. When he unexpectedly meets up with her again, he realizes that they are good together and he likes her. She lives in New York and he lives in Chicago and they both agree to a casual relationship with no expectations.
Max is working hard, trying to restart his stalled hockey career and Kendra is developing her business selling sex toys to women.
This story is very much about grieving, letting go of that personal grief and moving on to where you can open your heart to somebody else and something new.
I really liked Kendra. Her sweet personality along with her kindness and forgiving nature made her strong in my eyes even though she may be perceived as weak by some readers.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from netgalley.
August 17, 2017
I loved this one and I love this series.
Review coming closer to publication date...
Review coming closer to publication date...
October 17, 2017
I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book in Kelly Jamieson’s Chicago Aces series, but Slap Shot has a bit of an added bonus and two of her characters from her New Adult Bayard Hockey series make cameo appearances giving readers a bit of a look at what the future of the Aces might look like. Slap Shot takes a realistic look at grief and Ms. Jamieson does a fantastic job as a young widower tries to get back to his life in all ways; trying to regain his spot on his team by working hard, moving forward without forgetting his past, making mistakes, accepting happiness, and yes…falling in love again. At times heart breaking, at times frustrating, at times joyful, and at times sexy this was a book full of hope and new beginnings and my favorite book in this series to date.
Fifteen months after Max Hall’s wife passed away from a rare form of cancer, and following a bout of depression, and the inability to care about anything in his life including hockey Max is working with a new trainer and is determined to be in the best shape he can by training camp. At one of his teammates wedding’s Max suddenly finds him interested in sex again, something that hasn’t happened in a very long time, but the bride’s cousin Kendra Armstrong catches his eye despite the fact she is nothing like his usual type and perhaps that’s exactly what he needs.
I appreciated that upfront these two both wanted sex, period. They talked and given they live in different states and both are dedicated to their careers they were mature enough to agree to enjoy each other’s bodies fully and say good-bye. But, one night turns into two and then a weekend they don’t plan, and before long they have friends with benefits type of arrangement going on and soon were sharing their personal histories and their current lives. Given that Kendra was a therapist turned sex toy designer and company owner she was very in tune with her sexuality and astute in understanding Max’s grief and his dedication to getting healthy and earning his place back on his team. I like that she treated him like a man, she didn’t try to “fix” him, she didn’t offer platitudes but did try and help him when he asked or seemed to be struggling. While Kendra was smart and self sufficient she had some baggage that made her a bit vulnerable. I loved that Max was interested in her business, that he appreciated her drive, and that he was protective of her when it came to dealing with her family. While the parameters of their relationship changed over time, they never really discussed it leading to quite a bit of upheaval. I couldn’t help but respect the fact that despite being at odds, they both truly wanted what was best for one another proving they were both in deeper than they even intended to be.
One thing I really loved was watching Max push himself to the limit to get healthy and back to his team. I especially loved the scenes with the young players from Bayard College and those with his current teammates who more than wanted to see him healthy and happy again. It is this camaraderie that makes these books so special and entertaining.
Pack full of emotion, an outstanding plot, and characters that worm their way into your heart, Kelly Jamieson’s Slap Shot is exactly what I look for in a romance and 5 stars of perfection.
October 17, 2017
Steamy, heartfelt, and deliciously sexy!
Slap Shot, the fifth book in the Aces Hockey series, is a sporty, contemporary romance featuring Max a tough, honest, hockey player who is struggling to come to grips with not only the grief he continues to feel over the loss of his wife but the guilt associated with potentially moving on.
The writing is clear and emotive. The characters are genuine, believable and charming. And the plot is an impassioned tale filled with sizzling tension, scorching chemistry, poignant moments, hilarious innuendoes, flirty banter, and a swoon-worthy ending.
What more can I say, when it comes to writing entertaining, enjoyable novels about hunky hotshots who fall hard Jamieson is one of the best and Slap Shot with its heart, humour, heat, and hockey is no exception.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Random House – Loveswept, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Slap Shot, the fifth book in the Aces Hockey series, is a sporty, contemporary romance featuring Max a tough, honest, hockey player who is struggling to come to grips with not only the grief he continues to feel over the loss of his wife but the guilt associated with potentially moving on.
The writing is clear and emotive. The characters are genuine, believable and charming. And the plot is an impassioned tale filled with sizzling tension, scorching chemistry, poignant moments, hilarious innuendoes, flirty banter, and a swoon-worthy ending.
What more can I say, when it comes to writing entertaining, enjoyable novels about hunky hotshots who fall hard Jamieson is one of the best and Slap Shot with its heart, humour, heat, and hockey is no exception.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Random House – Loveswept, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
January 10, 2018
The story holds the reader's attention and can read without having read the previous ones in the series.
I love the heroine and she was the one that made me read till the end. An independent and mature woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to show her feelings.
Our hero is held guilty for moving on without his dead wife until about 70% of the book. I was fed up with his attitude.
I enjoyed and recommend.
I love the heroine and she was the one that made me read till the end. An independent and mature woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to show her feelings.
"Don’t apologize for safe sex."
Our hero is held guilty for moving on without his dead wife until about 70% of the book. I was fed up with his attitude.
I enjoyed and recommend.
Kendra was the first woman I’ve slept with since Ariana died and I can be grateful to her for making it so good. Now I’ve done it, I can sleep with someone else. The girl beside me is attractive. She’s clearly interested in me. Why not take her home and fuck her?
The truth is…” I pause and lower my voice. “I’m never going to love someone again the way I loved Ariana.”
Yeah, I thought about hooking up with other women. I had chances. I just wasn’t feeling it.
My wife just died sixteen months ago. She was the love of my life. I’ll never love someone like that again,
But no matter how much time passes, I’ll never forget her and I’ll never stop loving her.
“I can’t replace Ariana. I won’t replace Ariana.”
I’ve fucking hurt her because I can’t love her back. Because I can’t betray my wife.
November 18, 2017
This was a surprise. I expected a cliche sports romance when I picked up this book and what I found instead was a refreshing storyline that pulled me in from, quite literally, page one. I loved the premise, the characters were both relatable and real, and I was overjoyed to discover that this author write's fantastic male POV. I didn't even realize going in that this was the 5th installment in this sports series, so after thoroughly enjoying this one, I'll definitely plan on going back and reading the others. This was an emotional read, an incredibly sexy story, angsty at times, heartwarming at others... all in all, a really solid story. I really liked it!
December 17, 2017
Slap Shot by Kelly Jamieson was the fifth book in the Aces Hockey series.
Max Hall had lost his wife to cancer a little over a year ago. He sat out of hockey during her cancer and for the entire season following. He was now starting to fight for a position in the team again. It was a long road to healing and he wasn’t there yet, but he wanted hockey.
Kendra Armstrong was the cousin to Duncan (Icing, book three) and Lovey (Major Misconduct, book one). She was a trained therapist with her own company in New York; however, she traveled to Chicago on business.
Max and Kendra met at Lovey’s wedding. They were single and hooked up for the time she was in town. It was sex and only sex and both were in agreement. It was told with a single POV, Max’s; however, we were gifted with Kendra’s POV for the epilogue.
The story started slow for me and the chemistry wasn’t strong; however, once I progressed further in the book, I began enjoying their interactions. They were developing a strong friendship, with benefits. I also liked that Kendra was helping him heal mentally, which had nothing to do with the “benefits” side of the relationship.
Jamieson also simultaneously included both occupations, by tracking Max’s countdown to training camp and detailing Kendra’s challenges with her new products. As a huge hockey fan (#gobolts), I enjoyed the intricacies of training camp that Jamieson included. Oh and for Jamieson, yea I loved the mascot take down scene too. Lastly, she also enter twined Kendra’s childhood issues throughout the plot. All stories eventually merged into one, providing dimension and complexity to the storyline.
All in all, it was enjoyable and a fairly quick read (once I got past the first several chapters). It was a journey of acceptance, healing, hope and love. Although not announced yet, Jamieson set the stage for the next book in the series by sprinkling more Aces team members into the saga. I look forward to where Jamieson leads us next.
Max Hall had lost his wife to cancer a little over a year ago. He sat out of hockey during her cancer and for the entire season following. He was now starting to fight for a position in the team again. It was a long road to healing and he wasn’t there yet, but he wanted hockey.
Kendra Armstrong was the cousin to Duncan (Icing, book three) and Lovey (Major Misconduct, book one). She was a trained therapist with her own company in New York; however, she traveled to Chicago on business.
Max and Kendra met at Lovey’s wedding. They were single and hooked up for the time she was in town. It was sex and only sex and both were in agreement. It was told with a single POV, Max’s; however, we were gifted with Kendra’s POV for the epilogue.
The story started slow for me and the chemistry wasn’t strong; however, once I progressed further in the book, I began enjoying their interactions. They were developing a strong friendship, with benefits. I also liked that Kendra was helping him heal mentally, which had nothing to do with the “benefits” side of the relationship.
Jamieson also simultaneously included both occupations, by tracking Max’s countdown to training camp and detailing Kendra’s challenges with her new products. As a huge hockey fan (#gobolts), I enjoyed the intricacies of training camp that Jamieson included. Oh and for Jamieson, yea I loved the mascot take down scene too. Lastly, she also enter twined Kendra’s childhood issues throughout the plot. All stories eventually merged into one, providing dimension and complexity to the storyline.
All in all, it was enjoyable and a fairly quick read (once I got past the first several chapters). It was a journey of acceptance, healing, hope and love. Although not announced yet, Jamieson set the stage for the next book in the series by sprinkling more Aces team members into the saga. I look forward to where Jamieson leads us next.
November 11, 2021
It's wedding time for Marc Dupuis and Lovey so everyone has gathered for the nuptials. Including Kendra Armstrong who is Lovey and Army's cousin, she is a therapist and a entrepreneur in New York, she has never met Max but after one look she is intrigued and since the attraction is mutual they head to her room for a hookup.
Things are hot and heavy for Max and Kendra so they decide to do a sex only relationship, is that really a relationship?, while she is in town. Since he is still grieving for his wife that passed over a year ago and Kendra lives in New York Max thinks this is perfect for them.
I put off reading Max’s book for a while because I really expected some gut wrenching crying jags due to his backstory (the loss of his wife) but that wasn’t the case and honestly I don’t know if I’m sad about that or relieved.
The intimate scenes were plentiful and hot, there was chemistry but it wasn't the all consuming type and I think it's because Max kept downplaying his feelings for Kendra.
While Slap Shot can be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading this series in the order of release since the characters flow throughout each of the books.
Happy Reading!!!
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Merged review:
It's wedding time for Marc Dupuis and Lovey so everyone has gathered for the nuptials. Including Kendra Armstrong who is Lovey and Army's cousin, she is a therapist and a entrepreneur in New York, she has never met Max but after one look she is intrigued and since the attraction is mutual they head to her room for a hookup.
Things are hot and heavy for Max and Kendra so they decide to do a sex only relationship, is that really a relationship?, while she is in town. Since he is still grieving for his wife that passed over a year ago and Kendra lives in New York Max thinks this is perfect for them.
I put off reading Max’s book for a while because I really expected some gut wrenching crying jags due to his backstory (the loss of his wife) but that wasn’t the case and honestly I don’t know if I’m sad about that or relieved.
The intimate scenes were plentiful and hot, there was chemistry but it wasn't the all consuming type and I think it's because Max kept downplaying his feelings for Kendra.
While Slap Shot can be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading this series in the order of release since the characters flow throughout each of the books.
Happy Reading!!!
Things are hot and heavy for Max and Kendra so they decide to do a sex only relationship, is that really a relationship?, while she is in town. Since he is still grieving for his wife that passed over a year ago and Kendra lives in New York Max thinks this is perfect for them.
I put off reading Max’s book for a while because I really expected some gut wrenching crying jags due to his backstory (the loss of his wife) but that wasn’t the case and honestly I don’t know if I’m sad about that or relieved.
The intimate scenes were plentiful and hot, there was chemistry but it wasn't the all consuming type and I think it's because Max kept downplaying his feelings for Kendra.
While Slap Shot can be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading this series in the order of release since the characters flow throughout each of the books.
Happy Reading!!!
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholicMerged review:
It's wedding time for Marc Dupuis and Lovey so everyone has gathered for the nuptials. Including Kendra Armstrong who is Lovey and Army's cousin, she is a therapist and a entrepreneur in New York, she has never met Max but after one look she is intrigued and since the attraction is mutual they head to her room for a hookup.
Things are hot and heavy for Max and Kendra so they decide to do a sex only relationship, is that really a relationship?, while she is in town. Since he is still grieving for his wife that passed over a year ago and Kendra lives in New York Max thinks this is perfect for them.
I put off reading Max’s book for a while because I really expected some gut wrenching crying jags due to his backstory (the loss of his wife) but that wasn’t the case and honestly I don’t know if I’m sad about that or relieved.
The intimate scenes were plentiful and hot, there was chemistry but it wasn't the all consuming type and I think it's because Max kept downplaying his feelings for Kendra.
While Slap Shot can be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading this series in the order of release since the characters flow throughout each of the books.
Happy Reading!!!
October 18, 2017
Kelly Jamieson pens a hockey romance with a brilliant balance between touching, flirty, fun and steamy where a young widower tries to move on with his life with the help of his friends, family and a very attractive sex toy designer.
When Max Hall’s wife was diagnosed with cancer, he left hockey to be with her. Feeling sorry for himself after she died, it was hard for him to put the pieces of his life back together. Getting back in shape to fight for a spot on the Chicago Aces will not be an easy task, especially not when after fifteen months of rest, his libido is back with a vengeance.
Unable to picture himself in another relationship or loving another woman the way he loved his wife, he decides to hook up with one of his teammate’s bridesmaid. But Kendra Armstrong’s allure is too much for one night and soon their attraction compels them to turn things to casual and then some. Can Max find a way to get past his grief and guilt in order to open his heart to another chance at love?
Kelly Jamieson has a knack for writing hockey romances that pull all the right strings. Slap Shot is an engaging story about the final stages of grief, new beginnings, friendship and love that made me immerse myself in Max’s journey through all this from start to finish.
I really felt for Max and was grateful that he didn’t sugar coat his desire for Kendra and a no strings attached fling just as much as her maturity to do the same, especially when a relationship was geographically difficult not to mention emotional impossible at the time.
As they get to know each other via very flirty texts and smoking hot visits, Kendra’s former psychologist background enabled her to listen and support Max’s dedication toward his career and desire to move on with his life.
Kendra was a kick @$$ heroine in her own right. She’s strong and independent, caring and patient. A business owner who wanted what was best for her and Max and didn’t try to fix him but definitely helped him move forward without forgetting the past. They were definitely a perfect match.
I loved having a couple of the guys from Jamieson’s Bayard Hockey series make cameo appearances as well as reading about the other couples from previous books in the series. I really enjoyed the hockey backdrop, which included Max’s grueling training.
Slap Shot is book #5 in the Aces Hockey series by Kelly Jamieson. It is a standalone, hockey romance and a wonderful addition to the series with a great plot and wonderful characters. Told from the hero’s point of view and has a happy ending. A great read for Aces Hockey fans or any sports romance lover.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2xMTH7N
Pinterest board -> https://www.pinterest.com/kellyjamies...
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts taken are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
When Max Hall’s wife was diagnosed with cancer, he left hockey to be with her. Feeling sorry for himself after she died, it was hard for him to put the pieces of his life back together. Getting back in shape to fight for a spot on the Chicago Aces will not be an easy task, especially not when after fifteen months of rest, his libido is back with a vengeance.
Unable to picture himself in another relationship or loving another woman the way he loved his wife, he decides to hook up with one of his teammate’s bridesmaid. But Kendra Armstrong’s allure is too much for one night and soon their attraction compels them to turn things to casual and then some. Can Max find a way to get past his grief and guilt in order to open his heart to another chance at love?
Kelly Jamieson has a knack for writing hockey romances that pull all the right strings. Slap Shot is an engaging story about the final stages of grief, new beginnings, friendship and love that made me immerse myself in Max’s journey through all this from start to finish.
I really felt for Max and was grateful that he didn’t sugar coat his desire for Kendra and a no strings attached fling just as much as her maturity to do the same, especially when a relationship was geographically difficult not to mention emotional impossible at the time.
As they get to know each other via very flirty texts and smoking hot visits, Kendra’s former psychologist background enabled her to listen and support Max’s dedication toward his career and desire to move on with his life.
Kendra was a kick @$$ heroine in her own right. She’s strong and independent, caring and patient. A business owner who wanted what was best for her and Max and didn’t try to fix him but definitely helped him move forward without forgetting the past. They were definitely a perfect match.
I loved having a couple of the guys from Jamieson’s Bayard Hockey series make cameo appearances as well as reading about the other couples from previous books in the series. I really enjoyed the hockey backdrop, which included Max’s grueling training.
Slap Shot is book #5 in the Aces Hockey series by Kelly Jamieson. It is a standalone, hockey romance and a wonderful addition to the series with a great plot and wonderful characters. Told from the hero’s point of view and has a happy ending. A great read for Aces Hockey fans or any sports romance lover.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2xMTH7N
Pinterest board -> https://www.pinterest.com/kellyjamies...
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts taken are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
August 27, 2017
Slap Shot
Aces Hockey #5
Kelly Jamieson
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not your typical sport romance. This one included so much more. Definitely made you feel some emotions while reading this one. And as usual Kelly Jamieson did a great job writing this sweet story.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Aces Hockey #5
Kelly Jamieson
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not your typical sport romance. This one included so much more. Definitely made you feel some emotions while reading this one. And as usual Kelly Jamieson did a great job writing this sweet story.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 20, 2017
I am trash for hockey romances and this one did exactly what I wanted it to - it made me smile, grin, swoon, laugh, and even cry a little.
Who?
Max, a professional hockey player, who is trying to get back on the roster after taking time off following his wife's death. Kendra, an intelligent and independent entrepreneur, who was a sort of "fixer" with a big heart.
What?
After a wedding encounter, where sparks flew, the two mutually decided to a strings-free, physical relationship.
Why?
I instantly shipped these two. They had a natural ease with each other, and I loved that Kendra was able to get through Max's numb layers, and help him slowly climb out from under his grief.
I was really impressed with the amount of sports talk in this book. We are taken through Max's comeback process, as well as, training camp and some games. I enjoyed reading about all that stuff a lot more than I expected, but let's be honest, I was all about the romance, and this one did its job taking me through a whole spectrum of emotions.
It was fun to watch their relationship grow and change. They kept saying it was all sex, but you could see there was a lot more to it through their interactions, their texts, their phone calls, but the road to their HEA was not an easy one. Max was still grieving and trying to reconcile his growing feelings for Kendra with his love for his late wife. He struggled, and Kendra struggled, and I sighed and cried a little, but in the end, I think Jamieson did an admirable job finding a balanced solution.
I usually read duel POV romance stories, so this was a little bit of a change for me, as it is told almost predominately from Max's POV. It worked really well though, because the major obstacles to this relationship were Max's issues, and I think it was important to be inside his head, and see things from his perspective. It was great seeing the juxtaposition of his manly and mushy side, and overhearing the conversations between him and his teammates, who were also his friends and confidants.
Overall: A fun and heartfelt friends-with-benefits to more romance, which features a hero and heroine you couldn't help but love.
**I would like to thank the publishers for the advance copy of this book.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Who?
Max, a professional hockey player, who is trying to get back on the roster after taking time off following his wife's death. Kendra, an intelligent and independent entrepreneur, who was a sort of "fixer" with a big heart.
What?
After a wedding encounter, where sparks flew, the two mutually decided to a strings-free, physical relationship.
Why?
I instantly shipped these two. They had a natural ease with each other, and I loved that Kendra was able to get through Max's numb layers, and help him slowly climb out from under his grief.
I was really impressed with the amount of sports talk in this book. We are taken through Max's comeback process, as well as, training camp and some games. I enjoyed reading about all that stuff a lot more than I expected, but let's be honest, I was all about the romance, and this one did its job taking me through a whole spectrum of emotions.
It was fun to watch their relationship grow and change. They kept saying it was all sex, but you could see there was a lot more to it through their interactions, their texts, their phone calls, but the road to their HEA was not an easy one. Max was still grieving and trying to reconcile his growing feelings for Kendra with his love for his late wife. He struggled, and Kendra struggled, and I sighed and cried a little, but in the end, I think Jamieson did an admirable job finding a balanced solution.
I usually read duel POV romance stories, so this was a little bit of a change for me, as it is told almost predominately from Max's POV. It worked really well though, because the major obstacles to this relationship were Max's issues, and I think it was important to be inside his head, and see things from his perspective. It was great seeing the juxtaposition of his manly and mushy side, and overhearing the conversations between him and his teammates, who were also his friends and confidants.
Overall: A fun and heartfelt friends-with-benefits to more romance, which features a hero and heroine you couldn't help but love.
**I would like to thank the publishers for the advance copy of this book.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
October 13, 2017
So this is the tenth hockey romance I've read by Kelly Jamieson. I love 'em. Generally, after a little pulling and tugging and growing emotionally, there is a splendid HEA - after all the hot smexy times. The books are filled with people I enjoy and there is great buddy humor scattered throughout. Then, it finally hit me why I wasn't enjoying this book quite as much. It was solemn. Max Heller has taken one heck of a hit, and he is humorless. Since it is off-season, he doesn't even have his hockey buddies around to pick up his mood. Instead he is working out with a couple of rookie strangers, who are clearly plugs for Jamieson's new adult hockey series. But they were strangers to me as well. Luckily, he has some flirty - and hot - interactions with Kendra.
Another note that seemed a little off to me was Max's horniness. It smacks you in the face with the first sentence of the intro blurb, and it just seemed gratuitous. It wasn't really the vibe I got from Max. Not when he first flirts with bridesmaid Kendra at a wedding, not when other girls hit on him at a bar, and not when he evaluates his motivations regarding Kendra. But sex is definitely on the menu for this book. A lot. And Jamieson always has a way with a hot scene.
There is also quite a bit of role reversal going on in this book. Kendra has the scandalous career, the childhood from hell and is not shy about initiating a one night stand. Max has the walk of shame the next morning, wonders why she doesn't call, and the doubts. Together, though, in bed and out, these two are terrific. The connection grows, despite no real effort by either of the romantic leads. Ariana, the dead wife, is a factor in the story, but she is sort of this nebulous person who never really solidifies. It is like we know her more from Kendra's perspective rather than Max's even though the entire book is told from his point of view. I was so eased into the couple that becomes Max and Kendra that when the cataclysm happens, I was teary-eyed too. See, Jamieson can make me care even for characters who aren't my favorites; she is that talented at the sappy stuff.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
Book source: ARC from Netgalley
Another note that seemed a little off to me was Max's horniness. It smacks you in the face with the first sentence of the intro blurb, and it just seemed gratuitous. It wasn't really the vibe I got from Max. Not when he first flirts with bridesmaid Kendra at a wedding, not when other girls hit on him at a bar, and not when he evaluates his motivations regarding Kendra. But sex is definitely on the menu for this book. A lot. And Jamieson always has a way with a hot scene.
There is also quite a bit of role reversal going on in this book. Kendra has the scandalous career, the childhood from hell and is not shy about initiating a one night stand. Max has the walk of shame the next morning, wonders why she doesn't call, and the doubts. Together, though, in bed and out, these two are terrific. The connection grows, despite no real effort by either of the romantic leads. Ariana, the dead wife, is a factor in the story, but she is sort of this nebulous person who never really solidifies. It is like we know her more from Kendra's perspective rather than Max's even though the entire book is told from his point of view. I was so eased into the couple that becomes Max and Kendra that when the cataclysm happens, I was teary-eyed too. See, Jamieson can make me care even for characters who aren't my favorites; she is that talented at the sappy stuff.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
Book source: ARC from Netgalley
October 25, 2017
Liked the book and the story... but IMO Max was a selfish bastard in the beginning...
The friends with benefits was a agreement between the two, but he cannot expect something from Kendra that he ins't willing to give himself.
I would like to see a little more of Kendra family drama in the mix...
Also, there are so many names (player names) into the mix that i felt a little trowed away, i know this is the 5th book of the serie, but hell i got lost sometimes!!
The friends with benefits was a agreement between the two, but he cannot expect something from Kendra that he ins't willing to give himself.
I would like to see a little more of Kendra family drama in the mix...
Also, there are so many names (player names) into the mix that i felt a little trowed away, i know this is the 5th book of the serie, but hell i got lost sometimes!!
October 17, 2017
I loved Max's journey to Happy http://amzn.to/2uYpNkG
Though this book is listed as part of a series it can easily be read stand alone
Slap Shot is the story of Aces professional hockey player Max Hall, known to his teammates as Hallsy.
Kendra Armstrong meets Max at her cousin’s wedding. I want to make sure to say I love how this first encounter plays out, I will not say first night because night goes a bit astray. Astray in a way that truly speaks to where Max is in his life.
For those new to this series….where is Max in his life you ask.. well he is a widow who stepped away from the game he loves for 12 months to care for his dying wife.
Cue pulling my heart strings… I mean come on who isn’t going to root for a man like that to find a new happy.
And that is exactly with Slap Shot is, a new happy to Max; he needs to learn how to live in his new reality. One where he is fighting to regain his spot on the Aces and where is trying to figure out how to life his life.
The chemistry between Kendra and Max is tangible from almost the moment they connect but the heart in this book comes from Max learning to love again.
Kendra is intertwined into the connections around Max as her cousin married one of his teammates, I love how this played out throughout the story. It built a world that pulled me in.
As most who know me know, I love hockey and yes again Ms Jamieson delivers a hockey world that made me smile!
Was there a point where I wanted to strangle him, yes did it make sense for him yes, did I love the happy created Heck yes!
If you love books with truly wounded heroes who deserve to find a new happy this is a must click!
Though this book is listed as part of a series it can easily be read stand alone
Slap Shot is the story of Aces professional hockey player Max Hall, known to his teammates as Hallsy.
Kendra Armstrong meets Max at her cousin’s wedding. I want to make sure to say I love how this first encounter plays out, I will not say first night because night goes a bit astray. Astray in a way that truly speaks to where Max is in his life.
For those new to this series….where is Max in his life you ask.. well he is a widow who stepped away from the game he loves for 12 months to care for his dying wife.
Cue pulling my heart strings… I mean come on who isn’t going to root for a man like that to find a new happy.
And that is exactly with Slap Shot is, a new happy to Max; he needs to learn how to live in his new reality. One where he is fighting to regain his spot on the Aces and where is trying to figure out how to life his life.
The chemistry between Kendra and Max is tangible from almost the moment they connect but the heart in this book comes from Max learning to love again.
Kendra is intertwined into the connections around Max as her cousin married one of his teammates, I love how this played out throughout the story. It built a world that pulled me in.
As most who know me know, I love hockey and yes again Ms Jamieson delivers a hockey world that made me smile!
Was there a point where I wanted to strangle him, yes did it make sense for him yes, did I love the happy created Heck yes!
If you love books with truly wounded heroes who deserve to find a new happy this is a must click!
October 2, 2017
1.5 stars. I liked the story a lot. And I felt it was right that Max was ready to move on.
But why was he so nasty about his dead wife? She wasn't as good in bed, she didn't like his family, she didn't support his career like Kendra, she didn't eat right, she didn't like the fans on and on. Why on earth did he marry her?
And telling Kendra he wouldn't compare them was such a lie. He compared them all the time but the poor dead girl couldn't defend herself. In the end I didn't like him. She revelled in it and cOuldnt wait to say he'd said he'd never felt like this before. I'd never go for a man like that. He's not true to one of you or himself.
All of this nastiness ruined what should have been a great read. It was all unnecessary. He lost his wife, he mourned, the whole experience changed him and so he met and found someone very different. Why all the hate for the wife?
I received an arc in return for an honest review from netgalley
But why was he so nasty about his dead wife? She wasn't as good in bed, she didn't like his family, she didn't support his career like Kendra, she didn't eat right, she didn't like the fans on and on. Why on earth did he marry her?
And telling Kendra he wouldn't compare them was such a lie. He compared them all the time but the poor dead girl couldn't defend herself. In the end I didn't like him. She revelled in it and cOuldnt wait to say he'd said he'd never felt like this before. I'd never go for a man like that. He's not true to one of you or himself.
All of this nastiness ruined what should have been a great read. It was all unnecessary. He lost his wife, he mourned, the whole experience changed him and so he met and found someone very different. Why all the hate for the wife?
I received an arc in return for an honest review from netgalley
July 22, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. I went back and forth with this book, I did enjoy to read about the other characters, I always enjoy that part. I do agree that Max had to move on with his life, do not get me wrong on that, however every now and then, he would think something negative about his wife that had died and that part bugged me, I understand that this was so he can feel something towards Kendra, but I did not like that part, he could have just fell in love with Kendra, and appreciated her for herself, not the comparison. I also, I really did not care for Kendra, I did not get their relationship at all besides sex. And I am sorry, but that crap about that she did not want a relationship at first, yeah right, she went after him, full force. However, I will still continue to read about the next player.
December 30, 2017
I’m a big fan of sports romances, especially those written by authors who have proven in their writing that they are either fans of their sport of choice or have researched it enough to be credible. Kelly Jamieson is one such author for hockey romances. Her Aces Hockey series has been one I’ve consistently enjoyed for its combination of likable characters, sexy times, and believable scenes detailing all aspects of the game. In Slap Shot, the main character Max Hall believes he’s finally ready to continue his hockey career after a fifteen month hiatus dealing with the death of his wife from cancer. He’s also ready to resume an active sex life – but not a relationship. He certainly gets the sex part right, and there are lots of steamy scenes in this one, but it’s also a story about grief and memories and moving on.
Hockey. Sex. Those two things are all that Max has on his mind, now that he’s finally got a hold of the grief that slayed him for several months, the depression and put the long days after his wife’s death firmly in the past. In order to get into shape for team tryouts with the Chicago Aces after a year off the ice, he’s willing to take whatever his trainer dishes out. The time spent regaining his physical and mental doesn’t leave him anything to invest in a relationship, and when he meets Kendra Armstrong, bridesmaid at his teammate’s wedding, they definitely seem to be on the same page. She’s only in town for a few days and she lives in New York. It’s the perfect way to blow off a little steam.
Kendra has no expectations when it comes to Max, except having a fun time. As a sex toy designer building up a company with her best friend, she’s got her hands full too, and is not interested in a relationship either. Kendra’s background is in psychology, specifically human sexuality, and that combined with her new career means she isn’t shy about what she wants in the bedroom. The few days she and Max spend together are memorable for them both, but neither has any expectation of seeing each other again. Only… Kendra is Max’s teammate’s Duncan’s cousin, and shows up at a lake weekend that Max has been invited to as well. And this time, they are both willing to admit that they wouldn’t mind keeping up a friends with benefits arrangement. That works for a while, but when their emotions start to come into play, will Max be willing to risk his heart again?
I really like how this story unfolds. It’s told entirely from Max’s point of view and he doesn’t give much of his emotional state away at the start. Though I knew about his wife’s illness and passing from previous stories (this is the fifth book in the series), it is brought up fairly early but not dwelled upon at the beginning. This is deliberate, because Max is trying to move on. He wants a sex life without commitment and he’s very clear about that with Kendra. He has a picture of his wife on his desk, and as he starts to care about Kendra he finds himself comparing them in subtle ways. Sometimes this feels a little forced, like the author is trying to make it look like Kendra is more suited to Max than his wife was. Yet he continues to hold firm in his mind that he will not love another woman, which results in feelings of guilt when he finds himself thinking of Kendra outside of their sexual encounters. As the story progresses it becomes clear that he really hasn’t dealt with as much as he’d thought, until things come to a head and he’s forced to make some decisions that will either pull Kendra closer or push her away completely.
Because we don’t hear Kendra’s ‘voice’ until the epilogue, her feelings and emotions are only brought up as part of conversations she has with Max. She seems to be a levelheaded, competent and smart woman, fun to be with and also a good listener. She definitely comes across as very suited to Max, and compatible as a life partner. We also learn a little about her past from conversations Max has with Duncan, Kendra’s cousin, discovering she’s been in two failed relationships where she gave more of herself than she got in return. This should be a little warning sign for Max that Kendra might be more invested in their relationship than he is, but she is good at hiding her real feelings too.
What’s interesting about this story from a hockey perspective is that it’s all pre-season. The on ice scenes are training drills with some of the other players hoping to make the team. Off the ice there are a lot of gym and boot camp style workouts. Max’s diet is important too, and his food and drink choices are part and parcel of his training. Some readers may find this attention to detail a bit excessive but I like how it shows Max’s commitment to playing hockey professionally again. Of course, there are all the requisite team ‘bromance’ scenes, with his former teammates anxious to have Max on board again. Plus, with Max getting involved with Kendra they have much to tease him about. They know the hard times he went through, and they are equally happy to see him smiling again.
Whether you’ve been following this series from the beginning or it’s your first pass at the Aces Hockey series, you’ll find a lot to enjoy in Slap Shot. What seems to be a cut and dried romance about second chances and moving on has some emotional depth as Max finally realizes his wife would not want him to use their relationship as a buffer from falling in love again. Plus, hockey fans will appreciate the hard work that goes on off the ice to get game ready. It’s an entertaining combination and well worth the read.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Hockey. Sex. Those two things are all that Max has on his mind, now that he’s finally got a hold of the grief that slayed him for several months, the depression and put the long days after his wife’s death firmly in the past. In order to get into shape for team tryouts with the Chicago Aces after a year off the ice, he’s willing to take whatever his trainer dishes out. The time spent regaining his physical and mental doesn’t leave him anything to invest in a relationship, and when he meets Kendra Armstrong, bridesmaid at his teammate’s wedding, they definitely seem to be on the same page. She’s only in town for a few days and she lives in New York. It’s the perfect way to blow off a little steam.
Kendra has no expectations when it comes to Max, except having a fun time. As a sex toy designer building up a company with her best friend, she’s got her hands full too, and is not interested in a relationship either. Kendra’s background is in psychology, specifically human sexuality, and that combined with her new career means she isn’t shy about what she wants in the bedroom. The few days she and Max spend together are memorable for them both, but neither has any expectation of seeing each other again. Only… Kendra is Max’s teammate’s Duncan’s cousin, and shows up at a lake weekend that Max has been invited to as well. And this time, they are both willing to admit that they wouldn’t mind keeping up a friends with benefits arrangement. That works for a while, but when their emotions start to come into play, will Max be willing to risk his heart again?
I really like how this story unfolds. It’s told entirely from Max’s point of view and he doesn’t give much of his emotional state away at the start. Though I knew about his wife’s illness and passing from previous stories (this is the fifth book in the series), it is brought up fairly early but not dwelled upon at the beginning. This is deliberate, because Max is trying to move on. He wants a sex life without commitment and he’s very clear about that with Kendra. He has a picture of his wife on his desk, and as he starts to care about Kendra he finds himself comparing them in subtle ways. Sometimes this feels a little forced, like the author is trying to make it look like Kendra is more suited to Max than his wife was. Yet he continues to hold firm in his mind that he will not love another woman, which results in feelings of guilt when he finds himself thinking of Kendra outside of their sexual encounters. As the story progresses it becomes clear that he really hasn’t dealt with as much as he’d thought, until things come to a head and he’s forced to make some decisions that will either pull Kendra closer or push her away completely.
Because we don’t hear Kendra’s ‘voice’ until the epilogue, her feelings and emotions are only brought up as part of conversations she has with Max. She seems to be a levelheaded, competent and smart woman, fun to be with and also a good listener. She definitely comes across as very suited to Max, and compatible as a life partner. We also learn a little about her past from conversations Max has with Duncan, Kendra’s cousin, discovering she’s been in two failed relationships where she gave more of herself than she got in return. This should be a little warning sign for Max that Kendra might be more invested in their relationship than he is, but she is good at hiding her real feelings too.
What’s interesting about this story from a hockey perspective is that it’s all pre-season. The on ice scenes are training drills with some of the other players hoping to make the team. Off the ice there are a lot of gym and boot camp style workouts. Max’s diet is important too, and his food and drink choices are part and parcel of his training. Some readers may find this attention to detail a bit excessive but I like how it shows Max’s commitment to playing hockey professionally again. Of course, there are all the requisite team ‘bromance’ scenes, with his former teammates anxious to have Max on board again. Plus, with Max getting involved with Kendra they have much to tease him about. They know the hard times he went through, and they are equally happy to see him smiling again.
Whether you’ve been following this series from the beginning or it’s your first pass at the Aces Hockey series, you’ll find a lot to enjoy in Slap Shot. What seems to be a cut and dried romance about second chances and moving on has some emotional depth as Max finally realizes his wife would not want him to use their relationship as a buffer from falling in love again. Plus, hockey fans will appreciate the hard work that goes on off the ice to get game ready. It’s an entertaining combination and well worth the read.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
October 8, 2017
Pretty good. Lots of emotions on the line. I do wish the author included more POV from Kendra then just at the end.
It dragged some, but I order to make the story really work, I think it had to.
Kendra was way cool, I wish I was her! She was so together and knew what she wanted without doubt. Sex toy creator how unique!
Max was cool. He was very stubborn and couldn’t see past his nose, but he got it together!
Hot sex!
Good read. You have to like hockey to enjoy!
Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
It dragged some, but I order to make the story really work, I think it had to.
Kendra was way cool, I wish I was her! She was so together and knew what she wanted without doubt. Sex toy creator how unique!
Max was cool. He was very stubborn and couldn’t see past his nose, but he got it together!
Hot sex!
Good read. You have to like hockey to enjoy!
Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 27, 2017
I am a huge fan of this series! I love the setting. I love the guys. I love the hockey. This is the 5th book and it takes a huge twist from the pattern of the previous books. Max is a hockey player and we see him prepping to go back to work, but the bulk of the story takes place away from hockey. Max and Kendra meet at a teammates wedding and hit it of with tons of s3xual chemistry.
What follows is two people professing to only want casual while really heading toward a relationship. What I couldn't get over---having read the rest of the series---is how isolated Max was. Clearly he was struggling with moving on after his wife died. I know his teammates supported him while she was sick and when she died. Where the heck was the support when he was feeling so much guilt for moving on?? Kendra was a saint. It helps that she has that psychology degree. But, really, Max was so all over the place about what he was feeling. No one could have stepped up and given him permission to not forget, but to move forward? That it was ok to do that??
I missed the hockey in this one. Loved the romance when there wasn't the angst. Great to see Army and Dupe and Rupper again as well. I'll read more. This one just wasn't my favorite of the series.
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
What follows is two people professing to only want casual while really heading toward a relationship. What I couldn't get over---having read the rest of the series---is how isolated Max was. Clearly he was struggling with moving on after his wife died. I know his teammates supported him while she was sick and when she died. Where the heck was the support when he was feeling so much guilt for moving on?? Kendra was a saint. It helps that she has that psychology degree. But, really, Max was so all over the place about what he was feeling. No one could have stepped up and given him permission to not forget, but to move forward? That it was ok to do that??
I missed the hockey in this one. Loved the romance when there wasn't the angst. Great to see Army and Dupe and Rupper again as well. I'll read more. This one just wasn't my favorite of the series.
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
August 2, 2017
I wanted to love this book. I love this series. From the start I knew something about Max was not right. He was sulky and broody, like my 12 year old daughter. I kinda knew where the story was going. I knew he hadn't had sex in a long time... so it must be bad.
So, his is a widow and he took a year off from hockey to be with his dying wife. That is very sweet. Now, he is old and is regretting taking time off because he doesn't think he can keep up with the rookies. And EVERY page we hear about his diet. What he eats. His cheat days. The amount he eats!! OY VEY!! I felt like I was reading a diet book and not a romance at time!!
Halfway I almost gave up. I had to put it down and walk away for a while. Then I skimmed a lot of it. Cause I didn't love it....
So, his is a widow and he took a year off from hockey to be with his dying wife. That is very sweet. Now, he is old and is regretting taking time off because he doesn't think he can keep up with the rookies. And EVERY page we hear about his diet. What he eats. His cheat days. The amount he eats!! OY VEY!! I felt like I was reading a diet book and not a romance at time!!
Halfway I almost gave up. I had to put it down and walk away for a while. Then I skimmed a lot of it. Cause I didn't love it....
July 24, 2017
This hero gave me serious whiplash... like make up your mind dude.. you either love someone or you don't plain and simple!! All this back and forth was exhausting... he needed to grow up and a huge reality check! I get that the couple was just a sex kind of couple, but I wanted more.. from this story.. I really did.. this review is more of a 3.5 starts rather than a 4 stars..
February 3, 2018
|Review coming soon|
3.8 stars
3.8 stars
November 4, 2017
I loved this story of a pro hockey player still mourning the death of his wife and trying to get himself back in the rink after taking time off to mourn. Max was an interesting character with quite a bit of depth. I really liked Kendra and how things unfolded for them. She’s such a confident and smart character. I really liked that she goes her own way and has made her own path. She’s inspiring in a lot of ways! She was my favorite heroine in a long time. Their relationship was interesting especially since the entire book was told from Max’s point of view. That was risky but I think the risk paid off. Kendra’s character was so well done that I didn’t feel the need to be in her head. Yet, being in Max’s head was nice since much of the journey of the book was for him. There is grief in this one so it’s got some of that but I didn’t feel like the book was a bummer in any way. It was really about the journey through grief and making a new life for yourself after the loss of another. Definitely recommend – Kendra alone is worth reading this one! Have I mentioned that she’s a great character (lol)? Also, I have read some of this author’s other work, specifically the Last Shot series, and I loved it just as much! I plan to go back and read some of her other work as I think she’s a fantastic writer!
NOTE: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
NOTE: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2017
Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review
It was great to get back into Aces world again.
Throughout the series, Max's story has been one that i have been highly anticipating, and I didn't know if it would live up to my expectations.
It did.
It was sweet and sexy, heart breaking and hopeful. I devoured every word, needing Max to find his HEA - again.
I loved getting a glimpse of the previous lads and lasses of the Aces too.
Can't wait to see what Ms Jamieson brings us next.
It was great to get back into Aces world again.
Throughout the series, Max's story has been one that i have been highly anticipating, and I didn't know if it would live up to my expectations.
It did.
It was sweet and sexy, heart breaking and hopeful. I devoured every word, needing Max to find his HEA - again.
I loved getting a glimpse of the previous lads and lasses of the Aces too.
Can't wait to see what Ms Jamieson brings us next.
September 3, 2017
I don't follow this series as closely so I don't know of Max prior to this. At the start I didn't know about him becoming a widower or if mentioned before. I will say I liked the way the author handled his story here his struggle with getting his career back and finding new meaning. Told in his PoV which I liked how it was written, you understand his struggle and his determination to get back in the game.
Max and Kendra had an easy start they fell into their routine.The chemistry was very much there from the start. Everyone grieves and deals their own time and way, he took his time. I appreciated that he wasn't ready another relationship yet and honest about that part. You can clearly see that he had trouble. It started as a rebound no strings for them I can see how it eased things along and it also helped Max along in a little way.
Kendra isn't perfect but having her psycology background helps her in a way. She a sensitive side too which helps she gets Max and his problems. I get why he had a hard time with his moving on but I feel bad for Kendra in a way despite it them being on the same page they felt more than fuck buddies at some point that Max was in confused on his emotions. It gives one whiplash at times.
That will be the big hurdle for them in the end if he get finally accept that and really move on. I might he does and find it odd he sees differently now.
In the ones I read in the series so far this felt very relatable, real, and full of meaning. It was emotional, angsty, sexy and heartfelt. It had a storyline that grabbed me right away,I enjoyed this one more.
*** ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review ***
Max and Kendra had an easy start they fell into their routine.The chemistry was very much there from the start. Everyone grieves and deals their own time and way, he took his time. I appreciated that he wasn't ready another relationship yet and honest about that part. You can clearly see that he had trouble. It started as a rebound no strings for them I can see how it eased things along and it also helped Max along in a little way.
Kendra isn't perfect but having her psycology background helps her in a way. She a sensitive side too which helps she gets Max and his problems. I get why he had a hard time with his moving on but I feel bad for Kendra in a way despite it them being on the same page they felt more than fuck buddies at some point that Max was in confused on his emotions. It gives one whiplash at times.
That will be the big hurdle for them in the end if he get finally accept that and really move on. I might he does and find it odd he sees differently now.
In the ones I read in the series so far this felt very relatable, real, and full of meaning. It was emotional, angsty, sexy and heartfelt. It had a storyline that grabbed me right away,I enjoyed this one more.
*** ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review ***
July 14, 2017
The blurb makes Max look worse than he really is. Max is still not over his wife's death. He's a great guy. He gets stirred up with a beautiful bridesmaid at a wedding of a teammate. He's ready to meet up with the bridesmaid but doesn't want a relationship.
Max has a focus to get back in hockey after his wife's bout of cancer and subsequent death. But Kendra (aka bridesmaid) does fit and feel good in his life.
It's a story of grief and getting the feeling of letting go and letting someone in. I like Kendra. She's Army's cousin. She's a good addition to the Ace's family. ARC Netgalley
Cover is good Max Hallsy!!
Max has a focus to get back in hockey after his wife's bout of cancer and subsequent death. But Kendra (aka bridesmaid) does fit and feel good in his life.
It's a story of grief and getting the feeling of letting go and letting someone in. I like Kendra. She's Army's cousin. She's a good addition to the Ace's family. ARC Netgalley
Cover is good Max Hallsy!!
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