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Bears Hockey II #1
The O Zone
He's on the defense against love but scoring in the O zone is so much fun…
Owen Cook
I have one goal: To be the best hockey player I can be. I’m not going to waste the opportunity I have. All my focus is on hockey. I avoid distractions like women and relationships during the hockey season, but when a quirky subway busker asks me out on a fake date, somehow I’m intrigued enough to accept.
Emerie Ross
I gave up my music dreams to look after my half-sister. I don’t want her to feel as alone and neglected as I did after our mother died. But my ex-boyfriend is still trying to win me back and now my stepfather is helping him. Gah! I’d rather drink bleach than marry Roman Moretti. If they think I’m involved with someone else, maybe they’ll give up on that idea. All I need is a man…a date for a party.
Owen
When Emerie introduces me to her wicked stepfather (ha) I realize I’ve made a huge mistake. He’s my boss—the man who owns the team I play for. And he’s not happy to see me with Emerie. Can you say career ending move?
Emerie
Oops. I hate hockey. How was I supposed to know who Owen is? How are we going to keep Vince from trading him away? How am I going to make sure I stay happily un-married? We’re going to have to keep up this pretense even if it means me going to hockey games. Ugh. Even if it means disrupting Owen’s rigid routines. Even if it means everything gets a lot more complicated…
Owen Cook
I have one goal: To be the best hockey player I can be. I’m not going to waste the opportunity I have. All my focus is on hockey. I avoid distractions like women and relationships during the hockey season, but when a quirky subway busker asks me out on a fake date, somehow I’m intrigued enough to accept.
Emerie Ross
I gave up my music dreams to look after my half-sister. I don’t want her to feel as alone and neglected as I did after our mother died. But my ex-boyfriend is still trying to win me back and now my stepfather is helping him. Gah! I’d rather drink bleach than marry Roman Moretti. If they think I’m involved with someone else, maybe they’ll give up on that idea. All I need is a man…a date for a party.
Owen
When Emerie introduces me to her wicked stepfather (ha) I realize I’ve made a huge mistake. He’s my boss—the man who owns the team I play for. And he’s not happy to see me with Emerie. Can you say career ending move?
Emerie
Oops. I hate hockey. How was I supposed to know who Owen is? How are we going to keep Vince from trading him away? How am I going to make sure I stay happily un-married? We’re going to have to keep up this pretense even if it means me going to hockey games. Ugh. Even if it means disrupting Owen’s rigid routines. Even if it means everything gets a lot more complicated…
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2022
192 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Jamieson
115 books2,650 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 142 reviews
December 27, 2021
It was delicious. Hockey romances are my absolute favorite, so I’m always excited for a new one. I liked this one a lot!
It’s connected to another short series by the author, but you don’t need to read it to enjoy this book. Sure, a few characters come back, but you get enough of their story to see where they’re coming from. Actually, you don’t see them treated differently than the other characters–who will no doubt become the main characters in the next books. There aren’t enough ensemble scenes to be lost, and you don’t get to see much of them anyway.
Because the book focuses solely on Emerie and Owen. Not only as a couple, but also as individuals, and that may be what I loved the most about this romance. After the big drama that threatens their relationship, they understand that they need to change, each on their own, and they find personal challenges and goals to achieve that. It may have been too quick though–I’d have loved to see them take their time at growing up–but at least it exists.
They don’t exist in a vacuum. Besides Owen’s teammates–hey, it IS a hockey romance–we read about Emerie’s family, and a bit about Owen’s. They have a great deal of influence over Emerie and Owen, and actually are responsible for all their hang ups. So dealing with them is also a big part of the story.
And the hockey part? Astounding. Some actions get a paragraph at most, but some others are very detailed, and it feels like you’re watching a game. I really REALLY love when the sports is actually important to the story. If you know nothing about hockey, it’s a great place to start too, as Owen explains the rules to newbie Emerie.
It was also quite sexy. There aren’t a lot of intimate scenes, but they’re both full of heat, and full of heart. The connection between Emerie and Owen goes way beyond the physical, and it shows in their touches and their words.
This series definitely gets off to a good start.
Quickie
- Series: Bears hockey II #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #fake relationship #forbidden relationship
- Triggers: emotional abuse, mention of substance abuse and death
- Main couple: Emerie Ross & Owen Cooke
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + they find accomplishment in something personal outside of their relationship
- – the fact that Emerie thinks it’s okay to ask a complete stranger, major suspension of disbelief
It’s connected to another short series by the author, but you don’t need to read it to enjoy this book. Sure, a few characters come back, but you get enough of their story to see where they’re coming from. Actually, you don’t see them treated differently than the other characters–who will no doubt become the main characters in the next books. There aren’t enough ensemble scenes to be lost, and you don’t get to see much of them anyway.
Because the book focuses solely on Emerie and Owen. Not only as a couple, but also as individuals, and that may be what I loved the most about this romance. After the big drama that threatens their relationship, they understand that they need to change, each on their own, and they find personal challenges and goals to achieve that. It may have been too quick though–I’d have loved to see them take their time at growing up–but at least it exists.
They don’t exist in a vacuum. Besides Owen’s teammates–hey, it IS a hockey romance–we read about Emerie’s family, and a bit about Owen’s. They have a great deal of influence over Emerie and Owen, and actually are responsible for all their hang ups. So dealing with them is also a big part of the story.
And the hockey part? Astounding. Some actions get a paragraph at most, but some others are very detailed, and it feels like you’re watching a game. I really REALLY love when the sports is actually important to the story. If you know nothing about hockey, it’s a great place to start too, as Owen explains the rules to newbie Emerie.
It was also quite sexy. There aren’t a lot of intimate scenes, but they’re both full of heat, and full of heart. The connection between Emerie and Owen goes way beyond the physical, and it shows in their touches and their words.
This series definitely gets off to a good start.
Quickie
- Series: Bears hockey II #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #fake relationship #forbidden relationship
- Triggers: emotional abuse, mention of substance abuse and death
- Main couple: Emerie Ross & Owen Cooke
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + they find accomplishment in something personal outside of their relationship
- – the fact that Emerie thinks it’s okay to ask a complete stranger, major suspension of disbelief
Currently reading
January 4, 2022Release day! I'm so excited! Check out the fantastic reviews The O Zone has got! I'm so thrilled readers are loving Emerie and Owen, my subway busking heroine and hockey nerd hero!
***
It's just over 3 weeks until release day! ARCs are out and I am thrilled with some of the reviews for this book -- a great start for the new Bears II series!
December 18, 2021
I really wasn't expecting how emotional this book would be. I love when you pick up a sports romance book and get so much more than some light read you think it will be. I really liked both Owen and Emerie. They both had some trauma they haven't dealt well with, and you could see it would all come to a head and yet I couldn't predict how the author was going to get them past it. Both of them had me feeling for their situations and I was so very happy to see them get that happily ever after. This was a great emotional read!
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January 2, 2022
Owen is focused on hockey. He lives and breathes the sport and that doesn’t leave him time for anything else in his life which his is fine with. Emerie has always wanted to feel like she belongs, she loves music and spends her time taking care of her younger sister and busking on the streets of New York. When she needs a fake date, the mysterious tall man she has noticed watching her play is perfect for the job…little do they know how connected they are.
There was a lot more to Owen and Emerie’s story than I expected. I loved every single moment of it. I devoured this story. It takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, but in the end the ride is worth it. The chemistry between Owen and Emerie is off the charts from the moment they meet or even before they know who the other truly is. Owen and Emerie are perfect for each other, even though, everything started out as a fake relationship that quickly changed. However, the both of them both have a lot about themselves they need to work through.
I loved seeing more of the Bears hockey team and I can’t wait for more of them in the future.
If you’re looking for a fake relationship, sports romance this is one to check out!
There was a lot more to Owen and Emerie’s story than I expected. I loved every single moment of it. I devoured this story. It takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, but in the end the ride is worth it. The chemistry between Owen and Emerie is off the charts from the moment they meet or even before they know who the other truly is. Owen and Emerie are perfect for each other, even though, everything started out as a fake relationship that quickly changed. However, the both of them both have a lot about themselves they need to work through.
I loved seeing more of the Bears hockey team and I can’t wait for more of them in the future.
If you’re looking for a fake relationship, sports romance this is one to check out!
July 30, 2023
I wasn't sure about this one at first. It took a little bit of time to get going while the H (hockey player Owen) and h (busker/socialite Emerie) felt each other out. There was an attraction, but both the H\h weren't really sure how they felt about each other. Neither did I! But they continued on -----they had agreed to a fake dating arrangement to deter a persistent ex who was hand picked and approved by her controlling step father ---and then became friends. And then things heated up when they went on a group vacation ( with a bunch of the hero's hockey teammates) and the book really came together.
This book felt real with some of the problems both Owen and Emerie tried to deal with: survivor's guilt, abandonment, fear of loss, addiction, desire to be perfect.. there were lots of things that they both had to work out. I like how mature they both tried to be and how things all worked out. I believed in them as a couple and that's half the battle in a good romance.
4 1/2 stars
This book felt real with some of the problems both Owen and Emerie tried to deal with: survivor's guilt, abandonment, fear of loss, addiction, desire to be perfect.. there were lots of things that they both had to work out. I like how mature they both tried to be and how things all worked out. I believed in them as a couple and that's half the battle in a good romance.
4 1/2 stars
January 6, 2022
This one was just ok for me. Part of it was for some reason the "fake" relationship didn't really work for me. At first I liked how Owen was smitten with Emerie, just by seeing her busking, it was even in her disguise. I even liked how she asked Owen to be her fake boyfriend. It was only when the connection between Owen and her stepfather came out that things seemed really forced to me. I felt like Emerie was only following through with things only because she had no other choice. Her hatred of hockey and begrudgingly doing things with Owen didn't make me like her at that point.
Sure things changed in the relationship and Emerie was really screwed over by her stepfather, but even that felt forced. Emerie only moved in with Owen because she didn't have any other choices. But with that said, I was glad with how things ended. Glad that Owen figured some things out about his family, glad that things eased in Emerie's family and that the two of them worked things out.
Sure things changed in the relationship and Emerie was really screwed over by her stepfather, but even that felt forced. Emerie only moved in with Owen because she didn't have any other choices. But with that said, I was glad with how things ended. Glad that Owen figured some things out about his family, glad that things eased in Emerie's family and that the two of them worked things out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2022
The O Zone is a hockey, forbidden, fake relationship romance and I adored it. I have recently fallen hard for Kelly Jamieson’s hockey romances and her Bears Hockey II Series is off to a fabulous start with Owen and Emerie’s love story. I already cannot wait for more in this series to come! Owen is driven and focused. He is committed to his hockey career and won’t allow himself any distractions, including romantic entanglements. He lost his brother unexpectedly and it is important to him that he see all his career goals through for not only himself, but also his brother. When Owen stumbles across a beautiful busker in the subway station she completely takes him by surprise and when she propositions him for his help he cannot seem to resist helping her out. Emerie is my kind of heroine. Loyal, selfless and hard working. She is talented and has a creative soul and loves her sister fiercely. Her connection with her sister is so special. She gave up her music career to look after her. Now her dad is working with her ex-boyfriend to get them back together. In efforts to derail him she brings in Owen as her fake boyfriend. One small problem is that Emerie’s dad turns out to be the owner of the hockey team Owen plays for and he may have inadvertently put his hockey career in jeopardy! The emotional impact of this book took me surprise. Emerie and Owen’s relationship was not an easy one. They fought hard through many obstacles and getting to their HEA was so satisfying after all they endured.
*Netgalley ARC received in exchange of an honest review.
*Netgalley ARC received in exchange of an honest review.
January 25, 2023
literally fuming that i paid real actual money to read this
1- there was so much casual bigotry it was awful
2- the way oxycontin addiction was discussed was horrifying and so disrespectful
3- owen and emerie had zero chemistry
4- the plot was a mess
5- if you’re going to spend that much time setting up a mob subplot just go with that. like what was the point of all that foreshadowing 😭
1- there was so much casual bigotry it was awful
2- the way oxycontin addiction was discussed was horrifying and so disrespectful
3- owen and emerie had zero chemistry
4- the plot was a mess
5- if you’re going to spend that much time setting up a mob subplot just go with that. like what was the point of all that foreshadowing 😭
December 10, 2021
This story right here hit's all the buttons! Your heart will melt, hurt, and you'll also swoon! The chemistry between Emerie and Owen was off the charts! 5 hockey stars for this one!
Emerie has put her life on hold to help raise her little sister Cat, she makes sure everything get's done for her to make her life smoother. When she meets Owen, she has no idea what he does for a living, but she's in desperate need of a date to bring to her step fathers party, so when he accepts her invite, she's thrilled! She needs to get her step dad off her back and this should do it! What happens next will wow you!
Owen eats sleeps and breathes hockey. It's all he's wanted in his life and he won't let anything get in the way of this. That is, until he meets Emerie, and everything he's worked so hard for, could possibly come crashing down on him.
Kelly wrote an amazing story here! I loved each and every page of it! I seriously didn't want to put it down! Make sure you grab your copy asap! You will love it too!
Emerie has put her life on hold to help raise her little sister Cat, she makes sure everything get's done for her to make her life smoother. When she meets Owen, she has no idea what he does for a living, but she's in desperate need of a date to bring to her step fathers party, so when he accepts her invite, she's thrilled! She needs to get her step dad off her back and this should do it! What happens next will wow you!
Owen eats sleeps and breathes hockey. It's all he's wanted in his life and he won't let anything get in the way of this. That is, until he meets Emerie, and everything he's worked so hard for, could possibly come crashing down on him.
Kelly wrote an amazing story here! I loved each and every page of it! I seriously didn't want to put it down! Make sure you grab your copy asap! You will love it too!
January 4, 2022
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the first book in the second series about the Bears Hockey team. You don't have to read the first series in order to read this book, but if you have, you will get glimpses of the couples featured in first.
Owen "Cookie" Cook is hardcore hockey player in that he eats, breathes and sleeps hockey. This is the one player that everyone calls the "hockey nerd" because he knows all the ins and outs of the game right down to rules that govern play. You can see that when he argues with the referees on calls, he backs up his arguments with the rule number and exactly what the rule states.
He has made hockey his life, determined not to let his chance of playing in the NHL be squandered by partying, hooking up with puck bunnies, or being a diva on and off the ice. He's a player that is often skates under the radar but is a solid performer rather than a standout star.
Emerie Ross is Owen's opposite. She's a subway busker that sings and plays her guitar most days until she has to leave and pick up her sister from school. As she takes off her wig and vintage coat, she assumes the role of big sister and step-daughter to one of the wealthiest people in the city.
Emerie has noticed Owen staring at her while she sings, he's never spoken to her but she can tell that he likes her music. Owen has definitely noticed Emerie and her voice is something that calls to him when he takes the subway. What is unexpected is that Emerie asks Owen to accompany her to a party being thrown by her step-father in order to help get her ex to take a hint and go away.
What neither realizes is that Emerie's stepfather is the owner of the Bears hockey team. Cue the drama. They agree to keep "fake dating" in an effort to force Emerie's ex to get a clue. It's a good thing that the couple gets a long so well as this may take some time.
Both Emerie and Owen have to deal with some emotional baggage that they are carrying and working their way through it allows the reader to become part of the story and root for the couple.
Looking forward to the rest of the Bears hockey stories.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
This is the first book in the second series about the Bears Hockey team. You don't have to read the first series in order to read this book, but if you have, you will get glimpses of the couples featured in first.
Owen "Cookie" Cook is hardcore hockey player in that he eats, breathes and sleeps hockey. This is the one player that everyone calls the "hockey nerd" because he knows all the ins and outs of the game right down to rules that govern play. You can see that when he argues with the referees on calls, he backs up his arguments with the rule number and exactly what the rule states.
He has made hockey his life, determined not to let his chance of playing in the NHL be squandered by partying, hooking up with puck bunnies, or being a diva on and off the ice. He's a player that is often skates under the radar but is a solid performer rather than a standout star.
Emerie Ross is Owen's opposite. She's a subway busker that sings and plays her guitar most days until she has to leave and pick up her sister from school. As she takes off her wig and vintage coat, she assumes the role of big sister and step-daughter to one of the wealthiest people in the city.
Emerie has noticed Owen staring at her while she sings, he's never spoken to her but she can tell that he likes her music. Owen has definitely noticed Emerie and her voice is something that calls to him when he takes the subway. What is unexpected is that Emerie asks Owen to accompany her to a party being thrown by her step-father in order to help get her ex to take a hint and go away.
What neither realizes is that Emerie's stepfather is the owner of the Bears hockey team. Cue the drama. They agree to keep "fake dating" in an effort to force Emerie's ex to get a clue. It's a good thing that the couple gets a long so well as this may take some time.
Both Emerie and Owen have to deal with some emotional baggage that they are carrying and working their way through it allows the reader to become part of the story and root for the couple.
Looking forward to the rest of the Bears hockey stories.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
January 20, 2022
The O Zone by Kelly Jamieson is a dual first-person POV romance exploring the fallout when a hockey player totally committed to his hockey career to the exclusion of all else falls for a singer/songwriter/musician who hates hockey and just so happens to be the stepdaughter of his team’s owner. It’s a sexy, sweet, steamy, and emotionally intense hockey romance. I love Jamieson’s hockey romances because it’s obvious she knows her hockey and skillfully balances the romance and hockey elements in her novels. Her characters are nicely developed with interactions that draw you into novels/stories, making you care about them/their lives. Jamieson writes romantic relationships that are intensely emotional, sexual, and about characters who start out with you thinking how this is going to work to them having this deep, romantic, steamy, and utterly romantic connection that makes you want them to have all the good things. All those elements are present in The O Zone, which starts happy-go-lucky, and suddenly things get real quick! Jamieson deftly explores serious issues with nuance while balancing the novel's tone between humor, angst, and steam.
Owen Cook’s sole focus is being the best hockey player he can be. He works hard to improve his game, research the game, and be a student of the game. He never gets involved with women or relationships during the hockey season—until Emerie. Emerie Ross is a talented musician/singer/songwriter who gave up on pursuing her music dreams to take care of her half-sister after their mother's death. Her love of music won’t let her totally let it go, so she composes, sings, and plays guitar in the subway for money. But when her ex tries to get her to take him back, and her stepfather starts pressuring her to take him back too and marry him, she takes extreme action. She asks Owen, who she doesn’t know is a hockey player, out on a fake date to a party where her father and ex will be present, hoping they will take the hint and let it go. Neither man is happy to see them together, especially Owen’s employer. Will it cost Owen the most important thing in his life?
What starts as fake dating quickly evolves into a steamy, intensely sexual fling that becomes a deeply emotional connection far faster than either is prepared. I like that Owen and Emerie share a connection/interest in each other before meeting, which only grows stronger the more time they spend together. Each has unresolved trauma and issues from grief and familial tensions affecting their ability to live their lives for themselves. Being together helps open their eyes to possibilities, forcing them to honestly deal with the grief and other issues keeping them trapped, let go of the past, and choose to live in the present. It’s hard for both. Owen lives and breathes hockey—on and off the ice. Emerie makes her life all about mothering and protecting her sister, who's growing up fast.
The O Zone is a steamy, sweet, angsty, and sexy romance highly recommended for hockey romance fans about finding the person who helps you to feel comfortable in your own skin, accepting you, flaws, and all, who encourages you to chase your dreams because it makes you happy, gives you peace—not for anybody else.
Advanced review copy provided by Kelly Jamieson Inc via Netgalley for review.
Owen Cook’s sole focus is being the best hockey player he can be. He works hard to improve his game, research the game, and be a student of the game. He never gets involved with women or relationships during the hockey season—until Emerie. Emerie Ross is a talented musician/singer/songwriter who gave up on pursuing her music dreams to take care of her half-sister after their mother's death. Her love of music won’t let her totally let it go, so she composes, sings, and plays guitar in the subway for money. But when her ex tries to get her to take him back, and her stepfather starts pressuring her to take him back too and marry him, she takes extreme action. She asks Owen, who she doesn’t know is a hockey player, out on a fake date to a party where her father and ex will be present, hoping they will take the hint and let it go. Neither man is happy to see them together, especially Owen’s employer. Will it cost Owen the most important thing in his life?
What starts as fake dating quickly evolves into a steamy, intensely sexual fling that becomes a deeply emotional connection far faster than either is prepared. I like that Owen and Emerie share a connection/interest in each other before meeting, which only grows stronger the more time they spend together. Each has unresolved trauma and issues from grief and familial tensions affecting their ability to live their lives for themselves. Being together helps open their eyes to possibilities, forcing them to honestly deal with the grief and other issues keeping them trapped, let go of the past, and choose to live in the present. It’s hard for both. Owen lives and breathes hockey—on and off the ice. Emerie makes her life all about mothering and protecting her sister, who's growing up fast.
The O Zone is a steamy, sweet, angsty, and sexy romance highly recommended for hockey romance fans about finding the person who helps you to feel comfortable in your own skin, accepting you, flaws, and all, who encourages you to chase your dreams because it makes you happy, gives you peace—not for anybody else.
Advanced review copy provided by Kelly Jamieson Inc via Netgalley for review.
August 25, 2025
4/5
CW: addiction (off page), child neglect, grief, loss of parents, loss of sibling
This is my first Kelly Jamieson book and I suspect it will not be my last. This was such a fun story, with heartwarming messages about grief and loss.
I picked up this book from Jamieson at RARE Edinburgh 2024. I asked her to suggest one of her books to a first time reader and this one did not disappoint!
CW: addiction (off page), child neglect, grief, loss of parents, loss of sibling
This is my first Kelly Jamieson book and I suspect it will not be my last. This was such a fun story, with heartwarming messages about grief and loss.
I picked up this book from Jamieson at RARE Edinburgh 2024. I asked her to suggest one of her books to a first time reader and this one did not disappoint!
January 13, 2026
Owen is the super healthy hockey player and Emerie is kind of sad, she lost her mom, lives with her step dad, loves music and pretty much raising her little sister, and their kitty. She loves music..oh and her step dad is trying to force her to get married to further his career as an NHL owner. They have a cute love story. It starts to get a little spicy and I can't wait to read the next one.
December 6, 2025
Emerie Ross è un'artista di strada che si esibisce di nascosto dal patrigno Vince in metropolitana. Lì incontra un ragazzo, Owen, alto, sexy e sempre ben vestito.
Una sera Emerie si fa coraggio e lo invita a bere un caffè. Parlando del più e del meno, lei fa una proposta interessante a Owen: fingersi per una sera il suo fidanzato e accompagnarla a un evento organizzato dal patrigno.
Owen non si lascia mai distrarre dalle donne e dalle relazioni sentimentali, ma accetta di buon grado di aiutare l'eccentrica ragazza.
Durante il ricevimento, hanno entrambi una sorpresa che li lascia senza parole: Emerie è la figliastra di Vince D’Agostino, che è il proprietario della squadra di hockey dove gioca Owen Cooke.
Dopo lo shock iniziale, i due decidono di portare avanti questa relazione finta, perché Vince vuole a tutti i costi far sposare Emerie con Roman.
Tutto non sarà "rose e fiori": tra i due sta nascendo un sentimento reale. Vince non si dà per vinto, sbatte fuori di casa Emerie, allontanandola dalla sua sorellina Cat, e inizia a mettere i bastoni tra le ruote alla carriera di Owen.
Per Owen la sua carriera è tutto; per lui l'hockey è al primo posto. Con il passare dei giorni si accorge che Emerie è di intralcio a quello a cui lui aspira e decide di interrompere la relazione.
Ho trovato la lettura scorrevole e coinvolgente. Devo dire che, nonostante la consistenza del romanzo, l'autrice non è affatto ripetitiva e l'ho trovato originale. La storia di Owen ed Emerie mi è entrata nel cuore: due ragazzi così diversi, ma segnati da un passato traumatico e sofferente.
La lettura è stata piacevole e a tratti divertente; adoro i compagni di squadra di Owen e le loro mogli.
Lettura consigliata, non vedo l'ora di leggere il prossimo volume.
Valutazione: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️
Emozioni: 💘💘💘💘💘
Recensione a cura di Silvia Turi
Una sera Emerie si fa coraggio e lo invita a bere un caffè. Parlando del più e del meno, lei fa una proposta interessante a Owen: fingersi per una sera il suo fidanzato e accompagnarla a un evento organizzato dal patrigno.
Owen non si lascia mai distrarre dalle donne e dalle relazioni sentimentali, ma accetta di buon grado di aiutare l'eccentrica ragazza.
Durante il ricevimento, hanno entrambi una sorpresa che li lascia senza parole: Emerie è la figliastra di Vince D’Agostino, che è il proprietario della squadra di hockey dove gioca Owen Cooke.
Dopo lo shock iniziale, i due decidono di portare avanti questa relazione finta, perché Vince vuole a tutti i costi far sposare Emerie con Roman.
Tutto non sarà "rose e fiori": tra i due sta nascendo un sentimento reale. Vince non si dà per vinto, sbatte fuori di casa Emerie, allontanandola dalla sua sorellina Cat, e inizia a mettere i bastoni tra le ruote alla carriera di Owen.
Per Owen la sua carriera è tutto; per lui l'hockey è al primo posto. Con il passare dei giorni si accorge che Emerie è di intralcio a quello a cui lui aspira e decide di interrompere la relazione.
Ho trovato la lettura scorrevole e coinvolgente. Devo dire che, nonostante la consistenza del romanzo, l'autrice non è affatto ripetitiva e l'ho trovato originale. La storia di Owen ed Emerie mi è entrata nel cuore: due ragazzi così diversi, ma segnati da un passato traumatico e sofferente.
La lettura è stata piacevole e a tratti divertente; adoro i compagni di squadra di Owen e le loro mogli.
Lettura consigliata, non vedo l'ora di leggere il prossimo volume.
Valutazione: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️
Emozioni: 💘💘💘💘💘
Recensione a cura di Silvia Turi
January 5, 2022
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the first book in the new series, and whilst you would get some of the background in the first series, you can start here and soon catch up.
Owen is a man with a single focus ... his hockey career ... after the untimely death of his older brother, he has done all he can to ensure that he instead has a life in the NHL. He considers everything he does through that lens, so a love interest is definitely not on his agenda. So when a pretty subway busker, who had gained his attention on his way to work, asks him for a favour, he thinks he is safe to accept.
What then unfolds is both funny, sweet, hot and utterly unexpected. Emerie somehow slots into his life under the radar, and not entirely intentionally. She might even threaten his career due to her family background. All of a sudden Owen's life is upside down, but maybe that is not all bad.
I really enjoyed the banter between the team members, the excitement of the matches, and the simmering, building heat between Owen and Emerie and just what that might mean.
Really good sports romance, I am already looking forward to the next one!
This is the first book in the new series, and whilst you would get some of the background in the first series, you can start here and soon catch up.
Owen is a man with a single focus ... his hockey career ... after the untimely death of his older brother, he has done all he can to ensure that he instead has a life in the NHL. He considers everything he does through that lens, so a love interest is definitely not on his agenda. So when a pretty subway busker, who had gained his attention on his way to work, asks him for a favour, he thinks he is safe to accept.
What then unfolds is both funny, sweet, hot and utterly unexpected. Emerie somehow slots into his life under the radar, and not entirely intentionally. She might even threaten his career due to her family background. All of a sudden Owen's life is upside down, but maybe that is not all bad.
I really enjoyed the banter between the team members, the excitement of the matches, and the simmering, building heat between Owen and Emerie and just what that might mean.
Really good sports romance, I am already looking forward to the next one!
November 21, 2024
5 star Review The O Zone (Bears Hockey II #1) by Kelly Jamieson
I was excited when I learnt that Kelly Jamieson had a new series releasing. The O Zone was everything I was expecting and so much more. I have read quite a few books by this author and as I have come to expect, the writing was strong with characters that you cannot help but fall in love with. Owen Cook and Emerie Ross are characters that were easy to relate too, add in that the story was beautifully written and I was hooked from the first chapter.
Owen is totally focused on his routines and his determination to be the best hockey player he can be. After throwing caution to the wind and agreeing to fake date Emerie, to help her block her ex’s advances he has no idea of the trouble he is about to rain down on himself.
The last thing he expected is that her stepfather is the owner of the ice hockey team he plays for. Things are about to become complicated for both Owen and Emerie as they work to stop Vince from trading Owen. The dynamic of their relationship as they supported one another was encouraging as was the growth of both characters throughout.
I loved Emerie and the love she has for little sister was heart warming. The O Zone is a fast paced story that drew me in and refused to let me go until the final word was read.
I was excited when I learnt that Kelly Jamieson had a new series releasing. The O Zone was everything I was expecting and so much more. I have read quite a few books by this author and as I have come to expect, the writing was strong with characters that you cannot help but fall in love with. Owen Cook and Emerie Ross are characters that were easy to relate too, add in that the story was beautifully written and I was hooked from the first chapter.
Owen is totally focused on his routines and his determination to be the best hockey player he can be. After throwing caution to the wind and agreeing to fake date Emerie, to help her block her ex’s advances he has no idea of the trouble he is about to rain down on himself.
The last thing he expected is that her stepfather is the owner of the ice hockey team he plays for. Things are about to become complicated for both Owen and Emerie as they work to stop Vince from trading Owen. The dynamic of their relationship as they supported one another was encouraging as was the growth of both characters throughout.
I loved Emerie and the love she has for little sister was heart warming. The O Zone is a fast paced story that drew me in and refused to let me go until the final word was read.
January 3, 2022
No one writes hockey romances like Kelly Jamieson and I was excited when I heard we were getting a new series, well let me just say The O Zone ( Bears Hockey II, #1) was everything I expected and more.
This is Owen Cook and Emerie Ross’s beautifully written romance and their journey captivated me from the first page and there was no putting down until the final line had been read.
Owen lives his life being focused, he has routines to help him be the best hockey player and dating is not on his horizon but he does a good deed and throws caution to the wind one night and agrees to fake date a stunning beauty who is trying to avoid her ex’s advances. What he didn’t expect was for Emerie ( the fake date) to be the stepdaughter of the owner of the hockey team he plays for. Has he made a mistake, will she win his heart or will he be traded ………
I loved everything about this couple, I adored the friendship, the love and the banter they shared but it was the kindness and support they had for each other that made their story feel real. Emerie was a breath of fresh air and her love for her younger sister was heartwarming, Owen was easy to love but together they became the couple you cheered for. The O Zone is the perfect start to the new series and if this book is anything to go by, Ms Jamieson will certainly have another hit series on her hands. Looking forward to what’s coming next
This is Owen Cook and Emerie Ross’s beautifully written romance and their journey captivated me from the first page and there was no putting down until the final line had been read.
Owen lives his life being focused, he has routines to help him be the best hockey player and dating is not on his horizon but he does a good deed and throws caution to the wind one night and agrees to fake date a stunning beauty who is trying to avoid her ex’s advances. What he didn’t expect was for Emerie ( the fake date) to be the stepdaughter of the owner of the hockey team he plays for. Has he made a mistake, will she win his heart or will he be traded ………
I loved everything about this couple, I adored the friendship, the love and the banter they shared but it was the kindness and support they had for each other that made their story feel real. Emerie was a breath of fresh air and her love for her younger sister was heartwarming, Owen was easy to love but together they became the couple you cheered for. The O Zone is the perfect start to the new series and if this book is anything to go by, Ms Jamieson will certainly have another hit series on her hands. Looking forward to what’s coming next
December 22, 2021
The O Zone is an amazing hockey read that you are going to fall in love with. I love this Bears Hockey take two addition. You get to meet more of the players and fall hard for the whole team all over again. Owen is so hockey driven. He is amazing at what he does and an all-around great guy who still struggles with the loss of his brother. Emerie is so talented and caring. She is such an amazing big sister. If you love fake relationships to more than you are going to love what Owen and Emerie bring to the pages. Owen and Emerie are one red hot couple that bring out the more in each other. I love the banter and the chemistry. Emerie fits right in with the rest of the women of the Bears hockey loves. I loved the little bit of that unexpected when it comes to the beginning of Owen and Emerie's relationship. This is a hot read that will pull at your heart strings some. All I have to say is hold on and enjoy Owen and Emerie.
December 9, 2021
First Word Fantastic. The O Zone is the next book in Kelly Jamieson’s Bears Series and we get to meet the amazing Emerie Ross & Owen Cooke.
Emerie is a young woman for will do everything for everyone else, taking care of her sister, looking out for her busking friends but what she never does is do for herself that is until she meets Owen Cooke.
Owen is a a hockey player for the Bears, but he also eats, sleeps everything hockey basically a hot nerd. What he doesn’t do is face his past and until he does he can’t move forward with his life until he meets Emerie in the most unusual of places.
Emerie & Owen have the chemistry that you can’t look away from but they both need to face some real life issues to move forward as a couple. You can not help cheer them on because one thing you know for sure is that they deserve to have that HEA everyone deserves.
Emerie is a young woman for will do everything for everyone else, taking care of her sister, looking out for her busking friends but what she never does is do for herself that is until she meets Owen Cooke.
Owen is a a hockey player for the Bears, but he also eats, sleeps everything hockey basically a hot nerd. What he doesn’t do is face his past and until he does he can’t move forward with his life until he meets Emerie in the most unusual of places.
Emerie & Owen have the chemistry that you can’t look away from but they both need to face some real life issues to move forward as a couple. You can not help cheer them on because one thing you know for sure is that they deserve to have that HEA everyone deserves.
December 23, 2021
Whenever I'm in the mood for a hot hockey romance, I know I can count on Kelly Jamieson to deliver. But The O Zone is so much more than a hot hockey romance. I loved Owen with his rigid routines and his line-by-line knowledge of NHL rules. And I loved Emerie who was trying so hard to do right by her little sister. But most of all, I loved how each character grew and healed as a result of their relationship. The black moment broke my heart. I needed Owen and Emerie back together and I stayed up way too late reading the entire story because I could not put it down! Sure, I was tired at work the next day. But it was totally worth it. The O Zone is a fast-paced, emotional, unputdownable read and I highly recommend it!
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2021
Sexy, adorable and sweet! With the first book in a brand new Bears Hockey II series Kelly Jamieson brings on the feels when Owen and Emerie connect and sizzle. THE O ZONE is fast paced and emotional and I highly enjoyed it. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Emmie is a sweetheart and super easy to connect with. The only thing I felt lacking with her character was digging a little deeper into what her relationship with the ex had really been.
I love Owen! He's one-sighted but man is he a nice guy. I was happy to see him deal with his past and learn to let her in more.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance with lots of heart.
Emmie is a sweetheart and super easy to connect with. The only thing I felt lacking with her character was digging a little deeper into what her relationship with the ex had really been.
I love Owen! He's one-sighted but man is he a nice guy. I was happy to see him deal with his past and learn to let her in more.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance with lots of heart.
January 1, 2022
I think this was a pretty fun read. A little different take on hockey romance. I loved that Emerie busk, I don't think I've read any MCs who did that. And that's how Owen saw her, continue watching her and her music kept his attention. He thought he was discreet about it until Emerie approach him and ask if he could be her date to ward off her dad of her back.
The storyline is sweet and heartwarming, especially with Emerie's sister and her dad. I liked that even after knowing who her dad is, Owen still stand by her side and helped her through all that she was put through. Even though he did have some hesitation. It was a good read for me.
The storyline is sweet and heartwarming, especially with Emerie's sister and her dad. I liked that even after knowing who her dad is, Owen still stand by her side and helped her through all that she was put through. Even though he did have some hesitation. It was a good read for me.
January 5, 2022
Owen was an interesting character. He was intense. Emerie was also interesting.....she busked her music at streets that Owen happened to walk by. There she invites him to coffee. She proposes fake boyfriend to interrupt her step dad's attempt to have her marry another guy. It's a little strange that Owen agrees. Out of character, for sure.
Emerie needed to grow (up) and Owen needed to forgive. They aren't my favorite characters but this author never disappoints...good read.
Nice little story.
Emerie needed to grow (up) and Owen needed to forgive. They aren't my favorite characters but this author never disappoints...good read.
Nice little story.
Want to read
July 2, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (4/18/2022)! 🎁
January 10, 2022
Check out our full post for THE O ZONE on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in the second series about the Bears Hockey team. You don't have to read the first series in order to read this book, but if you have, you will get glimpses of the couples featured in the first.
Owen "Cookie" Cook is a hardcore hockey player in that he eats, breathes, and sleeps hockey. This is the one player that everyone calls the "hockey nerd" because he knows all the ins and outs of the game, right down to rules that govern play. You can see that when he argues with the referees on calls, he backs up his arguments with the rule number and exactly what the rule states.
He has made hockey his life, determined not to let his chance of playing in the NHL be squandered by partying, hooking up with puck bunnies, or being a diva on and off the ice. He's a player who often skates under the radar but is a solid performer rather than a standout star.
Emerie Ross is Owen's opposite. She's a subway busker who sings and plays her guitar most days until she has to leave and pick up her sister from school. As she takes off her wig and vintage coat, she assumes the role of big sister and stepdaughter to one of the wealthiest people in the city.
Emerie has noticed Owen staring at her while she sings, he's never spoken to her but she can tell that he likes her music. Owen has definitely noticed Emerie and her voice is something that calls to him when he takes the subway. What is unexpected is that Emerie asks Owen to accompany her to a party being thrown by her stepfather in order to help get her ex to take a hint and go away.
What neither realizes is that Emerie's stepfather is the owner of the Bears hockey team. Cue the drama. They agree to keep "fake dating" in an effort to force Emerie's ex to get a clue. It's a good thing that the couple gets along so well as this may take some time.
Both Emerie and Owen have to deal with some emotional baggage that they are carrying, and working their way through it allows the reader to become part of the story and root for the couple.
Looking forward to the rest of the Bears Hockey stories.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in the new series, and whilst you would get some of the background in the first series, you can start here and soon catch up.
Owen is a man with a single focus – his hockey career. After the untimely death of his older brother, he has done all he can to ensure that he instead has a life in the NHL. He considers everything he does through that lens, so a love interest is definitely not on his agenda. So when a pretty subway busker, who had gained his attention on his way to work, asks him for a favour, he thinks he is safe to accept.
What then unfolds is both funny, sweet, hot, and utterly unexpected. Emerie somehow slots into his life under the radar, and not entirely intentionally. She might even threaten his career due to her family background. All of a sudden Owen's life is upside down, but maybe that is not all bad.
I really enjoyed the banter between the team members, the excitement of the matches, and the simmering, building heat between Owen and Emerie and just what that might mean.
Really good sports romance; I am already looking forward to the next one!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
September 22, 2024
Owen is all hockey, all the time. He eats right, rarely drinks, and studies all the game tape available.
Emerie is a little bit of a lost soul. After losing her mother, she stayed with her stepfather and younger (half)sister Cat. Seems like Vince basically used her as an unpaid nanny, not encouraging her to go to college or follow any dreams she might have had. I think this is the weakest part of the story but it was STILL a good story.
Emerie loves music - creating and performing - but she'd still rather fly under the radar. But when her stepfather tries to get her to marry to benefit his business (owner of the NY Bears Hockey team), she decides to get a fake date so she'll look unavailable. Only problem is, she thinks she's choosing a hedge fund manager but she's actually chosen a hockey player. A hockey player who's had a crush on her, and who's been watching her busk in the subway station for a while now.
Owen has to figure out how to get out from under his repressed grief and anger over his brother's death. Emerie has to figure out how to have a life of her own, where she's not responsible for the care of her younger sister, and what she can do with her life if she just allows herself to dream.
As innocent as Emerie seems, the spice is pretty good in this story too.
Emerie is a little bit of a lost soul. After losing her mother, she stayed with her stepfather and younger (half)sister Cat. Seems like Vince basically used her as an unpaid nanny, not encouraging her to go to college or follow any dreams she might have had. I think this is the weakest part of the story but it was STILL a good story.
Emerie loves music - creating and performing - but she'd still rather fly under the radar. But when her stepfather tries to get her to marry to benefit his business (owner of the NY Bears Hockey team), she decides to get a fake date so she'll look unavailable. Only problem is, she thinks she's choosing a hedge fund manager but she's actually chosen a hockey player. A hockey player who's had a crush on her, and who's been watching her busk in the subway station for a while now.
Owen has to figure out how to get out from under his repressed grief and anger over his brother's death. Emerie has to figure out how to have a life of her own, where she's not responsible for the care of her younger sister, and what she can do with her life if she just allows herself to dream.
As innocent as Emerie seems, the spice is pretty good in this story too.
January 2, 2022
The perfect read to start my 2022 year of books! Kelly Jamieson hit it out of the park (wrong sport analogy, forgive me) with The O Zone, a book that goes much deeper than you might expect at first glance.
Don’t get me wrong, I love hockey romance and would’ve been thrilled with this fake relationship, boss’s daughter book nonetheless, but the addition of a strong message about family, choices, and grief elevated this one to an all the feels, oh look I’m crying level.
Emerie and Owen are strongly written characters, both approaching life with overweight baggage but good hearts and good intentions. They are easily likable from the first, and the development of their relationship is enjoyable every step of the way.
I loved spending time with Owen’s Bears teammates, with Emmie and her sister, Cat, and with the couple as they navigate an unexpected, sexy and, at times, troubling relationship.
But most of all, I loved the very real emotion here. The O Zone is a book that will make you laugh and smile, think and ache, and as my first book of 2022, I could not have asked for better.
Don’t get me wrong, I love hockey romance and would’ve been thrilled with this fake relationship, boss’s daughter book nonetheless, but the addition of a strong message about family, choices, and grief elevated this one to an all the feels, oh look I’m crying level.
Emerie and Owen are strongly written characters, both approaching life with overweight baggage but good hearts and good intentions. They are easily likable from the first, and the development of their relationship is enjoyable every step of the way.
I loved spending time with Owen’s Bears teammates, with Emmie and her sister, Cat, and with the couple as they navigate an unexpected, sexy and, at times, troubling relationship.
But most of all, I loved the very real emotion here. The O Zone is a book that will make you laugh and smile, think and ache, and as my first book of 2022, I could not have asked for better.
July 27, 2023
Dual POV, fake dating, sports romance, owners daughter, third act break up
When Emerie and Owen start fake dating, Emerie doesn't realize that he's a hockey player for her stepdad's team. I'm not one for the owner/coach's daughter trope but honestly I felt like this was kinda believable, that Em didn't know who Owen was because she hated hockey and her stepdad. Em was a believable character and I loved her relationship with her sister. Even during her character growth arc, I really did think that it all made sense and stayed in character.
Owen I liked as well, and I liked that Jamieson made it that even good things could be addictions. Both characters healed on their own before coming together (but hate the third act breakup) which made the relationship more believable.
I really hated the epilogue just being a news article that didn't give me a lot of closure tho. This is the first book in the bears hockey (the second string? wave? it was weird, there were a lot of paired up couples, seeming from other books, but then this is book 1? why not just add on to that series?), so maybe it is a theme that continues on, but I don't plan on reading the others in the series.
When Emerie and Owen start fake dating, Emerie doesn't realize that he's a hockey player for her stepdad's team. I'm not one for the owner/coach's daughter trope but honestly I felt like this was kinda believable, that Em didn't know who Owen was because she hated hockey and her stepdad. Em was a believable character and I loved her relationship with her sister. Even during her character growth arc, I really did think that it all made sense and stayed in character.
Owen I liked as well, and I liked that Jamieson made it that even good things could be addictions. Both characters healed on their own before coming together (but hate the third act breakup) which made the relationship more believable.
I really hated the epilogue just being a news article that didn't give me a lot of closure tho. This is the first book in the bears hockey (the second string? wave? it was weird, there were a lot of paired up couples, seeming from other books, but then this is book 1? why not just add on to that series?), so maybe it is a theme that continues on, but I don't plan on reading the others in the series.
January 24, 2022
Conflicted rating here. Going with 2.5 stars. Started off with 3 sinking to 2 stars by the end. Liked Owen, a decent standup guy, focused and dedicated to his career and all that it entails as a professional hockey player. Nothing wrong with that. Rich girl Emerie, disguising her aimless self as a busker for fun during the day, going home to rich step dad's house and looking after her 12 yr old step-sister.
She asks Owen to be her fake date to get rid of an ex-boyfriend. It doesn't go well. Her step-dad is the hockey teams owner. He strongly prefers she date the ex for financial reasons.
This all goes back and forth and round and round. Emerie/Owen fall into like with each other but she hates hockey and dislikes Owen's focus on it. (Uh duh! It's his effing job!) There's some drama with each of them trying to open up to their issues but I'd had enough of whiney whoa-is-me Emerie. The ending was push for me.
I'm a big fan of this author's Wynn hockey series, but think I'm done with The Bears.
She asks Owen to be her fake date to get rid of an ex-boyfriend. It doesn't go well. Her step-dad is the hockey teams owner. He strongly prefers she date the ex for financial reasons.
This all goes back and forth and round and round. Emerie/Owen fall into like with each other but she hates hockey and dislikes Owen's focus on it. (Uh duh! It's his effing job!) There's some drama with each of them trying to open up to their issues but I'd had enough of whiney whoa-is-me Emerie. The ending was push for me.
I'm a big fan of this author's Wynn hockey series, but think I'm done with The Bears.
January 24, 2022
Emerie Ross has given up a lot in her life in-order to help raise her half-sister. This has meant giving up her music dreams and ceding to many of the demands of her stepfather to remain under his roof and looking out for Kat. The one thing Emerie can't concede to though is getting back with Roman Moretti, a friend of the family that her stepfather seems intent on her getting engaged to. In a last ditch effort to make both her stepfather and Roman understand that their relationship is over, Emerie invites the gorgeous if somewhat mysterious man who always seems to linger and listen to her busking in the subway to a family party. Enter Owen Cooke, the mysterious man who may look like a hedge-fund manager, but is actually a hockey player...on the New York hockey team owned by Emerie's stepfather. Even as the odds add up against them, Owen can't quite walk away from the woman he once saw as a quirky busker, but now sees as a kind and compassionate woman in a difficult situation. With her stepfather threatening to cut Emerie off from Kat and trade Owen away, will they stand together or will this be just another good thing that fades away?
Another fun addition to the Bears Hockey series by Kelly Jamieson. This novel plays upon the fake dating trope. Things move quickly from beginning to end and both Emerie and Owen are quite likable as characters. They have a few steamy moments, but overall I would have liked to get to know each character a little bit better. It can be read as a standalone, but you will definitely get a bit more out of it if you have some more context for the emotional trauma other players on the Bear's hockey team have gone through.
Another fun addition to the Bears Hockey series by Kelly Jamieson. This novel plays upon the fake dating trope. Things move quickly from beginning to end and both Emerie and Owen are quite likable as characters. They have a few steamy moments, but overall I would have liked to get to know each character a little bit better. It can be read as a standalone, but you will definitely get a bit more out of it if you have some more context for the emotional trauma other players on the Bear's hockey team have gone through.
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