Give me all the hockey books. Just hand them all over right now and no one gets hurt haha.

But seriously. Like with so many of the other sports romances I read, this one initially drew me from the pure fact it was hockey related (No I'm not obsessed with the sport. That's definitely you haha)
And then once I got myself into the story I found that I really adored the characters as much as the sport and that kept me flipping the pages at a pretty rapid rate.

I couldn't put this one down once I started. I really fell for Max and just felt for him. You could see that heart break in him. And also see that small part that was beginning to heal though too. And he's not your traditional play boy hockey player either. Yes he was just in it for the sex. But he had a real reason for the no strings attached. And for once I found myself respecting the heck out of that in a character.

Then enter Kendra and I just really liked her. She was fun and I loved the way her and Max meshed. The banter between the two was always great. And they made shipping them so easy haha.

I think the thing I liked the most was just how the story in general progressed. It was so natural and made for a story I didn't want to put down, but also showed some really crazy character growth too.

I would suggest anyone pick up this book, if not the entire Aces Hockey series haha

Definitely a 5 Star Read!!

Well, this was a fun read! Max Hall, a pro hockey player who is on his comeback after the death of his wife to cancer and after taking some time off to be with her in her final days..... is ready to get back into the game... of hockey that is and getting out on the town with friends.

He attends a wedding of a teammate and finds himself being very interested in one of the bridesmaids.....

Kendra Armstrong is just completing her tasks to the bride and groom and sees Max watching her. She goes over to talk with him and one thing leads to another and a one night hook up leads to something a little more.... both of them have baggage and are not looking for anything for than someone to have fun with, no commitment. However the longer they "hang" out the more the lies are blurred...Max does not have time for this as he is chasing his dream and trying to make the final cut for the upcoming season. Kendra, does not want to get hurt once again by someone she could not help..

Distance, drama of old relationships, parents, and chemistry .... and love... all on the table.... Sometimes you meet the right person, but it is not the right time....

Hot, steamy, summer read! I thought it was great!

I have been enjoying a lot more books in the sports romance genre, and love a good hockey story. They are a bit more unique than the usual football or basketball books.
This one's got heat! And heart! And all the feels thrown on the hockey rink and slapped around with the stick.
Really, this one has it all and will stay with you for a while.
Get ready for a book hangover!

This is an emotional addition to the Aces series and tells Max's story. We have been hearing about Max in previous books and had a glimpse into his backstory but now we get to know him. He has survived the worst couple years of his life. First his wife is diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer and he gives up hockey to spend her last days with her and then he is in such a deep depression he cannot bare to be around anyone. Now he is ready to get back to hockey and he has enlisted the help of a trainer and getting into to shape and even though the workouts are brutal he is alive. At Lovey and Duper's wedding he catches the eye of one of the bridesmaids and his libido wakes up too. Kendra Armstrong is Lovey and Army's cousin but she doesn't know Max but she likes what she sees and doesn't hesitate to invite him back to her hotel room. That night may not turn out as planned but they make up for it and settle into a "sex only" arrangement until that doesn't work any longer. Hockey Dude and Spice Girl...love the nicknames but the real kicker is the emotional level of this story. It was not only heartwarming but witty and fun. Great read!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

This book is one that will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and give you hope. Max's story was everything I could have hoped for and more!

I’ve been preparing myself for Hallsy’s book for some time now. I was ready to cry my eyes out/ While Slap Shot has become my favorite of the series so far, the story was so much different then I thought it was going to be. Yes, there were some parts where I got choked up but nothing ugly cry worthy like I had assumed….and that’s ok because it fit the direction of the story. Slap Shot follows Max through his journey back to the Aces. After almost 18 months away from hockey, he is determined to let nothing stand in his way. Both Max and Kendra are broken in their own ways. After one night together, they agree to a no strings, long distance fling. I really liked how the characters kept in touch, it made the relationship believable. Even being miles apart, they really got to know each other. I loved watching these two fall in love and Max rising above his grief.

Kendra and Max, the ignite the pages of this book! You have the Hot broken hearted SCHMEXY Hockey player and a sexy sex toy creator, need I say more!?! Okay so maybe I do need to say more. Although, the previous sentence explains a lot, it doesn't say anything about how hard Max falls for Kendra, but doesn't realize it or how Kendra is afraid of getting her heart smashed to pieces. The passion these two bring to the ice is more than just a hat trick it's the Stanley Cup of romances!

Loved this book you meet Max in previous books so it was nice to read about him and see him get a happy ending. I recommend not just this book about Max & Kendra but the whole series. You will smile,laugh,cry and scream during this book until they do finally get their happy ending. Received through NetGalley to review.

Well written and an enjoyable story. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

Here is a book that I have been looking forward to for a long time! Can't wait to read more by this author!

I have read a few of Kelly Jamieson's books previously and have enjoyed them. This one did not disappoint. It was just as great as the others. Picture this, an NHL hockey player who has been out of the game for a while due to personal issues who is now trying to rebuild his life with the sole purpose of proving to himself and his team he deserves to be on the roster. Now picture a beautiful woman with a brain and a past of heartache and the need to fix things and throw them together at a wedding. He isn't ready for anything but releasing his sexual frustration, she doesn't want anything but fun. Can they actually have a one night stand, can they remain aloof and non committal without feelings? Will their pasts interfere with how their relationship progresses? Will he realize too late he needs more than he thought he did. Great read, good details and easy to picture tales.

I absolutely l9ved this hockey romance story.
Max, what's not to love. Poor guy went through some rough times but there's always second chances.
4.5 ☆
Thanks Loveswept

After being away from hockey for a little over a year, Max has one goal in mind....claiming a spot on The Chicago Aces. He's hired a trainer who not only works him to exhaustion, but has changed his diet. Although Max has the skills, he's also one of the oldest players vying for a coveted spot on the team. While attending the wedding of his fellow hockey player, Max sees Kendra and all thoughts of training evaporate.

Kendra enjoys life and follows her dreams. Always trying to care for others and "fix" their problems, Kendra initially attended college graduating with a degree in psychology. She soon realized she couldn't "fix" everyone. So she and her best friend began designing sex toys. She loves her life in New York City, but frequently travels for business. During her travels, she often visits her cousins and friends in Chicago. Where she meets Max...

An agreement for no strings sex, is just what Max needs to "get back in the saddle". But Kendra and Max's one night soon turns into more. Neither wanting to make a commitment, but not wanting to see the other dating anyone else. Kendra's insecurities and general bad taste in choosing men, coupled with Max's grief is a recipe for disaster. Or is it.....

This novel has ALL the feels! It makes you cry, shake your head with exasperation, laugh out loud, and cheer for the "old" guy to make the team. I LOVED it! I can't wait to read what Kelly Jamieson has in store next! Warning...have Kleenex close by. The tears are worth it in the end! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

Heat, heart and hockey… the best combo!
I LOVE this series! Hands down, this is one of my favourite hockey romance series. Ever. There is a sense of family around the Aces organization and each character has their part to play. Full of love, drama, and life each story is a unique focus on one member of that family and it is all so, so good! This time out is Max’s story and it was everything I hoped – and wanted – it to be!
“It makes me feel like I’m not alone.”
Widowed. A lonely word at best. Max is digging his way out of grief. Adopting a regime of training, diet and discipline, he is going to regain his professional career. At the same time, he vows to never allow his heart to get involved with anyone again. It is much too painful… Physically, he has a plan but emotionally, he probably wasn’t quite ready for Kendra. A quick, no promises, hookup starts them on a roller coaster ride of mind-blowing physical encounters and a relationship that both agree will be nothing more than temporary satisfaction. Too bad that plan isn’t easier to keep…
From the opening pages to the last, this story was chock-a-block full of all the things I crave in a good, satisfying read. Kendra and Max talked, laughed and loved. Yes, loved. There’s no way else to describe the fun, the snark, the realness of what was building between them. The chemistry was explosive and their sexual romps were hot and oh so sexy. They were honest and open – as open as Max could be – and their need for each other was heartwarming as well as concerning. Their agreement was being tested and the crisis it caused, was a plot climax that tugged my heart right in.
I finished this book and immediately wanted to read it again, making one more Aces book to add to my “pick me up re-reads” shelf!
~Diane

(link for review live 1/10/2018)

*I received an ARC of this book free from NetGalley on behalf of Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review*

If you've followed the Aces Hockey series then you're familiar with Max Hall. He's been in the hearts of most of the players. He took some time off of playing for the Aces when his wife was diagnosed with cancer and after she passed he just couldn't get out of his own head long enough to focus on anything. But now he's ready to get back on the team, he's working hard and following his strict fitness regimen. He may even be ready to get back in the saddle and enjoy a little womanly contact, but only the non-committal kind.

Kendra was only in town for a wedding and Max caught her eye. Why not have a little no strings fun? She had every intention of never seeing him again, but when he makes that difficult then how can he blame her for reading into things more than she should. You don't take a one-night stand out on a date or hang out with them.

Max unknowingly cracks the door, Kendra falls through it, and Max slams it and runs away. Yep, that about sums it up when it comes to the hearts of these two characters. Of course when you have someone fantastic in your life like Kendra it won't take long for Max to realize that he lost something he needs to get back.

Shot is a sweet romance wrapped around very naughty intentions. It'll make you laugh, possibly cry, all while winning your heart.

Was it just me or was this book a long time coming?? Gosh, I remember being absolutely heartbroken for Max in the previous books as he discovered his wife had cancer and then hearing about their painful journey. So I was thrilled to finally get to know Max and for him to get a second chance at life and love.

Grief is a tricky process and real-life pain is so hard to replicate. Trying to get people to truly feel a person moving forward and how they might endure during their healing process is a huge undertaking for an author but Kelly Jamison did an incredible job with that in Slap Shot.

I felt the nervousness that resided within Max as his life shifts. My heart ached when he was racked with guilt over feeling like he was betraying his wife and their marriage by sharing happiness with another woman. It’s a love that you want for yourself.

But I also felt the joy and the passion between Max and Kendra. As they discovered one another and their feelings blossom, I became smitten with the two of them just as much they were with one another. It was awesome reading and one of the reasons why I truly appreciate this author.

Slap Shot gave me the feels a million times over. I think I hit every emotion on the spectrum but I would gladly go back and experience them all again because it was meaningful and poignant. It was the perfect story and romance for Max and Kendra. I loved it.

Max has been through some bad times, losing his wife to cancer was his undoing. He's trying to move on, and he meets a beautiful young woman called Kendra, completely different from his usual female company, her perky, vivacious character and her freckled burnished hair have awaken feelings long forgotten.

I felt for Max and his feelings of guilt, it held him back. And Kendra was a strong independent woman, she was lots of fun. It was an entertaining story, I liked it very much.

Snapshot is a heartwarming and sweet sports romance that shows you sometimes even with tragedy there are such things as second chances

4.5* Received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review. Hockey player Max loses his wife to cancer and shuts down emotionally and leaves the game to take care of his dying wife. Story starts with Max at a wedding about a year and half after his wife dies. He is trying to get life back on track and may the cut for the team when he notices one of the bridesmaid smiling and dancing and watches her most of the night. Bridesmaid is Kendra who lives in NY and Max lives in Chicago, the chemistry between the two crazy and they decide on a hook-up relationship whenever. Story hits on a number of issues and was really good. Of course there were some jerk moves by Max as he kept feeling as if he was cheating on his dead wife he had fun, or was attracted to someone else and kept escalating as he denies his true feelings for Kendra. Was really good. Look forward to reading the other Ace Hockey books.

​
**4 Stars**
This is book 5 in a series of standalones. Each book can be read individually which makes it nice. Everything about this book was amazing. It's heartbreaking, it's painful, and its full of love and romance. Readers finally get Max's book and it's everything I wanted and more. Max has had an interesting life recently and it wasn't one he was expecting. It has affected him so deeply that he's pulled away from anything social and the game he loves, which is how we first meet Max in the series. Fastward sixteen months later and he is ready to get back into the game, even with a broken heart. I think what I loved most about this was that Max wasn't expecting to meet Kendra. Neither of them were looking for a relationship, but it happened.
I loved their story. It was an easy read and deals with real life challenges.