Max Hall, hockey player and widower is trying to get back to his old life before his wife died 16 months ago. But guilt and his grief is standing in his way. The guilt that he is trying to move on without his wife is overwhelming him.

While at a teammates wedding, he meets a gorgeous, carefree bridesmaid; who is also his teammates cousin. Kendra Armstrong, former psychologist turned sex toy creator, hits it off with Max. They both agree to a fun night, no strings attached. Max hasn't had sex in 16 months, so he's nervous. What was supposed to be 1 night, turns into a few days while she's visiting Chicago. When she goes back to NY, it's over.

But their chemistry and attraction can't stop them. When Max sees her a few weeks later at his friends vacation home in Wisconsin, he realizes that he is still liking her company and wants more time with her. They agree to have a no strings, long distance relationship; where both will travel to see each other.

When Max pulls his hamstring and has to stay off his feet, Kendra shows up and takes care of him. But he's not comfortable with the intimacy of the situation. He feels like he's forgetting his wife and ends up pushing Kendra away. Before she leaves, she tells him how she really feels, and he lashes out at her.

When Max shows up at practice, her cousin is furious with Max for the way he treated Kendra. Which is when Max realizes that he does have feelings for her. He goes to NY to talk to Kendra, but she doesn't trust his feelings and doesn't want to be hurt by him again.

Read on!

Loved it! Cannot wait for the next book in the series1

Slap Shot is a sexy, sweet hockey romance. We've met Max Hall in previous Aces stories. He's the man whose wife was dying cancer. Here in Slap Shot, she's been gone for over a year and Max is finally coming back to life. He's determined to make it back onto the team, and his libido has finally awakened, thanks to meeting a hot, sweet bridesmaid at the wedding, one who's as interested in a one night stand as he is. But, first he has to make sure she knows it's a one time thing, not leading to a relationship, not leading to anything but some hopefully hot sex. Kendra is completely on the same page. For one, she lives in New York so she's not looking to start something with a guy who lives in Chicago. For another, she's totally open with and very much aware of her sexuality and what she wants. She should be - she's a designer of sex toys for women.

From the very first page I was very taken with Kendra's character. She's the antithesis of most heroines today. She's smart, she's sweet, she completely owns her sexuality, she's non-judgemental, and she's no doormat. She accepts Max 100%, even knowing he only wants sex from her. She doesn't judge him, she doesn't ask for more from him, she doesn't whine to him or about him. She does nothing but care for him, in and out of bed. I appreciated how she dealt with his grieving, and how he refused to let go and move on. She never once pushed him, lashed out at him, even though at times he definitely would have deserved it.

Even though I didn't really connect with or like Max, I absolutely adored Kendra. She's the main reason I can wholeheartedly give Slap Shot 4 bright, sexy stars. She elevated Slap Shot from what otherwise would have been a fairly typical, standard issue sports romance, into something more. Something a little out of the norm. Something sexier. Something sweeter. Something all around better.

I love the Aces Hockey series, and although the books are a bit predictable, I enjoy them every time. Max and Kendra were just what the other needed. Fun and sexy sports romance.

I usually love sport romances. The description of Slap Shot sounds really good, but the book itself fell short of my expectations.

The book got off to a great start. It caught my interest right away, but it lost my interest a few chapters in. The book started to see repetitive after that. The meet or get together, sleep with each other, then leave, and repeat. In all honesty, it took me over a month to read this story.

After the first two chapters, it got dull. About 75% into the book is when it picked back up. The ending I did enjoy. Both characters have to grow, move on from their troubles, and find what's truly important to them.

Overall, it didn't hold my attention enough for me to like the book.

Max Hall is a hockey player and lost his wife to cancer, not looking for anyone or anything he is finally decided to come back to hockey after being away for a year. Now being at a wedding he finds himself drawn towards a beautiful woman. Kendra Armstrong is one of the bridesmaid at the wedding and keeps noticing this man sitting by himself. Deciding to go talk and ask for a dance Max begins to open up to her and when she asks him to go with her up to her room he agrees. From the story does not go where I thought it would. Instead in falls asleep and the next morning embarrassed, she is not. He later finds out that she owns a sex toy company and is impressed by her confidence. When they later decide to spend more time together they realize they have more things to work out than just distance. He being in Chicago, and her in New York. Max still must work on himself if he wants to be with her. A very good story and a story that is more than just sex or just hockey. But about two people trying be as they say one person or a couple and the hurdles that are in front of them. A very good book.

I am not sure what interested me in the first place to pick up this book because I normally don't like romances in which H (or h) has been married and/or in love with someone else. That is one of my pet peeves with Romances because it always takes away the story from the couple we are reading about. So after being bored lately, I decided to pick this one up anyway against my better judgement. From the blurb, it states that H will "never love another woman the way he loved his wife", so strike 1 in my preferences. Then we learn in the book that he always had something negative to say about his wife such as that she was not as good in bed as h, her eating habits, her lack of support in his career, how she didn't get on well with his family, etc.

The comparison between his wife & h just plain annoyed me. No one likes being second best or the rebound and that is what I felt Kendra was (even if she seemed to stack a little better then his wife), so for me I did not enjoy this at all but others may like it if this is something that doesn't annoy them as much as me.

Really good hockey sports romance that is heartwarming and emotional -- sad at times and steamy at others with really good characters. This is the fifth book in this series and while I haven't read all the other books, I feel you could read this as a standalone as I did. If you like contemporary, romantic sports storylines, you'll like this -- definitely recommend!

I have had a soft spot for Max since the previous books in this series. The fact that he is trying to get back to the Aces and works hard to do what the trainer is telling him to do to. The only weakness that he has is the fact that he hasn't been with a woman since his wife died and his body is ready to leave the morning stage behind. I so enjoyed seeing how he is coming back and living life again. His wife would not have liked for Max to stop living his life and doing the things that he wants.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.

I really enjoy Kelly Jamieson's books and this one didn't disappoint. The characters were relatable and likeable. A very good story line and it was somewhat similar to Sawyer Bennett's ZACH, which I must admit I adored Zach. So, you can see why I loved Slap Shot. I have nothing bad to say about this book. You should read it and enjoy the feels!

Max Hall is working hard to make the cut to get back on his NHL hockey team he left over a year ago to be with is wife when she died. Now back and ready to do what ever he can to make the team he meets Kendra who he is ready to break his 15 month celibacy with. What the agree to is a no string romance especially since they live in different cities.

Jamieson dives us back into the world of the Chicago Aces hockey team. It was great to catch up with the team and see another player find their HEA. Loved the Chicago vs NYC banter they had going. It was adorable to watch Max struggle with his love of junk food and eating correctly. Good to know we are not the only ones.

t 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.

This is a steamy, sexy and emotional and heartwarming story. Max is sad, confused and guilt ridden about his wife and Kendra. Kendra is spontaneous, bold and caring. The storyline is sweet and entertaining. It's a thoroughly enjoyable story that brings you to tears and laughter.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

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!

Slap Shot.!!! Let me just say those two words for you and let it marinate… Okay, now that we have shared a giggle, let us jump into this book review. First off, this is a sport romance and it is part of a series. I just want to disclose that I have not read any of the books in this series, but I have read other books by this author. This books starts off with Max's ex-teammate's wedding where he meets the cousin of the bride named Kendra. They lock eyes, they connect, she invites Max to her room and the rest is hot sex.

This book is told from Max's pov and he has had a rough year. He lost his wife to cancer, he took an entire season off from hockey and he is afraid to love again because he feels that if he does, he will be betraying her. I really felt for Max and I understood is inner battle with himself and why he fought his feelings for Kendra. Max was not an alpha, which I appreciated, nor a broody hero with a troubled past, but he was genuine and caring which makes this story more grounded. Kendra was a good heroine, but I really wanted to see this story from her perspective. This story was written very well from a male's pov and the chemistry between the character jumped off the page.

Although I enjoyed this story, I did not enjoy the beginning of the story or the first couple of sex scenes. The sex scenes seemed weird and out of place. When referencing his wife, I did not feel the undying love that the author was trying to convey between Max and his deceased wife. There were no memories of their previous relationship. There was just negativity towards her and he compared Kendra to her too much for my taste. I felt as if Kendra was a pushover for Max and Max just did not make the connection with Kendra falling in love until the last minute. This entire story is about Max preparing to go to training camp so he can get back on the team. This is brushed off when the big moment comes. I mean, Max is definitely working hard to get on the team and trying to keep up with the younger players, but the author says "this happened" and then it's over. I would like to think that most romance books have that grand gesture, but no this story. The ending felt rushed and it left me feeling unsatisfied.

Though I did enjoy this story, it is a 3.5 star read for me. I do recommend that you read this book because the author is talented and it's a hot read.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First, I have to premise this review with the fact that I love all Kelly Jamieson books that I have read, and I am happy to report that this one did not let me down. I first 'met' Max in earlier Aces Hockey books, and while a minor character, his story tugged at my heart. The horrible loss of his wife was no easy situation, and so while one doesn't need to read earlier books to understand where Max is coming from, it certainly helps (and since the books are fantastic, I advise it anyway :-) ).

Given the personal situation of Max's and how much and long he grieved, and still does in many ways, I was glad for him to meet his match in Kendra. The fact that their being together was unintended, adds a realistic element to this book. Max is a grieving widow and he meets a fantastic and fun woman, the last thing he wants or wanted is for someone to feel sorry for him. With his focus being on getting back into his hockey routine, the game and getting in shape was his only goal in sight. Meeting Kendra, you can see the strong chemistry that they both have when together. Apart, they are both individuals you want to be friends with, but together they are the epitome of what love can overcome when given another chance.

While their relationship does take some twists and turns, the journey and how they get to 'that point' is was makes this book worthwhile. Ms. Jamieson does a fantastic job in pulling together these characters, and giving them traits that we all see in ourselves and those we know. I truly enjoyed this latest book in the Aces series, and can't wait for the next to come out!

I've read most (all?) of the Aces series, and they're all good, though some resonated more than others. This isn't my favorite, but it's definitely worth reading. Kendra is a terrific character, feisty with a more-fun-than-average job, and Max, from a previous book, is still grieving his deceased wife. Thumbs up!

This is the first book I've read by K. Jamieson. I enjoyed it very much! Both Kendra and Max were wounded and real. I loved the mix of serious and fun throughout the story. There was genuine affection between both characters even when they were denying what was growing between them. The playfulness just endeared Max to the reader so much more!

Jamieson adds just enough ancillary characters to give a well-rounded feel to our main characters. Nice to see Max's wife's family was not treated as an afterthought. Their support just gave so much more depth to the story.

I look forward to reading more from Jamieson.

Having been looking forward to Max's story for a while now, I was a bit disappointed. Max is determined that the only thing he can have with Kendra is sexual relationship because he can never have a love like he had with his deceased wife, and he doesn't want to try. He feels like it will be betraying Ariana.

I understood why he would feel guilty about moving on, but what I didn't like was how he compared Ariana and Kendra. It wasn't fair to Kendra, and it wasn't fair to Ariana. At one point he even says Kendra fits in with his family better than Ariana ever did, yet there was no indication in either this book or in the previous books in the series that there were any issues between Ariana and Max's family.

I also got a little tired of hearing about Max's diet constantly. He's an athlete so he's on a special diet, we got it. I didn't think it needed to be repeated over and over.

I liked the book but I didn't enjoy it as much as I have with previous books in the series.

**Received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**