I have read a couple of the aces hockey novels by Kelly Jamieson and am a big fan. I received an advanced reader copy of this book to leave an honest review. My opinion is that if you like a good sports romance, this series is for you.

This book follows Nick, a loner hockey player, and Jodie, a mother who just relocated from New York to Chicago. Nick meets Jodie at a party through mutual friends and both development instant opinions of the other. Nick thinks Jodie talks too much and is a bit brash whereas Jodie things Nick is a bit of an jerk and aloof; basically instant distrust and dislike even though there is attraction on both sides. So when Jodie can't find an affordable place to live close to her daughter's daycare and her work, their mutual friends suggest she live in Nick's remodeled coach house. Nick is very hesitant at first because he likes his (self=imposed) solitude but he eventually gives in. Fast forward a bit and Nick's protective instincts kick in and he ends up helping Jodie out more and more when she needs it and getting involved in her and her daughter's lives.

Of course there has to be some drama and things can never go smoothly for the couple. Nick is a loner for a reason and has a history that makes it hard for him to care for others. He feels that if he cares, he will be responsible for them and their happiness and always seems to let them down. Jodie on the other hand, isn't looking for long term as she has her daughter to think of, but she finds herself falling for the loner. So when Nick messes things up due to his own issues and past, will they be able to work things out?

Overall, a very well written book and a fast, fun read. You will enjoy getting to know all of the hockey players from the previous books and how the characters really are one big family.

I really enjoyed Nick and Jodie's story... Jodie is an independent single parent helping to run a business that focuses on sensual products. Nick is an aloof hockey player who holds everyone at a distance. When Jodie and her young daughter are thrown into Nick's orbit, it shakes him up. Even though they strike sparks on each other, their chemistry may not be enough foundation to build a relationship that lasts.

Part of the Aces Hockey series, this title can also be read as a stand alone.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I like the series and the author but I found Big Stick to be incredibly boring. I like the single parent plot and the brooding make but these two co using generate any great or chemistry.
It was a struggle to get to the end but theses two do get there HEA

I received a copy for a honest review

Kelly Jamieson has made me cry! I love to be forced to tears while I'm reading. This book is so touching. A big, strong hockey player gets turned to romantic mush. That's my kind of romance novel.

It is refreshing to find a book that includes my nearby city, Chicago. There aren't a lot of books I've found that are based here. Another rarity is to have a small child involved in the story. Zyana is a brilliant, funny, adorable 2-year-old girl who wraps everyone around her tiny pinky finger. She warms my mama heart!

If you like a little bit of hockey, a lot of romance, some hot sexy times, and adorable moments with a sweet child, oh, and a giant man who is a softie, then this book is for you. It's a quick read with a happy ending. So worthwhile.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love the Aces series and was looking forward to reading this book. It is good and I especially loved Jodie and her strong nature. I also liked Nick too once he loosened up! My only criticism is the plot lacked excitement. It felt like it followed the same plot line as many of the other Aces books. I'm hoping the next is more intriguing.

Nick and Jodie are so cute together but since Nick doesn't want kids and Jodie is a single mother they may be doomed before they get a chance to explore the possibilities. Okay. so Big Stick was such a fun read. I loved how NIck responded to Jodie's daughter and his reaction when she was sick was so touching and sweet. Awesome story with lots so sizzle and a happen ending that will melt your heart.

This is my first book by Kelly Jamieson and I’m happy to say that it won’t be my last. It was easy to read and I liked both Nick and Jodie. Who doesn’t like a guy that comes through even though he’s had a rough time and doesn’t feel that he’s earned the right to be happy. I liked Jodie a lot. I liked that she didn’t play games and how she loved her daughter. And, of course, being a hockey player doesn’t hurt!

Without giving the storyline away, the underlying topic that the author is championing is commendable.

While the beginning of the story seems too much like a “telling” rather than “showing” writing style, and certain character points are repeated too often, once the story reaches about the two-thirds mark, the style decidedly changed and engages the reader more fully. While Jodie seems comfortable in who she is and the choices she has made throughout the story, it is Nick who has the most growing and healing to do. And it is in the latter part of the story that we see this taking place which, in the end, makes this a good story!


Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Loveswept for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

i enjoyed this book but not as much as the others in the series. the hero and heroine didn't really seem to connect with each other for me. and i don't like how he had a savior complex doing everything for her and her daughter. as always, i liked the teammates and the group interaction

I really enjoyed this book by kelly jamieson, I got this ARC from netgalley. I have read one of kelly’s Books before this and she does not disappoint

I loved how out going Jodie was and how much of a loner nick was, the development of their relationship made me want to keep reading more ...

Watching nick and his emotions progress from his feelings with Jodie to his interactions with zyanna .... it’s hard not to fall in love with this couple... this book had all the heat you would expect from kelly.

I loved this book!

This book another in the series has Jodie moving to Chicago after her partner got married to another hockey player on the team, that story was a few books back. Now Jodie along with her two year old daughter is looking to move out of the apartment she has been living in with the married couple. Before any of that happens she meets mister personality Nick Balachov, who also plays for the team and has shown up to the party. She notices after a while that he is outside while everyone else is inside. Speaking to him she understands because he is an ass, jerk, and rude just to name a few. When she can’t find a place Hallsy, Nick’s teammate asks if Jodie and her daughter could move into his carriage house in the back since it has been vacant for three years. First Nick says no but then he agrees and slowly finds himself liking having someone to talk to. He is still a jerk at times but when a winter storm comes in and shuts everything down he takes in both Jodie and her daughter to his big house. This is where he begins to open up about his past and they begin to get to know each other. Just when everything is going good. He gets freaked out when watching Zyana, Jodie’s daughter. He doesn’t want to run from the two of them but for him that is all he knows. Can his friends bring him back and will she take him back? Read this wonderful story and find out. A very good book.

This book was actually pretty decent though. The heroine is a single mom by choice and she owns a sex toy company. The hero plays hockey is kind of a jerk. She needs a place to stay and ends up staying in the hero’s guest house. So it is kind of forced proximity when Jodie and Nick have to spend time together.

Even though this is a hockey book and I forgot I read it, once it popped back in my brain I remembered that Jamieson does a good job at making things just a little different or unusual. For example, the hero isn’t on the first line in hockey. He is part of the second squad. So he’s not a starter on the team. He is a solid player, but he isn’t the star. I like that. Not every professional athlete is “THE STAR” so this was refreshing. Jamieson frequently deals with heavier topics and in this book touched on mental illness and suicide. So if those are things that don’t work for you, this book is not for you. This was an enjoyable read and I recommend it for someone who enjoys hockey romance and looking for a quick read.

Grade: B

3.75 stars.
Kelly Jamieson writes such feel-good stories, they are usually fairly sweet, tender and more than a little heartwarming.
I especially like her hockey romances. They are entertaining, with character and charm not unlike her heroes and heroines.
There is often some drama but no major angst.

It took me a little while to get into this book but once I did, I loved the slow burn romance between Jodie and Nick.
I simply adored Jodie. I liked the fact that she was an independent but also kindhearted woman. She had really wanted to have a child and so bravely decided to go it alone and become a single mom. Zyana her daughter is super cute.
Jodie is definitely a woman that isn't afraid to pursue what she wants in life.
Nick (our hockey player hero) also had no problem worming his way into my affections as the slightly gruff loner with a sad past.

This was a sweet and lighthearted romance, not my favorite by this author but still a good read and very representative of her writing style.
This book is part of a series but can certainly be read as a standalone.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

This is book #7 in the Aces Hockey series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment, and understanding of the series, I recommend reading in order.

Jodie and Nick know one another through mutual friends. When their friends think they should move in together, it becomes a series of awkward conversations. Single-mom Jodie cannot afford to get involved with someone too quickly. Can she be near him and not lose her heart?

Nick is everything she wants and is hard to stay away from. Little does he know while he pines for the elusive Jodie, she also pines for him. When they learn to see eye to eye, maybe this could be love after all.

This was a slow burn. The characters had good interaction and the book was at a good pace. What I liked best was the real touch of the honest way a single parent would react. This title has lots of heat, plenty of heart and an endorsement from me.


***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review, by Netgalley and its publishers.

Kelly didn't dissapoint with this book. Steamy sex, hot athletes and a bit of drama are all front and center in the continuation of the Aces series. Keep 'em coming Kelly!

*I received this book free from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.*

Nick likes his solitude. Nothing gives him more happiness than being home with his peace and quiet. However, everything changes when his life gets shook up a little.

Jodie wants to make life wonderful for her daughter, but getting settled after the big move hasn't been all that fun. She's staying with her best friend and feels like she's imposing on her and her boyfriend so house hunting she goes, only to end up discouraged at the prospects within her price range.

Nick has an empty guest house. Jodie needs a place to stay. They're both put in a spot where neither can say no.

It doesn't take long for kid hating Nick to fall in love with two-year-old, Zyana, and Jodie shortly after. However, the ghosts of his past keep him from making any commitments. He doesn't want anyone to depend on him and risk letting them down again.

Big Stick is an adorable and steamy romance. What starts out as just a little adult fun quickly entangles their hearts. And the ending...oh so sweet! I love the Aces Hockey series! Each book pulls you in and the characters completely captivate you.

****3.5 Stars****
I fell in love with Jodie and her daughter but what sealed the deal for me on this book was Nick....swoon, starry eyed, drool. Nick...the stoic, unsocial hockey player that is dealing with his grief as best as he can....enter Jodie and pretty soon Nick realizes that there is more to life than fixing up his house and hockey.
Have never read Kelly Jamison before but I was able to follow the story very well (considering that this is book #7 in a series). Now I can't wait to pick the rest of the books up!

4 Stars from Renee!
⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.

Before reading this story please read the below books first
Major Misconduct (Aces Hockey #1)
Off Limits (Aces Hockey, #1.5)
Icing (Aces Hockey #2)
Top Shelf (Aces Hockey, #3)
Back Check (Aces Hockey, #4)
Slap Shot (Aces Hockey #5)
Playing Hurt (Aces Hockey #6)

This is Jodie and Nick’s story. Nick sticks to himself but when he is forced to hang out with the team at a party he meets Jodie. He is grumpy and kind of a jerk to Jodie, but she takes it in stride. She knows that she is different, and she is fine with that. She does not need a man to help her or make her family better. When she needs a place to stay his teammates offer up Nick’s coach house. Nick does not need distractions. But seeing Jodie and her daughter make him want more out of life. But does he deserve more? After all the pain of his past can he really think he deserves more then what he has? Can he make Jodie happy? Or is he just bring her more pain by all the hot and cold? Can these two figure out what they want before they lose each other?

I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

Hard fought often reluctant romance that builds up between a hard working single Mom and complicated Hockey player not looking to settle down.

Ends in a HEA

Loved this story and the unconventional way that the heroine became a mom, it was refreshing and definitely entertaining to see these two amazing characters together