Kelly JamiesonCritiques
Auteur de Rule of Three
Critiques
Breakaway (Heller Brothers Hockey #1)
Levi is an unusual character. He's a player, and plain speaker about himself and his attractions - at least with Sloane. His honesty or forthrightness in this regard makes him a romantic lead with a difference. Sloane tells us about how good looking he is, how charismatic, how brilliant, and so on, and Levi tells us how beautiful and competent Sloane is. This all creates a feel-good environment where we are rooting for the two of them.
It's "sexy times" and I look forward to absorbing Brew Crew novels in the future when I need a pick me up.
If you read it once, you read it twice. The overall premise of the series has been something I read.... Numberous times. Group of friends make a bet that one their own: hot, talented and overall ladies man can make the equally insanely hot girl fall in love with him and then a whirlwind romance ensures.
I'm not saying that this overused story premise wasn't a good read, cause it was and I've very much enjoyed it, but it's not original. Despite that, if you're looking to read a sports romance filled with funny moments and great characters, definitely give this a try. It stood out a little more thentthe similar series I have read in the past and would definitely recommend to fellow readers for a quick read.
Rating: ★★✬☆☆ (2.5/5 Stars)
Title: In It to Win It
Author(s): Kelly Jamieson
Character(s):
― Taylor Hart: 24 years old,
― JP Wynn: 26 years old, Blue Eyed
Setting: California
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary, Sports
Content Rating: R
POV: Alternates between Heroine/Hero
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s): N/A
Overall Opinion:
I loved the first book of the series but was left feeling nothing but disappointment when I picked up "In It to Win It". The plot was lacking that something something that originally drew me in like "Play To Win", the lead characters Taylor and JP were too immature got my liking and lacked real chemistry when it felt more sexual than anything else and the writing style felt completely different from the prequel and that obviously was a total turn off. I wasn't expecting this complete 180° in the Wynn Hockey series and it almost became too difficult to finish the series that as much as I love the author, I unfortunately decided to dropped the series. I'm hoping when book three of the Wynn Hockey collection is release, it'll be more worthwhile than "In It to Win It."
Rating: ★★★★✬ (4.5/5 Stars)
Title: Play to Win
Author(s): Kelly Jamieson
Character(s):
― Lacey Olson: 24 years old, Blonde, Brown Eyed
― Théo Wynn: 28 years old, Brunette
Setting: California
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary, Sports
Content Rating: Alternates between Heroine/Hero
POV: Alternates between Heroine/Hero
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s):
― “I promise to put you first . . . always.”
― “You’ll remember this, won’t you? I don’t want to tell our grandkids that I proposed while Grandma was lit.”
Overall Opinion:
Kelly Jamieson surely delivered with “Play To Win” but let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good sports romance filled with family rivalry? The drama filled lives of Theo and Lacey with their chaotic families, one sibling stealing their brother girlfriend while another pimps them out to repay their debts, left me intrigued and the bombshell attraction between the leads were notable. The relationship started off unorthodox ― meeting at a restaurant, getting fired and then hopping off to a Vega wedding chapel to get married before moving to California to starts their new lives. From the get-go it was obvious that the leads were flaw human beings and just like everyone else in the real world, dealt with the highs and lows of creating a solid foundation in their relationship. Let's also mentioned the relationship developed in a span of a few months, allowing the romance and relationship time to grow. Lacey and Theo were a good mesh together, the premise was solid and the hot-mess of the Wynn family left me wanting more. I seriously can’t wait to read the rest of the Wynn family stories and I look forward to Theo edition when it’s released later on this year.
Though I accidentally skipped 'In It to Win It', whoopsie! This was a far better improvement then that mess of a sequel I read ages ago. Arya (unusual but cute name) and Harrison were such a cute couple even though I didn't really see much chemistry between then, the sexual tension was through the roof so to some extent it made up for it.
This release had all the elements that typically wins me over: romance, sports, wild family antics, sad backstory and sexy times. Now why the three stars? Storyline was generic and bland, and there wasn't anything that glued me to the pages but nevertheless an overall enjoyable read.
This book centers on Everly and Wyatt, two people struggling with how the events in their past have made a lasting impact on their lives. What I love most about this couple is that what they each think is their biggest weakness or greatest shame ends up being what makes them the strongest, most honorable, and beautiful. Watching them discover this about each other and themselves is everything I want in a romance; they become stronger as individuals and as a couple when they allow themselves to become vulnerable.
I also love how the family feud that's been an underlying thread in the first two books comes to a head in this one. There's progress made, and it adds so much more to the story having the richness of backstory and supporting characters. There are so many of them, but it never seems overwhelming or confusing.
My only complaint is that some of the scenes between Wyatt and Everly felt rushed. Some were so short that it felt more like notes on what should be achieved through a scene rather than fully fleshing it out. Even so, their relationship developed so well and organically, part of my complaint is that I just want to languish in their interactions. I didn't want it to end.
This is definitely a series worth reading, and each book in it is better than the last.
As with the previous book in the series, my only complaint is that I feel a little lost or rushed in some of the scenes. The dialogue is spot-on, but I don't feel like I have a good idea of what's going on nonverbally, which is so important especially early on when the two main characters are still getting to know each other (and the reader is still getting to know them). I would have liked a little more of these "visual" cues to help build character and setting.
That being said, the characters are the reason I'm such a fan of Kelly Jamieson books. They're complex and realistic, and I can totally buy into their motivations and choices. I love how Jamieson crafts these characters with desires that start out at odds, but as they learn and grow together, they become the perfect fit and balance for each other. It's such a satisfying pleasure to read.
Even though this could probably be read as a standalone, I would definitely recommend reading the other books in the series first. The payoff on some of the secondary plot is so much better having seen it develop over the first three books, and seeing glimpses of the previous characters is always a treat.
Put this one down as another winner in the Wynn family series. I can't wait for the next one!
4 stars
I didn’t have the most auspicious start to the novels of Kelly Jamieson but how could I pass up this novel what with the cute premise, adorable cover and the fact that it’s a Christmas romance? And I’m glad I didn’t as this was a fun, quick and dirty snow storm of a romance.
Amy’s not feeling Christmas this year while Ryder is all about the holiday. Add in the fact that these two knew each other as children and, well, they didn’t part on the best of terms. So who better to get accidentally double booked together in a remote cabin? And that’s before the snow starts to fall. *Giddily claps hands at the trapped by a snow storm trope!*
Amy is first at the cabin and she’s looking to have a mope-fest of a Christmas after a series of personal blows. I understood her plans and her reasons behind them and she was a nice enough character. But as soon as Ryder got there, she turned into a bit of a brat. She eventually acknowledged this but to me, her reasons to hate Ryder - a man she hadn’t seen in about 10 years - was a bit flimsy. She got more likeable when she let her barriers down but she was never going to be my favourite.
Ryder on the other hand, was such a sweetheart. He (understandably) was surprised by Amy’s reaction to him but he maintained his upbeat attitude and his love for all things Christmas. All he wanted to do was get to his family for Christmas and I was smitten with him. He was definitely a keeper, even before we realise he’s a hugely successful environmental consultant off saving the planet!
I have to admit to being hugely disappointed when I found out there were two bedrooms in the cabin, but luckily there were many other ways our couple could stumble into a cheeky kiss. The mistletoe, the naked dancing, the bubble bath in the only bathroom, the naked massage… none of which get us there. So by the time we do get there, we’re treated to some sex that’s almost as hot as the cabin’s roaring fire.
I did enjoy Ryder and Amy as a couple - especially towards the end where they really showed that they were perfect for each other. We were told rather than shown that the pair had electric chemistry but I did enjoy the lighter moments between the pair such as the cat videos and their competitive gaming.
This is the 1st book in a multi-author Christmas series all focussed around the small town of Garland Grove and with an ice-hockey theme. As far as I can tell, the characters don’t overlap the different stories and each stands alone with its own HEA. Our heroine from this story is also part of the Heller family from Jamieson’s previous Heller Brothers series. You don’t need to have read any of those novels to understand this one, either.
All in all, I really liked this short and tropey Christmas romance. It had a good feel and it was never a chore to read just a little bit more. It feels more cosy than Christmassy but I enjoyed it all the same. Like another reviewer said, I would have loved to see an epilogue since we didn’t quite reach the ‘I love you’ stage within the story as it was. But still it was 4 stars from me.
I am reviewing this book based on an ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
I love the characters in this story. Kate is the daughter of the GM of the Chicago Aces. She also played college hockey. Hunter was on the Swift Current Warriors bus crash when he played juniors. He suffers anxiety as a result. He was best friends with Easton Millar (Book #1, MUST LOVE DOGS...AND HOCKEY) and Josh Heller (Book #2, YOU HAD ME AT HOCKEY). It was thought-provoking how each man handled the tragedy differently. It was heartbreaking how much they all suffered.
TALK HOCKEY TO ME was skillfully written. The characters faced interesting obstacles and challenges. I love that Kate and Hunter get a second chance together. I like how the story overlapped with the previous two novels. I appreciated that the book had some crossover with Kelly Jamieson’s Aces Hockey and Bayard Hockey series. The book could be read as a stand-alone but a strongly suggest reading the previous two books first. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I was looking forward to reading this book since Josh was traded to the team at the end of book one, MUST LOVE DOGS…AND HOCKEY. Josh played in the WHL with Easton Miler from book one, MUST LOVE DOGS…AND HOCKEY. They were both in a tragic accident when they played junior hockey. They have unresolved issues that are part of this novel.
I enjoyed Sara and Josh’s characters. Sara is funny, honest, and outgoing. She thinks she is screwed up. She’s a genuine person. Josh is quiet, serious, and controlled. He has a fear of hospitals. She is spontaneous, and he needs structure. They seem like an unlikely couple, but she makes Josh laugh, something he has not done in a long time. The poetry throughout the story is amusing.
YOU HAD ME AT HOCKEY is the perfect addition to the Bears Hockey series. It complimented the first book but was its own unique story. It was skillfully written and entertaining throughout. I recommend this book to people who enjoy hockey romances. Kelly Jamieson knows hockey, so the hockey scenes are intelligently written and realistic. I look forward to the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Josh has just been traded to the New York team which has turned his life upside down. Josh doesn't like it when things don't go according to plan and this was not a part of his plan. He now has to learn to play with a new team, learn a new city, and find a place to live. He doesn't expect Sara either. Sara is an influencer. She is always busy recording and editing videos and creating an online presence. She speaks her mind and shows the world her personality unfiltered. She has no idea what is about to happen when she has the new hockey player as a guest on her podcast.
I really liked Josh and Sara together. They had fantastic chemistry with each other and seemed to click right away. Josh found himself agree to do things unplanned when he was around Sara. When Sara needed calm advice, Josh was there for her. They both had some things to deal with in the story and I think that dealing with those issues helped their characters grow. Their first date was one to remember and one of the more memorable scenes in the story. I really like watching this pair fall for each other and I loved how authentic their relationship felt.
I would recommend this book to others. I found this to be a really fun read filled with fantastic characters, some hockey, bad poetry, and a lot of chemistry. I definitely plan to read more of Kelly Jamieson's work in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.
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