Member Reviews
Back Check was my first book by Kelly Jamieson. I’m a sucker for second chance stories and it was definitely a lovely one, with engaging, genuine characters and witty dialogue.
Tanner Bennett is the star defender of the Chicago Aces. He is successful in his professional life, but not in his private life. As owner of an event planning business, Katelyn Medford has been hired to organize the wedding of Marc Dupuis, the captain of the Chicago Aces. Marc has selected Tanner to serve as his groomsman. As it happens, Tanner and Katelyn have years of shared history. She was his high school sweetheart, and although he was the one who left, he never could forget her. Due to her past relationship with Tanner, Katelyn usually avoids hockey players, but she needs this high profile wedding as a professional springboard for her starting business.
Tanner was determined to succeed, and left their hometown to start his professional hockey career. Katelyn broke his heart, though, because she didn’t follow him. I felt sorry for them, they were star-crossed lovers. They both wasted many years based on misunderstandings. As a consequence, Tanner is divorced and doesn’t believe in marriage anymore, Katelyn is a serial runaway fiancée. They can’t change the past, but they have a bright future ahead of them. Their attraction is still intense and Katelyn can’t resist Tanner’s seduction. And he needs her more than ever, when his career becomes uncertain.
Overall, Back Check was a great read, well-written and with a good balance between humor, emotions and chemistry. The Chicago Aces players and their partners are a great cast of secondary characters. I can’t wait to read more about them! This book is the fourth installment in the Aces Hockey series, but can be read as a standalone.
This is a fun, hot, second chance at love hockey story. Katelyn and Tanner loved each other in college. A shot at his dream and her duty to family separate these two. Their lives collide once again, and the heat is still there. I enjoyed the banter between Katelyn and Tanner, making me smile. As they stumbled along, I held my breath, hoping they would see what was in front of them. I have come to care for all the men on the Chicago Aces and cannot wait for the next one.
I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.
Fun, flirty, and smoking hot!
This is a passionate story that mixes, a hard-bodied, swoon-worthy hockey player who hasn't had any luck finding the "one", and a sweet, charming wedding planner who has yet to say "I Do".
The writing is flawless. The characters are engaging, humorous, and real. And the plot is a provocative second-chance romance filled with witty dialogue, delicious chemistry, steamy tension, emotional drama, and competitive hockey.
I'm embarrassed to say this is the first Kelly Jamieson novel I've ever read, but I can guarantee there is already a few more of her titles added to my to read pile. I mean after all she is Canadian! Go Canada Go!
This is the fourth book in the “Aces Hockey” series and boy is it a good one. If you like sexy contemporary romances with captivating storylines this is definitely the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Random House - Loveswept, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tanner Bennet is quite certain he is a jinx to marriages, every wedding he has been involved with has ended on unpleasant terms, and now that his best friend and team mate is requesting his presence in his he has his reservations about getting involved. He knows love isn't in the cards for him, and he'd hate to see his bad luck with weddings and love rub off on his friends, but the happy couple isn't letting him off so easy. So, he reluctantly admits defeat, and promises to show up to their party to get himself acquainted with the rest of the wedding party... and gets the surprise of his life! The woman that got away years ago is standing before him, and just so happens to be the happy couples wedding planner. Being this close to her again is going to be painful as hell, but he can't let down his friends so he is just going to have to find a way to deal with it... maybe it's a blessing in disguise, or maybe just maybe he'll have a chance to make amends.
When Katelyn Medford gets the call that hockey star Marc Dupuis and his fiance are in need of her wedding planning services she is thrilled, but her excitement also comes with some reservations as she doesn't have good luck with hockey players... well one in particular anyway, one that could possibly be involved with their wedding. She always thought Tanner Bennet was the one she was supposed to share her life with, but then hockey took him away from her, and their future went up in smoke. So seeing him again could be quite painful, and bring back feelings that she buried a long time ago, but she needs this job, so she is just going to have to find a way to deal with him being around... as hard as it maybe!
The second I read the synopsis for this one I knew it was one that I had to read, I am a sucker for hockey players and second chance love stories, so seeing that this one had both I knew there was no way I was passing up the opportunity and I am SO happy that I didn't let this one get away... cause it was pretty damn amazing!! Katelyn and Tanner had love once, then life got in the way, and they assumed their time with one another was over, but fate stepped in and put them back in each others worlds and it didn't take long for those long buried feelings to resurface. And along with those feelings came the passion and spark they once shared, which helped to create some very steamy little encounters that had me blushing more than once, and left me a little envious too!! I have to say this story definitely ranks high on my list of favorites, I mean what is not to love about a sexy and very determined hockey player that isn't willing to let love pass him by a second time!
Highly recommend this one, Ms. Jamieson's sexy little read is sure to steam up your tablet screen, and leave you in urgent need of a little time on the ice to cool yourself down!
This is a wonderful second chance story. Katelyn and Tanner dated in college, they thought it might go further but when Tanner was signed on to play hockey for a New York team he didn't think Katelyn was ready to leave her life in Michigan, leaving he left them each broken hearted. Great story about love broken then found again complete with a few hick ups along the way. Fun read
After having read and reviewed Top Shelf last week it was time to finally dive in Back Check and I was really excited about it because I LOVED the previous book and I had high expectations for this one. Let me tell you that it didn't disappoint and I might love Tanner and Kaitlyn a little bit (a lot more) than Jared and Sidney.
First of all, I love sports romances and I even love it more if it's a hockey romance so I obviously had to love this one. Secondly, this is a second chance romance. Do you know how much I love second chance romances??? A LOT!!! I absolutely loved Tanner and Kaitlyn. They were such awesome characters. Tanner was such a great guy with such a big heart who had a few problems of his own. I loved to see his development and I adored the guy he became in the end. Kaitlyn was just amazing. Just like Tanner she had to deal with a few things from her past, some doubts she had but she was such a great and independent girl. I loved how she created her business and fought for it all by herself and I loved that she stood up for that. I also loved these two together. I think their relationship was really well written. First of all, this was a second chance romance so they already knew each other but they spent years without seeing each so I really enjoyed to see them getting to know each other again and see how they each grew. I also loved that their relationship was not just physical. Look, I love that these two had an amazing chemistry and they were super cute together but my favorite part was to see them talking about important things of their lives.
Another of my favorite things of this book (and the previous one) was the friendships. This series has an amazing cast of characters and I love to see them together and to see how much they care for each other and how much they support each other. For me friendship is something that matters in books but I think that a lot of times authors forget about it and focus only on romance. Luckily, Kelly Jamieson is not one of those authors because even if the focus of the book is romance she still shows the main characters with their friends and shows how important they are.
I also loved the writing in this book. Once again the book was told in dual POV and both Tanner and Kaitlyn had distinct voices so that is always a plus. I also loved how easily the book flew. I really need to read the first two books in this series soon (and also the novella) because I'm 100% sure those will be awesome too and because I already love all the characters from those books.
Overall, this was an amazing book. If you're looking for a sports romance you should definitely give this one a try. Can I have a book about Hallsy now?? Come on, the guy deserves his happy ending and I'm pretty sure I'll love that one too.
After reading Top Shelf a while back, I didn’t hesitate when I saw this one on Netgalley, because I really liked it, and I wanted more of that world. I’m so glad I did, because this book was awesome, I really like this Hockey world that Jamieson created with this series, and I can’t wait to read the other 2 books that I haven’t read yet.
I loved the writing on this one, the book is told in dual POV, third person, but it’s that sort of third person POV that has a unique voice, you know? It was just fast and fun to read, even in its emotional moments.
I’m a sucker for second chance romances, I just love the idea of them, so when I realized that this was one, I was ecstatic. I loved Tanner and Katelyn, they were both well rounded characters, who had clearly grown up a lot since they were last together, and they both also grow considerably during the duration of this book. Both of them are pretty scared to get hurt and hurting the other one again, but their chemistry is amazing, and they are just so darn cute when they finally get together.
I loved the inclusion of their friends and Tanner’s team during the whole plot of the book. This is a major thing, because it goes to Tanner’s fears and his strengths and my heart was just so happy with all those amazing friendships.
I really liked the plot, and how for most of the things, Tanner and Katelyn actually talked about their issues. They both make somewhat dumb choices at one point or another, because they were scared (mostly), but I was happy that those dumb moments didn’t overextend, and I was very very happy with the resolution.
I have to recommend this series if you’re into hockey romances, because it is a delight. I love the group of friends, their connections, the writing, the romance, the characters… everything! Give this a chance.
I didn't think it was possible but this series just keeps getting better! Tanner Bennett does not believe in love, in fact, he is thinks weddings are probably the worst things on earth and yet he is going to be a groomsman at Marc Dupuis' wedding to Lovey Armstrong. Could it get any worse? Well...the new wedding planner is Katelyn Medford, the woman is left left in college when he was drafted and broke both of their hearts. This is a second chance love story that took my breath away with how well this was written. Can they make a go of it this time? Who will be the next to fall?
Even though this is #4 in the series, it can be read as a standalone but WHY oh WHY would you want to because each and every one is about a hunky hockey player and they are all GREAT!
**Received an ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**
4.5 stars Excellent contemporary hockey romance. The story is well written and keeps the readers attention. Tanner is a professional hockey player who doesn't believe in love or marriage. He has a lot of reasons for his feelings and beliefs. Many of his team members are either married or getting married. Katelyn is a wedding planning who is hoping to plan his teammates wedding. Turns out Tanner and Katelyn have a history from several years ago. It's a story based on seeing if second chances are possible. I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by this author.
I love that I can dive into Kelly Jamieson's sports romance books with confidence. I'm getting my hockey fix without having to deal with puck bunnies. Safe sports romance books are not always easy to find. I like that this author focuses more on the couple than on the fame of the player and she does a great job af creating a group of friends that add to the feeling of the book. This is the fourth in the series and we have all the previous couples back again. Saying that, you could easily read this as a standalone.
Tanner and Katelyn dated in College but it ended badly when Tanner got drafted and Katelyn refused to move with him. Personal I thought she was crazy. It was obvious when they met again the chemistry was still there. It took awhile, but we find out there was a big reason she let him go. Both were deeply affected by that break up and you could see it wasn't easy for either of them to risk their hearts again. It was cute to see the committed guys help guide Tanner towards the end. I'd like to think that would actually happen.
I'm hoping the next book is about Kirby. He's not well liked and I'd love to see him find someone to soften him. ARC provided by NetGalley.
This book is a great addition to the series. It can be read as a standalone (which I love), but you get to be updated on all the other characters if you have read the series. I really enjoy the balance of hockey, team friendships, and romance that the author keeps in these stories.
Tanner and Katelyn were both very likable characters. Their backstories, along with the past that they had shared, added to the reader's connection to them. The characters were well-developed and their issues were believable. Because of that, I was anxious to continue reading to see not only if they got their HEA together, but that their careers and other relationships went the way that they wanted.
At a couple of points, I thought the story would go in a direction that I didn't want it to. Once, after Tanner tried to end things, and another when Tanner was at the bar doing shots. I was very pleased that the author did not take it in the expected direction. Not only did that make me happier with the storyline, but it was a change from the typical and kept me reading to see how it would work out.
Overall, this is a great addition to this series and I look forward to more.
ARC received from publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
Hockey hotties? ☑
Second chances? ☑
Action on and off the ice? ☑
The Aces Hockey series has become one of my auto-read series. I can't get enough of these hockey hotties and their lucky ladies.
Tanner and Katelyn's story had a bit of it all. Love, lust, longing.
Duel POVs give us a great insight to both our lovelies thoughts and feelings. The hurt, the longing, the wan that exudes from both Tanner an Katelyn has the reader longing along with them. I couldn't help but want, no need these lovelies to make their way back to each other, through all the obstacles of careers and coupledom
I loved getting more of the other Aces boys and their ladies. I love the bonds, the banter, the love between them all.
Now I need more. Please give us more Ms Jamieson, and don' make me wait too long :D
I found Back Check to be the best book so far in this series.
I liked Tanner and Katelyn and wanted them to be together; Jamieson did a good job showing the reader what drove the couple apart years ago, and why they would want to try to connect again now.
Tanner lacked maturity and emotional depth in the begining but it soon became apparent that he didn't lack the skill to have a mature relationship, he just lacked the desire to allow anyone the power to hurt him again.
I liked Katelyn immediately. (Even though I'm seriously tired of books about event planners, not sure why this has become such a hugely popular job in the last few years in HEAs.) Katelyn was independent and confident and quite honestly didn't need Tanner to save her or prop her up in life. She would have been fine without him. However, she never would have had as happy a life as she did with him in her life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well written romance.
In Back Check, Tanner and Katelyn get their second chance at love. College sweethearts on a path to the altar, Tanner’s rising NHL star status derailed their plans. Now that Katelyn has been hired as the wedding planner for a pal’s wedding, Tanner is forced to confront the girl who broke his heart and discover the secrets she kept in order to make her decision. However, his career is up in the air again so it all feels like Groundhog Day. They’re older now and have more life under their belts - will they each make the same decision again?
I can do away with any pretense at suspense here, y’all. Of course they make a different decision and their happily-ever-after is present in the book. But the journey to get there is worth your time - especially if you like second chance romances.
When we meet Tanner, he is in a place of instability. His contract with the Chicago Aces is up for re-negotiation and the team is keeping mum about their plans for him. While his agent keeps assuring him everything is going to be fine, Tanner isn’t 100% sure what “fine” is going to look like. Will he get traded? Will he stay? Will he be forced, financially, into early retirement? What is the team looking for from him? How can he convince them that his aging body but experienced brain are an asset to them? So our boy is already on emotionally shaky ground.
And then Katelyn arrives back on the scene and he nearly loses himself completely.
Lovey, star of Major Misconduct, has hired Katelyn as her wedding planner after a previous one bailed. Determined to make this wedding a complete success for her new event planning business, Katelyn is thrown sideways when she recognizes one of the groomsmen. She and Tanner haven’t spoken since college, when they broke up in an epic fashion over his decision to accept a contract in New York to play hockey and her decision to stay in Michigan. She’s attempted to move on, being engaged three times, but no one has ever measured up to Tanner.
Tanner, for his part, has been married and divorced since he and Katelyn last met. The ex was a real piece of work and he’s a little wounded from the whole thing. Pretty anti-marriage and definitely anti-weddings, he is only begrudgingly present for Marc and Lovey’s nuptials. He’s gobsmacked at Katelyn’s presence and his feelings for her quickly surface as they attempt to keep their relationship strictly to wedding planner and groomsman. You can imagine how well that goes, I’m sure.
My favorite part of this book was the underlying tension of adulthood and the demands of careers and life that often derail romances. As the couple rebuild their relationship, they have to be very honest with themselves and each other. They have to re-tread that big fight and disclose some unspoken reasons as to why they each reacted as they did. They have to consider whether they can work as a couple given their respective careers. They must negotiate and dream and hope and accept that a lot of their future is in the hands of others for a bit. When Tanner gets the final word about his contract, they have decisions to make together. This felt so very real for people getting together in their late 20s / early 30s. Life has already happened and started for folks in that age bracket, and coming together is more like joining puzzles than starting something fresh.
For fans of the series, Jamieson continues to visit and interact with all the characters from the previous books and it’ll be welcome to see old friends. For new readers, there’s nothing overwhelming here and Back Check can be happily enjoyed as a standalone.
This book – and this series - are musts for hockey romance fans, but I think even those averse to sports romances but who love a good second chance story will greatly enjoy this one. The dialogue is authentic, the sex is hot, and the relationship is grounded and lovely. It’s a perfect steamy read for a cold winter’s day.
reviewed by AAR's Kristen
This is the 4th in the Aces Hockey series and even thourgh I have not ready any of the other books I was able to follow along with the book wonderfully.
A great second chance romance that is told from both points of view.
Katelynn has never forgotten Tanner when he left her to go New York. and that shows by the three times she was engaged and called things off. But circumstances have them reconnecting and when they do they beginning a romance again.
Nothing worth while is ever easy and the author couldn't just let us have a quick HEA, no she mad Tanner work for it. I have to say there were moments that I found myself laughing and times when all I wanted was the heat. I enjoyed the way the author presented their strenths and such and I would definetly go back and read the other books from this series. It was a fun, butterfly inducing romance that had me cheering for a HEA.
Added bonus for me was the strength in Katelynn's character.
The Aces are back and as hot as ever! I loved Tanner and Katelyn’s story. Tanner and Katelyn were college sweethearts who broke up painfully over distance. Now years later they are reunited when she is hired as the wedding planner for Marc and Lovey’s nuptials. These two have amazing chemistry in spite of their painful past and when they finally manage to communicate they really start to flourish together. I loved seeing the team together again, I love the peeks at past characters and I'm left wondering which of the Aces will fall next. If you are looking for a fun sexy sports romance and/or if you are a fan of second chance romances I highly recommend you try this one. It can be read stand alone but the rest of the series is awesome too and I recommend them all. I received an arc of this book from the publisher through net galley, all views expressed here are my own.
Back Check is a cute hockey romance that brings in two people for a second chance. It is an uplifting story portraying growth of characters and the ups and downs of life. Highly recommend.
I really enjoyed this book.. I'm addicted to the series and cannot seem to get enough of these characters. Loved the interaction between Tanner and Katelyn.
Available from most booksellers on January 10, 2017!
I feel as though I should be punished for not knowing this author as I believe this is my first Kelly Jamieson story. Hockey? Check. Funny AF? Check. Sexy? Check. Romantic? Check. Tension? Check. Lovable characters? Check. If there was anything missing I sure didn’t miss it.
Oh my word…if you don’t know what “cheap hotel pants” are…. You should read this book. Wicked funny!
If you are looking for a romantic sports story that is true to the sport yet super sexy…. You should read this book.
If you know or want to know about a Gordie Howe hat trick…. You should read this book.
If you are a sucker for second-chance love stories ….. You should read this book.
If you know a shorter way to say “for an occasion”….. You should read this book.
If you trust my judgment, and you should, You should read this book.
Thank you Loveswept via Netgalley for the advance copy of this funny, sexy, emotional story about love in the NHL!
I have chosen to DNF this title. I thought the book was way too slow in the beginning and took too long to get to the relationship. I also found the dialog to make the characters inaccessible, especially the banter with the team, as I found this really juvenile.
I look forward to the next title I read through you!