I read a lot of sports romances - they're one of my favorite troupes. The thing is, a lot of them are alike and I'm ok with that. This sports romance was different than I was expecting. It's not all fun witty banter and sexy scenes - this book was a bit more emotional than I was expecting. There were some serious issues that were brought up. I loved this book and can't wait to read more in this series!

Cross Check by Kelly Jamieson
Book #2: Bayard Hockey Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 3/5 stars
My Review:
Round two of the Bayard Hockey series opens with Ella Verran, roommate to Skylar, current campus slut (or so the rumors say), enemy to the stunningly sexy Ben Buckingham, and a girl in desperate need of counseling. Since the loss of her two best-friends, Ella has gone a bit off the rails and if she doesn’t right the ship soon, it’s going to be too late to come back from the mess she’s made of her life.

Ben Buckingham is a big man on campus, known for his snappy dressing (or not if you ask Jacob!), his mad hockey skills, and his love of the ladies. Though he’s never hurting for attention, Ben isn’t an indiscriminate lover, just honest and up front and somewhat selective. Though he finds Ella attractive, he knows her reputation, and has yet to have a civil encounter with her. When they’re in close proximity to one another, it takes a whole millisecond before the sniping begins which makes the attraction Ben feels toward Ella all the more uncomfortable. It becomes downright painful when he takes more than a millisecond to actually talk to Ella and discovers he quite likes her.

With the start of a new semester, Ella has resolved to get her sh*t together. Her grades will come up, her days and nights of hard partying and going home with virtual strangers is done, and come hell or high water, she’s going to repair her relationship with her best-friend, Skylar. While even one of these goals would be daunting to most, Ella is determined to call on her discipline and will power to overcome every obstacle in her path. The grades and friendship repair are solo missions but, Ella misses sex which makes being around the totally and undeniably sexy Ben Buckingham on a regular basis, a particular breed of awful.

What starts as a clandestine affair, quickly becomes something more for both Ben and Ella. The feelings between them are real and neither knows what to do with them. For so long, Ben has hidden his past and his fears in an effort to keep people (mostly girls) at arm’s length. If he doesn’t get too close, he won’t have to reveal his shameful secrets, but Ella makes him want to open up, to be closer. For Ella, the tragedy of the last year has unloaded consequence after consequence and she isn’t entirely sure she’s even capable of truly feeling for someone. Ben tests that theory at every turn and just as things seem to be going well, it all falls apart (again!) and all the secrets and fears come tumbling out and tear apart what could be a solid relationship.

The Bottom Line: Like the first book in this series, I wanted to like this book more than I did. I very much liked Ella and Ben and wanted them to succeed as a couple, but once again, there is a soap box quality to this read that was off putting. Because there is so much repetition from book one, the theme of rape and sexual abuse and misconduct are prevalent in this book as well. I found myself skipping over the soap-box passages which allowed me to enjoy the other parts of the read. Again, I reiterate the importance of this topic, but not to the extent it’s dealt with here, again! With all that being said, I’m still not done with this series as I really, really liked the ending to this one and want to see what’s next for the Bayard boys.

Cross Check is the second story in the Bayard series, and it's a great followup to Shut Out. This time it's Jacob and Skylar's best friends (Shut Out), Ella and Ben, who get their chance for love.

Ben is Jacob's hockey teammate. He comes across as uber confident, uber snobby and perfect. He's hiding a lot underneath that perfect façade, though, that Ella doesn't know. She thinks he's just another rich jerk judging her for her party girl behavior. What he doesn't know is that Ella's hiding a lot, too. She is also dealing with the death of the same death that Skylar was dealing with. The way it's affected her, though, is to make her party her life away so she doesn't have to think about it. Ben and Ella keep coming into contact with each other because their best friends are dating. So it makes sense that Ella and Ben eventually end up in a relationship. It's not easy going for them, though, at all. They both have so much baggage, so many emotional demons and they don't communicate well at all, especially Ella.

I love the way Kelly turned Ella's character around, though. In Shut Out, and even in the beginning of Cross Check, Ella didn't give off a good first impression. Thanks to Kelly's deft hands, though, we get to see just how badly off Ella is, and how much it's affected her and caused all her reckless behavior. By the end, I had fallen in love with her, and so had Ben. Ben, now that man is just about the perfect BBF. He's actually sweet underneath his designer veneer, and sexy and just amazing. I really felt for him, especially when he revealed just what he had been hiding.

Beware, that Cross Check deals with some heavy subjects, so if you have triggers you may want to stay away because there are things like rape, suicide, and mental illness given mention and elaboration in Cross Check. Kelly never overdoes them, though, so don't think you'll be hit over the head with anything.

If you like your NA romances with heavy doses of angst, emotional baggage and realistic, amazing characters, Cross Check should be on your TBR list. Kelly Jamieson has once again written an excellent, thoughtful romance. I can't wait for more from Kelly and her Bayard College crew.

Ben Buckingham is a star hockey player at Bayard. He's focused on getting to the NHL. Everything he does is geared towards making that dream a reality. And with no family support-dad died and mom just doesn't get it-he has to do it all on his own. Ella Verran spent most of the past year partying it up. Being an adult for the first time, away from her parents' and siblings' prying eyes, gave her an abundance of freedom she took full advantage of. These two get off on the wrong foot. But what's that they say about two left feet??

Now I love Kelly Jamieson. She writes amazing stories and her characters are very well-developed. I don't know if it's my age or where I am in my life, but I had a harder time getting lost in this story. Normally I start one of her books and don't put it down until I've read the last word. But this one didn't catch my attention quite as hard. It's been so long since I was in college, that reading about two college kids just wasn't ... me. It felt much more disjointed than any other book I've read of hers. It didn't have that easy flow of situations she's known for.

Even though I didn't get lost like I normally do, I will say that this was a well written story. The story of two kids finding themselves in college is one that is universal to all kids in that age. Being forced to hang out with your best friend's boyfriend's best friend, whether you like them or not-- also common. The attitude and requirements of a collegiate athlete are well depicted and honest.

I guess that's the best way to describe this book. It's honest. It's realistic and true. If you have a predilection to college-based stories, you might enjoy this one.

I thought that Cross Check was a sweet and emotional romance that was filled with lots drama and angst.  Tons of sexual tension. And conversations filled with quick wit, humour, and just enough naughty talk to make a girl blush.  It's an awesome book and I most definitely enjoyed reading it.

Ella is trying to rebuild her life after last year's mistakes.  She has a lot to make up for - she partied too much and took her friends for granted.  She didn't try as hard as she should of in her classes.  She is determined to not be distracted from her old ways or boys.

But Ben just keeps on popping up and these two just cannot escape the way they make each feel. Or how they seem to understand one another.  But they doesn't even like each other. Or at least, that's what they keep telling themselves.  Their acted on their attraction feel inevitable and you devour page after page for the moments they do.

As their storied unfolded, I loved that I was experiencing their ups and downs - I was completely caught up and consumed by Ella and Ben.  It's a great coming of age, friends to lovers romance.  One that I would absolutely recommend others check out.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance review copy of this book and I loved it.

After reading the previous books I basically hating Ella but it was great to see things from her point of view. It was great to see how her mind worked and why she did the things she did and then see her open her eyes and figure out how to be a better version of herself...with the help of Ben of course.

I Loved everything about Ben. He was so much more than he appeared to be.

Together Ben and Ella made each other stronger but before they met they were so broken in so many small ways that a lot of people who did not look beyond the surface would ever have seen.

Overall...if you couldn't tell.. I loved it! Great job Kelly Jamieson.

4 Stars

Cross Check is the second title in the Bayard Hockey series, an enemies to lovers romance. Having read the previous title in the series Shut Out, I was familiar with both Ben and Ella. Cross Check is a sports romance, that promotes the fact that appearances are not always as they appear, and can be quite deceiving.

This pair both make assumptions about the other based on their outward appearance. Ella perceives Ben to have everything going for him and his life must be perfect, whilst he judges her for her partying ways and wild exploits. Despite their feelings of the others actions, they are undeniable attracted to each other.

Both these character are complex, yet endearing. Ella is sassy, and strong, yet also quite insecure and vulnerable. She's made some questionable choices whilst processing grief and they continue to haunt her.

Ben is incredibly hard working, determined and dedicated to his goal of being drafted to the NHL. He's a sweet, charming, intelligent character whom I really loved.

Cross Check is a great blend of hockey, heart and heat, and the sexual tension abounds throughout this story line. The connection and chemistry this pair share is undeniable and quite realistic and the love scenes are incredibly hot and steamy. Their banter was fun, flirty and at times had an element of humor. I enjoyed seeing more of Skyler and Jacob throughout this title, and as much as I enjoyed their story, Ella and Ben's story was less intense and hit the mark for me.

I loved watching this pair help each other heal and move on from their pasts. Overall I found this title to be quite entertaining and engaging, but also quite thoughtful in the way it deals with social issues facing young adults in today's society.

Ms Jamieson has crafted another well written sports romance, told in a dual point of view that has left me wanting more. I adored the ending and hope that this is not the last we will see of this pair of characters.

Cross Check
Bayard Hockey #2
Kelly Jamieson
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I just love a good sports romance. It also touches on some heavy subjects like rape and suicide. So you get a little bit of drama mixed in with your romance.
I really enjoy Kelly Jamieson's writing style and can't wait to read more of her books.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

A fun and sexy college hockey romance where a bad girl and a good guy hockey player discover that behind their animosity they have more in common than they ever thought.

After a tragic event, Ella Verran shoved responsibility out the window and threw caution to the wind, but now she needs to face the consequences of her bad choices. She has to get her grades up and wants nothing more than to patch up her relationship with her BFF. But Ben, her BFF’s boyfriend’s hot and too perfect roommate, is always around and she hates his snobby guts as much as she loves his sexiness.

Ben Buckingham, Bayard’s hockey team’s star forward has one goal, to play in the NHL, and he can’t afford to lose sight of this. But whenever he’s around Ella, he can’t think of anything else and that just can’t happen. Because while he walks the straight and narrow, she likes to take a walk on the wild side. But as he gets to know the girl behind the bad reputation, the more he wants her to walk by his side.

I love sports romances and Kelly Jamieson’s hockey love stories always hit the right spot. Cross Check is an appealing love-hate story about friendship, love, respect, trust and growing up that had me hooked from the very beginning.

Even though Ella and Ben hate each other, there’s also an underlying current neither of them can deny and soon they’re both breaching the animosity barriers by realizing they had misjudged the other and getting to know the things they hid behind their masks and had in common, building a relationship while also struggling with their achieving their goals.

I really enjoyed the college hockey backdrop in this series and how Jamieson continues to impress the importance of consent through Jacob and Skylar’s (from Shut Out, book #1) efforts or raising awareness and has now added the value of getting help after a traumatic event with Ella’s tribulations.

Jamieson balances hockey, romance and important issues with skill. The banter between the protagonists was fun and entertaining and their romantic and sexy moments were cute, intimate and hot. Ben was absolutely swoon worthy and I felt for Ella and loved that she took responsibility of her life and decided to grow up. I’m so glad she made up with her BFF!

The epilogue was awesome and I hope we get updates on both Ella and Ben, and Skylar and Jacob in future Jamieson’s hockey novels.

Cross Check is book #2 in the Bayard Hockey series by Kelly Jamieson. It is a standalone, new adult, hockey romance and a great addition to the series. Told from both points of view and has a happy ending. A great read for any sports romance lover.

I have chosen to DNF this title.

Thank you,
Laura

I'm on a Kelly Jamieson streak! Another great one from Ms Jamieson. This book is the sequel of Body Check, of the Bayard University series, college hockey players. In the first one, we see Jacob Flass and Skylar. In this one, we have their best buds, Ben Buckingham and Ella.  Their issues are different, but in no way less important.  Ben comes from a poor background, from a neighborhood infested in crime.  When his father was murdered, his mother moved him away and went to work as a housekeeper at a rich family's mansion.  There he grew up, humiliated by the snobbish and spoiled daughters of the family.  He has problems feeling worthy, so he compensates by dressing stylishly, with good quality clothes.  Ella lost her best friend Brendan to suicide a year ago. She loved him secretly but he loved Skylar instead. Since his suicide is related to Skylar, Ella blames Skylar.  Her issues of unrequited love, anger at Skylar, and loss, drove her to drink and promiscuousness, winning her a bad rep at the University. Ben was one of the guys who labelled her as a slut.  So when they are thrown together, as a consequence of their best friends, their exchanges were laced with innuendos and insults.  What I loved about this book is that it presents the problems of many YA's during University.  It deals with hazing, rape culture, indiscriminate drinking and sex, slander and labelling.  This group of friends are dealing with this in a constructive manner, facing their problems with counseling, making constructive moves to bring knowledge to the athletes in the university to stop their entitlement issues re acquiring sex from their groupies, who may be too drunk to consent.  As Ella and Ben deal with their own personal issues and the prejudices each had against each other, they discovered true quality persons underneath the façade they had donned. And they had great chemistry!

As per Ms Jamieson style, there were some hysterically funny scenes, like the one where the guys were discussing their hockey sticks but it could be traduced to other "sticks", and the one in the bus, where the guys discuss dreams and sleepwalking.  The book was entertaining, mostly from 60% on.  In the beginning we get a lot of the fights between Ella and Ben, which got a little tiring, but things start to move around 60% and get great.

Ella was on university probation at the beginning of the book, from all the partying and drinking of the previous year, so this year, she's studying hard, working at repairing her friendship with Skylar, improving her reputation, and growing up to be a responsible adult.  Ben, who is on a short list of hockey players to be drafted to the NHL, has to work hard on his skills and strengths for when the scouts arrive.  They have a full plate, what with their issues, their friends, studies and hockey.  As with all Ms Jamieson's books, the characters start with issues, they work at them, fight a little, party a little, play good hockey, and end up more mature than when they started.  I love these HEA's!

I am certainly pleased with this new series from Kelly Jamieson. I choose her novels because I enjoy her dialogue, and Cross Check fits that criteria well. I think that what I most appreciate is Ms Jamieson's ability to fit the dialogue to the character's age and situation. Yes, it's witty, sexual innuendo abounds, but it's also just so dang appropriate! Cross Check is book 2 in the series, and I found myself captivated by the complexity of the character profiles, and the promise of the premise. This is one of those books I read straight through, and I look forward to the rest of the series. I can also recommend Ms. Jamieson's other books, as I have yet to be disappointed.

I enjoyed Cross Check but I did not enjoy it as much as most of Jamieson's other books. For me, there were too many "learning moments" that I found annoying. I'm not someone who reads for personal growth and the preachy bits were things I already believed, so the after school special moments in the book came across as borderline condescending at times.

I did, however, like both of the characters despite their flaws and ocational bouts of immaturity and judgment. The secondary characters were likable and well written as well and I hope there are more books in this series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Jamieson's other books.

Ella and Ben do NOT like each other, but as their best friends are dating, they wind up hanging out in the same crowd from time to time. She thinks he's a snobby, pretty boy who's always perfectly dressed and he thinks she's a slutty, party girl. She's trying to get her life back on track and he's trying to get drafted into the NHL.

As they begin to hang out together more and more, they discover that there's always more to a person than what you see on the surface.

Kelly Jamieson has become a go-to author for me. Her characters experience the same dating, social, and relationship issues at any age. I look forward to the next story.

Entertaining, sexy, and sincere!

Cross Check, the latest novel in the Bayard Hockey series, is a slightly more emotional tale about the heartbroken, grief-stricken Ella who has been neglecting her studies and masking her sorrow after the loss of one of her friends, and Ben the gorgeous, up-and-coming hockey star who seems positively perfect but has a few dark secrets of his own.

The writing is fluid. The plot is a heartfelt mix that tackles important contemporary issues faced by young people today including friendship, family, campus life, suicide, rape, mental illness, sex, relationships, love, and hockey. And the characters, including all the supporting characters, are kind, engaging, and supportive.

Overall, Cross Check is a romantic, sweet, moving read that has a nice amount of drama, angst, tension, humour, banter, attraction, dirty talk and chemistry and even though it's not my favourite Jamieson novel I think lovers of the new-age-college-romance genre will certainly enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Random House - Loveswept, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have read many books by Kelly Jamieson and I love her books, but I didn't care for this one. This one felt very shallow and based all on sex. Ben and Ella are the two main characters who absolutely hate each other but after time and being put together time after time they end up falling in love and it is a sappy story. I couldn't connect with any of the characters as they both just felt weak and the lack of confidence in both was just a little much for me.

I have read many books by Kelly Jamieson and I have fallen in love with all of her characters but Ben holds a special place in my heart, he is everything I want from a man, he is sweet, caring and so freaking hot !!! I love this series, I love that the characters are young and learning about life, yes they make mistakes and sometimes they learn from them and sometimes they don't but let's be honest that's what real life is. Seeing these guys realise that life isn't just about them, they aren't the be all and end all makes for great reading and then Kelly throws in them learning about friendships,trust and love, then you get a perfect read. Great job can't wait for book 3 in the Bayard Hockey Series

Story 5 *, Emotion/Passion 4.5 *, Sizzle 4.25 *.
I love this author and don’t hesitate to push the one-click button when she has a new release.
This is the second of the Bayard College Hockey Series and it is Ella’s story. She is an emotional mess, failing her classes and known for being a party girl. She is just beginning to repair her relationship with her very BFF Skylar after a tumultuous year for both. Ella hasn’t been doing well academically or socially since the suicide of a close friend the year before.
Whenever she is with Skylar and her boyfriend, his teammate Ben is there and there is no love lost between Skylar and Ben. In fact, one might say they are enemies…except somehow, Ben’s eyes are always on Ella and she certainly keeps tabs on the quiet, snobby but hot and charismatic Ben. He is just so rude, calling her “Party Girl”. Their mutual attraction grows and each tries to ignore the other. It takes time for Ben to notice that Ella has changed and is now focused on studying and repairing relationships. Ella doesn’t trust Ben, or hardly anyone.
The reader is sucked in, captured by the story, and kept anxiously hopeful throughout that these two will pay attention to each other. Missed communications and perceptions create a bit of angst.
The author addresses some heavy topics of depression, slut-shaming, suicide and date-rape. These important issues for young people are integral to the story and sensitively managed. With this author, a satisfactory HEA is a guarantee! #MainelyStories #KellyJamieson #NetGalley #Loveswept

I think this was by far my favorite book from Jamieson. The subject matters that both of the main characters are so true to life. Jamieson did such a wonderful job of handling it. Even if you aren't a fan of hockey, this book is totally worth the read.

Note, I did receive an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in the Bayard Hockey Series. Ben and Ella don’t like each other…he thinks she is a “party girl” and she thinks he is pretentious and pompous. Because their best friends are dating they begin to spend more time together. Gradually, they realize they can’t deny their chemistry…they become lovers and eventually friends. Both have issues that define their behavior and personalities which cause a few bumps in the road to their HEA. If you love hockey romances this the book for you. Kelly writes entertaining and sexy stories that are a fun read,.but they also deal with real life issues that will cause a variety of emotions.