Hot Shot is the second novel in Kelly Jamieson's Last Shot series, and I wish I could say that I enjoyed it as much as the first novel in the series, but this one just didn't measure up, and I can only give it 2 stars.

Marco, whom we met in Ms. Jamieson's last novel, is a handsome, Latino hunk, one of 3 former Navy SEALs who own and operate Conquistadors, a tequila bar in San diego. He has a rather large chip on his shoulder and serious abandonment issues. His parents were deported when he was 14, leaving Marco and his younger sister, both born in the U.S., to the foster care system. His younger sister was adopted and he has no idea where she is. He left his last foster home at 16, after more than a few foster placements ended badly because he acted out and had serious attitude issues. As soon as he was of age, he joined the military, eventually ending up as a SEAL.

Carrie, whom we also met in the previous novel, is a tall, beautiful, 30-year-old model, who is also insecure. She comes from a well-off family of successful overachievers and although she's had success in her modeling career, she's aging out of that role, wants to pursue her love of photography, and still feels like the awkward, gawky teenager she was in high school.

Carrie and Marco, who seem to barely tolerate each other's presence, decide to throw an engagement party for Beck and Hadyn, who were the primary characters in the previous novel. Beck is one of the Conquistador partners, and Hadyn is Carrie's best friend. Carrie always felt that Marco was making fun of her when he was, in fact, flirting. Marco simply felt that Carrie's coldness toward him meant she hated him, but the two try to work together to plan this party, and slowly their relationship builds as they discover things to like and admire about each other. Both are artistic, and both are insecure. So far, so good, since this follows the slow, relationship building plot of the previous novel, but the good got gone for me for several reasons.

First, I am no stranger to foul language, and I feel it has its place in romantic fiction, but never, in all the thousands of novels I've read, have I ever encountered a character like Marco, who somehow manages to drop the f-bomb in practically every sentence he utters, sometimes more than once. As we're supposed to be warming up to his character, I found myself thinking he was both crude and boorish, and I couldn't understand why Carrie wasn't at all offended by his non-stop swearing. It also seemed that his every thought was what he wanted to do to and with her in bed, and as soon as possible. The end result being that I simply couldn't stand him and I couldn't understand Carrie's attraction to him. Finally, the dialogue--it was often utterly juvenile for thirty-something adults, riddled with exclamations like "Pfft" and "Eh," and discussions about what Marco named his penis.

The only drama in this novel came from the fact that Carrie wants to go to Spain to study photography there for 9 months and is soon to be leaving, and, of course, Marco doesn't really want her to go, but does he say anything? Nope. Nor does Carrie admit she'd rather stay with Marco. Again, totally juvenile behavior, and if I'd not requested an advance reader copy of this novel and if I hadn't been expected to review it, I'd have stopped reading it by the time I was at the halfway point.

I'm assuming the remaining partners at Conquistadors will also be featured in upcoming novels and I sincerely hope that the author makes them act their ages, cleans up their language and comes up with more intricate and interesting plots.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel and received no compensation for doing to. The opinions expressed are my own.

. Kelly Jamieson has become one of my go to authors. I really enjoy her writing style; her characters have depth and her male leads are so sexy. This book is no different, Marco and Carrie have great chemistry and are able to bring out the best in each other despite their own insecurities.

This is the second book in this series and I must say I liked it as much as the first one. You are introduced to Marco and Carrie in the first book. Marco is partners with Beck and Cade at a Tequila bar named Conquistadors. Carrie is the best friend of Hayden and Hayden and Beck are going to be getting married and Marco and Carrie are best man and bride’s maid. In the first book Marco and Carrie are always sniping at each other and this book opens up the same way when he calls her early in the morning to meet for an idea he has about a wedding shower. Though it is early she agrees and when she arrives they actually for a few minutes get along, but then they are back to being short with each other. Marco really likes her but does not know how to tell her. Carrie who is a model and is now working at being a photographer still has moments of self-doubt from when she was younger and from her family which she feels she has not lived up to any of their expectations. This all begins to change when you are introduced to her niece because she is caught grafting the back of their bar. Carrie happens to be there when they make the discovery and this only helps Marco in his quest in wanting to ask her out on a date. She agrees and then you begin to see a whole different side of Marco that was not shared before. He is a welder, but also an artist and together they now have something in common. They now work together in coming up with a plan to get more kids off the streets after school through art. By doing all of this they are spending more time together and they are finding out about each other. He has problems with people leaving in his life and when the former fiancé who left him while he was deployed comes into the bar one day this rocks Carrie because she realizes that she has gotten to close. She is leaving for Spain for a photo school for six months and she knows they should break up. This is even after Marco tells her that there is nothing between him and his ex. He leaves without saying anything. Both of them are miserable for the two weeks leading up to her leaving and finally his two friends sit him down and give it straight to him. Now the ball is in his court and he has to make a decision on what he is going to do. This is the good part of the book for the way the author ends this story is perfect for these two because nothing has been easy, but the ending is very good and makes the story come together. This is a must read.

Where is this tequila bar? And who wants to go with me if there are hot former Navy SEALS all around :) I adored Marco and Carrie together, it is all about a long slow burn to an explosion. Marco had so much depth and emotion that in his soul. I loved how he pursued Carrie and was there for her.

Hot Shot is the 2nd book in the Last Shot series. The books can be read as a stand alone. I have found another favorite author- Kelly Jamieson creates fantastic characters & writes entertaining stories.

I look forward to the final book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I love love/hate relationships! But this one is especially cute with the snarky humor between Carrie and Marco. The opening bar scene was wonderful! But the best part was melting all that hate. She is everything he needs and she needs him. Great characterization of the inside and outside of people!

Hot Shot is a sexy enemies to lovers romance. Marco Solis is Beck (Body Shot) and Cade's business partner in Conquistadors, their bar, former Navy SEAL, and has had his eye on Carrie, Hayden's best friend (Body Shot) ever since he met her. Carrie is a sweet, quirky model whose dream is to become a professional photographer. She's even gone as far as to accept a scholarship to a photography school in Spain for 9 months. But, while she whiles away her time in San Diego until she leaves, she's now been tasked by Marco to help him plan Beck and Hayden's engagement party.

Carrie has mixed feelings about Marco. On one hand, he's a hot, brooding bad boy who she has always felt as if he looked down on her for being a model. His nickname for her, "Supermodel" doesn't help matters at all. On the other hand, she's seriously attracted to the man, and spending so much time with him is getting to her, especially now that she is starting to see a different side to him, one she is having a hard time disliking. He's actually a total sweetheart, who has lots of abandonment issues. Everyone he's ever loved has either left him voluntarily like, his former fiancée, who left him while he was deployed and married someone else; or was forced to leave him, like his parents, who were deported when he was a teenager, his sister who he lost contact with when they were shuttled separately in and out of foster care, and his mentor who sent him down the right path, but was killed when Marco was deployed in Afghanistan. The only people who haven't left him are his SEAL brothers, Beck and Cade, and even Beck is getting married, so spending less and less time with him. So, Marco shields his pain with brooding scowls and teasing lines that he banters at Carrie, not knowing she has insecurities of her own from her childhood when she and Hayden were the odd misfits at their school. Even becoming a model hasn't done much to change her insecurities, if anything, it's made things worse, as she is tired of people only valuing her for her appearance. Especially when she compares herself to her successful, wealthy family, who all have great corporate careers and view her modeling career as less notable than theirs.

These two sweet, loving people with so much hurt inside come together, though, and the sparks fly. But, how can they even begin to start anything if Carrie is set to leave for Spain soon? Well, as Marco puts it: "We have a hot little romp for a few weeks while I teach you Spanish and we throw an engagement part and then you leave for Spain and we say goodbye and everyone's happy." Hmm...famous last words because you know things never happen exactly as planned!

I really like this series, Kelly Jamieson never disappoints, whether it's her hockey series (Aces Hockey) or this one about three former Navy SEAL friends. Hot Shot is sexy, sweet, surprisingly emotional and Carrie and Marco are smokin hot together! Now, I'm impatiently awaiting Cade's story. Hope it comes soon.

Marco and Carrie have a hate to love type of relationship. Carrie doesn't like Marco much and he doesn't know why, but he continues to tease her. When they put together a party for their friends, they discover how similar they truly are and how both of the insecurities have affected their lives and relationships.

I liked the characters in this book and thought that Carrie and Marco were both very likeable characters. Their group of friends was fun and I loved watching them all together. Carrie and Marco both had baggage stemming from things that have happened in their lives that has shaped them as adults. Working through their insecurities together was a good part of the story. This was a good read and I'd love to read Cade's story.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R1MRMI89MNTYRD?ref_=glimp_1rv_cl

Carrie is a model with a complete understanding of the superficial nature of her job. Her career is coming to an end and she is trying to figure out where to go from here. She puts plans in motion and then is confronted with Marco. Their friends are together so they need to find a way to get along. In learning about each other for the short term, they find more deep within the other. The vulnerabilities that these two have made the story more interesting, more real. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

I received a copy of this through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Marco, a former Navy Seal, has experienced a lot of loss in his short life. As a teen, his mom and dad were deported back to Mexico. His sister was placed in a different foster home than him and he hasn't seen her since. While serving his country, his fiancé cheats on him and ends up marrying someone else. So he's learned not to let his heart get involved, not to become too attached. He owns a bar with two of his Navy buddies. That's where he meets the woman he loves to "hate", a woman that's too good for him...

Carrie is a natural beauty and a moneymaking model nearing the end of her career. Although she's beautiful, she feels less than when compared to her siblings. Carrie's dream is to become a photographer, but feels as though she's a disappointment to her family. They are career driven, while Carrie is more "live life to the fullest, carefree". While Carrie thinks Marco is irritating, she also thinks he's really sexy. When they are forced to plan an engagement party for their best friends, they learn they misjudged each other. They find they are more alike, than not. Will they allow their insecurities to ruin their chance at true love?

This was the first Kelly Jamieson novel I've read. I loved it and can't wait to read the next novel in the series!!! I loved the bickering as it added to the sexual tension. I also LOVED Carrie's grandma. She was a hoot! I highly recommend this novel for anyone who loves "Opposites Attract" HEAs. I read a gifted copy of this novel and all opinions stated are my own.

Hot Shot is the second title in the Last Shot series, after reading Body Shot I was eagerly anticipating reading Carrie and Marco's story. This has all the makings of an enemies to lovers romance. Marco and Carrie have a tendency to rub each other the wrong way. Their best friends are engaged so they are constantly thrown together.

Marco is a former navy seal and co-owner of conquistadors a tequila bar, and has major abandonment issues stemming from his past. Marco is a brooding, gorgeous man with hidden talents, and a tendency to be bossy particularity in the bedroom, and is quite the dirty talker.

Carrie comes from a family of overachievers and feels that she doesn't fit. Working as a model, a job she fell into rather than desired so lacks direction and focus.

Both these character are quite complex with insecurities that abound from their past and vulnerabilities that lie with being hurt. A range of miscommunications and misunderstanding results in a slow burn romance. The banter this pair share is fun and flirty with elements of sarcasm and sass. There is a lot more depth to this pair of characters, than what lies on the surface, which is revealed as the story line progressed.

This is a well written, entertaining, sweet, sexy, fun and flirty contemporary romance, that can be read as a standalone, although the characters from body shot, appear within this title and their story continues as well. I look forward to the next title in this series.

***ARC Provided by Loveswept via NetGalley***

Marco and Carrie were appealing as a couple. I really related to Carrie, and I think we all would, and the idea that she was a little insecure from things that happened to her growing up, and as a result, she took Marco's interest as teasing.

I liked how real this felt, how much it made me feel like I was able to relate to Carrie, especially as she is now a semi-successful model, albeit at the end of her career.

I enjoyed the book overall. There was a little more depth than I was expecting, and the enemies to lovers, even though there really was no actual enemy relationship was fun. I liked that they were willing to work with one another to give something great to their friends.

I also enjoyed how the 8 month trip to Spain was resolved, the way it was handled and allowed her relationship to move forward without her having to give up any of her personal successes.

The pacing and the writing were both good, although the book did seem to move a lot faster at the end than at the beginning, so there was a little bit of an issue there, but not enough for me to be unable to enjoy the book.

This is the 2nd in a series. The characters from the previous book are a major part of the plot, and the initial meeting with Marco and Carrie is in the first book, but this is a standalone. You do not need to have read the previous to enjoy this.

I recommend this book.

I couldn't really connect with this couple. This book read a little political to me, which wouldn't hold up over time.
Their past plays a role in this book and it shapes how they feel about themselves. But it didn't ring true to me. Yes they both had things that messed with their heads, but they were well adjusted adults and I just didn't understand how you become a Navy Seal and still fell so insecure And she is a model who isn't living her passion but she seems happy in life.
Some of the dialogue didn't sit well with me..it felt off to me. Our H and h felt almost too perfect at times. The last few chapters for me were the best.

*I received an ARC of this book free from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Marco has been interested in Carrie since the night they met at his Tequila tasting. Their friends hooked up and got engaged, but Carrie just doesn't seem interested in him. As a matter of fact she pretty much seems to hate him, but that won't stop Marco from figuring out why.

Carrie doesn't want to be defined by the fact that she's a model so when Marco tries all the typical lines on her she pretty much runs as far away from him as possible, but when he comes up with a plan for their friends she can't help but participate.

Surprise party planning causes Marco and Carrie to spend more time together than she would have liked, but when her niece goes and does something that forces them to spend even more time together there's only one determined outcome...they'll slowly learn things about each other and closer and closer they will become until they can't bear to be apart.

Hot Shot is a fun read about fierce determination. Damn, but Marco is one determined man! It's about insecurities and pasts that continue to haunt their presents. It's about overcoming preconceived notions and bumbling comments. It's about love and how it sneaks up when you least expect it to. It's another great book by Kelly Jamieson and I look forward to book three, Long Shot.

Another solid release from Kelly Jamieson! I've previously read her Aces and Bayard hockey series and totally enjoyed them; so I'm not surprised that this frenemies to lovers didn't hit the same spot! Carrie and Marco get thrown together when their best friends start dating and get engaged. Sure they flirt but neither thinks the other likes them until one night on a dance floor reveals lust. When they agree to a fling it seems like it'll be al fun, games and hot sex. But what happens when these two, both insecure in their own ways catch feelings? Well I think you should see for yourself. Well developed story and characters. Kelly doesn't disappoint! Curious for more in Cade's story next!

Marco Solis is a former Navy SEAL and co-owner of a bar with his two best friends. Carrie Garner is the best friend to his friend’s fiance. For some reason, when they are near each other, they can’t get along. When Marco decides to throw an engagement party for their friends, he asks for Carrie’s help. Maybe they can get along enough to stop denying their mutual attraction.
This book wasn’t bad. I thought there were times when Marco’s character was a bit harsh and it really didn’t make much sense.There were some random things that were thrown into parts of books that didn’t really make much sense until later.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Ms Jamieson, you had me at SEAL.

It is no secret that I am a sucker for a SEAL book, Whilst I haven't read the first book inthe Last Call series (how did I miss that??) this did not take anything away from Hot Shot.

I liked the push/pull between Marco and Carrie, though at times they both individually frustrated me.

At times, they felt weak, like they were teenagers rather than the smart and successful adults they are (but this could just be me). They were so down on themselves most of the time and I wanted to clonk their heads together to knock some sense into them.

The banter between Marco and Carrie was fun and flirty, with a share of dirty talk thrown in for good measure. Their chemistry is of the charts.

I loved the relationships between Marco and his 2 SEAL best friends, Beck and Cade, as well as between Carrie and her best girl Hayden.

Now I need to go back to read book 1, and can't wait to see who takes Cade off the market.

I love a good enemies to lovers romance! This book had just the right amount of romance, steam and humor. Loved it!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆
Though a little corny at times, this is a pretty good read. I love a good “hate each other turned lovers” story and this definitely qualifies as such!

Marco is part-owner of Conquistadors, a bar, with Cade and Beck. In book one we meet Beck and Hayden, who are soon to be married, and Hayden’s best friend, Carrie, is spending a ton of time at the bar helping her prepare. Marco and Carrie “hate” one another from day one, both having insecurities that cause them to turn what is actually attraction into never ending arguments. Marco decides to throw a surprise engagement party and who better to help him plan it but Carrie? Carrie is a successful model but doesn’t see that as much of an accomplishment in her family filled with people who’ve “saved the world.” To prove herself to her family, she’s accepted a scholarship to study photography in Spain… when her and Marco’s relationship flips from hate to love, it makes her impending journey bittersweet.

My favorite part of this book was definitely the ending… without giving out any spoilers I will say the way that Marco wins Carrie’s heart was too cute. Both Carrie and Marco battle their insecurities throughout the book and I love the way the author sucked me into the story, I felt like I was battling with them. I’m excited to see where the author takes the next book in this series as I found this book even better than book one!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 stars

Carrie and Marco both have issues with feeling less than everyone around them. Carrie was the girl who grew too quickly, all arms and legs, and didn't quite fit in with the IT crowd. Marco's fears were being left behind. His parents were deported when he was fourteen and he was not only separated from his parents, but his sister was taken from him as well as they progressed through the foster system.

Their insecurities limit the way they see themselves, each believing that they are not worthy of the things that their friends have – love and family.

When their attraction to each other becomes undeniable, they give in, but try to hold their hearts in reserve. Each believes the other is just in it for a good time, because neither believes they are worthy of love or long term.


Sarah – ☆☆☆
This definitely isn’t my favourite Kelly Jamieson romance. As always, this is a sweet, feel good, fluffy story, but it is incredibly formulaic and I didn’t connect very well with either of the main characters.

I struggled to relate to Carrie in any way. She is a gorgeous and successful model with artistic talent, good friends, and a close, supportive family. Sadly, beautiful Carrie didn’t always feel attractive as a child and she hasn’t always felt valued by her business-minded family. Hmm. Yeah. I couldn’t relate, couldn’t connect, and I really couldn’t summon any empathy.

Marco is a bit more interesting. His years in foster care were genuinely difficult and I like the life he has worked hard to build for himself. His relationships with his Marine buddies are strong and supportive. He is kind to children and good with Carrie’s family. My only gripe is that he’s kinda blandly perfect.

Marco and Carrie bring a whole lot of emotional angst to a pretty straightforward relationship. Insecurities, misunderstandings, and secret emotions add drama – but for me it was a little over-the-top and unnecessary. I enjoyed some of the scenes with Carrie’s family. Her niece and her grandmother add colour and warmth to the story.

Something I’ve commented on before when reviewing other series by this author is my aversion to the cozy girly moments that build as each series progresses. In this book, the girly wedding planning and girly cocktail evenings made Carrie feel even more superficial. Carrie is another of Kelly Jamieson’s stock female characters and I’m a little tired of their supercool jobs and their blandly cool, super girly lifestyles.

This isn’t a bad book, but there is nothing remarkable about it and not much is different from so many of this author’s other books. Like the characters and the storyline, this book is fluffy, predictable, and fairly superficial.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in the series, and if you read book one, Body Shots, then you will not be surprised at the two leads in this story. And whilst I think you could enjoy this as a standalone, there will be elements that continue from Body Shots.

Marco is a man who is used to being abandoned, and so sets his sights low and relies on himself. He has chosen to be in business with two SEAL buddies. Now one of them has got engaged and is already less involved. When he enlists Carrie to help him throw a surprise engagement party, he knows that they have a less than friendly attitude towards each other, but it is worth it. Any romance reader will immediately recognise the 'methinks they protest too much' vibes, but they never get old!

Watching these two allow themselves to 'like' each other and then more, is hugely enjoyable and at times amusing. They are both good people who have strong creative talents and a desire to please the people they care about, without recognising they deserve nurture too.

Very happy that it would seem that Cade is also going to get his story told and looking forward to it being in my reading list.