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.

Sweet enemies to lovers trope. Well written. Well developed main characters. It had a really good pace and build. I thought there was a nice balance of sexy times and emotional ones. Good drama and tension throughout. The secondary characters are well developed and they feel like real people with virtues, weaknesses and plausible back story.
Received an ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

I love this series. The characters are great, the storylines will keep you drawn in from beginning to end. We get to see our characters in the next books (let’s be honest I suck at letting go so I need to keep seeing my favorite characters in every single book in a series to make me feel better) but I must say Marco and Carrie drove me up a dang wall with their lack of communication and insecurities!!! If I could have transported myself into this book I would have locked those two in a room for a week until they learned how to use their words and just be in love dang it!!!
Over all it was another great read and I can’t wait to what else is to come with the boys at Conquistadors.

This is the second book in this series by this author and can be read as a stand alone read. Another fantastic read from this author, you are guaranteed a fantastic story with each book. Amazing story with even better characters. The chemistry between the characters is hot. The ending to this book is just so sweet and definitely perfect to the characters. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

Best friends with Hayden, book 1’s main heroine, Carrie often finds herself front and center with Marco, who is best buds/co Navy Seal bar owner with Beck, Hayden’s husband. Though the attraction, chemistry, and longing for each other is definitely there, these two “could be perfect together” knuckleheads are so busy letting their doubts, fears, and insecurities rule their head, they aren’t listening to their hearts, folks. It all often leads to hurt feelings of rejection and one step forward and two steps back in their non-relationship. Not to mention, it makes it nearly impossible to decide what to do about a future together.

With writing that flows, off the charts lusty language and very graphic steamy scenes, these two give their best shot at having a brief affair without getting attached. Well, I think you can guess how well that works out for them. Lucky for them and us they fail miserably and finally commit to letting love take them wherever it needs so they can stay together.

Cade...Your number is up next, and I’m pretty sure Reese, the new waitress is going to make you regret each and every moment of your “love ‘em and leave ‘em” “Romeo for one night only” ways. Yeah, you finally are going to know how it feels to get the cold shoulder, buddy. I simply can’t wait for that and to learn Reese’s full story, especially why she turned up out of the blue after working at a prestigious restaurant.

So no matter where you live, adjust the temperature in your home to a cooler than normal setting, because the heat that radiates off these pages are scorching hot, my fellow romance book-loving friends. I can’t remember the last time I’ve read such smexy, choreographed, passionate scenes.

Title: Hot Shot, Series: Last Shot (Book 2) Author: Kelly Jamieson, Pages: 235, stand-alone but part of a series, beautiful model heroine, handsome former Navy Seal/bar owner hero, afraid to love hero, insecure at times heroine, VERY steamy scenes with lusty language.

Book 1 - Body Shot (Beck & Hayden), Pages: 263, 8/23/16
Book 2 - Hot Shot (Carrie & Marco), Pages: 235, 5/16/17

(I received an advanced reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No compensation was provided to me, nor do I have any affiliation with the author/publisher/NetGalley. This review will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, and Barnes & Noble..)

4 stars

Hot Shot by Kelly Jamieson was a lovely and heartfelt read.

I loved Carrie and Marco, they were both wonderful characters that touched me with their story.
I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold, they made me laugh with their banter, and seeing them find love, comfort and acceptance touched my heart.
These two were perfect for each other, I truly believed they were going to have a wonderful life together.

I'm really enjoying the Last Shot series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them both.
Can't wait for Cade and Reece's book next in Long Shot: A Last Shot Novel.

*Get your copy here...*
Amazon: http://bit.ly/hotshotKIN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/hotshotIB
Nook: http://bit.ly/hotshotBN
Kobo: http://bit.ly/hotshotK
Google: http://bit.ly/hotshotG

*Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley for the advance copy.*

Once again Jamieson writes a book with amazing characters. I love Marco and Carrie! And Carrie's grandmother is hysterical! I could totally just read a book about her antics. The first two books have been fabulous reads and I can't wait to see what's next.

What a great book!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the story, romance, friendship, and sexy fun times between Marco and Carrie. Marco had been through a lot of disappointment and heartbreak in his life. But he turned out to be a very good man. There was never a time during this story that I did not like Carrie or Marco. She was full of life and love. I loved Marco's description of her towards the end. They were so much fun together and I read with a goofy smile on my face at times. This is a great addition to the series and I cannot wait for more.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

I’m honestly not sure who to blame for the current trend I’m seeing in romance novels for bossy, controlling heroes. That sort of romance hero has been around since long before Christian Grey, but perhaps the overwhelming popularity of 50 Shades has created a resurgence? Whatever the reason, I don’t care for it, and Marco from Hot Shot is a classic example.

Let me give you a few samples from the book. The first one, you can read for yourself; it’s on page 5 of the book and is included in the first 10% sample you can read on Amazon without purchase.

He clearly regarded her as an airheaded blond bimbo, flirting with her but also mansplaining things to her that made her grit her teeth.

Honestly, I’m not sure there’s any way back from being a mansplainer. Fortunately, Marco doesn’t do much of it during the book, though he does spend a whole lot of his time objectifying Carrie in his mind, and treating her as though he’s the only one who knows what’s best for her - EVEN BEFORE THEY START DATING.

There was a particularly egregious example early in the book. Carrie had been out on a photoshoot and gone to a club after with some friends. They are drinking, dancing and generally having a good time when Marco arrives and promptly puts a massive downer on the proceedings by telling Carrie that she’s had enough to drink, grabbing her hand and dragging her onto the dance floor, and then when she chooses to dance with someone else, comes up with the following, really SPECIAL behaviour.

Oh hell no. She wasn’t dancing with anyone but him. (...) He curved his hand around Carrie’s upper arm and turned her away from the dips**t she was dancing with.
“Sorry man,” Marco said to the guy. “My girl’s not dancing with anyone else.”

Remember, at this point they aren’t dating. They haven’t even KISSED. She’s already told him that she doesn’t want to sleep with him, that “I don’t hate you,” she said dismissively. “I tolerate you.”

If a guy treated me like that, my next move would be to call the bouncers over and have him kicked out of the club for harassing me. If he carried on, I’d get a restraining order.

I could go on. I could tell you about Marco’s special name for his private parts. In fact, I’m going to, just to share the sentence that made me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

They were going to go home and do the sex thing, while he was going to go home and do the hand thing with Mr. Big while thinking about Carrie’s sweetly bouncing breasts.

That’s right. Mr. Big. And Carrie. But this isn’t Sex In The City; this is revoltingly objectifying and everything about Marco horrified me even BEFORE I realized that Carrie was going to give up her dream to stay with him.

This is a well-written and edited book; I didn’t find a single typo or grammatical error, and if you particularly like alpha-A-hole heroes, you may absolutely love it.

I HATED it.

One star.

Hot Shot is the dreaded 2nd book in the Last Shot series. If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know my feelings about starting off reading 2nd books in a series and how I keep punishing myself by not looking the title up on Goodreads or Amazon before I ask for it from NetGalley. It is not often that I get the 2nd book in a series that actually could be read as a stand alone. Fortunately for Hot Shot, it can be read separately. Which I wasn’t expecting with how heavily the main characters from Body Shot are involved in Hot Shot.

Marco was such a complex character and yes, I used the word complex in a romance novel. He had some deep-seated issues that I didn’t expect a former SEAL to have. The biggest one is his fear of abandonment, which stemmed from his parents being deported back to Mexico when he was 14, him losing track of his younger sister while being bounced from foster home to foster home and then his fiancé deciding to cheat on him while he was on deployment. So, it was understandable that he was uptight and didn’t trust people outside of his SEAL brothers.

He was also probably the single sexiest character that I have read to date. I seriously wish that I could make him jump off the book pages into my life, that’s how much I loved this character. He was funny (the one liners were hilarious and “Occupying Vagistan” stands out the most even though he didn’t say it), brutally honest about what he wants from Carrie and omg, he talked dirty during sex. Like legit dirty talk, use your imagination…trying to keep this review Amazon PC….lol. Besides that, he was also kind and very fair…..read the book to find out what I mean. So, the perfect man.

In a way, Carrie was just as complex as Marco. Her issues, though, were more that she didn’t feel that she fit into her family. Her brothers and sister were all businesspeople/lawyers, as was her parents. I actually didn’t like Carrie’s mother or sister, at all. The way they talked to Carrie’s grandmother, a free-spirited ex-burlesque dancer, made me fume while reading those scenes. No wonder Carrie felt the way she did about her modeling career and her budding photography career. Ugh, made me so mad.

Out of all the characters in all the books I have read, I think I related to Carrie the most. I loved that the author wrote her as this slightly raunchy girl who wasn’t afraid to go after her dreams…even if it meant leaving loved ones behind. I think, if she was real, I could be BFF’s with her (move out-of-the-way, Hayden…..lol).

Let’s talk about the sex scenes. Oh. My. God. They were beyond hot and I loved that Marco was a dirty talker. But even more, I loved that Carrie wasn’t the type of girl who just laid there and let the guy do all the work. Which made those part of the books burn.

The storyline with Carrie’s niece was pretty sad, not that I think about it and again, my dislike for her sister grew. But, I loved what came out of it and how it was resolved.

I will say that the end of the book had me in tears. I think I ugly cried from Hayden and Beck’s wedding to the epilogue. Oh and by the way, I thought the epilogue was probably the best part of the book. I am looking forward to seeing what Cade’s book is going to be like. Seeing that he is a manwhore, I can’t wait to read his story (the girls showing up at the bar was hilarious…btw).

How many stars will I give Hot Shot: 4

Why: Oh where do I start. This book was funny, sad and sensual….all rolled up into a wonderfully written story. What I wrote in my review doesn’t even begin to explain the book so it would be better if you all just read it instead. The only reason why I didn’t give it five stars is because of Carrie’s family. I couldn’t stand them.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Explicit sex, explicit language. No violence

Decent story. Liked seeing the other side of Carrie.

This is the second book in the series and one I really enjoyed and is Marco Solis and Carrie Garner's story.
Marco has a complex, when he is around, people seem to leave. First his parents, then his fiance and now his business partner Beck, is too busy with his girlfriend to concentrate on the bar they own.
In fact it is because of Beck that he meets the totally unsuitable, yet super hot Carrie. Marco is everything that Carrie doesn't want, bossy, arrogant, sexy and an alpha male. Unfortunately for Marco and Carrie, although they dislike each other, it becomes increasingly hard to overlook the fact that they are also attracted to each other. Now that they have been thrown together by the relationship of their best friends, they have no choice but to confront their feelings.
Can they both overcome the insecurities and hurts from the past? Will they be prepared to take a chance at finding happiness?
Friendships forged over many years help both Marco and Carrie to overcome their fears and at times I felt like crying for them both and then there was the laughter as well.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I received an ARC through the publisher via Netgalley

Lighthearted, engaging and sensual!

This is a charming, enemies-to-lovers story about two people suffering with their own insecurities who may just find what they’re looking for, a family, a home and love, in each other.

The writing is well done. The main characters are troubled, genuine, supportive and likeable. And the plot uses a mix of delicious innuendoes, clever dialogue, steamy chemistry, sizzling attraction and a little introspection to take us on journey that starts as a fun, flirty fling and ends in true love.

Overall I have to say this is definitely a sexy, romantic, enjoyable read that has engaging characters and a storyline with the perfect amount of heat and heart.

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

Overall, this wasn’t a bad read. I read the first book and liked it enough to continue the series. When I read Body Shot, it was obvious that Marco and Carrie had some kind of chemistry. So with Hot Shot, we get their story. They have a frenemies kind of relationship going on. Sometimes they hate each other, other times they like one another but one thing that couldn’t be hidden was their attraction. When it boils over, will they fight it or give it a go? The story interested me enough to see how things will go. I did like Marco. The struggles that he went through made him so relatable and I liked how he was able to overcome them. Carrie took a while to warm up to but I was able to connect with some of her feelings and thoughts. I did enjoy seeing their relationship progressed from frenemies to friends to lovers. It was fun and cute to read as they navigated their feelings. They were able to bring out the best in each other. I also enjoyed some of the supporting characters in the story. I am interested in reading more about Cade so I hope he’s the next book. Just like the first one, this was an okay-good read.

Overall, this wasn’t a bad read. I read the first book and liked it enough to continue the series. When I read Body Shot, it was obvious that Marco and Carrie had some kind of chemistry. So with Hot Shot, we get their story. They have a frenemies kind of relationship going on. Sometimes they hate each other, other times they like one another but one thing that couldn’t be hidden was their attraction. When it boils over, will they fight it or give it a go? The story interested me enough to see how things will go. I did like Marco. The struggles that he went through made him so relatable and I liked how he was able to overcome them. Carrie took a while to warm up to but I was able to connect with some of her feelings and thoughts. I did enjoy seeing their relationship progressed from frenemies to friends to lovers. It was fun and cute to read as they navigated their feelings. They were able to bring out the best in each other. I also enjoyed some of the supporting characters in the story. I am interested in reading more about Cade so I hope he’s the next book. Just like the first one, this was an okay-good read.

Loved it! Review to follow closer to release date. Awesome job Ms. Jamieson! You rock! 4.5 stars!!!!
WOW! Ms. Jamieson is now a must read author for me! Lol... After reading the first book in the series, Body Shot, Hot Shot picks up with Carrie and Marco planning a surprise engagement party for their best friends. In this story, we have the reasons why it seemed that they were not meant for each other but the chemistry was there. Carrie, a supermodel, in the midst of her career ending is about to embark on a trip to Spain to study photography and you have Marco Nave SEAL and bar owner extraordinaire, who is insecure due to his rough upbringing and feeling of abandonment. They both don't realize that they both want the same thing. Carrie to be given more credit than being beautiful on the outside and Marco safe in the knowledge that he will not be abandoned again. A night out with her friends after a photo shoot, Carrie goes to a club and sees Marco there as well. Fireworks abound!!! They kiss and from that moment on they realize that all the witty comebacks, were a sign of them throwing each other off because of their insecurities. Marco suggests a short 'romp' before she leaves for Spain, at first Carrie doesn't believe it to be a good idea, but she slowly realizes more and more what type of person Marco truly is and gives into the idea of a brief affair before she leaves. The sex is intense and all consuming. So scorching, burn the sheets, hot! Loved it. I freaking the love the way Ms. Jamieson writes. Her characters are all in and focused intensely with each other. I love that . I love how they fall in love and all the secondary characters. There is humor, mixed with true family and friend issues. Loved that these brave SEALS are making a life for themselves after their service to this country. At the end Marco, realizes he cannot let Carrie go without expressing his true feelings. Thank the stars that Carrie realizes her true worth as well. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!! I suspect Cade is about to get his comeuppance from a certain server at the Conquistadors...Lol. Great job Ms. Jamieson, kudos to you for another wonderful love story! Thank you.

Some stories are intense and yet predictable. Others are slow to start and eventually get to the point. And then there are some that twist round and round with no idea where they will end up. This book is like that. You have two characters that really don’t like each other, who try to antagonize the other any time they are in close contact. But having many friends in common, they find themselves thrown together much more than they want. It’s so bad that they get warned not to ruin things and if they just relaxed, they really could enjoy themselves.

Marco is a SEAL and is used to being in charge and having everyone follow his wishes. Carrie has plans for her future and a grumpy SEAL isn’t going to disrupt them no matter what. And yet he does when he suggests a couples wedding shower for their friends Hayden and Beck. That is just the beginning of the complicated thing called life that keeps them in the same room time after time. And eventually, you just know things will combust - and they do multiple times!

This is a fun read with some twists and turns. And a whole lot of fun!

I was provided an ARC by the publisher for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was expected or received in exchange for the review.

I love Kelly's books and the Last shot series is by far one of my favourites! These amazing characters take us on a crazy new ride, now featuring Marco and Carrie's story.

They hated each other at first sight, or that was what they thought. They were misguided, both of them had huge self-esteem problems generated by bad things happening in their lives, and they let that cloud their image of themselves and each other.

Together they realize that their lives are not so bad after all and they have a lot to offer.

Carrie, beautiful model, fun and outgoing was actually a sweet and insecure woman on the inside; but Marco freed something in her and now she felt she could do and be anything. The problem was, she just wanted one thing more than anything now, and she was sure it was impossible.

Marco has been a favourite of mine since book 1, with his sexy Spanish and cute pick up lines; but he was so much more. He had a troublesome past that left some scars and life always showed him that people leave and he was okay with it, it was the way things worked, that's why he chose not to get attached. Until now, she changed everything and for the first time he didn't want to be left behind.

It was fun and amazing to watch these two dance around each other totally clueless; it shows us how sometimes out of fear we don't say things and accept situations for what we think they are and by doing that we loose great opportunities.

I always though that when you want something you have to go for it with everything you got, and if even then it's still not working then it wasn't meant to be, but you will have no regrets after wards.

A true fairy tale of modern times, I love every second of this book!

Marco is an ex-Navy SEAL and part owner of the Conquistador bar. When he was a child his parents were deported to Mexico and he was separated from his sister while in foster care. As a result he has decided the single life is the one for him.

Carrie is a model however she knows that her career won’t last forever so she is going to Spain with a scholarship in design school. She comes from a loving but driven family who don’t respect her modelling career and she feels like the odd one out.

Carrie and Marco rub each other the wrong way however they have agreed to plan their best friend’s engagement party together. As they spend time together they soon realize that their dislike for each other covers an explosive chemistry and they decide to act on it as Carrie will be leaving soon but neither expected deeper feelings to develop.

Both Carrie and Marco feel they are unlovable due to their past but will this be the one time that they will let someone else in and learn that maybe they do deserve love. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.