By far my favorite of the series.! Ms. Jamieson took a character that could have come off as a grade-a asshole and redeemed him. Painting Max as lovable and sexy grieving widower was not what I expected from the blurb--thank god! Slap Shot is a book about grief and finding love again and told in a light-hearted, fun, engaging manner.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R339SZU44VIL2Q/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Kelly Jamieson pens a hockey romance with a brilliant balance between touching, flirty, fun and steamy where a young widower tries to move on with his life with the help of his friends, family and a very attractive sex toy designer.

When Max Hall’s wife was diagnosed with cancer, he left hockey to be with her. Feeling sorry for himself after she died, it was hard for him to put the pieces of his life back together. Getting back in shape to fight for a spot on the Chicago Aces will not be an easy task, especially not when after fifteen months of rest, his libido is back with a vengeance.

Unable to picture himself in another relationship or loving another woman the way he loved his wife, he decides to hook up with one of his teammate’s bridesmaid. But Kendra Armstrong’s allure is too much for one night and soon their attraction compels them to turn things to casual and then some. Can Max find a way to get past his grief and guilt in order to open his heart to another chance at love?

Kelly Jamieson has a knack for writing hockey romances that pull all the right strings. Slap Shot is an engaging story about the final stages of grief, new beginnings, friendship and love that made me immerse myself in Max’s journey through all this from start to finish.

I really felt for Max and was grateful that he didn’t sugar coat his desire for Kendra and a no strings attached fling just as much as her maturity to do the same, especially when a relationship was geographically difficult not to mention emotional impossible at the time.

As they get to know each other via very flirty texts and smoking hot visits, Kendra’s former psychologist background enabled her to listen and support Max’s dedication toward his career and desire to move on with his life.

Kendra was a kick @$$ heroine in her own right. She’s strong and independent, caring and patient. A business owner who wanted what was best for her and Max and didn’t try to fix him but definitely helped him move forward without forgetting the past. They were definitely a perfect match.

I loved having a couple of the guys from Jamieson’s Bayard Hockey series make cameo appearances as well as reading about the other couples from previous books in the series. I really enjoyed the hockey backdrop, which included Max’s grueling training.

Slap Shot is book #5 in the Aces Hockey series by Kelly Jamieson. It is a standalone, hockey romance and a wonderful addition to the series with a great plot and wonderful characters. Told from the hero’s point of view and has a happy ending. A great read for Aces Hockey fans or any sports romance lover.

I enjoyed this book very much. I found Max very charming and Kendra's straight forwardness refreshing. Max is trying to get back in shape before training camp starts for the Chicago Aces hockey team, he's sat out over a year as he mourned his wife's death from cancer. He committed to getting back on the ice and he's not sure he's ready for a relationship so when he meets Kendra and she's all for no strings fun in bed time. Kendra has her own issues for not wanting to be in a relationship, and since Max is offering no strings and she does love sex...Sweet story of two people finding their way to a relationship, and steamy sex!

I'm sorry, but I did not finish this book. I found the male character to be too lewd for my liking. I like a steamy romance, but the character was crude and unlikable. I will not post a review on any other site since I did not complete the book. I like this author, and I will definitely read other books by her. This one just was not for me.

When Max’s wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer he withdrew from the Chicago Aces hockey team to spend time with her before she passed away. Just over a year later he has decided to move on with his life and that means getting into shape so that he can rejoin the team. What he didn’t expect was to meet the spitfire Kendra at the wedding of one of his teammates.

Kendra lives and designs sex toys in NY and is a bridesmaid at her cousin’s wedding. When she sees the hot hockey player is interested in her she is not about to turn down a sexy night especially since they don’t even live in the same place so it’s not like they would see each other again.

They both only wanted a one-night stand as love has not been kind to them in the past and only brings pain but when they find out they actually like each other they become friends as well as lovers. Will they realize what they have found in each other before it is too late or will the thought of another relationship put their feelings on ice?

I loved the chemistry and banter between the two and the emotional struggle to try and move on was real and heartfelt. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to whatever the author comes up with next. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This is book 5 in the Aces Hockey series but can be read as a standalone. Max, who has lost his wife to cancer about a year and half ago is attending a wedding of a team mate when he meets Kendra. There is an instant attraction to each other and Max is thinking she might be the one to get back in saddle again. See he hasn't sex since he lost his wife. Kendra is light to Max's dark. Max feels quilt over even thinking about another women. When they hit it off they decide that if they are in town together again they should get together. Just for fun. Max doesn't ever want to fall in love again. Kendra has a habit of picking the wrong guys and gets hurt. And to top it all off, Max is working really hard to get back in shape to play hockey again. He just doesn't have time for Kendra except she makes him feel happy again. This story felt pretty true to life. Max was on the brooding side, but I can see he loved his wife very much. 3 1/2 stars

Although we meet Kendra through Max's eyes and see their entire relationship from his point of view (which, spoiler alert, includes falling in love with her) I never really felt like I got to know her as a person. I knew things about her: she's a psychologist who eventually switched careers and started her own business with a friend to make sex toys for women. She has an instinct for 'fixing' people that's gotten her into lousy relationships in the past and she has a terrible relationship with her parents. She's caring, fun, outgoing, and loves dancing and dogs. But for all of that, I never felt like she was a fully developed, three dimensional person. Of course, I also had that problem with Max. I didn't like him. He would possibly have been a more likable (or at least sympathetic) character from the outside, but when the whole book is told from his point of view he really mostly came across as a self-absorbed jerk. His goal was getting in shape for training camp and getting back on the team. It's a great goal and I loved that he was so motivated and willing to work hard to get there. But the self-defense process of not looking at his emotions to try and avoid being hurt again came across (in his own head) as not even wanting to admit to a caring friendship with Kendra, let alone falling in love with her, but just focused on good sex.

While following Max's progress out of grieving and back to living and admitting to emotions could have been a very reflective and touching story, I was left feeling a little flat about Slap Shot in general. There are a few great scenes at the end where Max finally gets his head on straight and very well written and emotional apology and reconciliation scenes. But overall, I was left wanting a little something more. Whether that was a bit of additional plot or more emotional introspection or more depth of character, I feel like Slap Shot was one of Jamieson's more mediocre books, with the potential to have been one of her best.

Long time readers of Kelly Jamieson's Aces Hockey series (Back Check, Icing) have been aware of Max and his tragic story, but he's always been a very peripheral character. So readers new to the series don't have to worry about having missed any backstory if they start the series with Slap Shot. Personally, I recommend reading the rest of the Aces series first so that Max's return to the team at the end will give you a bit more emotional satisfaction than the rest of the book.

Prepare to fall in love with Max Hall, because he will melt your heart. I absolutely love Slap Shot. I’ve enjoyed the whole Aces Hockey series, but I think this might be my favorite. It is the perfect blend of humor, steam, angst and tenderness. Max is a widower and still devastated by the loss of his wife. He meets Kendra and is attracted to someone besides his wife for the first time, but he’s also terrified to move on. He and Kendra decide to have a one-night stand, but neither wants to say goodbye; therefore, they agree to a casual, no-emotions affair whenever they’re in the same town. Feelings develop for both of them, but Max struggles because he feels guilty for falling for someone else. Max’s journey and emotions are heartbreaking and raw, and Slap Shot will melt your heart and make you believe in second chances.

ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.

What is it about hockey players that is so damn hot???

Max is a widower who tragically lost his wife to a rare form cancer. He's been out of the game taking care of his wife and then in mourning for the last season and a half. His single-minded goal is to get himself back in shape so he can make the team during training camp. Meeting Kendra at a teammates wedding, was not in his plans, but could help scratch a certain itch, wink wink, nudge nudge.

Although this is book #5 of the Aces Hockey series, Slap Shot easily reads as a standalone. I've only read the first two books in this series yet I didn't feel as if I were missing out on anything vital to the story. Supporting characters from the earlier books play a role, but not so much that you HAVE to have read their stories to follow along.

A lot hot and a little angsty, this is a great read. It's not so angsty that you'll have a book hangover, but it does have all the feels. Max and Kendra have AMAZING chemistry and the angst isn't overblown just for the sake of adding drama to the book. Thankfully, I've not lost a partner to a terminal illness, but I think that Jamieson does an artful job of capturing and expressing what the surviving partner might go through and feel – especially vis a vis a new relationship.

'The way she looks at me, Christ, I feel like I can do anything . . . make the team, win the Stanley Cup, fucking rule the world. It’s intoxicating. I’m drunk on her. '

I’m going to start this review with some brutal honesty—I really, really enjoyed this book, despite the blurb. In fact, I got this book, despite the blurb.

I know, I know. That sounds terrible, especially if you consider the fact that Kelly Jamieson is one of my favorite authors, and the Chicago Aces series one of my favorite series. But… I was apprehensive because the synopsis made Max sounds like a grade-A, irredeemable asshole. I’m not okay with that; I’m not on the lookout for angst. Still, I needed to know what his story was, given all we’ve learned about him in the previous books. (Side note: this is a standalone; you don’t need to have read the others to enjoy it.)

So, I gave it a chance.

I’m incredibly glad I did. Max is grieving, yes. Confused, certainly. But an a-hole, he is not. He was actually supremely lovable and deliciously sexy, and his interactions with Kendra made me happy, hot and, yeah, okay, sometimes hurt.

But in a good way, I promise. Despite being a little too heavy on the fitness element (though, having said that, I swear, I could learn a thing or two from Slap Shot and Max’s dedication), this book was also a really tender examination of grief and finding love again, and surprisingly light-hearted and fun at times.

As always, Ms. Jamieson proved her gift with the written word and created a story and characters that I liked as well as loved. I’m just going to assume that there are more hot hockey players to come in this series. I don’t want to think about it ending—not yet, anyway.

Maybe not ever, come to that. It’s charming, addictive and always engaging, which is why I’ll pick up whatever comes next—regardless of blurb.

'It’s perfect. It’s right. It’s everything.'

~ 4.5 Spice Girl STARS ~

With a hot hockey player and a sex toy maker, what else do you need?

Hockey player Max Hall is mourning the death of his wife from cancer and trying to get back in shape to be able to play professional hockey after being away for over a year when he meets Kendra Armstrong at a team mate’s wedding. Max and Kendra decide to have a fling that slowly starts to become more serious when Max starts to deal with his wife’s death.

I love Kendra’s job that started as a psychologist and then became a sex toy maker which I will admit is one of the most unusual jobs that I have seen in a romance book.

I have read all the books in the series and love how Kelly Jamieson has made all of the characters a little different and all so human. I want more in the series because there are so many more guys on the team.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

While this is book 5 in this series, I feel that this one can comfortably be read on a stand alone basis.

This book is part of an ongoing Hockey Series. Max, our leading male, is trying to get his life back together after the death of his wife 16 months earlier and as a result of this, he's quite a moody, brooding character. He's offset by his love interest, Kendra, who brings a much needed light to his shade. I liked the characters and I thought they had plenty of chemistry and lots of sexy times. Story wise, this was a little slow going for me at times and it felt a little too moody, which I understand given the subject matter, but I would have loved a little more humour and banter between the hockey players. Overall I felt that this was an ok read

I received a copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley; there was no inducement or obligation.

if you're looking for emotional, angsty sports romances, then kelly jamieson is the author for you. in slap shot the aces hockey series continues with left wing max hall getting his shot at happily ever after. the thing with max is that he already had a love story. but then she got cancer and died. and max doesn't want to fall in love again. he doesn't think he can endure another loss like that.

so he has one goal. to make the hockey team. even though he was a star in his prime, he's been out of the sport for eighteen months, and when younger and faster and stronger athletes are competing for the same spots as veterans nothing is guaranteed.

but at his teammate's wedding he's distracted by one of the bridesmaids. kendra has an openness and joy in her soul that calls out to him. he hasn't been with a woman since his wife died and suddenly he finds himself wanting that. but he only wants sex. not a relationship. not love. just friends, maybe. with benefits.

but max is actually a one-woman kind of guy.

and the more time he spends with kendra, he realizes that it's not so easy to keep those pesky emotions turned off.

realizing that we all have more than one chance at love is going to be max's biggest lesson. but can he do that in time to save his relationship with kendra. can he let her go knowing that being with her, that her special brand of sunlight and joy is everything he needs to find happiness?

i really enjoyed this book. it was so sweetly romantic, and i loved that we see everything from max's perspective. it's nice to have the guy tell the story for once.

3.5 rounded to 4 stars
Slap Shot is part of the Aces Hockey Novel series, and since I haven’t read any of the other books and didn’t feel lost or that I was missing any pertinent information, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Max has been struggling with grief since the loss of his wife. He never expected to feel the way he does after meeting Kendra. Their chemistry is off the charts and but neither wants a relationship. Plus, their lives are in two different cities. What starts as one night, ends up with two, an unexpected weekend, then friends with benefits, etc. But as more time passes, a true friendship and feelings come into play. Will they be able to deny what is building between them? Will Max be able to move forward with his life and learn to live again - in life, in hockey, and in love?
I thought Kelly Jamieson did a very good job with Max’s grief and emotions. I really loved that even though Kendra has a psychology background, she didn’t try to “fix” him or push him to “move on with his life”. This was emotional at times, funny at others, and a whole lot of steamy.
**I requested and received an advanced copy, provided by NetGalley and the publisher, and I am voluntarily providing an honest review**

Storyline: 5
Angst: 4
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5
Over All Rating: 4.5 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley

Max Hall has been away from hockey for over a year due to his wife’s death from a rare form of cancer. All he wants to do is concentrate on hockey but his libido is waking up after a fifteen month sleep. When he meets Army’s cousin Kendra at a wedding he gets the feeling they are on the same page. Both have decided since they live in separate cities that a casual sexual hookup will work out for both of them. Everything seems to be perfect. Until Kendra starts being a little too sweet. And tries to take care of him when he gets down. Perhaps they won’t be able to be quite as casual as Max wants them to be and it’s time to put an end to this arrangement.

“I felt things…I felt desire. I felt desired. I felt pleasure…waves and waves of hot, carnal pleasure. I haven’t felt those things for so long and it reminds me that while my heart and soul may feel cold and dead, my body is still very much alive.”

Love my Aces Hockey team! Max Hall has been on leave to recover from his wife’s death and needs to fight his way back onto the team. He wants to concentrate on hockey and protect his heart from ever getting broken again. Kendra is a fixer and typically picks the wrong guys. I love the fun, flirty interaction between the two. Both are fighters for the goals they have in life and have a strong sense of self. That’s what made their characters so likeable. Both are such good people even when they act in a way that drives you crazy…it’s understandable. It’s nice to read about second chance love and I felt low angst with this story.

Honestly, I have pretty much fallen in love with every single guy on this team. When each one finally finds his match, it’s so much fun to see them fall. Each story makes you curious how each guy will settle down and who will be able to capture their heart.

Sooo... Kelly Jamieson did it again. I don't know what she does but every time I read one of her books it becomes my favorites and that happened with Slap Shot. If you didn't know, in the past year I read both Top Shelf and Back Check from the Ace Hockey series and I loved both of those books. However, since I started this series I've wanted a book about Hallsy (aka Max) and I finally got it and couldn't be happier because it was everything I needed.

First of all, let's talk about characters starting with Max. I love him. He's a sweet cinnamon roll that deserves much more in his life and not the sh*tty things that happened to him. He's such a great person and really strong but also shows some vulnerability due to what happened to his wife. He messed up sometimes but it was something that you could see where if was coming from and why he was doing it, Then we have Kendra and she's a breath of fresh air. I loved her and how she helped with Max issues. Their chemistry was also the best. While the "relationship" started almost in the beginning of the book it still wasn't one of those instalove stories. They ended up getting to know each other pretty well and develop a connection even before they had the chance to understand what was happening between them. 

Unlike the previous books in this series Slap Shot was told only from Max's POV and I really enjoyed it. Sometimes you read books with only a POV and feel like there's something missing but that wasn't the case with this one, especially because most of the times it was still easy to understand what was going through Kendra's head. I also loved the writing but that was expected since it's not my first Kelly Jamieson's book.  Once again, 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 hockey romance you should definitely give this one (and the series) a try. If you read it will get not only amazing romances but also amazing characters that you'll end up loving.

Good plot that grabbed my attention from the very first page and the chemistry between Kendra and Max kept me totally hooked until the turn of the very last page!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

I’m so happy to get a story for Max! My heart bled for him in previous books.

With everything we’ve seen of Max in the former stories, and how he was handling the tragedy of losing his wife, I thought this would be a more emotional story. You do get all the emotions, I just didn’t feel like they hit as hard as I expected they would. As you read scenes of Max in the past books of this series, all you wanted is for Max to smile again. You could feel his pain. Kelly Jamieson did a great job of showing us Max’s constant struggles and how hard it was for him to both let go and live again.

I love the character Kelly Jamieson gives us with Kendra. She is perfect for Max, so kind, unselfish, and loving. She has a heart of gold and loves with her all heart and is so understanding of everything Max has gone through and continues to struggle with.

Kendra also has some struggles of her own. I felt for her too, though. After a while, I had hoped she’d just back off a little. It was obvious Max had feelings for her, and the constant reminder, this is just sex, got tiring. I was glad Max finally got his head straight. It’s beautiful to watch her and Max come together and help each other heal.

This is a story about loss and love, grieving and picking up the pieces, and living and loving again.

It’s always great to see all the other characters we’ve grown to love in this series. I can’t wait to see whose story will be next.

I have been waiting for Max’s story ever since he lost his young wife to cancer. And boy was this book worth the wait! We finally got to see what had been going on in Max’s head since his wife’s passing. As he attends a teammate’s wedding, what he seems to want the most is one night with a beautiful woman. Kendra is a bridesmaid in the wedding and didn’t see Max coming. He wants just physical and she is ok with that, they live in two different cities. But when her feelings start to deepen will Max be willing to lay his past to rest and see he could have a future?
Like all of this author’s books, this one has everything you want in a great book!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.