I love a good sports romance! The witty banter between the two of them is fantastic. The chemistry is also potent. I love all of Kelly Jamieson's ACE's Hockey books and while this one was very entertaining, it is not my favorite. Definitely worth the read and I definitely plan on reading the next book in the ACE's hockey series. 3.5/5

I really loved this installment of the Ace Hockey series. Both characters are hurt throughout most of the book and really identify with one another on that score--even though they both handle their injuries differently. I loved their HEA and can't wait to read more about them in the next book!

This book had me laughing out loud more than once with the funny and suggestive tweets between Aces Player Chase and Pop Star Jordyn but the real deal came from one tweet that was a bet, that one had me in hysterics because it kinda hit home for me on a personal note. And one bet changed their lives forever.......

Playing Hurt is something all athletes do, don't get me wrong they should not play if they are injured but hurt is a different story just ask anyone you know that is into sports. Kelly Jamieson did a wonderful job, in my opinion, in showing us the difference between the two in this book and really showing how playing injured can really affect the game. But honestly this doesn't only apply to athletes it also applies to musicians especially singers like Jordyn. Both Chase and Jordyn have trials and tribulations in this book along with some additional angst, which for me wasn't needed, they had been through enough.

I am really loving this series because each of the men find a strong woman that not only can handle their brand of crazy but is strong enough not to let them walk all over them and hold their own, actually I'd say some of the women do a great job of keeping their men in line...LOL

We are blessed with seeing some of the other players and some of the wives are pregnant so it's really nice to watch as the ACES HOCKEY family grows. I would not only recommend this book to those whom enjoy sports romance but I would recommend the entire series. Happy Reading!!!

This book was pretty good. It definitely held my attention and I’ll be checking out the author’s other books.

3.5 stars — Wow. So this one started off like full 5 stars. I ADORED the initial interactions between Chase and Jordyn, I thought they were so cute and gave me all the tummy flutters in the world! I actually LOVED the fact that for once the hero in the story was the starstruck fan who gets a chance with his celebrity crush, instead of the other way around. And initially Chase was so freaking sweet, I couldn’t even!! He was like the epitome of a genuine nice guy, and I was seriously falling in love!!!

But the love ended folks. It was somewhere after the second date I think, probably around the time that their sexual relationship started. I think I’ve had a problem with Ms. Jamieson’s steamy scenes in the past…and yeah, just looked at my other reviews, and it appears so. It’s funny how she can completely rock it on the friendship level, and then (for me) just completely miss the steamy chemistry. This was another case of our hero talking during sex and having that not feel natural to me. I also got bored during it, not a good sign. And the emphasis on his appreciation for her body got old…I’m more of a girl who appreciates the whole picture, so focus on physical just is meh for me. And I will say that the steamy scenes never got better for me. I skimmed the last 10 percent of the book because it was more sex scenes and I was over it.

Now, that’s not the only reason the love ended. I was also unimpressed with the way Chase’s character developed and the way he handled situations of stress. I was initially really loving the struggles that both characters were facing with respect to their careers, and the injuries they were coping with. Not to mention the extra pressure society put on these celebrities, with careers that are in the public eye and dependent on fans. Seriously, it was really well done for the first half of the book. I particularly loved seeing Chase’s dedication to trying to improve his play (even as I didn’t understand his stubbornness over the injury), and I was curious how his childhood/parents were going to play in all of his reactions. But in the end I was disappointed. Instead of empathizing with him, I thought he was behaving extremely childishly, and his tendency to snap at Jordyn was not attractive. Not to mention, Jordyn’s supposed “flaw” was caring about her friends/family and I guess interfering? with their lives…but am I the only one that didn’t feel like she did anything that wrong? And it felt like she apologized as much as (if not more than) he did, even though in my opinion his reactions were more egregious. I felt like he kept using excuses that were thin, and I just…I don’t know…I guess I felt like I could see where the author was trying to go, but in my opinion she fell short. Which was such a bummer, b/c I LOVED first half Chase.

As for Jordyn, well…her story kind of got set aside a bit for Chase’s. I still appreciated it, but I didn’t get as much out of it, you know?

And can I say I found it seriously offputting reading about hockey players talk about how they’re the toughest athletes around? I mean, I’m not saying they’re not tough, but who seriously says that shit? But I think at that point I was in disappointed mode, so super tiny things were bugging me.

So yeah. I didn’t talk about it as much, but I really honestly mean it when I say the start was SERIOUSLY strong. So strong I’m considering rounding up anyways. I can’t even tell you how much I adored their twitter flirting, and their first date, and even their second date. We’ll see…

I think what I’ve discovered is that Ms. Jamieson might not be a match for me…or rather, only a partial match. And I’m super bummed about that, b/c the parts that I love about her writing are awesome…I’m just not sure it makes up for what I don’t like, you know?

I quite like this series and I found this new addition to the series to be rather good. I loved Jordyn and Chase - their witty banter and the growth of their relationship was so well done. I love how well Jamieson balances the sweetness of relationships with the sexy heat of relationships. The balance is really good and one of the reasons that I enjoy this series. I found myself grabbing every moment that I can to get back to reading this one. I highly recommend this book as well as the series as a whole. Although part of a series, each of them is written as a stand-alone so jumping in at any point will be fine.

I am a big fan of Kelly Jamieson and her Aces hockey series, unfortunately this one did not work for me. I didn’t believe in the pairing of Jordyn and Chase.

Kelly Jamieson is one of my favorite authors when it comes to sports themed romance. Her Aces Hockey series is sexy and fun. Playing Hurt has a fun primary couple and the varied and quirky secondary characters keep the series light and flirty. The chemistry between the hero and heroine is slow burning but definitely there. Playing hurt stands alone, but I think new readers would seek out the rest of the series based on the experience. I really appreciate the world of Aces Hockey and oh, the stellar dialogue makes the story even more fun. If you are a fan of Toni Aleo or Jami Davenport, I recommend Ms. Jamieson. 3.5

I absolutely love this series. Chase and Jordyn did not disappoint! Who doesn’t love. a sport star and a pop star. Their relationship starts with Twitted and a date and goes from there. Very likable characters! Loved seeing others from previous books Did not disappoint. **I received this ARC from Goodreads for an honest review**

I've enjoyed the majority of the Aces series but this one didn't line up to the others. The characters didn't really match their "supposed age" and at times I felt like I was back in high school. I enjoyed the storyline, but the dialogue was sometimes forced and immature. However, I do look forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.

Kelly Jamieson has written another winner. Although I must admit, it wasn't my favorite of the Aces Hockey team novels, it was still good and worth reading. I'm pretty sure I just couldn't relate to the characters which made "Playing Hurt" my least favorite.

I will, however, be looking forward to the next Aces Hockey Novel.

3.5
I liked the concept and plot of this book. There were great moments throughout and some good twists throw in.

Sadly, there’s a but to this. At times I felt the characters sounded immature, like they were still in high school, but they’re both in their mid-twenties. I thought they would sound more adult. The way some scenes were written, sounded almost as if the book was supposed to be young adult, but then there are dirty jokes and blissful moments between Chase & Jordyn.
The last few chapters it got better, and I would definitely give this author another shot, but this book wasn’t for me.

*Received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/overall-b-reviews/b-minus-reviews/review-playing-hurt-by-kelly-jamieson/

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion.

Loved it.... Chase and Jordyn were a nuclear chemistry couple. Chase is having a rough season playing with a hurt wrist when he starts tweeting back and forth with pop star Jordyn. At first he is having a good time tweeting only to make things more personal with a date bet. After they meet though the chemistry gets stronger, and Chase wants more. Such a fun read!

What did I like? Hockey hockey hockey...... oh yea. I'm a puck bunny. Enjoyed the rants between the two and loved that they shared the personal illnesses. Him with a hurt wrist and her with a polyp on her vocal. Extraordinary vibes between the two!

Would I buy this book.... yes. Absolutely! The chemistry is crazy and the fact that I'm a puck bunny. Major fun hockey book!

Thoughts for the author? Write more.... yep that's pretty much it. Oh and good job...five stars easy.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I love hockey romance and I love the Aces Hockey series. Reading about Chase and Jordyn and the way they got together was great. I read it one sitting – staying up until 2 a.m. reading on a work night.

Both Chase and Jordyn fear not being at the top of their game. Chase is terrified that if he admits to being hurt, his team will cut him. Jordyn's on-air vocal mishap could cost her her career.

Their fledgling friendship gets stronger when Jordyn comes home to Chicago to recoup after her vocal surgery. Chase knows that being with Jordyn makes him strong. He likes being with her and wants to see where this goes.

Their relationship starts out as friends and grows into something more. I like the fact that the relationship takes place over months, giving both Chase and Jordyn time to really get to know each other.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Chase is an amazing hockey player. However, lately he has been struggling to put the puck in the net and the fans are making it known that they are unhappy. Chase has always been at the top and when he realizes that he might not be right now, it's a hard pill for him to swallow.

Jordyn is an amazing singer. She loves what she does. But she has also never lost who she was and forgotten where she came from. A lover of hockey, she likes sitting and cheering for her teams. What starts as a twitter account ends up a date.

Chase has always had a crush on Jordyn and when the opportunity arises to meet her, he doesn't hesitate. They meet and have an amazing date. But knowing that their lives are very busy, that's all it was... a friendly date.

When Chase is watching Jordyn live and she runs off stage in tears, he can't help but want to be there, to protect her, and to comfort her. While Jordyn is recovering, she does so in Chicago – closer to her family and to Chase. Their friendship grows to more and over the months, they realize that they could truly make a relationship work.

I really enjoyed this story – it's about overcoming obstacles and believing in yourself. It was nice that the love story took place over several months as well, instead of an insta-love story.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This is the sixth book in the series, and faithful fans will remember Chase from previous installments. Especially a part of his anatomy shared on Twitter that caused a PR furor and serious rules on the use of social media!

Here he is back on Twitter chatting hockey with his singer crush Jordyn. A fun bet for a date results in them meeting and having a fun time, but Jordyn refuses a repeat as she can't see any future in a relationship with him. However, fate has other plans, and soon they are spending a lot of time together, and maybe secretly even thinking of a future.

Chase has some ongoing issues with an injury, and a need to maintain a perfect exterior, thanks to some pretty cruel parents. Sadly, this carries over into his interactions with Jordyn and threatens to ruin a good thing. For me this was the weakness of this story. We know from previous books what a tight knit group this Aces team is, and he really gets very little support and understanding from the members of the team who know the issues of injury all too well. He doesn't come off as being a loner, so why is there no help from them? He needs building up mentally as well as curing physically.

It was fun seeing the two of them experience a bit of normality on the streets of Chicago and the privacy of Aruba, as well as some of the glamour of their respective worlds.


Lee'Anne – ☆☆☆☆
This is a super cute story! Chase has a reputation in the hockey industry for being a party bad boy and a man who always brings it on the ice. This season has been different for Chase though, he’s trying to lose the image he’s gained and is struggling on the ice from an injury he thought he’d healed from. The only thing that brings him any joy is tweeting his crush, Jordyn Banks, a famous singer. Jordyn is a huge hockey fan and when Chase makes a bet with her, the two wind up on a date together that sparks a relationship neither have time for. When Jordyn winds up having to take an unexpected break from singing, she decides to spend that time off in Chicago and she and Chase are finally able to spend time together getting to know one another, it’s a perfect storm.

I really love that though the big-picture storyline is much the same as any other sports romance, the author does a fantastic job making this a unique and original story with the details. Chase and Jordyn’s banter back and forth on Twitter and in person is hilarious and they so easily switched to being hot and steamy. As has been the case with the other books in this series, I loved it and I can’t wait for more from the Aces!

I really enjoyed this installment of the Aces h ockey series.I really felt for Jordyn and Chase as they dealt with their injuries.I was definitely rooting for them throughout the book to get their hea and have their careers back on track,read it to find out for yourself to find out.Well written and well paced as usual,Kelly Jamieson has written another winner.

WOW.... this one was fun to read! I loved Chase.

Former bay boy who learned his lesson and was traded to Chicago, but is not playing to his potential because of an injury that no one knows about, even his coaches....he is not looking for love as it has never worked out for him.... but something is more than hockey is missing in his life...but what?

Jordyn a pop singer who is an up and coming star who loves hockey.... and has no time for love because everyone uses her for something....

Twitter posts turn to flirting, that turns to a wager between strangers, that turns into a fantastic date (Who knew!)..... but they live different lives in different cities so it is a one and done..... or is it?

Jordyn has an injury the requires surgery and needs to take some time off from singing, she decides to come home to Chicago.... Will Chase be what she needs to fully recover? Will Jordyn be what Chase needs to figure things out in hockey and life?

A hot, romance with some good humor added in!

2.5 Stars

The first thing I should tell you about this book is that it took me two weeks to finish it. And I read about five other books between starting Playing Hurt, and finishing it. It wasn’t terrible, but it didn’t keep my interest, either.

This book started out like I was reading the transcript of a reality TV show. I don’t even like to watch those kinds of shows, so I wasn’t sure I wanted to read a book that read like one. Thankfully, I either got over it, or the writing got better, because I went from thinking “oh, this one is probably gonna end up in my DNF pile” to “oh, I wonder how this is gonna go?!”

The first half was sweet and entertaining. Chase and Jordyn are both famous - he’s a hockey player, she’s a singer. She starts to follow him on Twitter, they begin a tweet conversation, and long story short...end up on a date. Then begin dating.

Even though they are opposites in a lot of ways, they have a lot in common - especially right at the moment. She’s just had surgery on her vocal cords, and her career is up in the air - depending on how successful the surgery was. Chase has been having some problems with his wrist, making playing hockey painful, and his scoring stats are way down - which makes the future of his career in jeopardy.

But every time Jordyn tries to talk to Chase about his injured wrist, Chase behaves like a 12 year old and stomps off. He does this multiple times, and Jordyn doesn’t call him on it. Apparently he has some issues from childhood caused by his parents, and he doesn’t think anyone can love him unless he’s successful at hockey. So instead of behaving like an adult, he pushes people away.

And if someone is going to behave like an ass, there better darn well be a good reason and a grand gesture. Unfortunately, there wasn’t either. His “my parents only loved me when I was playing hockey” woe didn’t really ring true (he’s in his mid-to-late 20s now, and for some reason I couldn’t muster up the sympathy to feel sorry for him and his upbringing), and when he did finally pull his head out of his ass, his grand gesture wasn’t grand at all.

Maybe I’m just in a mood, but it’s been a couple weeks since I’ve read a good book. I had hopes this one would be, but I’m starting to lose interest in this author. The first book of hers I read was Dancing In the Rain, and it was really good. But the next two didn’t impress me much. I’ll probably give Ms. Jamieson another try, or two, but she may just not be for me.

* thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I love this series! In this installment, we have Chase Hartman, of the Aces Hockey team, who is having problems with his wrist. His playing has suffered and he hasn’t been able to make goals so far in the season. This has affected his self-assurance, his relation with his fanatical parents, and his fans. He doesn’t want to let down his team, so he forges on, playing even though his wrist sometimes fails him.

Enter Jordyn Banks, famous singer, who started as a child actor in a series. She’s also a hockey fan, but she follows the LA team, Condors. Chase and Jordyn start to flirt through Tweeter during a hockey game, each rooting for their teams. Eventually they make a bet on who wins one game, the prize is a date, and their story begins. They got along like a house on fire, they could be themselves with each other and achieved a level of trust they didn’t find with others.

I loved their story. They both had very involved parents in their careers. They had to declare their independence from their parents in order to conduct their careers as adults. And Jordyn was having throat problems that were affecting her singing. So they were both “playing hurt”, their careers affected by Chase’s wrist and Jordyn’s vocal cords. Their mutual feelings and their support for each other during their career problems brought them together. Together they dealt with fear, fans, charity work and parents. There were some obstacles like distance, career goals, feelings of inadequacy, so they had some compromises to do. This was such a sweet and sexy story, it flowed and read sublimely. It was a feel-good story and I loved it.

I would rate this book a 3 1/2 stars but I always bump up because I don't like underrating books, especially in a strong series.

I found the book somewhat tepid, but overall it is an enjoyable read.

I liked both Chase and Jordyn but felt they were on the low end of adulting. Not really childish but somewhat stunted. Chase is very dependent on being successful and to some extent so was Jordyn. This need for approval put both Chase and Jordyn at a disadvantage in making well measured decisions and it was kind of hard and tedious to go through their struggles with them at times.

In the end I glad that Chase and Jordyn found their HEA and think that they would have a good partnership.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Aces Hockey series.

I received an ARC in exchange of my honest review.