Even though book is not my normal fare – steamy, sexy talk, and lots of f-bombs, I enjoyed reading this romance. Three years after his brother died, Nick only has hockey, renovating his home and refinishing furniture in his life. When Jodie and her two year old daughter, Zyanna, move into his coach house, his life will change. The well written developed characters and a good story make this book. Nick feels like he doesn’t deserve his place on his hockey team or a family after his brother died. Jodie and her daughter have recently moved to the Chicago area to be closer to her business partner. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This book is a fun read and a guilty pleasure.

Nick is an interesting person, he is always closed off and not very friendly except to a few of his fellow teammates and their significant others but there is something about him that lets you know that he's a tortured soul with a heart of gold, and in this book we find out just how true that is.

Big Stick is the seventh book in the Aces Hockey Series and although it can definitely be read as a standalone I feel you will get more out of it if you at least read SLAP SHOT which is about Jodie's best friend, Kendra, and Nicks friend and teammate, Max, this is where we are introduced to Jodie. Jodie is a single mother of the cutest little girl, Zyana, and they have recently relocated to Chicago from New York in order to continue the sex toy business Jodie and Kendra started together and be close to her best friend. Many people wouldn't just pick up and leave a place they are living in just to be close to a friend especially when they can continue to run their business from the two different states but Jodie doesn't have any family and quite honestly she was probably reluctant to let go of the only person she cared about. You have to admit that's pretty bally's and I give her a lot of credit for doing that.

This story runs parallel to PLAYING HURT so if you have read Chase and Jordyn's story you will see some overlapping and get a sense of Déjà vu but although the timing is the same the interactions are a little different. I really enjoyed watching Nick loose his rough and tough exterior when it came to Jodie and Zyana, there is some angst but nothing over the top. This was a really good addition to the series, I not only recommend this book to readers that enjoy sports romances but I recommend the entire series. Happy Reading!!!

Big Stick is the first book I have read by this author and I really liked it. I loved Jodie and Nick. They were great! Zyana was so cute! Will be checking out the previous books!

Nick has been in pain for a long time now, just goes through the motions of life. He lives to play hockey. He doesn't do relationships, they're not for him. He knows that and wants nothing to do with them.

Then he sees her at a party and she makes him laugh. When her and her daughter end up staying in his guest house they become closer. He still wants to hold her at arms length. Her daughter is so precious and he tells Jodie that he doesn't like kids.

As time goes on and the closer they get, Jodie comes to find out that he's been lying about not liking kids. He's awesome with her daughter but he doesn't want the responsibility of having someone depend on him.

What he's gone through has changed him and she just wants to make it all better. Will he be able to let her in all the way? Will she be able to let him into her and her daughters lives? Fear is holding them back will they be strong enough to overcome it?

Nick Balachov is a loner by nature although he truly enjoys the comeraderie of his teammates. But parties are not his thing . . . especially at this time of year when he feels the loss of his brother more than ever. When he passes out in the spare room at his friend’s birthday party and wakes up to the gorgeous yet overly chatty woman who tried to flirt with him earlier in the evening, he realizes he may have to rethink his position.

Staying with her friend and business partner after a move to Chicago, single mom Jodie needs a place to leave. When her friends suggest staying at Nick’s coach house, she balks at the idea . . .after all, he saw her naked before rushing out of the spare room he didn’t realize she was staying in. But, when she can’t seem to find an affordable apartment in a safe neighborhood, she reluctantly agrees.

As circumstances continue to throw them together, Jodie can’t help but to develop feelings for the gruff and broody hockey player who always seems to be there when she and her daughter need him most. And, the more that Nick tries to keep his distance from Jodie and Zyana, the more he’s drawn to the then both.

Once Nick and Jodie give in, their romance burns hot enough to melt the Chicago snow, but happy ever afters are never easy to come by. Even though she enjoys sex and being in a relationship, Jodie isn’t willing to compromise for less than she and her daughter deserve. And while he may feel drawn to Jodie and Zyana, they represent everything that terrifies Nick and makes him feel unworthy of being good enough for them.

When push comes to shove, will their personal baggage pull them apart or will their newfound feelings be enough to change their ways of thinking so they all get the happy ever after they deserve?

Big Stick was my first book in the Aces Hockey series, and I have to say that I am hooked! I really loved how Kelly Jamieson took the time to really create characters with lots of depth and emotion as well as gave them well developed back stories to make this feel like so much more than a typical sports romance.

Nick is the complete opposite of the quintessential cocky sports star, and I loved how broody and emotional he was . . .especially knowing why he was that way. It made watching him give in to his feelings for both Jodie and Zyana and start to enjoy life with them even that much sweeter.

Jodie is a fabulous character as well. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. Yet she is also caring and empathetic and doesn’t let her need for independence freeze out her need for relationships, both romantic and platonic. I love how she chose to be a single mom and created her own family knowing the difficulties she would face.

Together, this couple is just really enjoyable to watch slowly fall into one another. It was a real thrill to watch their story unfold! 4.5 stars.

This was another winner for Kelly Jamieson. I just can’t get enough of her Ice Hockey series. I read this in one day, just couldn’t put it down. Loved Nick and Jodie’s story as well as Zyana.
Nick Balachov has been a loner since is brother died. His grief and guilt sucks him in every year when the anniversary of his death comes around. Spending his days refinishing antiques and his home is exactly what he enjoys these days. But when he feels obligated to attend a Birthday celebration for his best friend Max Hallsy he is confronted by a single mom that tells him just what she thinks of his attitude.
Jodie has just moved to town and is co-owner with Kendra, Max Halley’s girlfriend of Femme Products. Jodie has been through a lot in her life and sure doesn’t put up with much when it comes to rich, Ice Hockey players. She has learned to take one day at a time and to count only on herself. She is looking for a place to stay, and when Max says he knows just the place she is all in, until she finds out that it is Nick’s Coach house.
These two are attracted to one another and their chemistry is explosive. So when they are snow in together with her little girl Zyana they find that they have a lot in common. Will their sizzling chemistry melt their walls that they have up? You will need to read to find out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.v

Nick and Jodie
Neither one is looking for love . Nick is a loner, hockey player and kind of a hermit unless he is on the ice. He had such a rough childhood and with no family left he thinks this is what his life will be.
Jodie is a successful business woman, single mom by choice and tough as nails but she hopes that one day she can find someone to share with besides her beautiful daughter. She at the age of 12 grew up in foster care and realized quick to only rely on herself. When they meet yes there is a physical attraction but he is too brooding and crouchy and she is too chatty and strong willed but they soon realize that each has so much more!
Great story!!!
~~Michele McMullen~~

Loved this one. Big broody hockey player - check. Adorable little girl with a sexy mom - double check! A fantastic recipe for a fun story that has the heart of Nick Balachov lost to the little girl and her mom Jodie because no matter how hard he tries to resist them Nick just can't stay away.

Wonderfully written and these characters are amazing. The story will definitely leave you smiling. I highly recommend.

I’ve read several of Kelly Jamieson’s Aces novels. I love the hockey romances. This one was pretty great as well. The writing was great, the characters were great. The only thing that really got me was that Jodie’s daughter Zyana could NOT have been two. I have two children, 4 and 2, and neither talked like Zee at that age. It’s not really a plot fault per se, it’s just a detail that seemed to bother me. Besides that, I loved the character of Nick. The sex scenes were steamy, and I really enjoyed the transition of the relationship with Jodie and Nick. I would definitely recommend if you’re a fan of Jamieson’s hockey series!

4 1/2 STARS!

Opposites attract when they least expect it! He's not looking to be responsible for anybody but himself ever again, yet he finds himself being drawn to this gabby woman and her equally peppy toddler. They might have been the last thing in the world he was looking for, but it turns out the love they show him just might be exactly what he needs to be able to move forward with his life! Great characters that keep the story line moving.

Pro hockey player Nick Balachov doesn't need any distraction right now. He's still picking up the pieces of the turmoil life has been thrown at him in the last few years, and it's just about all he can handle right now to concentrate on playing hockey, having time to himself and maybe an occasional casual hook-up. He never in his wildest dreams thought he'd be offering the guest house on his property to a single mom and her two year old daughter, but man, that just happened!

Jodie believes in living life to the fullest, so she didn't let self-doubt railroad her out of picking up and moving with her kid from New York to Chicago! Her bestie and business partner Kendra has been the best at trying to get her settled, but she's encroached on her love nest long enough and has to find her own place. Good thing Kendra's hockey player boyfriend Max knows Nick will do him the solid of offering up his house.

After reading some of the other books in this series, I was eager to read Nick’s story. I love a good sports romance, and hey, hockey! For a team player, Nick is a bit of a loner and he prefers to stay home doing various projects rather than socializing. And let’s face it, his people skills are a bit rusty. Although he's done it a lot in the past, he currently has no interest in hooking up, he claims to hate kids, and did I mention he’d rather be left alone? So when his teammate’s fiancée has a BFF and business partner who needs a temporary home for herself and her two-year-old daughter and Nick’s carriage house is suggested as a solution, Nick wants to offer up a great big NO. But what kind of a jerk would that make him? Surely they can keep their distance and go about their respective lives without interacting. Great in theory, but Mother Nature isn’t inclined to cooperate.

There are so many things I loved about this book. Of course, the sports setting and the camaraderie of the team members. I was impressed with Jodie taking charge of her life and building her family even though it might go against society norms. Her daughter, Zyana, was an adorable, funny kid who came up with some thought provoking comments and also provided some poignant moments with Nick. And then there's Nick. He’s the kind of hero we all love – strong and sexy with a big heart but struggling with a brokenness compliments of past life experience. I loved watching him struggle and then come to terms with things, finally letting go of the guilt of the past so he could embrace love.

So why only three stars? Because the first bedroom scene was ruined by way too much asking permission or affirmation. Can I kiss you? Can I touch you here? Can I take your sweater off? Can I take your bra off? Are you okay? Are you still okay? Are you okay now? And it's not like there was any kinky stuff involved. Only a clueless dolt wouldn’t be able to read nonverbal cues from his partner, and Nick didn’t strike me as clueless when it comes to pleasing a woman. And here’s the irony of this situation. Do you think Jodie asked permission or asked Nick if he was okay when she went down on him? No, she did not. I read romance to escape from real life and I don’t need or want current or controversial social issues bleeding into my fiction. That’s exactly what I’m seeking escape from!! This isn’t the first book I’ve read recently where the author sees the need to bring the current issues of the real world into a fictional romance. I don’t know if it’s a matter of an author making a statement or treading cautiously to avoid upsetting a reader. I much prefer a book that doesn’t step carefully but posts a trigger warning so individual readers can decide for themselves. Although I’m not sure how that warning would read. “Caution, contains intimate scenes of non-verbal, clearly implied consent?”

Otherwise, this is an entertaining, enjoyable read. For those of you who don’t mind opinions on current issues popping up in your romance, this will be a five star read. For readers like me who want an escape from real life, including current or controversial issues, I think you’ll be fine by skipping the big bedroom scene.

*I reviewed an advance copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

Kelly Jamieson’s BIG STICK lights the lamp. It is the seventh book in the Aces Hockey series. Nick Balachov is grieving over the three-year anniversary of his brother Aleks’ death. He wants to be left alone to drown in his sorrow. Then teammate, Max Hall, talks Nick into renting out his coach house to single mom, Jodie. Being alone is no longer an option. This sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

Kelly Jamieson does a wonderful job with her character development. Jodie is Kendra Armstrong’s (book 5, SLAP SHOT) business partner. The two own a sex toy company. Jodie and Kendra relocated their business to Chicago from New York. Jodie has a two-year-old daughter named, Zyana. Jodie is a talkative and smart engineer. Nick had a rough childhood. He feels guilty for his younger brother’s death. He feels undeserving of his life. He is an interesting guy.

I like how Nick, Jodie, and Zyana get to know each other. I appreciate how their relationship evolved. I love that Nick becomes protective of them. Nick typically keeps to himself. I love that he confides in Jodie, especially about his brother. He starts to want things he never wanted before.

I enjoyed the plot. The hockey scenes are well written. It was easy to visualize what was happening on the ice. BIG STICK was a perfect addition to the Aces Hockey series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I don't think I could have picked a better book to be my first read from Kelly Jamieson! A broody hero and a bubbly single mom who end up finding something neither expected. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more in this series and more by this author :)

Hockey romance for the win and they're easily becoming one of my favorite romances to read! Big Stick was my first read by Kelly Jamieson and of course, in true Malia fashion, I'm rather late to this series…it's book 7…oops!

I loved and admired Jodie's strong independence. I'm always a fan when kids are brought into the fold and a huge part of the story. I can't say that I've read a story where the heroine took matters into her own hands and decided to have a child on her own. And I won't understand what it's like to be a single mother. But to me, she handled everything as best as she could and she is such an amazing mother to Zyana.

And I loved that Jodie and her best friend, Kendra, run a sex toy business together! It definitely brought some humorous moments in the book because it's so easy.

Ahhh Nick, he has a lot of pain and guilt that he's dealing with. And he handles it in the only way he knows how, alone. When it comes to Nick and relationships, he keeps them at bay. Thinking he doesn't deserve to have that kind of commitment with anyone, so he keeps it casual with no strings.

Jodie and Zyana moving into the house on his property was probably one of the best thing for Nick. With their rough start, I was eager to see they relationship turn into something more. Little by little, you see Nick opening up around Jodie.

As his walls start falling away, behind that tough and stand-offish exterior, there's a genuinely sweet guy that's absolutely caring.

I loved the slow burn between these two and they're definitely one of my favorite kind of stories to read. I did feel in some parts where it lulled a little bit. But I was eager to get to the end to their happy ever after.

I definitely enjoyed this read and can't wait to start from the beginning in the Aces Hockey series.

Any fan of Kelly Jamieson Chicago Aces Hockey romances will adore this latest installment. Nick plays for the Chicago Aces, and is torn up over the death of his younger brother. Jodie is a single mom who recently moved to Chicago, and whose dating life is hardly a priority when her daughter’s needs and her job come first. The two meet up at mutual friends’ party, and sparks fly. But, they go their separate ways until Nick ends up renting his guest house to Jodie and her adorable daughter.

The author does a great job of developing realistic and likable characters that you want to root for. Jodie’s daughter Zyana is cute without being annoying, and she plays a prominent role in getting the couple together. Plus, there are laugh out loud moments and sexy times too…what could be bad? This is one series where you can read the books in any order, and it’s fun to catch up with characters from earlier installments. If this book is your introduction to the Chicago Aces, you’ll have fun going back and reading about the rest of the team too.

Ms. Jamieson is a new author to me and I'm so disappointed that it took me this long to find her!
Big Stick is a Hockey book that is also an sweet story of redemption and emotional second chances.
Nick and Jodie are an unlikely pair. He's an NHL hockey player, not a star, but a solid player and contributor who has emotional baggage weighing him down. She's a single mom who has relocated to Chicago and is trying to find her footing and is convinced she will be alone.
I liked how these two came together. It was a fun scenario that brought these two into each other's orbit and gave them a chance to help each other in ways they didn't expect or even realize they needed. Both Jodie and Nick are entertaining characters. I appreciated their complexities and the emotional journey they take together, especially Nick as he struggles with the idea of commitment.
Hockey and the team are great secondary characters. This is the seventh book in the series, but I didn't feel lost because I haven't read the other books. There is enough detail that I felt like I knew the key secondary characters and could appreciate their contributions.
Big Stick was an entertaining read that makes me want to go back and read the rest of the series.

This book is the story of a grumpy, introverted hockey player and the extroverted woman that thawes the ice around his heart. I liked the story, it was cute and well developed. Very sweet, real and sexy. However writing in third person is not my favorite and makes for a hard time following along. So for that, I'm giving this book four chilli peppers of hotness. Thanks NetGalley and Loveswept for the ARC!

Jamieson is known for her stories of fiesty women and the men who charm them. What makes Big Stick stand out is that Jodie and Nick give readers a look at both sides of the coin. He's the man that has it all. She's a woman struggling to make a better life for herself and her child. Jodie is ever the optimist. Nick is a victim of his own celebrity. This is a pairing that shouldn't work, yet totally does. A situation of convenience takes an unexpected turn when hearts become involved. Jamieson proves she can do no wrong when it comes to romance. Her language is one that only the heart can understand and mine is well versed in perfection.

Oh! I want my very own hockey player and his name shall be Nick! Loved this whole story with ups, downs and all the feels.
Nick is a bit damaged along with misconceptions, but oh so hunky and truly sweet underneath.
Jodie really is so perfect for him, along with her precious daughter, Zyana.
Beautifully written and realistic it gave me happy tears at the end!
Received an ARC thru Netgalley / Loveswept and giving an honest review.

“Big Stick” is the latest in Kelly Jamieson’s Aces Hockey series and features Nick and Jodie. We met them before as minor characters and I liked them both. He’s grumbly and scowl-y but of course hot and she’s unconventional and blunt (but not crude--I read one of those recently, and blech) and of course hot.

Jodie moves to Chicago with her two-year-old to pursue her business interests with Kendra, whom we know from Jamieson’s “Slap Shot.” They own a sex toy manufacturing business and Jodie is a mechanical engineer (Yay, Ladies of STEM!). I appreciated that. I’m getting a little tired of wedding planners and PR execs.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Nick hurts deeply in ways that gradually are revealed and his transformation from “I hate everything and especially kids,” to reconnecting with his teammates and falling for Jodie and her daughter in equal measures, is as authentic as it is romantic.

Speaking of romance, I have a quibble with theirs. Their first love scene is dominated by the “affirmative consent” wave washing over the nation. This began on college campuses and roughly translates to the directive that the man must ask permission at every stage of sex, down to removing her belt and where he may place his hand, even if it isn’t in a typically erogenous zone. Now, Kelly Jamieson has written some powerful and informative books set on college campuses that address important issues of consent, permission, alcohol-fueled sex, and rape, so that didn’t entirely come out of left field.

But no matter how current or topical, this really bogs down the momentum and the excitement: if not for them, for me. I lost count of how many times in that one scene Nick asked her, “Is this okay?” or “Can I take this off you?” and “Still ok?” I don’t know how this cultural phenomenon will play out nationally, in our bedrooms or let alone in romance novels, but here we are.

“Big Stick” is emotional and romantic and boasts one of the most endearing child characters, Jodie’s daughter Zyana, I’ve encountered in years. She’s cute and funny without any of the precocious and obnoxious traits most often employed with child characters. I don’t know what Jamieson’s connection to children is, but she writes them extremely well.

Highly recommended. ARC provided for an honest review.