Brandon and Lola meet in Aruba and agree to one night only and what a night it is, one neither of them will forget for some time. They agree it not to contact each other again, even though both of them will be returning to NYC. Randomly out shopping, they run into each other and agree to meet up just one more time. Since both of them don’t have time for dating, want to get married or have children, they can just each their hookups, right? Everything will be fine is they just set some ground rules.

I just finished Game Changer, also by Kelly Jamieson, and I fell in love with Jackson and Molly and didn’t think there could be another more perfect book couple, but Lola and Brandon blew that out of the water. Their slow burn, sexy romance was so deep and emotional, I couldn’t put it down and I’m sad that it ended. One of my favorite romances I’ve read this year!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and whilst there is some world building in book one, and we do see Owen and Emerie, but more from the side of Brandon wanting to avoid going down that route!

The perfect holiday needs to include a sexy hookup according to Lola's friends. She is not convinced until she sees Brandon. He is equally attracted to her, and the fact that she really doesn't know who he is appeals to him. Rules in place, they have a lot of fun!

Of course fate intervenes, and they bump into each other in New York, and agree to one more night... which leads to an agreement to be definitely nothing more than friends-with-benefits. It is a slippery slope, but hugely enjoyable, so who can blame them. It is a lot of fun getting to know both of them, their quirks, and their wonderful banter. With some good hockey elements thrown in, we really get the good mix of romance and ice hockey that I love.

With a fun twist, plenty of friends to encourage, support, and tease, this is a really engaging story – I am already looking forward to the next one!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
A one-night stand turns into a little something more when Brandon and Lola happen to see each other again in a hotel bar back home. After a few more "one-night onlys," they agree on a friends-with-benefits relationship.

Both Brandon and Lola have issues when it comes to commitment. Brandon watched his parents’ marriage implode and knows that he never wants that for himself. Lola is the adored only child of two doctors and has felt that her parents have always pitied her for not being "smart enough."

As Brandon and Lola continue their friends-with-benefits relationship, they each realize that they are developing feelings for the other, but due to past hurts and the agreement they have in place, they are scared to tell each other the truth. That all changes when Lola becomes pregnant.

The pregnancy is the catalyst for both Brandon and Lola to face the demons of their past and have open and honest communication with each other. But is it too little, too late?

I enjoyed the book, however at times, Lola seemed to be a little over the top with her job responsibilities and her inability to say no to her boss.

Four and a half stars

Good Hands by Kelly Jamieson is part of her Bears Hockey series.

Lola McGrath and Brandon Smith meet in Aruba on vacation. They don’t expect anything beyond their one (incredibly hot) night, but their paths seem to continue to cross. They are both focused on their demanding careers and neither has the best familial examples so they’re not exactly looking for a relationship much less the love of their lives. Funny how things can work out…

Kelly Jamieson’s writing is engaging and her characters’ feelings ring true. Their chemistry and growing sense of connection despite their best efforts make for a satisfying, page-turning read. Seeing their friends and families rally around to provide needed support and reality checks is also a real pleasure. While part of a series, Good Hands stands alone well. Can’t wait for more!

Lola is enjoying her last night in Aruba when she crosses paths with Brandon. It is her last chance to have a vacation fling and why not enjoy that with the cute man she met and has insane chemistry with. Brandon is attracted to Lola. The moment he sees her there is someth8ing there and he is going to enjoy every single moment of it. What neither of them expect is to cross paths again and again after the vacation is over.
Lola and Brandon have INSANE chemistry. They want the same thing, which is why them becoming friends with benefits after the vacation fling makes perfect sense to them. However, the more time they spend together and the more they open up to each other things slowly start to change between them. Until two little lines pop up and can potentially change it all.
I loved Lola and Brandon. I love how easy things were between them. How perfect they were for each other. They easily fell into a relationship, whether or not, they want to admit it. They acted like it. Even after the news there was a bit of rough patch, yet neither of them stopped thinking of the other. They both have their own things to work through….both of them share parent issues, but I loved that they both helped each other and supported each other.
If you’re looking for a strangers to friends to lovers, surprise baby, sports romance check this one out.

Good Hands (Bears Hockey II, #2) has something for everyone, it’s a holiday fling that soon turns into a friends with benefits before eventually turning into so much more. This is Brandon and Lola’s entertaining and sometimes emotional journey.
Brandon is one of the few single players left on the team, he doesn’t have the time or the inclination for a relationship but a holiday fling is just what the doctor ordered. A chance meeting with Lola in Aruba soon leads to so much more when they realise they both live in the same town but a relationship was never on the cards for him because he grew up with parents who argued all the time.
Lola is always trying to please her successful patents, believing she is a failure means she works non stop and has no time for a relationship so on the face of it this couple are perfect for each other, friends with benefits works well for them both….until feelings come into play, until a surprise that’s about to change their life around happens……
I could not get enough of this couple, I swooned, I sighed, I smiled and I shed a tear as I got to really know them. Good Hands is a fantastic addition to the series, it has wonderful characters, it’s a captivating story that will entertain you and I highly recommend it to all romance lovers.

Gah, how I loved this book! Good Hands is better than good—it’s a fun, lighthearted read rich with flirty banter, missteps followed by character growth, and explosive chemistry. Basically, it’s all the things I want and need my romance to be.

Kelly Jamieson is forever writing books that make me smile, make me laugh, get me worked up, and ultimately leave me feeling good. Her writing flows, and her pacing is spot-on as Brandon and Lola navigate a “shagship” that skirts the line of relationship and makes you alternately shake them—guy, you are perfect for each other!—and sit back and enjoy the ride as they work through baggage and insecurities and doubts. Not to mention a surprise or two.

It took me 15 minutes of voice messages to a friend to narrow down what I loved most about this book, and it’s the communication. Yes, there is miscommunication. They do need to talk and open up more. But then, they do. It reads like real life—when you say something dumb or close yourself off before realizing you’ve made a mistake. Before owning up to it and trying to fix it.

And that fix? It doesn’t feel rushed; this book eases its way to a conclusion that feels right and feels good and left me with a smile on my face. And if I happily hugged my Kindle after, so be it.

One final note: Good Hands is an excellent continuation of the Bears Hockey series (both of them), giving readers time with previous characters without being overwhelming for new readers. If you’re yet to dive into this series (or Jamieson’s writing in general), Good Hands is a good bet. All the charm that you need to make you want to go back for more with none of the confusion.

Can a vacation fling change to something more?

Bears player Brandon Smith felt like the odd one out on vacation when most of his friends were in committed relationships. Brandon said yes when Lola McGrath asked him to buy her a drink leading a perfect on-night stand. Brandon never expected to see Lola again, but they decided to continue the vacation fling when he ran into her at a bar in New York where they both lived.

Brandon and Lola thought it was just a vacation fling but after running into each other they decided that might try a friend with benefits because neither of them wanted anything serious.

I loved Good Hands because it is rare to see a romance book that takes it’s time to show how Brandon and Lola change from vacation fling to something more and not falling in love overnight!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

One night was all it was but fate decided that one night was not enough for these two!!

Brandon and Lola hit it off from the start!! Their hilarious flirtatious exchange let me know that these two were going to be fun! What I loved most about this book was how easy it all felt! Nothing was forced and both were very relatable! Their easy going natures helped them to form an understanding and even more a friendship! What they didn’t realize though was that they were building so much more!!

Both Brandon and Lola could be intense and focused and well in the sheets that created some really hot scenes that left me on fire! Their attraction was strong and I loved the sweet intimate moments they had! This story was such a lighthearted emotional read that was not over dramatic and full of amazing characters! I love Kelly’s Hockey books and can not wait for more of the Bears!

I really enjoy reading Ms Jamieson’s books and this is no different. One of the things that I liked was the honesty and how up front both Brandon and Lola were about their “relationship”. Of course, that was until their relationship seemed to become a real thing, then they tried to avoid it, until they couldn’t. I really felt Lola’s dedication to her job. As a woman, she has a tough road ahead of her in trying to advance in her career. They both had to have some honest conversations with people that they love to be able to take the next step. One of the things that I like about reading about hockey is the camaraderie of the players and their families.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author, Kelly Jamieson, for providing a copy of Good Hands (Bears Hockey 11 book 2). I have reviewed honestly.

Good Hands features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Romance
○ Sports
○ Friends to lovers
○ Contemporary
○ Friends with benefits

My overall rating for Good Hands is…

4 Stars!

What a beautiful tale! Good Hands is so different to my usual romance books. It was light and fluffy, but also had a deep and complex emotional package. The steam was spot on, not too much and not too little. I did get frustrated with the MCs a few times because all they had to do was communicate and everything would work out; but what kind of author would Jamieson be if they gave us what we wanted too early? I also love that this can be read a standalone! Obviously theres some character cross overs, but the story read absolutely perfect for me, even though o havent read the first. Overall, a light and fun sports romance.

A one night stand on an island turns into a friends with benefits situation when Lola and Brandon keep running into each other back in New York. But, what will happen if they both decide they might want more? You’ll have to read to find out, because all I’ll say is I loved this book!

I love a hockey romance in any form. I have to say this book took a while to become interesting. Prior to that, it was just a story about a couple who were hooking up and not saying they were in a relationship - Setting the scene for the crisis that will occur later.

I enjoyed Lola and Brenda together - they were cute and they both had very similar issues as to why they didn't want a relationship

I wish there was more going on in the beginning but all in all a good romance

I loved, loved LOVED this story. Brandon and Lola are work-oriented, just "one-night hookup" people. Neither looking for anything permanent when they meet up at a beach vacation bar. They both go home and return to their normal lives. Eventually they unexpectedly meet up again and their relationship erupts from there. This couple just gets into your imagination and stays there. A day later I'm still thinking about certain events in the book. What a great second book to the Bears II series. I cannot wait for the third book to come out. Kelly always delivers a hatrick in her series!!!

Thank you NetGalley for providing this copy. The opinion in this review is solely my own.

4.5 stars. Kelly Jamieson remains one of my favorite hockey romance writers. I really enjoyed Brandon & Lola's story from their initial meeting to the wonderful ending of their book. They are both very likable characters which to me is one of the most important things to me when I read. I need to both like and connect with the characters. No problem with these two! I can't wait for more from Kelly.

You don't expect to run into your vacation hookup once you go home but that's exactly what happened to Brandon and Lola. The attraction between the two is still there and why not enjoy it a bit more with no strings. Except strings always seem to attach themselves despite good intentions.

While this was good and I liked Brandon and Lola, it was also pretty heavy and didn't have enough of a romantic connection as I'd hoped for these two. The attraction was there for sure, it just wasn't very romantic. I was looking forward to more of a lighthearted, fun read along with that romance and that's the only reason I didn't love this more. I did love seeing the other guys and their kids. Brandon was so cute with one of their daughters.

4 1/2 Stars ... a great addition to the series!

The chemistry between Brandon and Lola is off the charts! They also had me laughing-out-loud and at times my heart would break for them. The banter between the characters is very realistic ... especially between the hockey team.

Brandon plays in the NHL for the New York Bears and he loves his life just the way it is. He likes his one-night stands and doesn't want a relationship. Lola is so busy trying to prove to her parents that she is the best at her job, therefore, she doesn't have time for a relationship. While on vacation in Aruba, Lola sees Brandon across the beach and decides to approach him ... after all, a girl has needs. But what happens in Aruba doesn't always stay in Aruba.

I received an early copy courtesy of the author through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

A solid read! Brandon and Lola have strong feelings about marriage and babies. They connect instantly and have a one-night stand, but when they run into each other out of their vacation fling, they transition to friends with benefits. When their time together leads to more permanent results, they must work through their issues and preconceived notions.

Brandon and Lola’s story felt really genuine. These two were delusional, they had real trauma they had to do deal with.

I didn’t love the epilogue because it didn’t feel like a real conclusion for them. But, if we see more of them in the next book in the series, it’ll solve that problem.

With a romance about a one night stand/casual relationship, I was expecting a lot of lust, and thought I’d have trouble finding some love too. I was wrong.

Right from the beginning, Lola and Brandon have fun banter and pleasant conversations, even before they end up in bed. It starts with seduction. They like each other and they’re attracted to each other. It would have been a shame if they didn’t keep seeing each other. And once they ARE in bed? Wow how hot it was. They don’t do anything crazy, but they’re synced, and they still laugh. I loved that.

But since they’re both allergic to commitment, they decide to become booty buddies. No dates, no feelings, just continuous nights of fun. Seeing how they connected during their first meeting, it was clear they were in denial! But it was lovely watching them push the boundaries they had agreed on in the first place without even realizing it.

Until they get the news they didn’t expect, Lola’s pregnancy. I won’t say much about how they deal with it to keep this review spoiler free. But between their respective careers that don’t leave much time for a child, and their own experiences with their parents that have tarnished their view of parenthood, and of course their repressed feelings, let’s just say it won’t be easy.

It’s those parent issues that were the problem. They seemed to be there just to explain the characters’ hang-ups, but were resolved quite easily with just a bit of communication. How could they still be problems for thirty year old people? Though the author insisted on them early on, they didn’t make a lot of sense, except as plot devices. A bit disappointing when Lola and Brandon were characters so well defined otherwise.

They were both surrounded by a bunch of side characters, but they had little to no interaction with them, except their best buddies. Lola’s best friend was both supportive and honest with her, helping her making difficult decision–and pushing her when needed. Brandon’s buddies are typical male friends: deep friendship hidden behind a lot of teasing, and some sound advices. I’d say there wasn’t enough of that.

Though there wasn’t much besides the romance, I loved it. Lola and Brandon are almost #couplegoals.

Quickie

- Series: Bears hockey II #2 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #one night stand #casual relationship #surprise pregnancy
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Lola McGrath & Brandon Smith
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + the sexual compatibility between Lola and Brandon was off the charts
- – their respective hang-ups mostly due to their relationship with their parents made little sense

I think a subtitle to this book could have been - we make plans and we hear God laughing. Both Brandon and Lola are pretty happy with their lives and who they are. They both have made work their priority - and neither wants to make time for a relationship. But after a vacation fling - they can't help themselves from starting something up again when they see each other back in New York.

Both Brandon and Lola are fighting to figure out where they fall in things. Lola is fighting to make something of her career in a very high achieving family.. Anything less than complete and total success isn't enough - even if that means working almost 100% of the time. Brandon has worked really hard to be where he is - but hasn't exactly put down roots in terms of his career. He is high achieving but not a superstar. A key player - but not a leader. They start as friends-with-benefits (at least in their own minds) - but it is pretty obvious they are way more than that even before some major complications enter the picture.

I think its important to take my feelings on this with a grain of salt - but <spoiler> surprise baby books are not my favorite plot points. I think this one was handled well. Especially portraying how uncertain Lola was about the news and Brandon's initial feelings. That being said - it always makes me groan a bit because in reality these situations are so difficult and often do NOT result in a HEA for anyone - including the child. I have a hard time reconciling that with the HEA of the book. </spoiler>

I really liked both Brandon and Lola and thought their challenges and experiences were very relatable. But I just didn't connect with them or their relationship in the way I wanted to. That may be due to my feelings on the plot points (see above) - but I think even with the big challenges they faced I struggled to care a lot about them. Which isn't something I normally have a problem with in a Kelly Jamieson book.

Overall - I really liked this one - but I didn't love it as much as the other books in this series in particular. But - I am definitely hoping for some more Bears books!

I received this as an ARC through NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Brandon and Lola

I enjoyed reading Good Hands, by Kelly Jamieson. I have read a ton of Kelly's Hockey romances and I would place this one in the middle of the pack. The writing by Ms. Jamieson is always excellent, so the rankings have more to do with do I like the H & h or "buy" their love story. This one hit the middle of the pack because I didn't totally buy into the love story. The "love" part felt forced. Because of the excellent writing, I will give the boook 3.75 stars rounded up to 4.