Member Reviews
Harley and Nils. A wonderful combination for a wonderful Christmas romance. He misses his family, she needs to get away from her ex and a collision in the elevator not once but twice sets the tone for the unexpected.
Major league hockey player Nils appears to have it all, success on the ice, plenty of women to keep him company and a comfortable lifestyle in NYC, but around the holidays, feelings of homesickness for his family back in Sweden creep in, especially when all of his teammates are busy with their own holiday plans. Harley also knows loneliness. Recently divorced and having lost her parents a year ago, she is desperate to escape the busybodies in her small Ohio town and impulsively accepts a Christmas invitation from her only remaining relative, her aunt Nora, a business executive in NYC.
Nils and Harley keep running into each other in the building elevator without knowing who the other is. Nils therefore is quite surprised when the niece that his neighbor Nora asked him to take to a Rockettes show turns out to be the unknown woman he's been attracted to. From that setup, a charming, holiday romance with plenty of heat takes off. Nils finds Harley's unbridled enthusiasm to be the perfect antidote for his loneliness. Harley initially can't believe this Viking hockey player is attracted to her, but quickly decides a holiday fling would be a great way to put her divorce behind her. The fling quickly develops into something more for both of them, but it has an expiration date as Harley will be heading back to Ohio the day after Christmas. It's time for Harley to take a hard look at her life and decide what it is she really wants going forward. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
"Merry Pucking Christmas" by Kelly Jamieson is a delightful Christmas hockey romance that combines heartwarming moments with a generous dose of humor. The story follows Harley Reid, a small-town Ohio girl who, following a recent divorce and the loss of her parents, is facing her first Christmas alone. Seeking a change of scenery and some holiday cheer, she heads to New York to spend the season with her Aunt Nora. Little does she know that her adventure will lead her to an unexpected collision with a typically grouchy New Yorker, Nils Axelsson, who happens to be a Viking-sized hunk of hotness.
Kelly Jamieson has crafted a captivating and emotional journey for her characters, particularly Harley and Nils. Harley's vulnerability and determination to heal from her past wounds are relatable and endearing, making her a character readers can root for. Nils, on the other hand, is a complex character dealing with his own struggles, including a learning disability. The author skillfully portrays his love for hockey as an escape from life's challenges, adding depth to his character.
The chemistry between Harley and Nils is electric, and their encounters are filled with sparks and sizzling tension. As they continue to bump into each other throughout the story, their relationship evolves, and readers can't help but cheer for their budding romance. Their connection is a reminder that sometimes love can find us when we least expect it, even in the midst of the bustling holiday season in the heart of New York.
At its core, "Merry Pucking Christmas" is a heartwarming tale about finding joy in the small moments, embracing change, and taking chances. It beautifully portrays the idea that happiness can be found in unexpected places and that even when life throws us curveballs, we can adapt and find new rewards.
Kelly Jamieson's writing is engaging, and she infuses the story with humor, charm, and a touch of holiday magic. The book offers a perfect mix of romance and holiday spirit, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a cozy Christmas read with a hockey twist. "Merry Pucking Christmas" is a delightful reminder that love and happiness are worth the risk and that the holiday season is a time for second chances and new beginnings.
What a wonderful Christmas novella! This is definitely one to pick up to kickstart a good ol' fashioned holiday romance binge. It can be read as a standalone (although the Bears Hockey and Bear Hockey II series are both awesome), and is fun and flirty and feel good.
Merry Pucking Christmas keeps it lighthearted while touching on a topic that I am all too familiar with at this time of year—homesickness and the importance of family and connection—and it was nice to feel seen. Now if only I could find a handsome Viking-esque man to sweep me off my feet. Perhaps Santa will leave one for me under the tree this year... If not that, Santa, then a little more of Nils and Harley would do just fine—I would've loved more time with them.
Kelly Jamieson is a fantastic author and one of my favorites. You really can't go wrong with one of her books, so if you're in the market for a holiday romance that's sweet and sexy, then look no further than Merry Pucking Christmas!
This was definitely the sweet, sexy holiday read I needed to get me in the Christmas spirit. Nils and Harley are incredibly sweet together. Harley has been through a lot in the last year. She lost her parents to a car crash and her marriage ended. Life in her small town has felt a lot smaller and less happy than it ever has.
Fair warning this is definitely an insta-love sexy hallmark story. But it works so well and definitely feels right for this story. Nils is far from home at the holidays - the NHL schedule doesn't give players enough time to travel back to Sweden. As a result, he hasn't had much Christmas spirit for the last few years. His neighbor Nora asks him to show her niece around New York after she falls and breaks her ankle during the visit. Nils and Harley quickly make a connection that is definitely more than just a vacation fling. Harley is visiting her aunt in an effort to connect with her - and maybe jump start her life a bit away from her small town. They are super sweet and sexy together. I also loved the themes of accepting change and moving forward after loss.
Overall - this one was just delightful and perfect for the holidays.
I received this as an ARC vis NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Merry Pucking Christmas was such a fun holiday romance read! Harley takes a trip to New York to visit her aunt for Christmas as a chance to escape smalltown gossip and has a literal run in with her aunt's hockey playing neighbor Nils. Things get even more awkward for Harley when her aunt tasks Nils with showing Harley around town Christmas style. I loved how Harley and Nils pushed past the awkwardness, had a ton of fun, and quickly fell in love. They connected on an emotional and physical level that was sweet and steamy. The NY holiday atmosphere added a lot of cheer and excitement to their romance. I love being back in the Bears Hockey world. Merry Pucking Christmas was an entertaining, feel-good holiday romance that I adored.
4 ½ Stars for this holiday romance.
This is a cute and quick romance that will warm your heart and get you into the holiday spirit. I loved Harley ... she's been through the mill and still has a heart of gold. And then there's Nils ... who wouldn't love a hunky hockey player with a warm heart? ... no really, who? This book had me running through all the emotions ... I laughed, I shed some tears and I definitely swooned. A great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next book.
Harley's parents died a year ago and now she's newly divorced. She can't get away from her ex and his girlfriend in their small Ohio town, so she agrees to go to New York for Christmas to visit her aunt. Little did she know that her aunt's neighbour would help heal her heart. Nils plays in the NHL for the New York Bears. He dreads the Christmas season because he can't be with his family in Sweden. When his neighbour asks him to escort her niece to the Rockette's Christmas show, he agrees ... what else has he got to do. But he is shocked when this niece actually is the petite beauty that he has been bumping into ... literally.
I received an early copy courtesy of Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op through NetGalley.
If you ever wanted to experience New York at Christmas, read this book. We first meet Harley as she tried to get through the holiday season. An unexpected invitation to spend the holidays in NY is too much to resist. There, she bumps into Nils, and their story begins. It is a very sweet and sexy story that you want to curl up with, in front of the fire with a hot toddy.
This is such a feel-good holiday read. Sure, it may not start out that way, but doesn’t every truly good and satisfying story start with a smidge of heartache or loneliness to spur everyone into action? Harley definitely has that, and her aunt Nora is ready to come to the rescue. Or at least temporarily, if Harley won’t allow permanent rescuing. She also meets Nils and together, they reacquaint themselves with the stress and joys of the season. But how can they have a future, right? Don’t worry. If the hearts truly demand it, love will find a way!
Enjoy the love, the loss, the rebirth of love for some, and the perfection that comes with utterly human hearts finding love when they least expect it!
This is a lovely read, very relaxed and slow moving but in a really nice way. I liked the characters and even though it has ice hockey references they don’t impact on the story. I like how Harley grows in confidence through the story and the revelations from Aunt Nora explain a lot. A really nice Christmassy read.
Harley is a hot mess and I’m here for it! I absolutely love Harley and my heart hurt for her but in the end she got something better then she ever believed!
I love the way her and Nils met and kept meeting! It’s hilarious that someone so tiny could throw someone so solid and strong of Kilter! Their story was sweet and I was in love with how they started off as friends. No expectation just two people hanging out. With the lives these two have had their connection was undeniable.
This is a must read romance this upcoming winter:holiday season because it’s sure to warm your heart and keep the warmth all season long!
It’s a wonderful time of the year and Merry Pucking Christmas is a magical read that will really put you in the mood for the upcoming holiday season. This is Harley Reid and Nils Axelsson’s entertaining story and all I need to say is it’s a story you will want to read.
Harley has moved to NYC after her divorce and is looking for a fresh start not looking forward to the holiday season she seeks solace in Nils who is also not loving this time of year. But as they spend time together Christmas works it’s magic and this couple find themself’s finding happiness and joy together. Christmas is a time for families, friends and loved ones and Kelly Jamieson has given us a magical read that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley.
Sexy holiday cheer at it's best! Kelly Jamieson is delighting her fans with a return to the Bears Hockey II series for the holidays and you can't go wrong with this humorous dip into a celebration like only New York can do it. The characters are endearing and easy to adore while their romance is whimsical and steamy all rolled into one delightful read. The ending was weak and I would have loved a bit more development there, but overall a really fun read filled with holiday goodness throughout. Loved them!
Highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to sports fans who enjoys a tight knit team camaraderie as each player falls hard for his true love.
5 Star review of Merry Pucking Christmas by Kelly Jamieson
I love stories set around the holiday season as Christmas is my favorite holiday. It’s a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate with one another. This was a wonderfully entertaining, well written story that certainly put me in the mood for the upcoming holiday season.
Having read and enjoyed numerous books from Kelly Jamieson I could not wait to read Merry Pucking Christmas which is Harley Reid and Nils Axelsson’s story. Their meet cute was unique and their relationship just grew from there.
I enjoyed everything about this story, the characters were easy to relate to and I loved the journey they embarked on. It was sweet, romantic and full of characters who you cannot help but fall in love with.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
LOVED this book! This novel made me smile - it's a sweet story of Harley, feeling a bit down after an unexpected divorce, and her trip to see her aunt in NYC. She immediately runs into Nils, a sexy hockey player that is neighbors with Harley's aunt. They quickly become friends, and perhaps a bit more - spending most of their time together. It's just a vacation fling, so Harley can return home with fond memories....or can she?
I loved the characters in this book and how Harley was forced to change and find her inner beautiful butterfly. This is a charming story that is both sweet and sexy, with a bit of humor. Fans of the genre will love this book. This is a must read this holiday season. The author is on my must read authors' list.
I am a huge fan of Kelly Jamieson and couldn't believe it when I received an advanced copy of Merry Pucking Christmas from NetGalley. Thank you so much Kelly and NetGalley! I really enjoyed getting to know Nils and Harley, both of whom are not enjoying the Christmas season for different reasons. I actually loved the beginning of the book when we find out what is going on with Harley in her small town after her divorce. Usually the romance books we read have a small town that rallies behind their hometown girl when their ex moves on. I think the hometown atmosphere in Merry Pucking Christmas is probably MUCH more authentic. Once Harley gets to NYC, her life becomes more and more joyful the more time she spends with Nils. Nils is book boyfriend material for sure. I loved that they spent a lot of time together before they moved to the next level. This book was just wonderful and I give it a STRONG five stars!
An easy to read story filled with Christmas cheer! Even though both Harley and Nils weren’t looking forward to Christmas for different reasons. When they were thrown together due to Harley’s aunt injury, they find that they have more in common than they thought. Sometimes change is what is needed in life. They never expected to find their happily ever after and the joy of Christmas at the same time.
Harley and Nils, are perfect. I enjoyed reading this book so much. Harley's life sucks where she lives. A Christmas vacation with her aunt is just what she needs. Lucky for her, her aunts neighbor like to help out. After Harley's aunt is injured. Nils steps in to do all the New York Christmas stuff with Harley so her vacation isn't ruined. The sparks fly immediately. The only problem is when her vacation ends. Nils doesn't give up on her though. Merry Pucking Christmas, is a fun, sexy Christmas romance novel.