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Stick Handling
The hockey romance of Rachel Reid’s Game Changers meets the fashion world of The Devil Wears Prada.
For fashion journalist Devon Waters, success brings opportunities to interview the best up-and-coming designers. His interviews showcase new trends and add a much-needed sense of refinement to the pages of Yonge Street magazine—if he does say so himself.
When an unexpected and unwelcome assignment takes him off the fashion beat and into a world he never imagined—profiling Toronto Tigers hockey star Jamie Bennett—Devon finds himself immediately out of his depth. His inability to understand hockey slang and the play on the ice is one thing. Not knowing what Jamie wants from him is something else entirely.
Jamie has Devon’s number from the moment they meet. As Jamie forces Devon to reveal parts of himself, he challenges everything Devon knows about what it means to truly get to know someone. But love is for other people and Devon is counting the hours until he can leave the hockey world behind and return to his beloved clothing design studios.
If Devon hopes to return to the fashion world with his heart intact, he’s going to have to find a way to beat Jamie at his own game. Because falling in love with a hockey player—even one as kind and confident as Jamie—is not an option.
For fashion journalist Devon Waters, success brings opportunities to interview the best up-and-coming designers. His interviews showcase new trends and add a much-needed sense of refinement to the pages of Yonge Street magazine—if he does say so himself.
When an unexpected and unwelcome assignment takes him off the fashion beat and into a world he never imagined—profiling Toronto Tigers hockey star Jamie Bennett—Devon finds himself immediately out of his depth. His inability to understand hockey slang and the play on the ice is one thing. Not knowing what Jamie wants from him is something else entirely.
Jamie has Devon’s number from the moment they meet. As Jamie forces Devon to reveal parts of himself, he challenges everything Devon knows about what it means to truly get to know someone. But love is for other people and Devon is counting the hours until he can leave the hockey world behind and return to his beloved clothing design studios.
If Devon hopes to return to the fashion world with his heart intact, he’s going to have to find a way to beat Jamie at his own game. Because falling in love with a hockey player—even one as kind and confident as Jamie—is not an option.
181 pages, Paperback
Published December 3, 2024
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Kit Olmstead
2 books13 followersKit Olmstead grew up in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies where she spent most of her time with her nose in a book. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably working in her garden, doing embroidery, or at the mercy of two very demanding cats.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 27, 2024
If you like stories that are fun and funny, surprisingly sweet, and have excellent sexy times, boy, is this the story for you. And if you like hockey, I have even more good news! This author knows their hockey slang and uses it to hysterical effect. I loved this novella. Highly recommend!
(I received an advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.)
(I received an advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.)
December 4, 2024
• to start of: the 3 star rating is mainly because I thought this was way too short - the story felt like it had soooo much more potential when it came to the emotional arc of the characters. The shortness of the story made a lot of potential fall away imo
• We all need to take a moment to appreciate the crossover between fashion and hockey. (I am so here for it.) And not just the usual crossover - aka game day suits - but an actual actual crossover. Fucking loved that.
• it 👏 has 👏 sports 👏 (yes the clapping is necessary because so many sports romances neglect to actually mention the sport and that is probably my villain origin story). So, instant extra points for the presence of the sport that the sports romance is based on. (Putting the bar real high there)
• As a person with a messed-up self esteem due to growing up while hearing the phrase, "you're a lot" or "you're too much," I absolutely loved Devon's character and how this deep-rooted belief made him self-sabotage his love life. Again though, I feel like it could have gone so much deeper and explored so much more about this situation and these emotions. All in all, the lack of depth made this story fall flat at some times.
Overall I'd say that this is a pretty nice read, very cute and very wholesome. Nothing special to write home about, but sometimes easy, warm and uncomplicated is exactly what you need.
• We all need to take a moment to appreciate the crossover between fashion and hockey. (I am so here for it.) And not just the usual crossover - aka game day suits - but an actual actual crossover. Fucking loved that.
• it 👏 has 👏 sports 👏 (yes the clapping is necessary because so many sports romances neglect to actually mention the sport and that is probably my villain origin story). So, instant extra points for the presence of the sport that the sports romance is based on. (Putting the bar real high there)
• As a person with a messed-up self esteem due to growing up while hearing the phrase, "you're a lot" or "you're too much," I absolutely loved Devon's character and how this deep-rooted belief made him self-sabotage his love life. Again though, I feel like it could have gone so much deeper and explored so much more about this situation and these emotions. All in all, the lack of depth made this story fall flat at some times.
Overall I'd say that this is a pretty nice read, very cute and very wholesome. Nothing special to write home about, but sometimes easy, warm and uncomplicated is exactly what you need.
December 2, 2024
Stick Handling by Kit Olmstead was such a fun read! Fluffy and light but with just enough emotional depth to keep me hooked.
Devon is my favorite kind of character—prickly and full of sass, but you can tell underneath it all, there’s some self-doubt he’s trying to hide. Jamie is the perfect match for him, bringing a mix of sunshiney sweetness and snark with just enough sharp edges to make him feel real. Their relationship stole the show for me, though it’s clear the author knows and loves hockey, making that part of their story feel natural.
Overall, this book hit all the right notes for a cozy, relaxing read. I’m still smiling thinking about Devon and Jamie—I’d happily spend more time in their world!
Devon is my favorite kind of character—prickly and full of sass, but you can tell underneath it all, there’s some self-doubt he’s trying to hide. Jamie is the perfect match for him, bringing a mix of sunshiney sweetness and snark with just enough sharp edges to make him feel real. Their relationship stole the show for me, though it’s clear the author knows and loves hockey, making that part of their story feel natural.
Overall, this book hit all the right notes for a cozy, relaxing read. I’m still smiling thinking about Devon and Jamie—I’d happily spend more time in their world!
November 27, 2024
I adore a hockey romance! And this one has the fun element of a main character, in Devon, who knows even less about hockey than I do (I’m still learning). Devon and Jamie share banter, spicy times, and heartfelt moments, and I loved it all! I laughed out loud multiple times, for real.
This is a fast, fun read that scratches the romance itch and the sports itch all at once. Highly recommend!
(I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review. So honored to get a sneak peak.)
This is a fast, fun read that scratches the romance itch and the sports itch all at once. Highly recommend!
(I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review. So honored to get a sneak peak.)
December 13, 2024
Just a delightful read, with the perfect amount of fluff and angst and sexy times. Love both characters so much. Devon is prickly and full of opinions while being insecure about relationships; Jamie is the most adorable, sexy hockey player who challenges Devon in many ways. Their banter and chemistry is just so good. Definitely recommend!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews