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Hometown Players #1
One More Shot
They say you only get one shot at making your dreams come true.
Jordan is determined to take two.
Drafted by the NHL at eighteen, Jordan Garrison was headed for fame, and there was only one person he wanted to share it with—Jessie Caplan. He was crazy in love with her, and had finally told her so. They shared an amazing night . . . and then everything fell apart.
Jessie tries not to think about the night she gave herself to Jordan—or how he broke her heart. She tries not to think about it, but she does. Especially now, when she's staring into his sky-blue eyes for the first time in six years. After so much time and torment, she can't tell if she loves him or hates him. But Jordan has learned enough to know a connection like theirs is rare. He was lucky to find Jessie once. No way will he lose her again.
Jordan is determined to take two.
Drafted by the NHL at eighteen, Jordan Garrison was headed for fame, and there was only one person he wanted to share it with—Jessie Caplan. He was crazy in love with her, and had finally told her so. They shared an amazing night . . . and then everything fell apart.
Jessie tries not to think about the night she gave herself to Jordan—or how he broke her heart. She tries not to think about it, but she does. Especially now, when she's staring into his sky-blue eyes for the first time in six years. After so much time and torment, she can't tell if she loves him or hates him. But Jordan has learned enough to know a connection like theirs is rare. He was lucky to find Jessie once. No way will he lose her again.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2015
90 people are currently reading
2018 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Denault
31 books832 followersSign up for Victoria's monthly newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/cexOL9
Victoria Denault loves ocean air, seventies music, strong heroines and flawed heroes. She is a former journalist, stand-up comic and corporate marketing minion. Victoria is a Canadian and former Californian who currently lives in a 225 year-old house with her husband, their Chihuahua Maximus and more spiders than she cares to think about.
Victoria Denault loves ocean air, seventies music, strong heroines and flawed heroes. She is a former journalist, stand-up comic and corporate marketing minion. Victoria is a Canadian and former Californian who currently lives in a 225 year-old house with her husband, their Chihuahua Maximus and more spiders than she cares to think about.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
February 23, 2016
4 Stars
One More Shot is the first book in the Hometown Players series, and if you enjoy angsty and sexy second chance romance, it's one you don't want to miss. I'll admit, I was sold the second I read that synopsis. Friends to lovers and a second chance romance? Gimme! I will never pass that up. Add it some angst, a manwhore hockey player and the girl whose heart he broke and who in turn broke his? Yep, that's a recipe for book gold for me there.
Jordan and Jessie grew up together. The Caplan sisters were practically joined at the hip with the Garrison brothers all through high school. When the Caplan sisters lost their parents at a young age and moved into the small town of Silver Bay to live with their grandmother that wasn't all that thrilled to have them. Spending most of their time with the Caplan clan allowed them to feel the warmth of family that they were missing, and it also brought together Jordan and Jessie and formed a tight bond of friendship. Growing up they were each other's world.
Jordan has been in love with Jessie for as long as they've been friends, so when the opportunity finally shows itself for him to make his move, he doesn't hesitate. He takes it and doesn't look back and the sparks that have been simmering between them through the years finally spark to life.
But then much like the typical 18 year old boy, Jordan screws up and breaks Jessie's heart. Knowing that she'll only ever be the only one for him, when she moves away from Silver Bay and severs all ties to him, he's devastated. So he concentrates on all he has left; his hockey career. Being drafted right out of high school allows him to focus all his pain and loss on his hockey. And of course being the typical men, he drowns his pain between the legs of any willing woman...and there's plenty of them...
Now six years later, the death of Jessie's grandmother brings both her and Jordan back to Silver Bay and to face the past that they both tried to ignore or outrun in their own right.
One More Shot was definitely heavy on the angst. Jessie and Jordan have a whole lot of unfinished business and miscommunication between them and that all culminates over their 6 years apart to the non-relationship they have now. Jessie has a hard time swallowing Jordan's past with women especially since his hockey career puts him in lots of headlines...mostly for his womanizing ways. She certainly makes Jordan works for every crumb she throws his way. At times it was almost too much for me. While I understood her hurt and anger she would purposely hurtful to Jordan when everything that Jordan has done was because he didn't think he had a chance with her and was definitely not with he direct intent to hurt her.
The story is told in flashbacks from past to present though it was smoothly interwoven into the book so it was never confusing or distracting. It gives you Jordan and Jessie's past piece by piece that ultimately leads to that one fateful "thing" that killed their relationship.
Jordan has always been in love with Jessie and he's still in love with her now. His efforts to get her back and her outright blowing him off at times was no easy pill to swallow. As much of a manwhore as he may be, I found Jessie to be almost cruel to him at times. His manwhoring ways completely stopped when Jessie came into his life, so although he had plenty of women before, there are no jilted exes when he finally gets back into Jessie's life.
I really enjoyed this book and all the secondary characters; Jordan's best friend and two brothers, Jessie's sisters. This book gave me all my favorite tropes in one angsty and sexy read. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what more Victoria Denault has to offer with this series. The set up for Rosie's story already has my interest peeked, so I definitely found me a new series to love.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
Thanks to Jessie, I knew love felt like pain. Deep, cutting, dying-inside pain.
One More Shot is the first book in the Hometown Players series, and if you enjoy angsty and sexy second chance romance, it's one you don't want to miss. I'll admit, I was sold the second I read that synopsis. Friends to lovers and a second chance romance? Gimme! I will never pass that up. Add it some angst, a manwhore hockey player and the girl whose heart he broke and who in turn broke his? Yep, that's a recipe for book gold for me there.
Jordan and Jessie grew up together. The Caplan sisters were practically joined at the hip with the Garrison brothers all through high school. When the Caplan sisters lost their parents at a young age and moved into the small town of Silver Bay to live with their grandmother that wasn't all that thrilled to have them. Spending most of their time with the Caplan clan allowed them to feel the warmth of family that they were missing, and it also brought together Jordan and Jessie and formed a tight bond of friendship. Growing up they were each other's world.
Jordan has been in love with Jessie for as long as they've been friends, so when the opportunity finally shows itself for him to make his move, he doesn't hesitate. He takes it and doesn't look back and the sparks that have been simmering between them through the years finally spark to life.
But then much like the typical 18 year old boy, Jordan screws up and breaks Jessie's heart. Knowing that she'll only ever be the only one for him, when she moves away from Silver Bay and severs all ties to him, he's devastated. So he concentrates on all he has left; his hockey career. Being drafted right out of high school allows him to focus all his pain and loss on his hockey. And of course being the typical men, he drowns his pain between the legs of any willing woman...and there's plenty of them...
Now six years later, the death of Jessie's grandmother brings both her and Jordan back to Silver Bay and to face the past that they both tried to ignore or outrun in their own right.
One More Shot was definitely heavy on the angst. Jessie and Jordan have a whole lot of unfinished business and miscommunication between them and that all culminates over their 6 years apart to the non-relationship they have now. Jessie has a hard time swallowing Jordan's past with women especially since his hockey career puts him in lots of headlines...mostly for his womanizing ways. She certainly makes Jordan works for every crumb she throws his way. At times it was almost too much for me. While I understood her hurt and anger she would purposely hurtful to Jordan when everything that Jordan has done was because he didn't think he had a chance with her and was definitely not with he direct intent to hurt her.
The story is told in flashbacks from past to present though it was smoothly interwoven into the book so it was never confusing or distracting. It gives you Jordan and Jessie's past piece by piece that ultimately leads to that one fateful "thing" that killed their relationship.
Jordan has always been in love with Jessie and he's still in love with her now. His efforts to get her back and her outright blowing him off at times was no easy pill to swallow. As much of a manwhore as he may be, I found Jessie to be almost cruel to him at times. His manwhoring ways completely stopped when Jessie came into his life, so although he had plenty of women before, there are no jilted exes when he finally gets back into Jessie's life.
I really enjoyed this book and all the secondary characters; Jordan's best friend and two brothers, Jessie's sisters. This book gave me all my favorite tropes in one angsty and sexy read. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what more Victoria Denault has to offer with this series. The set up for Rosie's story already has my interest peeked, so I definitely found me a new series to love.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
June 30, 2015
4 Second Chance Stars.
Jordan and Jessie grew up as best-friends and then on night changed it all. Unfortunately that night took a wrong turn and they ended up being apart.
Six years later they meet again in their hometown and this time Jordan is decide to fix the past and have Jessie again, only this time for good,
Is this their second chance or some things are meant to stay in the past?
I’m a sucker for second chance romances, so the blurb for this book got me from the beginning. I’m also a sucker for books with athletes, so it was pretty much a win for me.
This book had a great beginning, the writing is solid and engaging and for those who like this kind of background (like me), it had a really good plot. Sadly, the story got a little lost in the middle and started going in a slower pace that I would like, which caused some events to seem dull, but it ended up picking up again and I quite liked how everything wrapped up. Definitely, a series to keep my eyes on. (I just hope the author goes with a different style of cover, because this one is so awful!!)
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Despite Jessie’s stubbornness that annoyed me at a few moments, she was a nice enough heroine. Jordan was pretty good as well, although some “lack of judgment” moments. They were quite good together and made a nice couple. There were also some good supporting characters that I would like to read a book about them. (Hopefully, they’ll be the next in this series.)
Steam: Some hot moments.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Jordan and Jessie grew up as best-friends and then on night changed it all. Unfortunately that night took a wrong turn and they ended up being apart.
Six years later they meet again in their hometown and this time Jordan is decide to fix the past and have Jessie again, only this time for good,
Is this their second chance or some things are meant to stay in the past?
I’m a sucker for second chance romances, so the blurb for this book got me from the beginning. I’m also a sucker for books with athletes, so it was pretty much a win for me.
This book had a great beginning, the writing is solid and engaging and for those who like this kind of background (like me), it had a really good plot. Sadly, the story got a little lost in the middle and started going in a slower pace that I would like, which caused some events to seem dull, but it ended up picking up again and I quite liked how everything wrapped up. Definitely, a series to keep my eyes on. (I just hope the author goes with a different style of cover, because this one is so awful!!)
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Despite Jessie’s stubbornness that annoyed me at a few moments, she was a nice enough heroine. Jordan was pretty good as well, although some “lack of judgment” moments. They were quite good together and made a nice couple. There were also some good supporting characters that I would like to read a book about them. (Hopefully, they’ll be the next in this series.)
Steam: Some hot moments.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
June 2, 2015
♥♥♥ 3.5 STARS ♥♥♥
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
'And then I do it, without the slightest hesitation or apprehension--I kiss my best friend.
And he kisses me back.'
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Jordan Garrison met Jessie Caplan when she moved into town while they were both eight years old. There was something about Jessie that he liked, so from that moment on he knew they were going to be great friends. As the years went on, the closer they became. They were each other's best friend, the person they could confide in. But as they turned into young adults, their feelings started to change to something more. Unfortunately, neither was willing to admit it because they didn’t want to ruin their friendship, so they ended up dating other people. But one night things change. Jordan finally confesses he loves her. They share one night together and it seems things are going to go where they always wanted it to go. But due to a miscommunication, it all ends causing them both a lot of hurt, and to not see or talk to each other until six years later.
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“I was trying to numb the pain. Because it never left. I never stopped missing you. I never stopped needing you. There was a constant ache in my chest for you. I tried to convince myself it was anger, but it was love. And no one could fix it. You're the only one who can fix it.”
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Jordan Garrison was drafted by NHL when he was eighteen years old. He thought he finally had it all, but when Jessie leaves to study in a college in Arizona, he is crestfallen. I was quite upset that neither of these two characters were willing to talk it out when this whole situation happened, but they were young, so I understood why they both didn't really do anything. I wasn't sure how I was going to like the six year time gap, but it wasn't too bad. By this time, they are both twenty four years old. Jordan has a reputation for sleeping around, a lot. He doesn't want anything serious because he isn't willing to let anyone in that can cause him the same hurt Jessie did all those years ago. No matter what he did to try to get over her, he never truly did.
Jessie Caplan was left heart broken when she decided she needed to leave to Arizona. But, she swore to herself she would try to move on from Jordan. Years later, she is living in Seattle doing what she loves as an intern physical therapist. She got some horrible news that had her rushing back home for a funeral. What she didn't expect was that Jordan would be there to offer his support. I was so excited about this part because of how much time had passed by. But I became quite frustrated because Jessie still didn't let Jordan explain what happened on that night. I love myself some angst, but there was so much drama between them. I disliked how they didn't seem to want to try to get back together even when they still loved each other. They made so many immature mistakes, I just wanted to lock them in a room together until they finally talked.
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'There he is. Everything I have ever wanted. And all he wants is me.'
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ��● ● ● ● ●
Eventually things turned around and they finally had that talk that should have been done sooner. I was very happy when they cleared the air and they got together again. I enjoyed the story and the writing style. I just would have liked them to have been together a little bit sooner. I liked many of the secondary characters that were funny and great, although I am still quite unsure about Jessie's sister Callie. Although, I did appreciate that each sister had their own voice and didn't seem alike in personality. I also really liked those flashbacks that we get in the book that show how Jessie and Jordan grew up together while falling in love. The ending was very sweet and romantic, I really loved it. Overall, I think it was a good debut novel by this author. I am very curious about Rose's book next.
June 4, 2015
I was just so bored through most of the book. I didn't feel it :(
June 1, 2015
4 - "I'm bigger, so I win." Stars!
One More Shot is the first book I have read by Victoria Denault, and as a debut novel it was a pretty stellar start to the Hometown Players series.
”Put yourself out there… take a risk.”
The book focuses pretty much solely on the relationship between Jordan Garrison, NHL Superstar and player for the Seattle Winterhawks, and his childhood crush/friend Jessie Caplan. To say this couple has had their ups and downs would be an understatement, and at the start of the book they have not seen or spent any time together for the previous 6 years.
I loved this couple, their re-connection and all of the issues and drama that came with it, just pulled me in from the beginning. This is a book that jumps back to Jordan and Jessie as teenagers and for the first 50% or so the story is giving you the reasons as to why they have spent the last 6 years apart, and the beginnings of their reconnection. It was well paced; the developments and revelations from them both were spaced perfectly.
I am not a huge angst lover, never say never! But I often get to a point where the drama being added to drama just for the sake of more drama just bores me. Victoria worked the drama and angst between this couple perfectly, I felt a little frustration, a little empathy, and understood where both of them were coming from at points, I think the dual POV gave the depth to them, as you were given their reasons for what they did in the past, as well as their motivations for everything that went down with them as the story moved on.
I loved and despaired for both Jordy and Jessie in equal parts in this book, both of them at points deserved a good hard shake, but I think that because both of them made mistakes and all the blame couldn’t be attributed in one direction it made their reconnection all the sweeter when it came.
”How’s it feel?”
Everything worked for me with this one, the writing style, the characters and the storyline. Jessie has two sisters in Callie and Rose, I hope they both get their ‘happily ever after’ in the following books in the series, both showed in this book that their personalities are wholly different from their sister, which means their stories and the men they they end up with are going to be completely different as well. Making a Play, is due September 15, and I for one cannot wait for the next puck to drop!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
One More Shot is the first book I have read by Victoria Denault, and as a debut novel it was a pretty stellar start to the Hometown Players series.
”Put yourself out there… take a risk.”
The book focuses pretty much solely on the relationship between Jordan Garrison, NHL Superstar and player for the Seattle Winterhawks, and his childhood crush/friend Jessie Caplan. To say this couple has had their ups and downs would be an understatement, and at the start of the book they have not seen or spent any time together for the previous 6 years.
I loved this couple, their re-connection and all of the issues and drama that came with it, just pulled me in from the beginning. This is a book that jumps back to Jordan and Jessie as teenagers and for the first 50% or so the story is giving you the reasons as to why they have spent the last 6 years apart, and the beginnings of their reconnection. It was well paced; the developments and revelations from them both were spaced perfectly.
I am not a huge angst lover, never say never! But I often get to a point where the drama being added to drama just for the sake of more drama just bores me. Victoria worked the drama and angst between this couple perfectly, I felt a little frustration, a little empathy, and understood where both of them were coming from at points, I think the dual POV gave the depth to them, as you were given their reasons for what they did in the past, as well as their motivations for everything that went down with them as the story moved on.
I loved and despaired for both Jordy and Jessie in equal parts in this book, both of them at points deserved a good hard shake, but I think that because both of them made mistakes and all the blame couldn’t be attributed in one direction it made their reconnection all the sweeter when it came.
”How’s it feel?”
Everything worked for me with this one, the writing style, the characters and the storyline. Jessie has two sisters in Callie and Rose, I hope they both get their ‘happily ever after’ in the following books in the series, both showed in this book that their personalities are wholly different from their sister, which means their stories and the men they they end up with are going to be completely different as well. Making a Play, is due September 15, and I for one cannot wait for the next puck to drop!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
June 4, 2015
Spoiler Alert
Jessie and Jordy have a misunderstanding that tears them apart... for years...which was ridiculous to me since Jessie didn't bother sticking around to get the full story.
I felt like Jessie had trust issues and she couldn't let go for so long. When push comes to shove, if she wanted Jordy and loved him so much, she would have gotten the full story before she became irrational and hid out for so long. The other thing I didn't like was that Jessie's sister kept interfering. I wanted to smack her and tell her off. So much unnecessary stupid drama could have been avoided a year after the incident.
Another thing, if Jordy loved her so much, why couldn't he have tried harder and not been such a man whore? I hate when books make the "hero" whore himself out to get over the "heroine."
One more complaint: I really didn't like how Jessie treated Jordy and slut shamed him for so long. Then her stupid stunt with his teammate to piss him off was immature.
It also pissed me off that so many people knew about where she was and never told Jordy.
I really wish that this had been written a whole other way.
Jessie and Jordy have a misunderstanding that tears them apart... for years...which was ridiculous to me since Jessie didn't bother sticking around to get the full story.
I felt like Jessie had trust issues and she couldn't let go for so long. When push comes to shove, if she wanted Jordy and loved him so much, she would have gotten the full story before she became irrational and hid out for so long. The other thing I didn't like was that Jessie's sister kept interfering. I wanted to smack her and tell her off. So much unnecessary stupid drama could have been avoided a year after the incident.
Another thing, if Jordy loved her so much, why couldn't he have tried harder and not been such a man whore? I hate when books make the "hero" whore himself out to get over the "heroine."
One more complaint: I really didn't like how Jessie treated Jordy and slut shamed him for so long. Then her stupid stunt with his teammate to piss him off was immature.
It also pissed me off that so many people knew about where she was and never told Jordy.
I really wish that this had been written a whole other way.
June 4, 2022
do authors know what love is anymore?
Spoilers.
Ok ok. The writing was fantastic. But the hero? He loved her is high school but had a girlfriend he that he said “I love you” to that was definitely not the h. This is while he “loved” the h.
He walks away with absolutely no fight over and over. And over. And is immediately screwing other women. Even leaves with his ex gf and puck bunnies on his arm in front of h sister staring her in the eye and then wonders why sister won’t give him h phone number?. Now the whole time he is screwing other women he is “in love” with the h. Now while I love it when the MCs stay celibate during a separation, I also know it’s not really realistic. Especially if they really think the other is done. And a few one nights stands or even a casual flings I get. But to literally screw hundreds (if not more-basically a new girl 7 days a week for 6 years) of women during a separation, while knowing the pics of you with those women will be published in the news and gossip sites for the woman you “love” to see? That’s gross. It’s demeaning to the h. It’s disrespectful and mean. Keep in mind after he sees her again he FLIPS out about even seeing her stand near another guy but can’t understand how she can’t get over his many ONS? They are not together when he flips so what’s the difference?
Even once they meet again he tries to get away from her repeatedly. He isn’t sure about her. Doesn’t think she’s worth it one second then she suddenly is the next. Finally the h’s sis at like 85% explains she hates him not because of what happened 6 years ago but because he never fights for her sister. He walks away like the h is nothing and her sis says she deserves better. Which she does. The H screws up but gives up instead of seeking forgiveness.
This is not love. Sorry.
Excellent writing skills. Hopefully the author can write a good H someday.
Spoilers.
Ok ok. The writing was fantastic. But the hero? He loved her is high school but had a girlfriend he that he said “I love you” to that was definitely not the h. This is while he “loved” the h.
He walks away with absolutely no fight over and over. And over. And is immediately screwing other women. Even leaves with his ex gf and puck bunnies on his arm in front of h sister staring her in the eye and then wonders why sister won’t give him h phone number?. Now the whole time he is screwing other women he is “in love” with the h. Now while I love it when the MCs stay celibate during a separation, I also know it’s not really realistic. Especially if they really think the other is done. And a few one nights stands or even a casual flings I get. But to literally screw hundreds (if not more-basically a new girl 7 days a week for 6 years) of women during a separation, while knowing the pics of you with those women will be published in the news and gossip sites for the woman you “love” to see? That’s gross. It’s demeaning to the h. It’s disrespectful and mean. Keep in mind after he sees her again he FLIPS out about even seeing her stand near another guy but can’t understand how she can’t get over his many ONS? They are not together when he flips so what’s the difference?
Even once they meet again he tries to get away from her repeatedly. He isn’t sure about her. Doesn’t think she’s worth it one second then she suddenly is the next. Finally the h’s sis at like 85% explains she hates him not because of what happened 6 years ago but because he never fights for her sister. He walks away like the h is nothing and her sis says she deserves better. Which she does. The H screws up but gives up instead of seeking forgiveness.
This is not love. Sorry.
Excellent writing skills. Hopefully the author can write a good H someday.
September 15, 2015
Thank you to GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
I’m not going to lie – it was the abs that first attracted me to this book. I’m a huge fan of cover abs. If you have abs on the cover of your book and it somehow appears on my screen, you can rest assured I’ll be reading the blurb. The second thing was the setting. A large chunk of this book takes place in Maine, and I’m always interested to read a book that takes place in my home state.
Everything I loved about this book can be summed up in one word: Jordan. Jordan loved Jessie with everything inside him, and he didn’t play any games with her or sweep it under the rug. He loved her and wanted her to know how he felt. On the flip side, all my issues with this book can also be summed up in one word: Jessie. After years and years of friendship and not a lie ever told from Jordan, she jumped to conclusions, and then, subsequently on a plane, and out of Jordan’s life. This leads to years and years of misunderstanding, which could have been solved with a single conversation. If not between Jordan and Jessie, then between Jessie and someone from Jordan’s family, who she’d been extremely close to since she’d moved to town when she was a little girl. Somehow, despite the fact that Jordan’s family was close to all of the Caplan girls, a conversation never takes place discussing the big event that ended Jessie and Jordan? It was impossible for me to buy into that. It was too contrived to be believable, and in the end, Jessie’s immaturity and stubbornness made her so unlikable, it was hard to get past that and enjoy the story. I couldn’t understand why Jordan and another ‘love’ interest (who I’m not sure what his part in the story was since the book opens with him cheating on her in high school,) were in love with her.
The constant flashbacks made the book feel disjointed. I think the story would have been better served if it had been broken up into a really long prologue, and then skipped to present day. While I feel like all the scenes from the past were pertinent to the story, they weren't well placed. But the sex scenes – those were well placed, and nice and steamy. The one place Jordan and Jessie had chemistry was the bedroom. I just wish it had carried to the rest of the book.
Despite my issues, I adored Jordan, and I feel like the author went out of her way to show just how different the three sisters are. Because of this, I’ll be checking out the next one in hopes that I’ll like the heroine this time around. One More Shot may have been more of a miss than a hit for me, but one thing it did do was get me interested in the secondary characters enough to want to read the rest of the series.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
2.5 stars
I’m not going to lie – it was the abs that first attracted me to this book. I’m a huge fan of cover abs. If you have abs on the cover of your book and it somehow appears on my screen, you can rest assured I’ll be reading the blurb. The second thing was the setting. A large chunk of this book takes place in Maine, and I’m always interested to read a book that takes place in my home state.
Everything I loved about this book can be summed up in one word: Jordan. Jordan loved Jessie with everything inside him, and he didn’t play any games with her or sweep it under the rug. He loved her and wanted her to know how he felt. On the flip side, all my issues with this book can also be summed up in one word: Jessie. After years and years of friendship and not a lie ever told from Jordan, she jumped to conclusions, and then, subsequently on a plane, and out of Jordan’s life. This leads to years and years of misunderstanding, which could have been solved with a single conversation. If not between Jordan and Jessie, then between Jessie and someone from Jordan’s family, who she’d been extremely close to since she’d moved to town when she was a little girl. Somehow, despite the fact that Jordan’s family was close to all of the Caplan girls, a conversation never takes place discussing the big event that ended Jessie and Jordan? It was impossible for me to buy into that. It was too contrived to be believable, and in the end, Jessie’s immaturity and stubbornness made her so unlikable, it was hard to get past that and enjoy the story. I couldn’t understand why Jordan and another ‘love’ interest (who I’m not sure what his part in the story was since the book opens with him cheating on her in high school,) were in love with her.
The constant flashbacks made the book feel disjointed. I think the story would have been better served if it had been broken up into a really long prologue, and then skipped to present day. While I feel like all the scenes from the past were pertinent to the story, they weren't well placed. But the sex scenes – those were well placed, and nice and steamy. The one place Jordan and Jessie had chemistry was the bedroom. I just wish it had carried to the rest of the book.
Despite my issues, I adored Jordan, and I feel like the author went out of her way to show just how different the three sisters are. Because of this, I’ll be checking out the next one in hopes that I’ll like the heroine this time around. One More Shot may have been more of a miss than a hit for me, but one thing it did do was get me interested in the secondary characters enough to want to read the rest of the series.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
August 24, 2015
I have been reading a lot of overly emotional books of late and when I decided to read this book it was because I wanted some mindless fluff in the way of a hot hockey player.
But, WOW, what a surprise this book has turned out to be.
I was completely hooked from the very first sentence. This book follows the relationship between Jessie and Jordan through a dual POV from Jessie and Jordan, we are treated to a series of flashbacks and it serves well to heighten the angst and chemistry between these two.
Jordan and Jessie have been friends since childhood. They both secretly had a crush on the other that culminates in one night of passion. The two seem set for a HEA but through a series of events and circumstance they are ripped apart, each one blaming the other for the end of their short lived relationship.
6 years later Jessie’s grandmother dies and the 2 are thrown together again at her funeral. Jordan is the hot as fuck alpha who tried to bury the feelings and love he harbours for Jessie by becoming the ultimate manwhore. Though, when he sees her again he is brought to his knees by these same feelings. At first sight he realises that he has never gotten over Jessie and decides to force his way into her life and that’s when the sparks begin to fly.
It’s a 2nd chance love story that smacks of the same emotions and delicious angst as I found in Jamie Mcguire’s Beautiful Disaster. That said, aside from hotness and angst, this book was nothing like BD but just as with BD I quickly became addicted to the torturous chemistry between the MCs and I could not put this book down!
My reactions throughout this book?
If you enjoy stories about alpha turned into a snivelling hot mess by a woman then this book is for you. I absolutely recommend this and will definitely be reading more from this author.
But, WOW, what a surprise this book has turned out to be.
I was completely hooked from the very first sentence. This book follows the relationship between Jessie and Jordan through a dual POV from Jessie and Jordan, we are treated to a series of flashbacks and it serves well to heighten the angst and chemistry between these two.
Jordan and Jessie have been friends since childhood. They both secretly had a crush on the other that culminates in one night of passion. The two seem set for a HEA but through a series of events and circumstance they are ripped apart, each one blaming the other for the end of their short lived relationship.
6 years later Jessie’s grandmother dies and the 2 are thrown together again at her funeral. Jordan is the hot as fuck alpha who tried to bury the feelings and love he harbours for Jessie by becoming the ultimate manwhore. Though, when he sees her again he is brought to his knees by these same feelings. At first sight he realises that he has never gotten over Jessie and decides to force his way into her life and that’s when the sparks begin to fly.
It’s a 2nd chance love story that smacks of the same emotions and delicious angst as I found in Jamie Mcguire’s Beautiful Disaster. That said, aside from hotness and angst, this book was nothing like BD but just as with BD I quickly became addicted to the torturous chemistry between the MCs and I could not put this book down!
My reactions throughout this book?
If you enjoy stories about alpha turned into a snivelling hot mess by a woman then this book is for you. I absolutely recommend this and will definitely be reading more from this author.
June 1, 2015
One More Shot (Hometown Players #1) by Victoria Denault NHL star, Jordan Garrison, has been in love with Jessie Caplan since he was eighteen. After a misunderstanding they fall apart, now six years later, he has a chance at making things right.
I loved this book! One More Shot is a heartwarming story that had me captivated from the first page.
I really liked Jordan’s character. After his heart broke, he never became serious with anyone because they didn’t measure up to Jessie. He sleeps around and stays unattached, developing quite the reputation. He is driven and fights for what he wants.
He works hard to achieve his goals.
Jessie is motivated and hard working. She has earned what she has. A few times I felt she was too hard-on Jordan, but that could be because I also knew his side of the story. If I didn’t, I would have probably been as stubborn as her.
I like that both Jordan and Jessie are brought together during a difficult point in their lives: Jordan temporarily out on a sports injury and Jessie home for her grandmother’s funeral. Interesting that Jessie is a sports therapist.
I enjoyed the relationship between the Garrison brothers and Caplan sisters. Having grown up together they formed a special bond that is enduring.
Donna Garrison, Jordan’s mom, is great. I appreciated her relationship to the Caplan girls. I think it is wonderful that she included them in the Garrison’s lives after the death of their mother and her former high school friend.
Victoria Denault wrote a believable and emotional novel. One More Shot is well-written and has a great pace. The story has some unexpected twist and a lot of detailed history. I look forward to the next book in the Hometown Players Series, Making a Play.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! One More Shot is a heartwarming story that had me captivated from the first page.
I really liked Jordan’s character. After his heart broke, he never became serious with anyone because they didn’t measure up to Jessie. He sleeps around and stays unattached, developing quite the reputation. He is driven and fights for what he wants.
He works hard to achieve his goals.
Jessie is motivated and hard working. She has earned what she has. A few times I felt she was too hard-on Jordan, but that could be because I also knew his side of the story. If I didn’t, I would have probably been as stubborn as her.
I like that both Jordan and Jessie are brought together during a difficult point in their lives: Jordan temporarily out on a sports injury and Jessie home for her grandmother’s funeral. Interesting that Jessie is a sports therapist.
I enjoyed the relationship between the Garrison brothers and Caplan sisters. Having grown up together they formed a special bond that is enduring.
Donna Garrison, Jordan’s mom, is great. I appreciated her relationship to the Caplan girls. I think it is wonderful that she included them in the Garrison’s lives after the death of their mother and her former high school friend.
Victoria Denault wrote a believable and emotional novel. One More Shot is well-written and has a great pace. The story has some unexpected twist and a lot of detailed history. I look forward to the next book in the Hometown Players Series, Making a Play.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2017
10/15 -- This was my first book by Victoria Denault and I enjoyed it very much. Some hockey related details are not very realistic/accurate and it's much exaggerated back and forth until Jordan and Jessie get together (Jordan himself calls it a "ridiculous dance"), but I liked the story and the heroes anyway. I will definitely read book 2 of this series.
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Ausführlichere Rezension auf Deutsch: http://buecher.ueber-alles.net/?p=20680
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Ausführlichere Rezension auf Deutsch: http://buecher.ueber-alles.net/?p=20680
May 14, 2015
I thought this book was a great first book for a new series.
So Jessie and Jordan were best friends and Jessie lost her virginity to Jordan. They both loved each other but a lot of mistakes and misunderstandings happened. The next moment he is drafted to the nhl and she moves to Arizona to go to college. They haven't talked in 6 years. Her grandmother passes and he comes to the funeral.
Jessie is still mad at him for what happened in the past. She becomes his physical therapist to get him back on the ice. Finally they start talking but she still doesn't want to want him or trust him but Jordan is making it hard.
You can see throughout the book they have a special chemistry and they love each other even though they haven't spoken in so long. I liked that Jordan didn't give up and was willing to wait for her. Yes while they were a part he slept around and in a way that her but now it's trying to let her know that she is and has always been the one. I loved how sweet he was with her sending the flowers, a handmade card, and keeping the counter top just to name a few things.
I liked how Jessie was so close with his family and how even though it didn't work out for them finally she says they can be friends again. You can tell she is jealous of the life he lived when he wasn't with her. When they have the talk about the past I felt for both of them since it was mostly misunderstandings and mistakes made by both of them. It's a shame they lost all those years by not being together.
I liked her sisters and his brothers. I liked the banter they had as a family and how close they are. I did like how the book went from past to present and how you got both point of views from Jordan and Jessie. I think that helped with understanding their characters and their relationship better. I also loved how their relationship wasn't rushed and they took the time to still get to know each other and see if they could actually be something more. Although their fighting I think went on a little to long in the end it was worth it. It helped the story come together at the right time.
I am excited to see where this series will go. One of the brothers is married with a baby and one gets engaged in this book. So I am dying to see who ends up with her to sisters. I see Rosie and luc (Jordan's best friend) getting together since they have a special relationship. I hope their book is next!
So Jessie and Jordan were best friends and Jessie lost her virginity to Jordan. They both loved each other but a lot of mistakes and misunderstandings happened. The next moment he is drafted to the nhl and she moves to Arizona to go to college. They haven't talked in 6 years. Her grandmother passes and he comes to the funeral.
Jessie is still mad at him for what happened in the past. She becomes his physical therapist to get him back on the ice. Finally they start talking but she still doesn't want to want him or trust him but Jordan is making it hard.
You can see throughout the book they have a special chemistry and they love each other even though they haven't spoken in so long. I liked that Jordan didn't give up and was willing to wait for her. Yes while they were a part he slept around and in a way that her but now it's trying to let her know that she is and has always been the one. I loved how sweet he was with her sending the flowers, a handmade card, and keeping the counter top just to name a few things.
I liked how Jessie was so close with his family and how even though it didn't work out for them finally she says they can be friends again. You can tell she is jealous of the life he lived when he wasn't with her. When they have the talk about the past I felt for both of them since it was mostly misunderstandings and mistakes made by both of them. It's a shame they lost all those years by not being together.
I liked her sisters and his brothers. I liked the banter they had as a family and how close they are. I did like how the book went from past to present and how you got both point of views from Jordan and Jessie. I think that helped with understanding their characters and their relationship better. I also loved how their relationship wasn't rushed and they took the time to still get to know each other and see if they could actually be something more. Although their fighting I think went on a little to long in the end it was worth it. It helped the story come together at the right time.
I am excited to see where this series will go. One of the brothers is married with a baby and one gets engaged in this book. So I am dying to see who ends up with her to sisters. I see Rosie and luc (Jordan's best friend) getting together since they have a special relationship. I hope their book is next!
May 30, 2015
"He came all this way and he can't do anything more than stand there like he's Krazy-Glued to a Ford? Suddenly I hate him more than I ever have before."
This book covered so many of my favorite themes I just could not control myself and had to have it. Friends to lovers, love/hate and a hockey book. Umm . .. yes please. Jordan and Jessie have been the best of friends since she and her sisters moved to town to live with their grandma and they got all wrapped up in the Garrison boys.
After a tragic event with her boyfriend in high school leaves her sad and vulnerable and Jordan there to comfort her. The two of them share one passionate night before shit hits the fan and misunderstandings lead to years of radio silence and animosity between the two.
Years have passed and the friendship the two once shared is gone and in its place is anger and hatred. Jessie for her part has had to watch famous hockey player Jordan all over the news man whoring it up all over the northwest. Jordan thought he lost the only girl he could ever love and instead of ever truly moving on he uses hockey, alcohol and a string of nameless women to ease the pain he still feels. When a funeral back home brings these two back together all Jessie wants to do is run away but this time Jordan might be willing to chase her down.
"All this bullshit . . . is she worth it? I take a deep calming breath. Yeah. She is."
One More Shot is a debut book for Victoria Denault and I think she did a superb job. Told from dual point of view the story was engaging and the writing clean and easy to follow. For me the first 70% of the book was spot on 5 star reading. Full of angst and drama I loved following these two throw their range of emotions from friendship to young love to hurt and betrayal to flat out hate and anger. Once we get to acceptance and building a new relationship parts of the book did start to feel somewhat rushed. I know that Jessie and Jordan has years of foundation before rekindling but I would have loved to see more wooing. That being said none of that should deter anyone from picking up this book and reading it because overall I loved the story and I am incredibly excited to read the next one.
~miranda
This book covered so many of my favorite themes I just could not control myself and had to have it. Friends to lovers, love/hate and a hockey book. Umm . .. yes please. Jordan and Jessie have been the best of friends since she and her sisters moved to town to live with their grandma and they got all wrapped up in the Garrison boys.
After a tragic event with her boyfriend in high school leaves her sad and vulnerable and Jordan there to comfort her. The two of them share one passionate night before shit hits the fan and misunderstandings lead to years of radio silence and animosity between the two.
Years have passed and the friendship the two once shared is gone and in its place is anger and hatred. Jessie for her part has had to watch famous hockey player Jordan all over the news man whoring it up all over the northwest. Jordan thought he lost the only girl he could ever love and instead of ever truly moving on he uses hockey, alcohol and a string of nameless women to ease the pain he still feels. When a funeral back home brings these two back together all Jessie wants to do is run away but this time Jordan might be willing to chase her down.
"All this bullshit . . . is she worth it? I take a deep calming breath. Yeah. She is."
One More Shot is a debut book for Victoria Denault and I think she did a superb job. Told from dual point of view the story was engaging and the writing clean and easy to follow. For me the first 70% of the book was spot on 5 star reading. Full of angst and drama I loved following these two throw their range of emotions from friendship to young love to hurt and betrayal to flat out hate and anger. Once we get to acceptance and building a new relationship parts of the book did start to feel somewhat rushed. I know that Jessie and Jordan has years of foundation before rekindling but I would have loved to see more wooing. That being said none of that should deter anyone from picking up this book and reading it because overall I loved the story and I am incredibly excited to read the next one.
~miranda
September 15, 2015
One More Shot had so many things I like bundled into one. Second-chance romance? Yes please! Sexy hockey players? You betcha! Strong heroine? In spades or pucks!
Jordan and Jessie have been friends since they were young kids…their families have been intertwined for many years before that. They both have feelings for each other that eventually hit a boiling point right before Jordan gets the chance to go pro. What happens is a whole cluster of unintentional misunderstandings and actions as a result. Fast forward six years later when they are both brought back to their hometown for a family passing.
In the time that’s passed, Jordan becomes a bit of a ladies man. Okay, he is more than just a bit. But of course, fame can do that to you. Jessie on the other hand has seen what he’s been up to thanks to celeb websites and media coverage. Jessie has followed her dream and gotten a fabulous internship doing what she loves best as a physical therapist.
When they are brought together after the family passing again it’s not like there is this insta-love. They both have to fight their attraction and their feelings to work past all the hurt. Their path to forgiveness was so much more realistic than many books I’ve read. Sure there were times where I wanted to scream, but that’s what happens when you love a book, right? I will say that the misunderstandings that took place right after “the night” were just a mess. I think that they needed some time to breathe instead of all the impulsiveness that occurred. BUT… at eighteen, kids are that way and will act like that when they are hurt. There are some twists in the book that me smile when they were confronted with each other in the same city. It’s almost like things happen for a reason and possibly these two were just made for each other? Maybe the timing was just a bit off when they were eighteen.
This is the first book in a series, each one having to do with a Caplan sister. The writing was fabulous and completely kept me engaged, I also loved the past and present along with the dual POV. I totally adored this book and will be jumping in the next one immediately!
Jordan and Jessie have been friends since they were young kids…their families have been intertwined for many years before that. They both have feelings for each other that eventually hit a boiling point right before Jordan gets the chance to go pro. What happens is a whole cluster of unintentional misunderstandings and actions as a result. Fast forward six years later when they are both brought back to their hometown for a family passing.
In the time that’s passed, Jordan becomes a bit of a ladies man. Okay, he is more than just a bit. But of course, fame can do that to you. Jessie on the other hand has seen what he’s been up to thanks to celeb websites and media coverage. Jessie has followed her dream and gotten a fabulous internship doing what she loves best as a physical therapist.
When they are brought together after the family passing again it’s not like there is this insta-love. They both have to fight their attraction and their feelings to work past all the hurt. Their path to forgiveness was so much more realistic than many books I’ve read. Sure there were times where I wanted to scream, but that’s what happens when you love a book, right? I will say that the misunderstandings that took place right after “the night” were just a mess. I think that they needed some time to breathe instead of all the impulsiveness that occurred. BUT… at eighteen, kids are that way and will act like that when they are hurt. There are some twists in the book that me smile when they were confronted with each other in the same city. It’s almost like things happen for a reason and possibly these two were just made for each other? Maybe the timing was just a bit off when they were eighteen.
This is the first book in a series, each one having to do with a Caplan sister. The writing was fabulous and completely kept me engaged, I also loved the past and present along with the dual POV. I totally adored this book and will be jumping in the next one immediately!
June 1, 2015
I fell in love with this story very early on.
Jordan and Jessie have a long history as friends growing up together and then as more than friends for one fantastic, amazing night until a terrible misunderstanding, or mistake depending on how you look at it, ruins everything they shared that one special night. Jessie runs away from it all and Jordan runs into the arms of every available and willing woman, never speaking to each other again, until the death of Jessie's aunt brings them both back to their hometown and to face their demons.
It's clear that Jordan still cares for Jessie and doesn't completely understand why she left him in that night so long ago. Jessie on the other hand has had to sit by and watch him blow through women like she moves through kleenex. It starts to get frustrating to see that they both obviously still care for each other and haven't been able to move on but refuse to talk about what led to the separation in the first place. Then when they finally do, it becomes clear that Jessie might not be able to get past Jordan's playboy ways and that Jordan can't be sure that he's willing to give his heart to her again without her stomping all over it again. It was the inadvertent grand gesture from Jordan after his game that really sealed the deal on this book for me. That impromptu pouring out of his heart that Jordan gave to Jessie in front of his teammates and friends was perfection!
It wasn't just the romance between Jessie and Jordan that I loved about this book though, it was also the way that their families remained super close and friendly to each other through the years, regardless of what Jordan and Jessie were putting each other through. There's quite a bit of teasing about Jessie's sister Rose and Jordan's pseudo-brother Luc and frankly I can't wait to read that one!!
I really enjoyed this book more than I expected to and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good semi-steamy, super sexy, second chance romance.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Jordan and Jessie have a long history as friends growing up together and then as more than friends for one fantastic, amazing night until a terrible misunderstanding, or mistake depending on how you look at it, ruins everything they shared that one special night. Jessie runs away from it all and Jordan runs into the arms of every available and willing woman, never speaking to each other again, until the death of Jessie's aunt brings them both back to their hometown and to face their demons.
It's clear that Jordan still cares for Jessie and doesn't completely understand why she left him in that night so long ago. Jessie on the other hand has had to sit by and watch him blow through women like she moves through kleenex. It starts to get frustrating to see that they both obviously still care for each other and haven't been able to move on but refuse to talk about what led to the separation in the first place. Then when they finally do, it becomes clear that Jessie might not be able to get past Jordan's playboy ways and that Jordan can't be sure that he's willing to give his heart to her again without her stomping all over it again. It was the inadvertent grand gesture from Jordan after his game that really sealed the deal on this book for me. That impromptu pouring out of his heart that Jordan gave to Jessie in front of his teammates and friends was perfection!
It wasn't just the romance between Jessie and Jordan that I loved about this book though, it was also the way that their families remained super close and friendly to each other through the years, regardless of what Jordan and Jessie were putting each other through. There's quite a bit of teasing about Jessie's sister Rose and Jordan's pseudo-brother Luc and frankly I can't wait to read that one!!
I really enjoyed this book more than I expected to and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good semi-steamy, super sexy, second chance romance.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
December 30, 2015
Funny, sweet, and emotional. A phenomenal debut novel! One More Shot is a wonderfully well-rounded second chance romance.
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! One More Shot is Victoria Denault’s debut novel and the first in the Hometown Players series. I’m always a little uncertain when reviewing new authors but for some reason this book called out to me and I took a leap of faith with it.
Y’all… this book. I loved it! It’s told in alternating POV between the two main characters, Jessie and Jordan. I really liked Jessie’s character a lot. She’s easily likeable and relatable, especially because there are flashbacks to their youth and you feel a bit like you grow up with her. Jordan, AKA “Jordy”, though, I fell completely in love with him.
Jordan and Jessie have been friends since they were little but they end up shattering each other’s hearts when they’re teenagers. They go their separate ways in life for years until an unfortunate event forces them together again. They struggle with the desire to have their old friend back and trying to get over their own heartaches.
Victoria does an excellent job of tugging at your heartstrings and making you fall in love with the characters. She did a great job developing all of the minor characters as well and they all bring a little something to the table. I loved that.
I have made it no secret that one thing that really sells me on a book is great witty banter and solid, organic, believable dialogue. Victoria nails both of them. I just can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s so refreshing to be completely surprised by a book and it’s my first 5 star read in a while, so I’m a little head-over-heels for this book right now!
If you love sports or hockey books, second chance romances, or just well-written love stories, you cannot skip this book! Take a chance on a new author and buy this book!
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! One More Shot is Victoria Denault’s debut novel and the first in the Hometown Players series. I’m always a little uncertain when reviewing new authors but for some reason this book called out to me and I took a leap of faith with it.
Y’all… this book. I loved it! It’s told in alternating POV between the two main characters, Jessie and Jordan. I really liked Jessie’s character a lot. She’s easily likeable and relatable, especially because there are flashbacks to their youth and you feel a bit like you grow up with her. Jordan, AKA “Jordy”, though, I fell completely in love with him.
Jordan and Jessie have been friends since they were little but they end up shattering each other’s hearts when they’re teenagers. They go their separate ways in life for years until an unfortunate event forces them together again. They struggle with the desire to have their old friend back and trying to get over their own heartaches.
Victoria does an excellent job of tugging at your heartstrings and making you fall in love with the characters. She did a great job developing all of the minor characters as well and they all bring a little something to the table. I loved that.
I have made it no secret that one thing that really sells me on a book is great witty banter and solid, organic, believable dialogue. Victoria nails both of them. I just can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s so refreshing to be completely surprised by a book and it’s my first 5 star read in a while, so I’m a little head-over-heels for this book right now!
If you love sports or hockey books, second chance romances, or just well-written love stories, you cannot skip this book! Take a chance on a new author and buy this book!
June 1, 2015
Rhayne's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
One More Shot is book one in the Hometown Players series. It is a beautiful romance filled with a little bit of everything to keep the readers engaged, entertained, and hoping for love everlasting.
I was blown away by the writing style of Ms. Denault. It looks like this is her debut novel and debut series and you would never know it. I think a second chance romance is one of the harder styles to write and write well. There needs to be a precise balance between past and present story. She absolutely nailed it. I was given enough of the past to understand what the history was, but it mingled with the current story well and was tangled throughout the book, not simply chapter after chapter of the past. I loved that mix. It kept me engaged and craving to know everything.
The plot line was original and leaves the door wide open with many options to carry this series on. The chemistry between Jordan and Jessie was explosive. You could feel their love flowing off the pages and there was definitely a mystery element that really made you wonder if they would ever find their way back. Add in the family dynamic and it just increases the love I have for this series tenfold.
Hockey is the underlying them, but there isn’t a lot of actual game time. Jordan is hurt and recovering from an ankle injury. With that being said, I really didn’t miss it. And trust me; I rarely say that about hockey, whether it’s fictional or real life. The story was strong enough to keep me engaged in their story and not miss what wasn’t there.
I really hope you give One More Shot a shot of your own. I love it when I find a new author to fall in love with. Denault has earned her a spot on my auto buy list and I can’t wait to read more.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
One More Shot is book one in the Hometown Players series. It is a beautiful romance filled with a little bit of everything to keep the readers engaged, entertained, and hoping for love everlasting.
I was blown away by the writing style of Ms. Denault. It looks like this is her debut novel and debut series and you would never know it. I think a second chance romance is one of the harder styles to write and write well. There needs to be a precise balance between past and present story. She absolutely nailed it. I was given enough of the past to understand what the history was, but it mingled with the current story well and was tangled throughout the book, not simply chapter after chapter of the past. I loved that mix. It kept me engaged and craving to know everything.
The plot line was original and leaves the door wide open with many options to carry this series on. The chemistry between Jordan and Jessie was explosive. You could feel their love flowing off the pages and there was definitely a mystery element that really made you wonder if they would ever find their way back. Add in the family dynamic and it just increases the love I have for this series tenfold.
Hockey is the underlying them, but there isn’t a lot of actual game time. Jordan is hurt and recovering from an ankle injury. With that being said, I really didn’t miss it. And trust me; I rarely say that about hockey, whether it’s fictional or real life. The story was strong enough to keep me engaged in their story and not miss what wasn’t there.
I really hope you give One More Shot a shot of your own. I love it when I find a new author to fall in love with. Denault has earned her a spot on my auto buy list and I can’t wait to read more.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 26, 2015
A well designed story about love, heartbreak, and just how painful it can be to make a bad judgement call. This is my first read by Victoria Denault and it was good enough to keep her on my radar. I loved the hero, downright adored him, but the heroine gave me the urge to smack her with her own book more times than I could count. The writing was good, the story line was pretty good, and the happy ending wrapped everything together to deliver a great gift so my rating is at a shaky 4 stars.
Jordan, Jordan, Jordan . I loved him! He was an all around GOOD guy. He had faults, like most people, but he wasn't malicious or deceitful. He tried many times to fix the situation but outside forces didn't allow for that for over six years. He coped the way he thought would help, lots and lots of sex and indulgence. He was funny, charismatic, charming, passionate, and just all around fun loving. It really isn't hard to like Jordan, but isn't that the point of him being the hero?
Jessie, she is iffy for me. By the end of the middle and end of the book she was okay but during the first 50% I found myself clenching my jaw. She is probably one of the most infuriating female heroines I've run across in a long time. She just kept going around in a circle and couldn't see past her own stupidity. Eventually she worked through it and gave in which allowed for the happy ending. I guess I felt she was a bit weaker than my type of heroine.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this because the banter and passion between Jessie and Jordan was well placed. I even enjoyed the secondary characters, mostly Jordan's siblings, because they all brand something to the table and were pieced effortlessly into the story. I'd like my own hot NFL player, please and thank you.
Jordan, Jordan, Jordan . I loved him! He was an all around GOOD guy. He had faults, like most people, but he wasn't malicious or deceitful. He tried many times to fix the situation but outside forces didn't allow for that for over six years. He coped the way he thought would help, lots and lots of sex and indulgence. He was funny, charismatic, charming, passionate, and just all around fun loving. It really isn't hard to like Jordan, but isn't that the point of him being the hero?
Jessie, she is iffy for me. By the end of the middle and end of the book she was okay but during the first 50% I found myself clenching my jaw. She is probably one of the most infuriating female heroines I've run across in a long time. She just kept going around in a circle and couldn't see past her own stupidity. Eventually she worked through it and gave in which allowed for the happy ending. I guess I felt she was a bit weaker than my type of heroine.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this because the banter and passion between Jessie and Jordan was well placed. I even enjoyed the secondary characters, mostly Jordan's siblings, because they all brand something to the table and were pieced effortlessly into the story. I'd like my own hot NFL player, please and thank you.
December 11, 2020
Okay, I have to be completely honest here: I read this book when it was just a Jordan Staal fanfiction on Mibba and I have no shame.
I had no idea Denault had reformatted and published her fanfiction, so I was SO surprised when I found this book on here and the summary sounded eerily familiar. I kept saying to myself, it can't be the same story, but it is and I truly enjoyed it.
Jessie Caplan and Jordan Garrison grew up with each other in Maine with their brothers and sisters. Jessie and Jordan were best friends with mutual crushes on each other but due to some misunderstandings grew a mutual hatred for years after Jordan was drafted to the NHL and Jessie went to college. Without spoiling it to much, they meet back up and hash it out. After that, you can probably figure out what happens from there.
If you're looking for a cute, well-written hockey romance, this one's a fun one. There's a good mix of sports, romance, and friendship and there are some underlying storylines which Denault expands on in her sequels. I'm really excited to read about Rose and Luc next!
I had no idea Denault had reformatted and published her fanfiction, so I was SO surprised when I found this book on here and the summary sounded eerily familiar. I kept saying to myself, it can't be the same story, but it is and I truly enjoyed it.
Jessie Caplan and Jordan Garrison grew up with each other in Maine with their brothers and sisters. Jessie and Jordan were best friends with mutual crushes on each other but due to some misunderstandings grew a mutual hatred for years after Jordan was drafted to the NHL and Jessie went to college. Without spoiling it to much, they meet back up and hash it out. After that, you can probably figure out what happens from there.
If you're looking for a cute, well-written hockey romance, this one's a fun one. There's a good mix of sports, romance, and friendship and there are some underlying storylines which Denault expands on in her sequels. I'm really excited to read about Rose and Luc next!
September 23, 2016
This was a great second chance, friends to lovers story. One More Shot is the first book in the Hometown Players series. It's angsty and sexy... And I I absolutely adored it!
Jordan and Jessie grew up together, from a young age Jordan looked out for Jessie. Eventually, as teenagers they fell in love, but then decisions are made that jeopardize their relationship.
The years go by and eventually as fate would have it, they have been reunited. Jordan sees this as a second chance and he is bound and determined to make it right! However, he's made quite a reputation for himself and has to overcome the repercussions of that before Jessie will even entertain the thought of getting back together.
I absolutely loved this book, it definitely had all the feels, all the angst and all the hot n' steamy sex that one loves in a romance novel. I am looking forward to continuing on with this series!
Jordan and Jessie grew up together, from a young age Jordan looked out for Jessie. Eventually, as teenagers they fell in love, but then decisions are made that jeopardize their relationship.
The years go by and eventually as fate would have it, they have been reunited. Jordan sees this as a second chance and he is bound and determined to make it right! However, he's made quite a reputation for himself and has to overcome the repercussions of that before Jessie will even entertain the thought of getting back together.
I absolutely loved this book, it definitely had all the feels, all the angst and all the hot n' steamy sex that one loves in a romance novel. I am looking forward to continuing on with this series!
October 5, 2015
Loved it.
Just what I love the most: properly developed storyline; good writing; and characters that you root for.
Did I mention the angst? It was so intense that I wanted Jordan to be real so I can kill him with my bare hands.
I hate manwhores like Jordan but somehow - now matter how atrocious his sins were (think Ross Geller "we were on a break but multiply that by probably a million), Miss Denault managed to make me forgive him.
This is really how you write a second chance romance. You build a a foundation for the romance. You write in a catastrophic conflict. You write a chance encounter years later that builds the fact that no love was lost and the chemistry and sexual tension remains high. And you make the H work for his redemption. HEA = the end.
Just what I love the most: properly developed storyline; good writing; and characters that you root for.
Did I mention the angst? It was so intense that I wanted Jordan to be real so I can kill him with my bare hands.
I hate manwhores like Jordan but somehow - now matter how atrocious his sins were (think Ross Geller "we were on a break but multiply that by probably a million), Miss Denault managed to make me forgive him.
This is really how you write a second chance romance. You build a a foundation for the romance. You write in a catastrophic conflict. You write a chance encounter years later that builds the fact that no love was lost and the chemistry and sexual tension remains high. And you make the H work for his redemption. HEA = the end.
May 22, 2015
What a great story! I read this in one sitting and just couldn't put it down. From the first page I was hooked and just couldn't get enough. Work fell to the wayside as I immersed myself into this story. I admit, I'm a sucker for the second chance at love trope and I felt like Victoria Denault did this story justice. I cared about these characters and their story and I just couldn't get enough.
Looking forward to reading more from Victoria Denault and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Looking forward to reading more from Victoria Denault and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
maybe-later
June 7, 2015I requested this one on NetGalley a while back but after reading several reviews I've decided to shelve it for now... I'm just not in the mood for stupid misunderstandings and angst... Maybe Later!
May 27, 2021
Jordan needed a moment such as in Moonstruck when Cher slaps Nicholas Cage, yelling, ‘snap out it’.
The miscommunication is rampant and too many outside forces that distract taking centre stage.
The miscommunication is rampant and too many outside forces that distract taking centre stage.
May 18, 2022
oh my goshhhh!!!! i found this book by accident at the library, had never heard of it before, had absolutely no idea what it was about, AND IT WAS LITERALLY MY DREAM LIFE?
like i cannot begin to explain how perfect this book is for me. if you know me, you know i’m studying for my bachelors in kin, and that my ultimate DREAM JOB is to work as a physio for a professional hockey team. (and then fall in love with a pro hockey player). IM LOSING MY SHIT OVER THIS!
technically jessie didn’t work for the team, but she was called in to work with a specific player. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? i loved it
the book wasn’t perfectly developed, and the pacing was weird at times. there was way too much slut shaming for my liking, but once you looked past all that, it was pretty good
i think i’m biased just because it’s literally a book about my dream scenario, so like, how could i not love it?
i also finished it in under a day so bonus points for being a quick binge read
like i cannot begin to explain how perfect this book is for me. if you know me, you know i’m studying for my bachelors in kin, and that my ultimate DREAM JOB is to work as a physio for a professional hockey team. (and then fall in love with a pro hockey player). IM LOSING MY SHIT OVER THIS!
technically jessie didn’t work for the team, but she was called in to work with a specific player. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? i loved it
the book wasn’t perfectly developed, and the pacing was weird at times. there was way too much slut shaming for my liking, but once you looked past all that, it was pretty good
i think i’m biased just because it’s literally a book about my dream scenario, so like, how could i not love it?
i also finished it in under a day so bonus points for being a quick binge read
June 26, 2018
I've been into second chance romances lately and One More Shot gave me everything I love about this particular sub-genre. It had drama, so much angst, and a badass heroine.
Jessie and Jordan grew up together as best friends and became something more when they were both 18. Jordan had just gotten drafted and a little miscommunication pretty much ruined their chance of being together. Come six years later and their lives cross paths once again, both of them pissed at each other for past mistakes.
"I'm not the only one who screwed up," I remind her because I've been reminding myself every day for six years. It's that reminder that keeps me from feeling sorry for myself.
"Then I guess you're here to say good-bye." Rose turns and runs back into the bar."
Victoria Denault is a new author to me and I can't wait to jump into the next book in this series!
Jessie and Jordan grew up together as best friends and became something more when they were both 18. Jordan had just gotten drafted and a little miscommunication pretty much ruined their chance of being together. Come six years later and their lives cross paths once again, both of them pissed at each other for past mistakes.
"I'm not the only one who screwed up," I remind her because I've been reminding myself every day for six years. It's that reminder that keeps me from feeling sorry for myself.
"Then I guess you're here to say good-bye." Rose turns and runs back into the bar."
Victoria Denault is a new author to me and I can't wait to jump into the next book in this series!
June 8, 2015
3.5 Stars
I wanted to love this one more. I really, really did. I love sports books, and let's face it - that cover alone could get a person like me to read this book. But, I am a character-driven reader. the plot could be weak, the writing sub-par, but if I love the characters, that stuff doesn't matter much. I need characters I can believe in and rally around in order to enjoy the book. I loved Jordy. He was awesome. But, Jessie, I pretty much hated.
Jordy and Jessie were best friends who, one night, because more than friends. Until a misunderstanding separated them for six years. Now, they've been thrown back together again, and Jordy is determined to not lose this second chance at the one girl he has loved forever. But Jessie won't even give him the time of day. How is he supposed to rebuild his relationship with her if she won't even give him the time of day?
Of all the many romance tropes out there, one of my favorites is the second-chance romance. One of my other favorites is friends-to-lovers. And, One More Shot includes both of these. It should've been a slam dunk. But, here's the problem. There never should've been a second-chance. Jessie saw Jordy do something that looked compromising on television, and instead of allowing him the chance to say anything, much less explain, she left the state for college early.
Jessie spent the number six years hating Jordy for this supposed infraction. They both were miserable since they had also been best friends before getting together. Jordy filled his days with hockey and his nights with woman, and none of it meant anything without her. When they both come back to their hometown for Jessie's grandmother's funeral, Jordy starts trying to rebuild what they had before. Jessie makes it nearly impossible for him, though. She treats him like crap every step of the way. She can't even be civil to him. And she constantly is blasting him for all the women he has slept with over the years.
Okay. First of all, can we say SLUT SHAMING? So what if it's a guy? He wasn't her boyfriend. He didn't owe her any explanation or deserve to feel guilty about any of it. And yet, he was constantly explaining. Constantly feeling bad about it, because that's what Jessie wanted. And, that's just not fair.
But what kills me the most is that all of it could've been prevented if she would've just talked to him as soon as she thought he screwed up. Not to mention the fact that she should've trusted him implicitly. They might've only been together a few days, but they had been BFFs for more than 10 years. That should've counted for something. Instead, she automatically thought the worst of him and then ran away.
Jordy was sweet and sexy and I loved his relationship with his brothers. His gestures to win Jessie back were endearing, and I loved that he loved the game of hockey so much. His brothers were interesting, and Jessie's sister Rose was cool too. Her other sister Callie, however, was just as horrid as Jessie was. She was constantly passing judgement on things she knew nothing about, and she purposely thwarted Jordy's attempts to reconcile with Jessie.
One other thing I did love about this book was that there was so much hockey in it! So many times in sports books, the sport is pushed aside to make room for the romance. Not so here. I'm not a hockey fan, but this book made me wish I was.
Despite my problems with Jessie, I thought the writing was good and the plot moved along. It was told in dual POV, which I love. And, I was enough in love with the peripheral characters that I do think I'll read the next book in this series. It's about Jordy's BFF Luc and Jessie's sister Rose. You could tell there was something there between them, but you didn't know what, exactly. I'm anxious to find out. And, since I loved both these characters in One More Shot, I'm willing to give this series... one more shot.
I wanted to love this one more. I really, really did. I love sports books, and let's face it - that cover alone could get a person like me to read this book. But, I am a character-driven reader. the plot could be weak, the writing sub-par, but if I love the characters, that stuff doesn't matter much. I need characters I can believe in and rally around in order to enjoy the book. I loved Jordy. He was awesome. But, Jessie, I pretty much hated.
Jordy and Jessie were best friends who, one night, because more than friends. Until a misunderstanding separated them for six years. Now, they've been thrown back together again, and Jordy is determined to not lose this second chance at the one girl he has loved forever. But Jessie won't even give him the time of day. How is he supposed to rebuild his relationship with her if she won't even give him the time of day?
Of all the many romance tropes out there, one of my favorites is the second-chance romance. One of my other favorites is friends-to-lovers. And, One More Shot includes both of these. It should've been a slam dunk. But, here's the problem. There never should've been a second-chance. Jessie saw Jordy do something that looked compromising on television, and instead of allowing him the chance to say anything, much less explain, she left the state for college early.
Jessie spent the number six years hating Jordy for this supposed infraction. They both were miserable since they had also been best friends before getting together. Jordy filled his days with hockey and his nights with woman, and none of it meant anything without her. When they both come back to their hometown for Jessie's grandmother's funeral, Jordy starts trying to rebuild what they had before. Jessie makes it nearly impossible for him, though. She treats him like crap every step of the way. She can't even be civil to him. And she constantly is blasting him for all the women he has slept with over the years.
Okay. First of all, can we say SLUT SHAMING? So what if it's a guy? He wasn't her boyfriend. He didn't owe her any explanation or deserve to feel guilty about any of it. And yet, he was constantly explaining. Constantly feeling bad about it, because that's what Jessie wanted. And, that's just not fair.
But what kills me the most is that all of it could've been prevented if she would've just talked to him as soon as she thought he screwed up. Not to mention the fact that she should've trusted him implicitly. They might've only been together a few days, but they had been BFFs for more than 10 years. That should've counted for something. Instead, she automatically thought the worst of him and then ran away.
Jordy was sweet and sexy and I loved his relationship with his brothers. His gestures to win Jessie back were endearing, and I loved that he loved the game of hockey so much. His brothers were interesting, and Jessie's sister Rose was cool too. Her other sister Callie, however, was just as horrid as Jessie was. She was constantly passing judgement on things she knew nothing about, and she purposely thwarted Jordy's attempts to reconcile with Jessie.
One other thing I did love about this book was that there was so much hockey in it! So many times in sports books, the sport is pushed aside to make room for the romance. Not so here. I'm not a hockey fan, but this book made me wish I was.
Despite my problems with Jessie, I thought the writing was good and the plot moved along. It was told in dual POV, which I love. And, I was enough in love with the peripheral characters that I do think I'll read the next book in this series. It's about Jordy's BFF Luc and Jessie's sister Rose. You could tell there was something there between them, but you didn't know what, exactly. I'm anxious to find out. And, since I loved both these characters in One More Shot, I'm willing to give this series... one more shot.
June 1, 2015
2.5 More assumptions and miscommunications
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Forever via NetGalley
Well this is a debut author and it was pretty good but unfortunately for me it was another book filled with ... loads of assumptions and miscommunications. As you all know of late that this theme is driving me batty because it's been overdone.
I let the the first round of assumptions and miscommunications go because they were young and stupid at the time but now 6 years later and they are still making the same mistakes that I was getting frustrated just wanting them to pull up their big boy and girl pants and move on and grow up.
Jordan and Jessie have been best friends since they were 8 years old. Once they started to blossom they became more and more attracted to one another but didn't say anything. At this time they were dating other people. Now at 18 Jordan finally makes his move and tells her how he feels but then a gong show of things happen causing Jessie to run instead of confront or talking to Jordan. Because they are both young they don't actually confront the issue and now 6 years later they are forced to deal with their past, present and possible future.
To get a background on these two it was done doing flashbacks. I have to admit that sometimes I'm cool with flashbacks and other times they grow tiresome. In this book for me they were unfortunately tiresome. I just wanted to be done with their past and for them to both realize that they BOTH made mistakes and instead of nursing hurt feelings that could have been avoided if they actually talked to one another.
After another series of events of more assumptions, miscommunications and running. Jessie finally clues in and does the unthinkable and actually stays put and communicates *gasp*
~ I'm not runny away this time~ (fucking finally)
After the talk these two finally get their heads out of their asses they try to make a relationship work for them. During their ups and downs we get to see a bit more from his friends and family gearing up for other books in the series.
Sports Romances are another guilty pleasure of mine and I was looking for something new and hoping that this would fit the bill but it didn't at this time, but this series does have potential and I will most likely read the next one to see if it can live up to its potential. In the end it was cute but predictable and too similar to other themes in this genre.
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March 5, 2023
This took me on an unexpected rollercoaster of emotions that I soooooo wasn’t expecting.
I thought it would be more cliche than it was but I’m pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t. I do have a few things I disliked though:
1. Callie. Good Lord I wanted to slap her so bad and so many points you have no idea. Like okay I get it, you’re personality is “a firecracker” but there’s a difference between that and being a total jerk. Like I get you want to protect your sister and would do anything for them but seriously LAY OFF. I stand by the fact that she should have gave Jessie Jordan’s number and not use the excuse of “well you didn’t ask for it” and “I didn’t have to worry about you after a year”. Again, I get it and wanting to protect your family because I’m the same way. But it’s not your decision, it’s hers. Plus the way she acted towards Jordan irritated me which brings me to my next point.
2. The families blaming Jordan and low key disregarding his feelings. Okay, Jordan screwed up royally, he knows it because not only he can’t forgot it but EVERYONE KEEPS REMINDING HIM. And he tried to talk with Jessie and explain, but she wouldn’t listen. And he tried again but Callie interfered. So he slept around to fill the void. Was it the best coping mechanism? Hell no. But no one, not even his family, thought to ask him “hey why are you doing this, are you okay?” They just all blamed him for what happened, forgetting that he actually tried to explain things and Jessie ran away and refused to listen. And Callie wouldn’t let him explain things to her, despite EVERYONE KNOWING HE LOVES JESSIE AND NEVER STOPPED. I’m on Jordan’s side for this one, he screwed up and owns up to it but no one ever took his back in this situation and I his hurt and frustration with them is understandable. I’m excluding Rosie in this because she knows that Jordan feels terrible and still loves Jessie. I don’t think she is naive, rather gets it.
3. Kinda Jessie. It wasn’t until the last part of the book that she truly realized how much running away and not listening really, truly destroyed Jordan. She never really acknowledged what she did until the end but even then it felt very fleeting. Like “oh wow I really hurt the man that I love” and that was really it. I get that she went through a serious rollercoaster but he did too, and everyone disregarded (see above point). I love though when Rosie and Callie (the only part of the book I actually liked her) told Jessie to get it together and tell Jordan that she loves him. Basically to pull her head out of her butt. Which was needed. I don’t fully hate her, just some qualities about her.
Aside from those points, I really did enjoy it. I liked the fact the two had to seriously fight both each other and themselves in order to get back together. I also LOVED Jordan’s last move with Jessie, basically laying it all out in his speech. Maybe a little cliche but you can really feel the pain he felt. And not just in that moment but other parts of the book.
Overall, I recommend it. I haven’t checked if there are other books in this series but I want one on Rosie and Luc or just really Rosie. She’s a sweetheart and deserves all the love.
Small edit: can we please stop having shirtless men on book covers and make them more interesting?? It getting repetitive.
I thought it would be more cliche than it was but I’m pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t. I do have a few things I disliked though:
1. Callie. Good Lord I wanted to slap her so bad and so many points you have no idea. Like okay I get it, you’re personality is “a firecracker” but there’s a difference between that and being a total jerk. Like I get you want to protect your sister and would do anything for them but seriously LAY OFF. I stand by the fact that she should have gave Jessie Jordan’s number and not use the excuse of “well you didn’t ask for it” and “I didn’t have to worry about you after a year”. Again, I get it and wanting to protect your family because I’m the same way. But it’s not your decision, it’s hers. Plus the way she acted towards Jordan irritated me which brings me to my next point.
2. The families blaming Jordan and low key disregarding his feelings. Okay, Jordan screwed up royally, he knows it because not only he can’t forgot it but EVERYONE KEEPS REMINDING HIM. And he tried to talk with Jessie and explain, but she wouldn’t listen. And he tried again but Callie interfered. So he slept around to fill the void. Was it the best coping mechanism? Hell no. But no one, not even his family, thought to ask him “hey why are you doing this, are you okay?” They just all blamed him for what happened, forgetting that he actually tried to explain things and Jessie ran away and refused to listen. And Callie wouldn’t let him explain things to her, despite EVERYONE KNOWING HE LOVES JESSIE AND NEVER STOPPED. I’m on Jordan’s side for this one, he screwed up and owns up to it but no one ever took his back in this situation and I his hurt and frustration with them is understandable. I’m excluding Rosie in this because she knows that Jordan feels terrible and still loves Jessie. I don’t think she is naive, rather gets it.
3. Kinda Jessie. It wasn’t until the last part of the book that she truly realized how much running away and not listening really, truly destroyed Jordan. She never really acknowledged what she did until the end but even then it felt very fleeting. Like “oh wow I really hurt the man that I love” and that was really it. I get that she went through a serious rollercoaster but he did too, and everyone disregarded (see above point). I love though when Rosie and Callie (the only part of the book I actually liked her) told Jessie to get it together and tell Jordan that she loves him. Basically to pull her head out of her butt. Which was needed. I don’t fully hate her, just some qualities about her.
Aside from those points, I really did enjoy it. I liked the fact the two had to seriously fight both each other and themselves in order to get back together. I also LOVED Jordan’s last move with Jessie, basically laying it all out in his speech. Maybe a little cliche but you can really feel the pain he felt. And not just in that moment but other parts of the book.
Overall, I recommend it. I haven’t checked if there are other books in this series but I want one on Rosie and Luc or just really Rosie. She’s a sweetheart and deserves all the love.
Small edit: can we please stop having shirtless men on book covers and make them more interesting?? It getting repetitive.
September 28, 2015
Oh my God this book. I had to stop at about 60% through the book because my blood pressure couldn't take it anymore.
This is the story of one self involved, righteous, non-reflecting, self-victimizing, deaf, stupid poor little girl and a a guy who gets constantly shit on for not doing enough when he is basically doing EVERYTHING! Jessie hates and despises Jordan because of the classic and cliche romance trope of 'when we were young and in love I misconstrued something, blamed you and ran away, never to talk to you again'. So Jordon turns into a drunken manwhore and it was really tragic.
(side note)I really felt his friends were assholes because it seriously sounds like Jordan has a drinking/depression problem and very little to live for. If he had decided to commit suicide in this novel I wouldn't have been surprised because he gets reamed constantly by all his family and friends about his treatment of the martyr that is Jessie, poor, sweet, abused Jessie *rolls eyes*.
Anyways back to the plot! Then Jessie's grandmother dies and so Jessie and her sisters return for the funeral and Jordan does too and the hair pulling, frustrating drama begins. The whole book in a nut shell is this:
Jordan: Jessie, about that night-
Jessie: No, I don't want to hear it because you are an asshole for what you did to me. The 'insert thing he did here' was heinous
Jordan(confused): But...I didn't do that, I was apologising for-
"Insert annoying character who interrupts important conversation": hey Guys!
End Scene
After the third time this happened I was about to throw my kindle against the wall. Basically the whole book is Jordan trying to explain that he isn't an asshole and didn't do what she thinks he did and her being a complete bitch about the whole thing and not listening. At about 30% of the way through I really started praying that Jordan would meet some nice, lovely, amazing woman so he could get over Jessie I hated her that much. When the stupid pattern of people telling Jordan he was an ass-hat and could not possible be worthy of the miraculous Jessie, I had had enough and stopped reading.
This is the story of one self involved, righteous, non-reflecting, self-victimizing, deaf, stupid poor little girl and a a guy who gets constantly shit on for not doing enough when he is basically doing EVERYTHING! Jessie hates and despises Jordan because of the classic and cliche romance trope of 'when we were young and in love I misconstrued something, blamed you and ran away, never to talk to you again'. So Jordon turns into a drunken manwhore and it was really tragic.
(side note)I really felt his friends were assholes because it seriously sounds like Jordan has a drinking/depression problem and very little to live for. If he had decided to commit suicide in this novel I wouldn't have been surprised because he gets reamed constantly by all his family and friends about his treatment of the martyr that is Jessie, poor, sweet, abused Jessie *rolls eyes*.
Anyways back to the plot! Then Jessie's grandmother dies and so Jessie and her sisters return for the funeral and Jordan does too and the hair pulling, frustrating drama begins. The whole book in a nut shell is this:
Jordan: Jessie, about that night-
Jessie: No, I don't want to hear it because you are an asshole for what you did to me. The 'insert thing he did here' was heinous
Jordan(confused): But...I didn't do that, I was apologising for-
"Insert annoying character who interrupts important conversation": hey Guys!
End Scene
After the third time this happened I was about to throw my kindle against the wall. Basically the whole book is Jordan trying to explain that he isn't an asshole and didn't do what she thinks he did and her being a complete bitch about the whole thing and not listening. At about 30% of the way through I really started praying that Jordan would meet some nice, lovely, amazing woman so he could get over Jessie I hated her that much. When the stupid pattern of people telling Jordan he was an ass-hat and could not possible be worthy of the miraculous Jessie, I had had enough and stopped reading.
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