Hard to Get

by Kelly Jamieson

A BRAND NEW spicy romance from USA Today Bestseller Kelly Jamieson Praise for Kelly

'No one does hockey romance like Kelly Jamieson!' Kate Meader

'If you’re a fan of Rachel Reid or Elle Kennedy, then you’ll definitely enjoy this book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy! I devoured this in one day' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I couldn’t put this book down! It was so good! I laughed, I cried. Can’t wait to read more from this author! yall will NOT want to miss this! Kelly absolutely outdid herself on this one 😍' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

304 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 25, 2026

About the author

Kelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over 70 romance novels and novellas. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex,” “sweet and satisfying,” and “blisteringly sexy.” She likes black coffee, white wine and high heels…and of course cheering on her Winnipeg Jets during hockey season! She loves hearing from readers, so please visit her website at www.kellyjamieson.com.

Reviews

[Eileen Cassells]

Kelly Jamieson knows how to write a spicy sports romance! I throughly enjoyed the Jersey storm series and this is no different.

From the get go my favourite character was Jayden, he is so genuinely kind and seems like good fun. Completely opposite to Stella who is serious, driven and loves her single life.

From the start of the book I felt a connection between Stella and Jayden and it felt so honest which drew me in instantly. I loved that through the dual POV it’s clear that both characters are caught up in similar kind of turmoil over their feelings for each other and it really made me smile. Kelly gave each character a strong side as well as a different vulnerable element to their past, I think it was written in a way that highlighted those vulnerabilities which was powerful but also allowed them to grow both as individuals and as friends.

Despite their opposite personalities, they had a lot in common and spending time together came naturally too them, as did the attraction.

Can I also just say….Betty and Frank are ADORABLE 😍.

This was such a fun, spicy romance and I loved the nerdy / stats side of Stella. Strong FMC’s who are intelligent and make the MMC admire them for it are a rarity and it was great.

[Simone | simonesbookshelf]

⭐ Rating: 3.75 Stars.

✨ The Vibe
A cute, cozy hockey romance with an adorable dog-park meeting, a slightly older FMC, plenty of chemistry, and two pugs who honestly deserve some credit for making this relationship happen. 😂

📚 What the Book Is About (No Spoilers)
Stella has built a life she loves and has no interest in letting a relationship complicate it. She has her own successful business, great friends, a beautiful home, and Betty, her very spoiled pug.

Then she meets Jayden, a professional hockey player, when their dogs get their leashes tangled at the park (hypothetically speaking). What starts as a cute encounter quickly turns into something more when they keep running into each other around the city. Jayden is convinced it's fate, while Stella is determined to keep him at arm's length.

🖤 My Reading Experience
I really liked Stella and Jayden from the beginning, and their meeting at the dog park was absolutely adorable. They both have pugs, so Betty and Frank definitely deserve some credit for bringing these two together. 😂 In fact, they may have been my favorite duo in the entire book.

I also really enjoyed the age gap between Stella and Jayden, with Stella being five years older. I appreciated that it wasn't treated like some huge obstacle or source of unnecessary drama. Jayden is "only" 25, but he's already been playing professional hockey for several years, and he's actually really mature.

The hockey storyline was another highlight for me. I liked getting a glimpse into a team that isn't exactly having its best season rather than following the usual "star player on the most successful team" storyline. It gave the hockey side of the book a little more depth and also created some interesting possibilities for the rest of the series.

I particularly liked Stella's knowledge of hockey statistics. It was a fun way to incorporate her intelligence and career into the story, rather than having hockey exist purely as Jayden's world. Their lives felt like they had their own identities outside of the romance, which I appreciated.

I also thought the overall concept was refreshing. Stella is older, successful, independent, and very clear about the life she's built for herself, while Jayden never felt immature simply because he was younger. I liked their dynamic and found the story easy to get into.

💭 What Didn't Fully Work for Me
The ending felt a little abrupt for me. Some of the issues that had been building throughout the story were resolved quite quickly, and I would've liked a little more time to actually experience those resolutions with Stella and Jayden rather than having everything wrap up so quickly.

It didn't ruin the reading experience for me, but I definitely finished the book wishing I had a little more time with them toward the end.

🔥 Tropes & Elements
- Hockey romance
- Age gap with an older FMC
- Meet-cute
- Friends-to-lovers vibes
- Professional athlete
- Dog parents
- Cozy romance

💔 Emotional Impact
This was definitely more of a lighthearted, feel-good romance for me than an emotionally intense one, and I think that's exactly where it works best. I enjoyed watching Stella slowly let Jayden into the life she'd carefully built for herself, while Jayden was refreshingly confident about what he wanted.

And honestly, Betty and Frank were doing half the emotional work anyway. 😂❤️

🫶 Final Thoughts
Overall, I really enjoyed Hard to Get. It has a strong premise, likeable main characters, an interesting hockey storyline, and enough romance and cozy moments to make it an easy, enjoyable read.

I especially appreciated the age-gap dynamic and the fact that Stella being older didn't turn into unnecessary drama. I also loved seeing her bring her own knowledge and intelligence into the hockey storyline.

The ending could have been given a little more room to breathe, but otherwise this was a fun and cozy hockey romance that kept me engaged throughout. And obviously, Betty and Frank remain the true stars of the book. 😂

📢 Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Tanisha]

After reading two books from Kelly Jamieson's "New Jersey Storm" series, I couldn't wait to see what she had planned next. This is the first book in her new Vancouver series, and I really enjoyed being introduced to this new group of characters. I liked Stella and Jayden right away, especially their adorable meet cute at the dog park. They both have pugs, so I feel like Betty and Frank deserve at least some credit for bringing these two together! As a bit of a "math nerd" myself, I also loved having a FMC who genuinely enjoys statistics. Give me romance and data, and apparently I am very easy to please.

I also enjoyed the age gap between Stella and Jayden, with Stella being five years older. It isn't made into a huge issue, which I appreciated. It did, however, put into perspective just how young many hockey players are when they go pro. Jayden is only 25 but has already spent several years in the league. I also liked seeing a different side of professional hockey through a team that isn't exactly having its best season. That storyline gives the series somewhere interesting to go in future books.

Stella was definitely the one I wanted to shake a few times. 😂 Her family history has had a major impact on the way she views love and relationships, and she is determined not to repeat some of the patterns she grew up watching. I could understand why she had built those walls, even when I wanted her to get out of her own way. Jayden, meanwhile, was very easy to root for, and I loved watching him slowly challenge some of Stella's ideas about relationships without trying to change who she was.

Overall, I really enjoyed Stella and Jayden's story. Between the hockey, the stats, the age gap, and two scene-stealing pugs, there was a lot here that worked for me. Their relationship was fun to follow, and I liked that there are still some things left unresolved within the larger hockey world. This was a great start to the Vancouver series, and I am already looking forward to seeing which characters we get to know next.

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

[Ilaria]

Hard to Get was such a sweet and lighthearted hockey romance! It was exactly the kind of book I was in the mood for: an easy, cozy read with plenty of romance, chemistry, and just the right amount of spice.

Jayden was definitely one of my favorite parts of the story. He is the definition of a golden retriever MMC: sweet, caring, affectionate, and absolutely adorable. I really enjoyed watching him fall for Stella, especially because he definitely falls first and harder. His feelings for her were so genuine and sweet, and he was just impossible not to love.

I have to admit that I struggled a little to connect with Stella at first. However, as the story progressed, I started to understand her personality much better and, more importantly, the experiences that had shaped her. I really appreciated getting to see the reasons behind some of her choices and the way she approached relationships.

I also really liked that Stella was portrayed as a strong and independent woman who knows that she doesn't need a man to feel complete. A relationship is something that can enrich her life, not something she needs in order to have a fulfilling one. I thought this was a lovely aspect of her character and something that made her relationship with Jayden even more enjoyable to read.

The romance was definitely a highlight for me. There was plenty of chemistry between Stella and Jayden, and I thought the amount of spice was just right for the story. The intimate scenes were well written and balanced nicely with the sweeter and more romantic moments.

Kelly Jamieson's writing was another positive for me. Her style is smooth and easy to follow, which made the book flow really well and made it an enjoyable, relaxing read.

Overall, I really enjoyed Hard to Get. It's a sweet, feel-good hockey romance that I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a lighthearted story with a lovable golden retriever MMC who falls first and harder, plenty of romance and spice, and a strong, independent FMC who knows exactly who she is.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Kelly Jamieson for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Seershhhhh]

This was a quick easy read, I flew through it.
I instantly liked their banter and chemistry. They kept bumping into each other and their attraction grew. They met at a dog park. I loved the dogs, two main characters with dogs and dogs who love each other at that!

They start seeing each other, she says it’s casual, he agrees. They basically start acting like a couple, just without saying it. They both fell for each other, Jayden fell harder. It took Stella a little bit longer to realise her own actual feelings. I liked both the main characters, mostly. The FMC, Stella was a bit annoying at times. I got the thought process behind it all but it just didn’t work for me. I felt someone who had the experiences she had, would be more aware. I liked that she had her own business and was independent. She needs to work on her communication skills, STAT.

The author doesn’t say it explicitly, but you can come to your own conclusion about the situation Jayden confides in Stella about. My heart broke for him. He goes and speaks at events for kids, and he’s trying to actively bring change. Weed out the disgusting toxic behaviour. Let them know it’s okay to not be okay, that it’s okay to talk about feelings, and to speak out when things are inappropriate/ uncomfortable.

I would’ve loved if we got to see on page Jayden and his teammates talking out their issues. Especially now. It is 2026 and I wonder if things are going backwards instead of forwards. Just this year alone, particularly in Canada, there’s been several cases involving hockey players for sexual assault, and other forms of abuse.


I read the authors previous book, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Kelly Jamieson for providing an advanced readers copy in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.

[Lowri Jones]

Hard to Get was an enjoyable hockey romance with plenty of the tropes you’d expect from the genre, including a reverse age gap, a strong, independent FMC and a seriously sweet, cinnamon-roll MMC.

I liked Stella the FMC as a character. She’s successful, confident and very much has the attitude that she doesn’t need a man to complete her life, which I always enjoy seeing in a romance. I also loved that she works in STEM as a statistician/data analyst. I actually would have liked to see more of this side of her career. Jayden was easy to like. He’s a cinnamon-roll hero, and I enjoyed the contrast between his softer personality and the fact that he’s a professional hockey player.

Ultimately, this was an okay read for me. I’ve read a lot of hockey romance, so I think I’m at the point where I need something that feels a little different to really stand out. The tropes here were enjoyable, but familiar.

I also found some of the teammates and secondary characters a little difficult to keep straight. As this is the first book in the Vancouver series, I wonder if some of that is intentional world-building for future books. I’d definitely be interested to see where the series goes and whether some of these characters get their own stories.

Overall, a fun and easy hockey romance with a great independent heroine and a likeable hero. It just didn’t quite have enough that felt new to me to push it beyond three stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Kelly Jamieson for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mallory Dean]

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Unfortunately, I DNF'd this book after being 35% in but I think that was because I did not immediately bond with the writing style. This is a very cute, quick rom-com packed with Disney movie meet-cutes (did I mention they meet when their dogs find each other in the dog park??? Somebody cue the 101 Dalmatians song). I think right now I am just looking for more from the characters as individuals. For instance, I wanted more information on the FMC's friends and it seemed like she just said "I was out to dinner with so and so" and I was just looking for more from the characters. I thought there was some incredible depth to be had in these characters and I was not receiving that at the level I had hoped for. Even a few chapters of the characters by themselves in the beginning where I can bond more with them as people would help me feel a little more connected to this book. This book is a great epitome of a quick, light, sports romance with a man who is clearly down bad for a woman who is probably way out of his league but we love it. Just because it is not what I am looking for right now, doesn't mean I don't think that other people will appreciate the levity, banter, and easy story telling demonstrated by the author.

[Rachael Pickering]

I fell in love with Kelly Jamieson's books with her New Jersey Strom series (if you haven't read them you really really really neeed to!) So when a new one popped up I knew I had to read this one as well.

If you're a fan of spice and hockey and romance twists then these books are for you.

They're a light and easy read - if you're more of a romance reader then I'd just advise a little caution that it is pretty spicy!

For me this was a solid 4 - whereas the Jersey Storm were a good 5 from me.

The story is sweet and the characters are alright (love the dogs!) and the plot is pretty predictable - but in a comforting, this is why I was here to read it vibe.

The only slight downside is that the other series made me absolutely sob with the backstory for the characters that I was truly drawn into them. There was always another level to the romance / spice / hockey / abs nature to the plot which I really loved.

This one - just didn't quite hit the mark as much as the others did, so I didn't quite feel the same pull to the characters that the other books had brought out in me.

It's going to be a solid recommendation to my book group though and I think a lot of readers will enjoy this one.

4/5

[Mags]

Hard To Get
4⭐️

Kelly Jamieson sure knows how to write hockey romance, and she proves it once again with Hard to Get. This book is a light, engaging, and incredibly easy-to-read contemporary sports romance that hits so many right notes. What I loved most was the fantastic blend of tropes and dynamics. The meet-cute involving a dog absolutely stole my heart right from the beginning. Jamieson strikes the perfect balance here between emotional pining and lighthearted laughter, anchored by deeply likeable characters. Speaking of the characters, Jayden is an absolute standout. He is the ultimate "green flag" hockey player—sweet, supportive, and just completely charming. The only reason this isn't a full 5-star read for me is that it didn't quite have the addictive, unputdownable pull of the Jersey Storm series. While it's a stellar romance, it lacked a tiny bit of the intensity that made me fall so hard for her previous books. Overall, if you are looking for a feel-good, low-angst hockey romance with great banter and an adorable pup, I highly recommend picking this one up!

My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️

[Jen Lindsey]

Jayden is the definition of a boy down bad for his girl! The initial attraction, pining, and lengths he will go to! Plus, their dogs are part of their meet-cute and have just as strong of a connection?!

Stella is a data analysist which uses her powers to help hockey teams better their players and wining percentages. Remorse over turning down Jayden, she gets her second chance while helping his hockey team. Jayden's hockey team is struggling on the ice, but off the ice, he is romancing Stella and breaking down her barriers against love and relationships. The jokes and humor are unmatched, and Jayden is just such a wonderful human being, trying to right the wrongs in his past and all green flags. Stella has the best of friends, and thankfully has them to turn to when the third act conflict hits, and she questions her motives.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the arc of Hard to Get in exchange for an honest review. I am excited to read more books by this author as this had all the wonderful aspects in a sports romance. Emotional depth, fantastic characters, laughs and a great love story with just the right amount of pining and spice!

[Caroll-Ann]

📖 Hard To Get by Kelly Jamieson

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3,5 stars

I received an ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley, and I requested it because I already knew the chances of me enjoying a hockey romance were pretty high. And honestly, it did not disappoint!

Hard to Get follows Jayden and Stella as their lives and undeniable chemistry collide, bringing together a hockey player and a woman who definitely isn’t looking for an uncomplicated romance. What starts as something that should be easy quickly becomes a lot more complicated as feelings get involved.

I really loved Jayden and Stella’s chemistry and enjoyed their story overall. That being said, I have to admit that I liked Jayden a little more than Stella. I just wish we had gotten a bit more of their backstory, especially Jayden’s. There are hints about some of the things he has been through, but I would have loved to actually explore them more and understand him on a deeper level.

Still, I was absolutely rooting for them and really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. If you’re looking for a fun hockey romance with great chemistry, this one is definitely worth checking out!

[Donna]

Stella Brooks and Jayden Wood meet at a dog park with their pugs Betty and Frank who look alike. He asks her out but she turns him down then regrets it.

Stella is the owner of Vantix, a data technology company that is launching a tracking system to be used by the Vancouver Orcas, a team that is struggling both on and off the ice. The same team that Jayden plays for.

Jayden and Stella keep running into each other at different places, he calls it fate. He is not one to give up and soon they start dating, he's slowly breaking down her barriers and she sees what a nice guy he actually is. She just wants to have fun and be casual but he's getting serious.
Will she back away?

4 stars
I loved Frank & Betty! Also how sweet and caring Jayden was and wasn't afraid to show that side.
I do wish there was an epilogue. I would have liked to see what happened to them down the line.

[Tami Fidler]

Fantastic! This was a book full of open and honest communication between the characters. A book full of acceptance of each character's ideas, thoughts, and activities. I thoroughly enjoyed how open this story was about shining a light on the often toxic behaviors of men and athletes, as well as the power of a woman recognizing her own worth. However, as much as I enjoyed all of that, I would have liked to see a little more of the relationship between Jaydon and Stella. Their story, although told from their perspective, also seemed to be kind of told from a distance. None of that detracted from how much I liked this book, and it did not detract from how eager I will be to read it again. This was a well-written story, with exciting and entertaining characters. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more in this series. Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

[Sara Oxton]

A perfect hockey romance that has more than just ice to it. This was a delight to read, I love how Stella is so powerful in herself, she isn’t your usual puck bunny just there to be pretty and attractive, she has a head for stats and she helps make Jayden a better player because of them, she is a powerhouse in her own right, he may be the big player on the ice, but she is off it. But that’s not what I loved most about the story, it was how Jayden had his own struggles with the toxic culture in professional hockey and shone a light on how they are trying to get it sorted and not just brush it under the carpet, and pretend it doesn’t exist as it’s a romance, I love how it was shown and shown how to deal with it. I also loved how real the romance between Stella and Jayden felt, it wasn’t just all fluttery eyes and candles, so it was a delight to read. I must say a special mention to Betty and Frank, couple goals all the way.

[Marybeth]

4.5 stars for this feel good sweet and spicy romance. Another new hockey series by Kelly Jamieson? Yes, please.
The meet cute between Jayden and Stella at the dog park with their two pugs, Frank and Betty, was just adorable. I immediately liked both of them but especially Jayden with his easy going personality.
I enjoyed the way they just kept meeting up at first before Stella actually agreed to go out with him. They definitely have chemistry. And their dogs definitely help things along.
She is only slightly older and a very serious career driven person. He is also career driven as a professional hockey player and well respected by his teammates showing a maturity beyond his age.
Their story is fun, sweet, and spicy and I love them together! Turns out the nerdy girl can get the jock as Jayden definitely falls first!
I really enjoyed this book! Can’t wait for more in this new series!

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Chapters After Chaos]

*Hard to Get* gave me a strong, independent businesswoman, an incredibly sweet hockey player, adorable dogs, slow-burn chemistry, emotional growth, and satisfying spice.

I loved Stella’s strength and ambition, even when her fear of relationships made me want to reach into the book and shake her. Then there is Jayden, who is funny, supportive, thoughtful, and basically covered in green flags. He respects Stella’s independence, listens to her, and makes her feel safe without expecting her to change who she is. This man is pure boyfriend material!

The story beautifully shows that a woman can be independent and still choose love. The ending was emotional, precious, and exactly what I needed. If you enjoy hockey romance, strong heroines, spicy chemistry, and genuinely good men, add this one to your reading list.

Jayden has officially earned a place in my Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame! 🏒❤️

[Shaina Hayes]

Huge thank you to Boldwood, Kelly Jamieson, and NetGalley for this ARC:)

This is not the first I've read by Kelly Jamieson and it definitely will not be the last. I'd read allllll the sports romance she can throw my way.
While this story is short, I feel that it is well paced and it just feels complete. Not once while reading did I feel unsatisfied with the story or the writing. I love how much of the sport is left into her writing as well and how it still contributes to the overall story. I also love that we are not dealing with college age (as a 30 year old woman myself) and that it doesn't feel "too young" for me to connect with the characters and the fact that these two characters have busy, full lives outside of their relationship. It definitely makes everything feel more realistic for me as a reader.
The spice is absolutely *chefs kiss* and does not, in any way, take away from or take over the storyline.

[ladyintrovert21]

This is only my second book by Kelly Jamieson, and I really enjoyed it! Her writing style is easy to read and the story was very relatable.

I really liked Stella and Jayden. They’re so different from each other, but the chemistry between them was so good. I enjoyed watching Jayden slowly break through Stella’s walls while she was trying to keep things casual. And Betty and Frank,I loved having the dogs in the story, especially how they helped bring Stella and Jayden together.

I also liked seeing Stella slowly open up and getting to see Jayden’s softer side. There was romance, humor, chemistry, and some spice….pretty much everything I wanted in a fun hockey romance.

And Jayden… yep, definitely my new book boyfriend ☺️

Overall, this was such a fun read and I’ll definitely be picking up more of Kelly Jamieson’s books.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the ARC.

[Wendy Sinclair]

Hard to Get is the latest hockey romance by Kelly Jamieson perhaps the first in the new series. Stella is a successful business owner who has taken a contract with the local hockey team to provide analytics tools. Hayden is a defenseman on that team. The two have a meet cute at a dog park before they know any of this and seemingly fate keeps bringing them together. Stella does not want anything serious after watching her mother get hurt over and over again in love. Jayden figures out pretty quickly that Stella is worth the effort. This is such a sweet story. A reverse minor age gap both characters are likeable and relatable. For those who have read many Kelly Jamieson series the new coach is a beloved character from a previous series which I was not expecting but loved. Thank you to Boldwood books for the advanced reader copy.

[cakecoffeeandbooks]

Stella and Jayden’s meet cute (via their almost identical dogs Betty and Frank!) is very cute, and watching them get to know each other more and start dating was very sweet. Jayden is a hockey player who is also a walking green flag, but Stella has been burned by a past relationship and her mom’s string of bad relationships so isn’t looking for love or anything serious. Despite admitting how much of a green flag Jayden is, she still can’t see past her insecurities and wants to keep things casual, even when it’s clear feelings are getting stronger.

I found Stella a bit frustrating, and was a little lost with the in depth statistics info to be honest, but I enjoyed watching Jayden show her how a relationship should be and how he could make her life better just by being part of it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Marlene]

Hard to get is a sweet romance and a bit salty romance
Stella, a very successful businesswoman who built her company from the ground up using an idea she had back in high school. She is confident, hardworking, and independent, and she has created a successful life for herself.

Jayden is a hockey player who has been playing since he was young. After years of hard work, he has made it onto a team that is currently having a few issues. Even though hockey is an important part of his life, everything changes when he unexpectedly meets Stella.

One random day, Stella and Jayden meet at a dog park when their dogs seem to fall for each other. It doesn't take long for their owners to start falling for each other too. What begins as a cute and unexpected meeting between their dogs soon turns into something much more.

I really enjoyed the way their relationship develops. The story has a fun mix of romance, hockey, and adorable dogs, which makes it an entertaining and easy read. The characters have great chemistry, and it is especially fun watching Jayden fall for Stella.

Overall, this is a sweet and heartwarming romance that is perfect for anyone who enjoys hockey romances, slow-burn relationships, and stories with adorable pets.

[Erica]

I absolutely loved everything about “Hard to Get”. I love a Cinnamon Roll MMC and Jayden was just perfect and swoon worthy. The dogs stole the show for em though. Frank and Betty became quick besties and I loved those little pugs.❤️

Stella Brooks runs a big tech company. She has an adorable dog named Betty. Jayden Wood is Defenseman with the cutest little pug dog, Frank. Stella and Jayden keep meeting in a serendipitous way. Some may say it is fate. Stella has convinced herself she doesn’t need a man or relationship. She is happy with her life, job, friends and dog. She doesn’t want to become her mother. Jayden keeps showing up for her and the sparks between them are undeniable. Even their dogs love each other. ❤️

Tropes:
-Hockey Romance
-Canadian Team
-Brains VS Braun
-No Strings Fling
-Reverse Age Gap
-Cinnamon Roll MMC

[Kelly]

I love hockey in real life. I love hockey romance books. I especially love hockey romance books that actually KNOW hockey.

This was my first Kelly Jamieson book, and I really enjoyed it. While there were occasionally parts that felt repetitive, overall I loved the premise and flow of this book. Stella and Jayden are like drinking a glass of the sweetest tea, but each carry the weight of their own past trauma.

I hate to admit it was a slow start for me, but as soon as I met Betty and Frank I was hooked. At a time when I am struggling with my own real fandom due to the toxic hockey culture; this book was exactly what I needed. Kelly Jamieson knows game, and I so want to be her team. Thank you for addressing the culture, bystander syndrome, and why women are choosing to be single. I think this story will be special for a lot of fans.

[Reader]

Stella Brooks is content with the life she has built and is not looking for a relationship. Then she meets Jayden Wood, a professional hockey player who turns out to be much more complicated than she expected. Their connection begins with their dogs, but it quickly becomes harder to ignore when Stella discovers who Jayden really is.

I liked the chemistry between Stella and Jayden, their dogs, and the way both characters had their own goals and personal struggles. Some parts of the story felt a little repetitive, but overall it was a fun, easy romance. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy hockey romances, strong, independent heroines, and plenty of chemistry.

I received this book as an advance copy for review

[Laura]

This is a fun, entertaining read. I enjoyed the Jayden and Stella and the path it took to get to their HEA. These two (and their puppies) are fun to spend time with. I also enjoyed the personal growth of both characters as they deal with things in their lives. I’m excited to read about Jayden’s team mates and find out why they are the way they are in this first story and see them fall in love. The secondary characters – especially the dogs – added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish)]

A very cute and heartwarming sports romance.
A love a good meet cute with adorable dogs involved and Betty and Frank are adorable.

Stella and Jayden are brought together by their 4 legged friends but keep running into each other and quickly a friendship and attraction forms. Neither wanting serious but wanting to explore have some heated moments but Jayden becomes enamored with Stella’s drive and succes that he wants more stolen moments but does Stella want the same?

This book was a very fun read and I love that Stella is not only brilliant and beautiful but someone who has a big heart! Absolutely had fun reading about these two!

[Donna McCaul Thibodeau]

It was a meet cute from a rom-com. They met in the dog park, where their pugs hit it off instantly. Stella is perfectly happy being single. She has a successful business, a cute condo, and great friends. Jayden is a professional hockey player. Super attractive but also a genuinely nice guy. Right from the beginning, Stella tells him she's only interested in casual fun. But as time goes by, could she be changing her mind?
This was a fun book. It was a quick read, and even though it was totally predictable, I loved every page. Highly recommended.

[Sarah Higginbottom]

I absolutely loved this one! It was such a fun, easy read and I flew through it. I really enjoyed the characters and their chemistry, and there were plenty of moments that had me smiling.

The story pulled me in from the start and I just didn’t want to put it down. Kelly Jamieson is a new-to-me author, but after reading this one, I’ll definitely be checking out more of her books.

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Kelly Jamieson and Boldwood Books📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

[Bridget Sadenwater]

A fun, spicy hockey romance. Stella owns a hockey data analytics company that works with professional teams. She meets Jayden at the dog park when they realize they have the same breed of dog, and the attraction between them is immediate.

Stella isn’t looking for anything serious. Past relationships and watching her parents’ relationships fail have made her wary of commitment, but Jayden may be hard to resist. I really enjoyed their chemistry and the hockey setting. A fun four-star read for fans of spicy sports romance!

[Deanna]

Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Hard to Get had a fun meet cute. I loved how Stella and Jayden had attraction, chemistry, and twin dogs to get them started. Stella had some reservations about starting a relationship, and Jayden was sweet enough to give her time to adjust to them being a thing. This romance was filled with emotions and built realistically. Sometimes all of the baggage Stella had weighed down the story, but I was able to get behind her character growth. I loved how things worked out for Stella and Jayden in the end.