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The Baltimore Banners #1
Crossing the Line
Amber "AJ" Johnson is a freelance writer who has one chance of winning her dream-job as a full-time staffer: capture an interview with the very private goalie of Baltimore's hockey team, Alec Kolchak. But he's the one man who tries her patience, even as he brings to life a quiet passion she doesn't want to admit exists.
Alec has no desire to be interviewed--he never has, never will. But he finds himself a reluctant admirer of AJ's determination to get what she wants...and he certainly never counted on his attraction to her. In a fit of frustration, he accepts AJ's bet: if she can score just one goal on him in a practice shoot-out, he would not only agree to the interview, he would let her have full access to him for a month, 24/7.
It was a bet neither one of them wanted to lose...and a bet neither one could afford to win. But when it came time to take the shot, could either one of them cross the line?
Alec has no desire to be interviewed--he never has, never will. But he finds himself a reluctant admirer of AJ's determination to get what she wants...and he certainly never counted on his attraction to her. In a fit of frustration, he accepts AJ's bet: if she can score just one goal on him in a practice shoot-out, he would not only agree to the interview, he would let her have full access to him for a month, 24/7.
It was a bet neither one of them wanted to lose...and a bet neither one could afford to win. But when it came time to take the shot, could either one of them cross the line?
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2015
238 people are currently reading
1235 people want to read
About the author
Lisa B. Kamps
65 books800 followersLisa B. Kamps is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes steamy romance with real-life characters and relatable stories that evoke deep emotion. She likes her men hard, her bed soft, her coffee strong, her whiskey neat, and her wine chilled...and when it comes to sports, hockey is the only thing that matters!
Lisa currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons (who are mostly sorta-kinda out of the house), one very spoiled Border Collie, two cats with major attitude, several head of cattle, and entirely too many chickens to count. When she's not busy writing or chasing animals, she's cheering loudly for her favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals--or going through withdrawal and waiting for October to roll back around!
For more information, please visit: www.LisaBKamps.com
Lisa currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons (who are mostly sorta-kinda out of the house), one very spoiled Border Collie, two cats with major attitude, several head of cattle, and entirely too many chickens to count. When she's not busy writing or chasing animals, she's cheering loudly for her favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals--or going through withdrawal and waiting for October to roll back around!
For more information, please visit: www.LisaBKamps.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 30, 2018
Totally in love with Amber and Alec! Crossing the Line is a great entertaining read with great characters. I can’t wait to read book 2 to get lost in time with these characters again.
July 30, 2015
A world of meh.
Things I liked:
It eventually ended. Also, I mean. I guess sentence construction was good? She used her words correctly?
Meh:
So like. She’s a female reporter trying to break into the male dominated sports writing world, right? This book would have been SO AWESOME if that’s what it had been about. She convinces him to let her interview him by challenging him to a shootout early in the book and I think MAN, this could be good. Except it just . . . wasn’t. She also suffers from debilitating migraines at plot convenient points and turns into the waif that he has to pick up and carry around places. He forces himself on her physically just to have her melt into his arms because when she said “stop” and “no” what she really meant was “of course I am desperate for your kisses.” But that really belongs in . . .
Things I couldn’t get behind:
All of that. He’s angry and pretty non-verbal most of the time. He grunts, grabs her, pushes her around, etc. They have some pretty life-affirming sex in the middle of the book (way too early in romance novel land for this to go well, for example) and he basically punishes her for it? Not physically, just withdrawing himself from her. Also she wins the shootout bet, so he makes her move in with him? They both live in the same city. The team never seems to go on the road, so she’s not traveling with them. But he makes her move into his guest room or the bet’s off and he won’t do the interview.
And like, this guy is supposed to be Lundqvist levels of good, but he’s never given an interview? The only thing about him on his wiki page are the stats because he refuses to talk about his stats, but you’re telling me literally no one else has talked about him? Pee wee coaches? Friends from home? You’re telling me not one of his teams has ever said “look you have to give interviews.” And his reasons for NOT wanting to are just “eh I don’t like talking.” There’s no, like, tortured secret he’s hiding. (Spoilers???)
Which kinda brings me to another thing I couldn’t get behind in this book, which was the incredibly weak storytelling. Book opens with heroine talking to her editor about getting an interview with hero.
Scene start:
Heroine talks to her editor.
Enter: LEAST ILLUMINATING INTERNAL MONOLOGUE EVER
She goes to rink.
Enter: Hero.
Cue: dramatic music with a lot of sad violins, probably a mournful cello solo.
THEY KNOW EACH OTHER!!!!!!
Some incredibly vague internal monologue from hero’s perspective regarding the fact that they know each other, but not how or what happened, because why explain anything ever.
Later, she writes this feature piece about him, and her editor is singing her praises because it’s such an incredibly interesting angle for the piece and everyone is just gonna rave about this and she’s always going to have a job in sports writing because of this piece which is . . . never described. At all. Like, I didn’t necessarily need it in the book, but if you’re going to rave about this interesting piece you could, like, explain it? Even a little?
Hockey was only played minimally, and then only to describe how distracting he found her. The culmination of the book stole a scene out of the Mighty Ducks but didn’t bother to make it practical for someone who is 6+ feet tall.
Things I liked:
It eventually ended. Also, I mean. I guess sentence construction was good? She used her words correctly?
Meh:
So like. She’s a female reporter trying to break into the male dominated sports writing world, right? This book would have been SO AWESOME if that’s what it had been about. She convinces him to let her interview him by challenging him to a shootout early in the book and I think MAN, this could be good. Except it just . . . wasn’t. She also suffers from debilitating migraines at plot convenient points and turns into the waif that he has to pick up and carry around places. He forces himself on her physically just to have her melt into his arms because when she said “stop” and “no” what she really meant was “of course I am desperate for your kisses.” But that really belongs in . . .
Things I couldn’t get behind:
All of that. He’s angry and pretty non-verbal most of the time. He grunts, grabs her, pushes her around, etc. They have some pretty life-affirming sex in the middle of the book (way too early in romance novel land for this to go well, for example) and he basically punishes her for it? Not physically, just withdrawing himself from her. Also she wins the shootout bet, so he makes her move in with him? They both live in the same city. The team never seems to go on the road, so she’s not traveling with them. But he makes her move into his guest room or the bet’s off and he won’t do the interview.
And like, this guy is supposed to be Lundqvist levels of good, but he’s never given an interview? The only thing about him on his wiki page are the stats because he refuses to talk about his stats, but you’re telling me literally no one else has talked about him? Pee wee coaches? Friends from home? You’re telling me not one of his teams has ever said “look you have to give interviews.” And his reasons for NOT wanting to are just “eh I don’t like talking.” There’s no, like, tortured secret he’s hiding. (Spoilers???)
Which kinda brings me to another thing I couldn’t get behind in this book, which was the incredibly weak storytelling. Book opens with heroine talking to her editor about getting an interview with hero.
Scene start:
Heroine talks to her editor.
Enter: LEAST ILLUMINATING INTERNAL MONOLOGUE EVER
She goes to rink.
Enter: Hero.
Cue: dramatic music with a lot of sad violins, probably a mournful cello solo.
THEY KNOW EACH OTHER!!!!!!
Some incredibly vague internal monologue from hero’s perspective regarding the fact that they know each other, but not how or what happened, because why explain anything ever.
Later, she writes this feature piece about him, and her editor is singing her praises because it’s such an incredibly interesting angle for the piece and everyone is just gonna rave about this and she’s always going to have a job in sports writing because of this piece which is . . . never described. At all. Like, I didn’t necessarily need it in the book, but if you’re going to rave about this interesting piece you could, like, explain it? Even a little?
Hockey was only played minimally, and then only to describe how distracting he found her. The culmination of the book stole a scene out of the Mighty Ducks but didn’t bother to make it practical for someone who is 6+ feet tall.
November 30, 2015
1.5 stars. Not sure what the extra half star is for but its not the worst book ever. The writing is good but what a silly story.
Things I just didn't get:
- they know each other, ok there's history. So that could be interesting. Nah, let's not share that
- there was some kind of tabloid scandal involving them both, again could be interesting. Nah, let's not share that either
- there's some bad bet. Where he wages her to move in. Why? No idea, let's not share that either
- they v quickly get it on, not sure why that came about. Let's not let the reader know that either
- the whole Brandi thing made zero sense. Why would he?
- as for the whole triangle thing - really?! Where did that come from and why would he fall for it?
- he is supposedly a huge hockey star but no one knows anything about him. No draft interview, no social media pics, no ex-girlfriend talking, nothing. Yep, I believed that
- and don't hockey stars go on the road? Weird
And I've barely started, but I'm bored with it now. Not recommended
Things I just didn't get:
- they know each other, ok there's history. So that could be interesting. Nah, let's not share that
- there was some kind of tabloid scandal involving them both, again could be interesting. Nah, let's not share that either
- there's some bad bet. Where he wages her to move in. Why? No idea, let's not share that either
- they v quickly get it on, not sure why that came about. Let's not let the reader know that either
- the whole Brandi thing made zero sense. Why would he?
- as for the whole triangle thing - really?! Where did that come from and why would he fall for it?
- he is supposedly a huge hockey star but no one knows anything about him. No draft interview, no social media pics, no ex-girlfriend talking, nothing. Yep, I believed that
- and don't hockey stars go on the road? Weird
And I've barely started, but I'm bored with it now. Not recommended
November 30, 2015
Amber Johnson is on a mission to become a full-time sports reporter, her assignment to get an interview with Baltimore Banners goalie, Alec Kolchak, the man who does not do interviews.
I love how Amber gets Alec to give her an interview, and I appreciate Alec’s terms. It ends up making a fun and unexpected story. I really like both characters. Amber is persistent and smart. Alec is caring and sweet. I mean a real tough hockey player...
Being someone who frequently suffers from headaches, I empathized with Amber. I love that Alec was compassionate in those circumstances. Often people that do not suffer from the same affliction do not sympathize.
Amber’s newspaper competition, Gerry Brown, is a slimy piece of work. He is untrustworthy and conniving, making the story interesting.
I love Ian Donovan. He is a good friend to both Amber and Alec. I also like Amber’s editor, Tim Norton; he is a smart man.
Crossing the Line was well-written and entertaining read. I really enjoyed the story and had a hard time putting it down.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
I love how Amber gets Alec to give her an interview, and I appreciate Alec’s terms. It ends up making a fun and unexpected story. I really like both characters. Amber is persistent and smart. Alec is caring and sweet. I mean a real tough hockey player...
Being someone who frequently suffers from headaches, I empathized with Amber. I love that Alec was compassionate in those circumstances. Often people that do not suffer from the same affliction do not sympathize.
Amber’s newspaper competition, Gerry Brown, is a slimy piece of work. He is untrustworthy and conniving, making the story interesting.
I love Ian Donovan. He is a good friend to both Amber and Alec. I also like Amber’s editor, Tim Norton; he is a smart man.
Crossing the Line was well-written and entertaining read. I really enjoyed the story and had a hard time putting it down.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2016
2.5 stars. There is potential in this story, but it feels unrealized. Star NHL goalie who shies away from interviews and a female reporter trying to break into the world of sports reporting. It could have been a great story, but it was under-developed. There is very little actual hockey in this book. Several scenes take place at the practice rink, and there is one game that is mentioned, but other than that, nada. I like my hockey romance to have lots of hockey.
There were some definite plot holes. The Hero refused to give interviews. Giving interviews is part of an NHL player's contract. They can limit their answers but they can't refuse to talk to the media. No team would let that fly. The douchebag reporter just happens to be there with a cameraman any time something is going on that would be tabloid-worthy. She suffers from migraines but the symptoms change each time so they fit the plot.
There was a general lack of development in this book. There were a lot of things mentioned but not fleshed out. The H/h knew each other from before, but we don't find out how. There was some tabloid story published under her name but apparently not actually written by her, but we get no more details than that. She has some hockey skills, but we don't find out how she came by them. There is almost no development of secondary characters. We barely even get their names.
All that being said, I didn't hate this book. It was an enjoyable read, despite a few eye rolls. I think I want to give this author another chance, see if the writing gets better as the series goes on.
There were some definite plot holes. The Hero refused to give interviews. Giving interviews is part of an NHL player's contract. They can limit their answers but they can't refuse to talk to the media. No team would let that fly. The douchebag reporter just happens to be there with a cameraman any time something is going on that would be tabloid-worthy. She suffers from migraines but the symptoms change each time so they fit the plot.
There was a general lack of development in this book. There were a lot of things mentioned but not fleshed out. The H/h knew each other from before, but we don't find out how. There was some tabloid story published under her name but apparently not actually written by her, but we get no more details than that. She has some hockey skills, but we don't find out how she came by them. There is almost no development of secondary characters. We barely even get their names.
All that being said, I didn't hate this book. It was an enjoyable read, despite a few eye rolls. I think I want to give this author another chance, see if the writing gets better as the series goes on.
November 30, 2015
Crossing the Line (Baltimore Banners #1) by Lisa B. Kamps Amber Johnson is on a mission to become a full-time sports reporter, her assignment to get an interview with Baltimore Banners goalie, Alec Kolchak, the man who does not do interviews.
I love how Amber gets Alec to give her an interview, and I appreciate Alec’s terms. It ends up making a fun and unexpected story. I really like both characters. Amber is persistent and smart. Alec is caring and sweet. I mean a real tough hockey player...
Being someone who frequently suffers from headaches, I empathized with Amber. I love that Alec was compassionate in those circumstances. Often people that do not suffer from the same affliction do not sympathize.
Amber’s newspaper competition, Gerry Brown, is a slimy piece of work. He is untrustworthy and conniving, making the story interesting.
I love Ian Donovan. He is a good friend to both Amber and Alec. I also like Amber’s editor, Tim Norton; he is a smart man.
Crossing the Line was well-written and entertaining read. I really enjoyed the story and had a hard time putting it down.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
I love how Amber gets Alec to give her an interview, and I appreciate Alec’s terms. It ends up making a fun and unexpected story. I really like both characters. Amber is persistent and smart. Alec is caring and sweet. I mean a real tough hockey player...
Being someone who frequently suffers from headaches, I empathized with Amber. I love that Alec was compassionate in those circumstances. Often people that do not suffer from the same affliction do not sympathize.
Amber’s newspaper competition, Gerry Brown, is a slimy piece of work. He is untrustworthy and conniving, making the story interesting.
I love Ian Donovan. He is a good friend to both Amber and Alec. I also like Amber’s editor, Tim Norton; he is a smart man.
Crossing the Line was well-written and entertaining read. I really enjoyed the story and had a hard time putting it down.
Complimentary copy provided via manicreaders.com in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2018
I always forget how much I enjoy sappy hockey love stories until I start a new series of hockey romances! This was no exception. The unusual start to this particular romance was original and I loved it! Not unusual is that the main characters are always the last to realize they are in love but that is what makes each storyline fun to read. Lighthearted humor in some spots and some hot loving in others makes this story appealing. I recommend!
December 29, 2018
Meh! I really wanted to like it, but I felt like it was so-so. Just another formulaic romance.
February 12, 2016
I'm still on my hockey romance marathon. This is an author I hadn't read before and Ms Kamp impressed me. I'm going to continue with this series.
Alec was my favourite kind of hero, gruff bear on the outside, rather marshmallowy on the inside. He's the goalie for the team and anyone who knows anything about hockey knows that goalies are different. They are on the ice the whole time, just standing their watching for a good part of the game until they have to be on instant alert when the action happens in their end and the have to stop and block the puck that's coming at them at all speeds from any direction and from any player. They have to be a bit nuts.
AJ is the heroine. She's competing with another reporter trying to get the sports beat for the loal paper. Her boss tells them both that they have to get an interview with Alec. Only Alec doesn't give interviews. Ever. But AJ makes him a deal he can't turn down and she ends up winning the bet, the prize? Unlimited access to Alec for a month.
Of course, this being a romance, sparks start to fly between our gruff ready bear hero and intrepid heroine. It's fun watching them and there are a couple of very funny scenes.
Overall I liked this one and have the next one up to read very soon.
Alec was my favourite kind of hero, gruff bear on the outside, rather marshmallowy on the inside. He's the goalie for the team and anyone who knows anything about hockey knows that goalies are different. They are on the ice the whole time, just standing their watching for a good part of the game until they have to be on instant alert when the action happens in their end and the have to stop and block the puck that's coming at them at all speeds from any direction and from any player. They have to be a bit nuts.
AJ is the heroine. She's competing with another reporter trying to get the sports beat for the loal paper. Her boss tells them both that they have to get an interview with Alec. Only Alec doesn't give interviews. Ever. But AJ makes him a deal he can't turn down and she ends up winning the bet, the prize? Unlimited access to Alec for a month.
Of course, this being a romance, sparks start to fly between our gruff ready bear hero and intrepid heroine. It's fun watching them and there are a couple of very funny scenes.
Overall I liked this one and have the next one up to read very soon.
August 29, 2015
Confused. Just confused about this book. I felt that there were large potholes in this plot. I was excited to read this, excited for the push and pull of their relationship but I never got it, which was disappointing.
Amber 'AJ' Johnson is a reporter that wants a chance to break out of the stereotypical pieces that she has been given this far. A chance at snagging an exclusive interview with the illusive and extremely private NHL goalie Alec Kolchak would be a game changer for her. Unfortunately Alec is less than willing.
A few problems arose while reading this. The first was that from the start it seemed that AJ and Alec knew each other but we never got how. And I felt gypped about it; plus since we never got the info I felt as though I was missing a large chunk of the story! My reading preferences is that I enjoy motivation and plot growth and I found that this book lacked a lot of that.
I wish that the book was less fluffy romance and had a bit more depth and because of that I found the book immensely lacking.
Amber 'AJ' Johnson is a reporter that wants a chance to break out of the stereotypical pieces that she has been given this far. A chance at snagging an exclusive interview with the illusive and extremely private NHL goalie Alec Kolchak would be a game changer for her. Unfortunately Alec is less than willing.
A few problems arose while reading this. The first was that from the start it seemed that AJ and Alec knew each other but we never got how. And I felt gypped about it; plus since we never got the info I felt as though I was missing a large chunk of the story! My reading preferences is that I enjoy motivation and plot growth and I found that this book lacked a lot of that.
I wish that the book was less fluffy romance and had a bit more depth and because of that I found the book immensely lacking.
May 3, 2017
AJ just needs a shot at doing a sports interview to solidify her career. Alex, a hockey goalie, never does interviews. I liked AJ's persistence. Good storyline. Enjoyable read. A cute, totally believable story!
August 2, 2015
am always looking for romance books based around Ice Hockey. What can I say? They are always hot to me. I stumbled across this new author's work and I am very pleased I did. Absolutely loved, loved the stories. Not so much covered on the ice hockey story but a great interaction between the 2 main characters involved in the storyline.
The covers to the books are rocking hot and very well done in my eyes. Great job Lisa and I look forward to reading more of your books :)
The covers to the books are rocking hot and very well done in my eyes. Great job Lisa and I look forward to reading more of your books :)
December 1, 2016
This book was such a letdown. What could've been something great was instead one of the most superficial, one dimensional, train-wreck-of-a-books that I've ever had the misfortune to read. I mean, there was absolutely no character development, no clear storyline, and not one redeeming quality in either main character.
As much as I love hockey romance, I'm going to pass on the rest of this series.
As much as I love hockey romance, I'm going to pass on the rest of this series.
Want to read
October 26, 2017FREE on Amazon today (10/26/2017)!
January 2, 2018
Didn’t finish after page 13. This may be an okay read, but I just read a lot of books so I’m looking for original, unique stories. This is your typical, dual point of view romance where the author over emphasizes the fact that the guy is hot and that the girl is also hot, and then makes them both monologue descriptions about eachothers hotness and all of the ways they are attractive and about all of the reasons they are attracted to the other (main reason being because of previously described hotness), and then has them monologue to death about all the reasons why they don’t want to be attracted to the other. This is already happening by page 13 so I know I will just have to listen to all of this on repeat the entire rest of the book. I’ve read way too many romance novels to be able to detect exactly how this book will be written. I’m just always surprised that authors don’t want to be different in their stories. Why not make your characters unique and interesting? Why is “extremely attractive but not interested in a relationship for *fill in the blank with a dumb excuse* reason” so many romance authors defaults for their character descriptions? I don’t even care if the characters are hot but why is it always so emphasized? Why can’t authors just let their stories speak for themselves. But in so many romance novels I’ve read, the information about the characters comes from one, boring, uninteresting place: the other characters monologuing it to us. Dig a little deeper and Have the characters just live their lives. And while doing so develop interesting ways in which you can relay information about them. Instead of just having other characters come right out and describe one another. And I’ll never understand why authors choose the dual point of view writing. Unless it’s done very carefully, It takes away so much mystery and intrigue when we know what both characters are thinking and feeling at all times. I thought the story would have been so much more unique and interesting if Alec and AJ didn’t know eachother until this first encounter in the story, and if the author would remove the lame cliche about how attracted Alec is to AJ and how much of a distraction she is and how hot he thinks she is and how he hates that every guy looks at her and how he doesn’t like to see her talk to his teammates and how protective he is of her (yes this all happens in the first 20 pages), and instead have him be totally indifferent towards AJ. I mean, she’s just another reporter after all. And then Have her only trying to get a story out of him, not thinking about how hot he is too. Get rid of Alec being so obsessed by how little she is wearing. He’s seriously obsessing over her in the first two seconds of this story and it’s too much in your face. And I’d like AJ so much more if she didn’t have to try so hard by dressing so sexy to get attention. Or, if she does dress sexy don’t have Alec even really notice. I’m sure he sees billions of sexy girls, why is he obsessing about this girl? It isn’t believable and it isn’t interesting. Just because the author tells me the characters are into eachother for no reason doesn’t make me believe it. I didn’t believe it the first time I read it in a story and I don’t believe it he 500th time either. Because when Alec is so immediately into AJ it cheapens it. It seems too easy. If they don’t think about eachother romantically at first, it makes the story more intriguing. Like, okay they don’t even really care about the other so what is going to happen to make them start to fall in love? It’s what drives the story forward and lends mystery and makes me want to keep reading. I want to see AJ do something that makes Alec stop and think “Hey! This girl is different”. I want to see them slowly fall in love. The author has a perfect set up for them to get to know one another. I like the bet idea. That part is unique. Just get rid of the cliche, over the top attraction up front and it could be a great book. Honestly though, this type of writing didn’t used to bother me as much when I first started reading so if you haven’t read a ton of romance, or if you don’t mind the same kind of story this may be an okay read for you.
December 17, 2020
This book started so well. Alec was book-boyfriend worthy, until the end happened. I liked this couple, but them going from enemies to lets jump into bed together went way too fast. She’s going to live with him for a month because of a bet he lost, and they are already sleeping together on the second night. Although she knows she’s jeopardizing the credibility of her job with this. A slow burn would’ve made more sense. A build up to their intimate relationship would’ve worked better in my opinion. Both want more from this “fling” they have, but both decide to keep their mouths shut. So then you know it can’t be good. All of a sudden and ex fling of Alec shows up, coming all over him as it seems she’s his girlfriend. AJ stands and watches the scene and the stupid douche doesn’t do a thing to shove her away. She later shows up at his house and kisses him (again) in front of AJ. Of course she leaves, in her mind he’s back together with his ex. Because the stupid goalie didn’t tell her really how he feels. He chases AJ and kisses her which is just gross. Your lips were just locked with another woman 5 seconds ago. He then goes on to pretend he’s back together with his ex, which he’s not. Yeah, great way to win the woman you love back. Just pretend you’re in a new relationship and bring het as your date to the gala. That’s where Alec lost his status as book-boyfriend. They have their HEA, because they finally admitted to their feelings for each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2018
Crossing the Line (The Baltimore Banners Book 1) – One shot and love conquers all (4.5 stars)
By: Addictive_Reads on February 15, 2018
Crossing the Line is the first book in Lisa B Kamps’ Baltimore Banners series and this story is an intriguing twist within the hockey romance genera. It is captivating and sweet with just the right level of sexy and sizzle to warm up the coldest winter!
This book centers around Amber "AJ" Johnson who is a freelance writer given the career opportunity of a lifetime. All she has to do is score one interview with the elusive and very private goalie of Baltimore's hockey team, Alec Kolchak. Alec ups the ante by offering her 24/7 access for a month if she gets one goal past him during practice. Well challenge accepted and as they spend time together Alec tries her patience and puts up one obstacle after another for her to conquer.
This is the first novel that I have read from Lisa and I absolutely love the premise as well as the characters in this novel. They are engaging and complex and if you are looking for a fun, flirty, sexy and a truly engaging romance novel, you will not be disappointed! I just can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
By: Addictive_Reads on February 15, 2018
Crossing the Line is the first book in Lisa B Kamps’ Baltimore Banners series and this story is an intriguing twist within the hockey romance genera. It is captivating and sweet with just the right level of sexy and sizzle to warm up the coldest winter!
This book centers around Amber "AJ" Johnson who is a freelance writer given the career opportunity of a lifetime. All she has to do is score one interview with the elusive and very private goalie of Baltimore's hockey team, Alec Kolchak. Alec ups the ante by offering her 24/7 access for a month if she gets one goal past him during practice. Well challenge accepted and as they spend time together Alec tries her patience and puts up one obstacle after another for her to conquer.
This is the first novel that I have read from Lisa and I absolutely love the premise as well as the characters in this novel. They are engaging and complex and if you are looking for a fun, flirty, sexy and a truly engaging romance novel, you will not be disappointed! I just can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
August 26, 2017
AJ has tried for years to prove that she is a hardworking journalist and she can produce more than just puff pieces. When a chance to become the fulltime sports writer for the paper opens up she knows that she has to take the chance, even if that means getting close to hockey player Alec. Alec is extremely private and guards his personal life but when AJ convinces him to let her have an interview, he knows that he's opened up a bag of worms. But as they get closer what's start as a professional interview becomes so much more. When AJ finally publishes her piece will Alec find it an intrusion in his privacy or will he be able to appreciate what AJ can bring to his life? Really fun, sexy contemporary sports romance with some great characters. New to me author Lisa B. Kamps and I'm excited to try some more!
July 25, 2017
I really liked this fun freebie!
I liked the main characters. AJ must get an interview with NHL goalie, Alec Kolchak if she's to land the sports writing job. Only problem, Alec has never given an interview.
AJ is smart and sassy, and knows what she wants and stops at nothing to get it. Loved their 'bet', and their delevoping friendship. Alec is emotionally shut off, we never do learn anything much about him, or her for that matter; but the unease of how things would work out for them kept me captive.
Great secondary characters kept things moving. His weird little ex-girlfriend episode wasn't particularly pleasant and in truth I didn't quite understand the why of it all...
But..
Definitely interested in reading more of the series.
I liked the main characters. AJ must get an interview with NHL goalie, Alec Kolchak if she's to land the sports writing job. Only problem, Alec has never given an interview.
AJ is smart and sassy, and knows what she wants and stops at nothing to get it. Loved their 'bet', and their delevoping friendship. Alec is emotionally shut off, we never do learn anything much about him, or her for that matter; but the unease of how things would work out for them kept me captive.
Great secondary characters kept things moving. His weird little ex-girlfriend episode wasn't particularly pleasant and in truth I didn't quite understand the why of it all...
But..
Definitely interested in reading more of the series.
November 3, 2017
I’m giving this book 3 stars. It could’ve been a 4 but the ending was disappointing and the story needed more. The pace of the book was great and the relationship between the characters didn’t seem too rushed. I feel like the author left out quite a bit of detail that could’ve been included such as the first article that AJ wrote about Alec or The fight between the Baltimore players at the banquet. But both things weren’t serious deal breakers. The ending was disappointing. The two main characters gosh their feelings to each other and it seemed super cheesy and forced. I honestly just thought about skipping to the last page.
If you’re interested in a quick romance read, like sports, and maybe don’t have super high expectations than this is the book for you.
If you’re interested in a quick romance read, like sports, and maybe don’t have super high expectations than this is the book for you.
January 4, 2017
This story had just the right amount of romance, drama and sports thrown in.
Alec is the goalie for the Baltimore Banners and A.J. (Amber) is trying to get an
interview with the elusive Alec. He never has given any type of interviews ever.
A.J. is working in a mans field of journalism and just wants a break, but she is
pitted against the workplace favourite Gerry. Whoever scores an interview with
Alec gets the coveted job.
What ensues is really entertaining as A.J. tries to convince Alec.
Overall I couldn't put the book down and I am intrigued to read about the rest
of the team.
I highly recommend giving this author a try. I am glad I did.
Alec is the goalie for the Baltimore Banners and A.J. (Amber) is trying to get an
interview with the elusive Alec. He never has given any type of interviews ever.
A.J. is working in a mans field of journalism and just wants a break, but she is
pitted against the workplace favourite Gerry. Whoever scores an interview with
Alec gets the coveted job.
What ensues is really entertaining as A.J. tries to convince Alec.
Overall I couldn't put the book down and I am intrigued to read about the rest
of the team.
I highly recommend giving this author a try. I am glad I did.
March 11, 2018
I'm at 20% and I just can't go on. I mean as a heoine, AJ could be awesome - a woman in a male-dominated work world who's job is on the line. But I've got no idea what motivates her, why she wanted this job, why she likes Alec. Like nothing. It's all bland monologuing that tells me nothing. No sense of atmosphere. Nothing about Alec makes sense. Why his teammates like AJ is a mystery. And even AJ's co-worker, a misogynistic asshat, is so two-dimensional and simplistically rendered it has me growling out "that's not what work-place misogyny even looks like."
So yup, calling it done.
So yup, calling it done.
February 5, 2018
3 1/2 STRONG stars!
So, I love a hockey romance! Alec is the reluctant hero to AJ's heroine. AJ (aka Amber) wants to be taken seriously as a writer in the sports world. Which is not an easy task as a woman. She concocts a plan to do a story on the elusive hockey goalie, Alec. She gets her story, though in an unconventional way!
I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to catching up on the rest of the series.
So, I love a hockey romance! Alec is the reluctant hero to AJ's heroine. AJ (aka Amber) wants to be taken seriously as a writer in the sports world. Which is not an easy task as a woman. She concocts a plan to do a story on the elusive hockey goalie, Alec. She gets her story, though in an unconventional way!
I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to catching up on the rest of the series.
October 16, 2018
I liked how the book started out. The tension between AJ and Alec was smouldering. I didn't care for AJ though. I like strong, witty women and she wouldn't fight back or stand up for herself when misogynistic jerks were talking down to her. She just frustrates me. There were also many times she had the opportunity to talk to Alex about her piece on him, but of course she didn't. Overall, it's a good story, but it could have been better if AJ wasn't so annoying.
October 25, 2018
Cute !
Crossing the Line is the first book in the series but they can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
Alec and AJ aren't the most likely couple as they had past issues but they were able to overcome them and reach their Happy for now ending.
While I enjoyed the book it reads like a new adult novel. There's a bit of unnecessary drama between Alec and his past , and AJ and her colleague but overall I'm hooked on the author and the series
Crossing the Line is the first book in the series but they can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
Alec and AJ aren't the most likely couple as they had past issues but they were able to overcome them and reach their Happy for now ending.
While I enjoyed the book it reads like a new adult novel. There's a bit of unnecessary drama between Alec and his past , and AJ and her colleague but overall I'm hooked on the author and the series
November 12, 2017
A good read
This book was a good read. It took me a little to get into it at first. But after a little bit I started to like it the only thing it seemed like it jumped a lot but other then that it is a good book! Kind of glad I got it for free but will read the other ones of this series.
This book was a good read. It took me a little to get into it at first. But after a little bit I started to like it the only thing it seemed like it jumped a lot but other then that it is a good book! Kind of glad I got it for free but will read the other ones of this series.
November 24, 2017
4
This is a new-to-me author,so I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the book. I ended up really enjoying it!
AJ is so independent and all in when she does something; Alec is a bit closed off, but once he starts hanging out with Amber, he starts to open up. He doesn’t completely lose his guy-flaws, but he does learn.
It’s a HEA and I would recommend this book.
This is a new-to-me author,so I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the book. I ended up really enjoying it!
AJ is so independent and all in when she does something; Alec is a bit closed off, but once he starts hanging out with Amber, he starts to open up. He doesn’t completely lose his guy-flaws, but he does learn.
It’s a HEA and I would recommend this book.
November 30, 2017
Steamy and Cold at the same time
Very creative imagination. The spice and connection between AJ and Alec are immediately felt the moment they spoke their first words to each other in the beginning. Alec's tenderness for AJ when he helps her through her migraines are heart grabbing; making me wish for a man like Alec.
Very creative imagination. The spice and connection between AJ and Alec are immediately felt the moment they spoke their first words to each other in the beginning. Alec's tenderness for AJ when he helps her through her migraines are heart grabbing; making me wish for a man like Alec.
February 12, 2020
What’s in between?
Good beginning and good end but the middle fell a little flat and the characters could have been more fully developed. There is one heartbreaking scene that I absolutely loved but it only lasted a few pages. I liked this enough to check out the next in the series, though.
Good beginning and good end but the middle fell a little flat and the characters could have been more fully developed. There is one heartbreaking scene that I absolutely loved but it only lasted a few pages. I liked this enough to check out the next in the series, though.
October 13, 2017
Crossing the Line is such a cute little love story about an eager reporter and a Hockey goalie. I really enjoyed the bets and bickering! This book had a little bit of everything, happiness, sadness, romance and most of all a happily ever after!
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