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Sticks & Hearts #2
Fire and Ice
They call me the #DirtyGentleman.
My reputation precedes me.
I’m forward on the ice and in the bedroom
With a filthy mouth and impressive moves.
I always get the job done.
I have my future all planned out:
Get laid often.
Graduate.
Land the job of my dreams.
Sounds easy. Right?
It was until Delaney Dixon burst into my life.
Eyes as warm as melted chocolate.
A sexy smile.
And a pair of Double-Ds that sends men to their knees in gratitude.
She’s broken, hiding from a secret past, and refuses to let me in.
But just like my game, I never quit.
She gave me one night.
But I want forever.
My reputation precedes me.
I’m forward on the ice and in the bedroom
With a filthy mouth and impressive moves.
I always get the job done.
I have my future all planned out:
Get laid often.
Graduate.
Land the job of my dreams.
Sounds easy. Right?
It was until Delaney Dixon burst into my life.
Eyes as warm as melted chocolate.
A sexy smile.
And a pair of Double-Ds that sends men to their knees in gratitude.
She’s broken, hiding from a secret past, and refuses to let me in.
But just like my game, I never quit.
She gave me one night.
But I want forever.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2016
75 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda James
19 books546 followersRhonda James is an Amazon bestselling author who loves a good HEA, believes nice guys don’t finish last, and strives to create a book boyfriend for all her readers. Rhonda is married and lives in Michigan with her family. When not writing, some of her guilty pleasures include kissing, diving into a good book, and wasting time on Facebook, though she may do one more than the others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 22, 2016
“I need another kiss. A real kiss this time. The first one was just a taste. A tease if you will. And, it worked, because it left me craving more.”
Heat Rating:
5+ I need more Vitamin D in my life stars!! Rhonda James has knocked this book out of the park. My favorite of her books to date!!
Derek Davis is known for being a #dirtygentleman, and he’s proud of that title. While in Atlanta on an interview he meets Laney Dixon, by accident when she follows him into his hotel room…. Okay more like pushes her way into his hotel room. A few stolen looks and some sexy banter and neither of these two can deny the heat that they both feel between each other. Despite her outward appearance and sexual appetite, she’s not the kind of girl to put out after just meeting a man. But one look at Derek’s smile and piercing blue eyes, she knows she’s fked. After one night of passion and going their separate ways, him back at school in Michigan and her back at school and working. But they still can’t seem to keep away from each other, flirty texts turn into sexy video chats and a promise of meeting up again. But Laney has secrets, she’s not ready to tell Davis for fear, he’ll abandon her like everyone else in her life. Will she let Davis in her heart and her life?? Or will her insecurities eat her and their relationship alive??
Okay…. Seriously forget everything you’ve read by Rhonda James because this book takes the cake. I have to say this is my favorite out of all her books, and that’s saying a lot since I’m obsessed with all her books. There’s just something about that #dirtygentleman that gets my heart pumping and my brain swirling! And while you’re feeling those things for Davis, your heart will break for Laney and what she’s been through and what she struggles with. There were times I wanted to reach into my kindle and squeeze her and tell her everything will be okay! I won’t be saying anything else, except to say STOP whatever you’re doing now…. And go read this book…. My favorite read of 2016!!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Sarcastic Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
Heat Rating:
5+ I need more Vitamin D in my life stars!! Rhonda James has knocked this book out of the park. My favorite of her books to date!!
Derek Davis is known for being a #dirtygentleman, and he’s proud of that title. While in Atlanta on an interview he meets Laney Dixon, by accident when she follows him into his hotel room…. Okay more like pushes her way into his hotel room. A few stolen looks and some sexy banter and neither of these two can deny the heat that they both feel between each other. Despite her outward appearance and sexual appetite, she’s not the kind of girl to put out after just meeting a man. But one look at Derek’s smile and piercing blue eyes, she knows she’s fked. After one night of passion and going their separate ways, him back at school in Michigan and her back at school and working. But they still can’t seem to keep away from each other, flirty texts turn into sexy video chats and a promise of meeting up again. But Laney has secrets, she’s not ready to tell Davis for fear, he’ll abandon her like everyone else in her life. Will she let Davis in her heart and her life?? Or will her insecurities eat her and their relationship alive??
Okay…. Seriously forget everything you’ve read by Rhonda James because this book takes the cake. I have to say this is my favorite out of all her books, and that’s saying a lot since I’m obsessed with all her books. There’s just something about that #dirtygentleman that gets my heart pumping and my brain swirling! And while you’re feeling those things for Davis, your heart will break for Laney and what she’s been through and what she struggles with. There were times I wanted to reach into my kindle and squeeze her and tell her everything will be okay! I won’t be saying anything else, except to say STOP whatever you’re doing now…. And go read this book…. My favorite read of 2016!!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Sarcastic Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
November 4, 2016
This #DirtyGentleman has me all wound up.
Rhonda James has once again nailed it with this second book in the Sticks & Hearts series. I swear each book I read from her just gets better and better.
Laney needs an escape from a wedding she is attending and while in an elevator sees Derek who is in town for a job interview. She decides to follow him and barges into his room. The two have a flirtatious conversation over some tequila, there are some glances exchanged, then some touching. They get interrupted by a call and when Derek turns around Laney is gone. It becomes a game of cat and mouse which eventually ends up in a night that neither one can get off their mind.
They both return to their lives and eventually start to exchange text messages and phone calls.
As I read this book I found myself wanting so desperately for these two to meet up again. I loved the relationship that formed between the two. We also discover that Laney has secrets and they will pull at your heart strings. She is a strong and determined woman so completely brave. At times I found myself saying FUCK this girl has had such a tough go I just wanted to make it all better for her.
DERRICK DAVIS !!!! Oh my, he was one swoony #DirtyGentleman. So damn sweet he will make your heart go pitter patter while at the same time get your blood flowing with his damn sexiness. You will want a dose of Vitamin D regularly.
I am not going to say too much more as I don't want to spoil this book. But man there were some moments where I wanted to cry, scream, and even a few moments where I wanted to fucking slap a few people.
I will say that this is a book that everyone should read if you are looking for a great heartfelt romance.
Rhonda James has once again nailed it with this second book in the Sticks & Hearts series. I swear each book I read from her just gets better and better.
Laney needs an escape from a wedding she is attending and while in an elevator sees Derek who is in town for a job interview. She decides to follow him and barges into his room. The two have a flirtatious conversation over some tequila, there are some glances exchanged, then some touching. They get interrupted by a call and when Derek turns around Laney is gone. It becomes a game of cat and mouse which eventually ends up in a night that neither one can get off their mind.
They both return to their lives and eventually start to exchange text messages and phone calls.
As I read this book I found myself wanting so desperately for these two to meet up again. I loved the relationship that formed between the two. We also discover that Laney has secrets and they will pull at your heart strings. She is a strong and determined woman so completely brave. At times I found myself saying FUCK this girl has had such a tough go I just wanted to make it all better for her.
DERRICK DAVIS !!!! Oh my, he was one swoony #DirtyGentleman. So damn sweet he will make your heart go pitter patter while at the same time get your blood flowing with his damn sexiness. You will want a dose of Vitamin D regularly.
I am not going to say too much more as I don't want to spoil this book. But man there were some moments where I wanted to cry, scream, and even a few moments where I wanted to fucking slap a few people.
I will say that this is a book that everyone should read if you are looking for a great heartfelt romance.
October 20, 2016
Fire & Ice (Sticks & Hearts book2)
* I was given an ARC for an honest review *
I hope this review will have people racing to get this book. Rhonda James never disappoints. I love everything she's written but The Sticks & Hearts series has become my favorites by far.
Derek Davis is a hotter than hot hockey player who is at GLU in communication studies because he knows he won't be going pro.
Delaney Dixon is a dance major at GLU and works at "The Library" a strip club as a stripper.
The two first meet and sparks fly from the beginning. Laney wants him but has a whole lot going on in her life not to mention an ex who threw her away when he learned of her secrets. The secrets she keeps from everyone else are tragic and she is afraid they will leave her too.
Derek wants her and after their first run in can't stop thinking of her. Texting and video chat have upped the flirting and he's ready for another weekend with Laney. When she agrees they meet again unexpectedly the night of his birthday bash. She is his entertainment....
I devoured the pages until my eyes were straining. I laughed, I swooned, I had tears and I was angry. So many feels in this book all perfectly combined into an amazing book you don't want to end.
#dirtygentleman
#vitaminD
#ironman
#14
"I was Fire and He was Ice. And together we fucking sizzled"
* I was given an ARC for an honest review *
I hope this review will have people racing to get this book. Rhonda James never disappoints. I love everything she's written but The Sticks & Hearts series has become my favorites by far.
Derek Davis is a hotter than hot hockey player who is at GLU in communication studies because he knows he won't be going pro.
Delaney Dixon is a dance major at GLU and works at "The Library" a strip club as a stripper.
The two first meet and sparks fly from the beginning. Laney wants him but has a whole lot going on in her life not to mention an ex who threw her away when he learned of her secrets. The secrets she keeps from everyone else are tragic and she is afraid they will leave her too.
Derek wants her and after their first run in can't stop thinking of her. Texting and video chat have upped the flirting and he's ready for another weekend with Laney. When she agrees they meet again unexpectedly the night of his birthday bash. She is his entertainment....
I devoured the pages until my eyes were straining. I laughed, I swooned, I had tears and I was angry. So many feels in this book all perfectly combined into an amazing book you don't want to end.
#dirtygentleman
#vitaminD
#ironman
#14
"I was Fire and He was Ice. And together we fucking sizzled"
November 7, 2016
Fire and Ice by Rhonda James is a sexy love at first sight romance between a college hockey star and a feisty dance major which reads like a fine red wine - allowing it to breathe and savor it. Derek Davis knows as college is coming to an end so is his hockey career. Making plans for his career brings Derek to Atlanta for an interview but he never thought a sexy brunette would barge into his life and his heart. Delaney Dixon has guarded herself from everyone since losing her family. Classmates snub their nose at her choice of employment and rumors are spread like wildfire across the campus. For one night Delaney lets her guard down and lets in the sexy as sin blonde in the Armani suit who's blue eyes she gets lost in but it's for only one night right?
I love this series and Fire and Ice stands as a excellent follow up to Jersey Girl (one of my favorite reads of 2016). The chemistry between Derek and Delaney is off the charts and no one can deny these two are meant for each other. Following our #DirtyGentleman realize he's falling for the girl was refreshing. Delaney has had a couple of horrible years and is struggling to hold on to anything that reminds her of a time when her family was together. Reading this struggle was heartbreaking and painful but watching her allow herself to be loved was refreshing. Getting a glimpse of the rest of our GLU favorites was fantastic. Seeing B and Cassie so in love is infectious and you see why the boys are wanting what these two have. I really thought how do you top B, we all loved him but I knew Davis has something different and itched for his story. Rhonda did not disappoint and gave us something with a different feel but with the same world we fell in love with in Jersey Girl. I love me some #VitaminD. 4.5 Stars for Fire and Ice by Rhonda James
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
I love this series and Fire and Ice stands as a excellent follow up to Jersey Girl (one of my favorite reads of 2016). The chemistry between Derek and Delaney is off the charts and no one can deny these two are meant for each other. Following our #DirtyGentleman realize he's falling for the girl was refreshing. Delaney has had a couple of horrible years and is struggling to hold on to anything that reminds her of a time when her family was together. Reading this struggle was heartbreaking and painful but watching her allow herself to be loved was refreshing. Getting a glimpse of the rest of our GLU favorites was fantastic. Seeing B and Cassie so in love is infectious and you see why the boys are wanting what these two have. I really thought how do you top B, we all loved him but I knew Davis has something different and itched for his story. Rhonda did not disappoint and gave us something with a different feel but with the same world we fell in love with in Jersey Girl. I love me some #VitaminD. 4.5 Stars for Fire and Ice by Rhonda James
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
November 17, 2016
I really love when a book takes me by surprise- either by the direction the storyline goes, or how different the characters are from what I expected. And Fire and Ice was a complete, and delightful, surprise, on both accounts!
Derek and Delaney are both so sweet, fun, and sexy, with such huge hearts. Their connections is immediate and scorching hot...and it wasn't supposed to last more than one night. But one night wasn't enough for either of them, (thank goodness for us!), and we're treated to such a wonderful love story. I honestly could not get enough of these 2. Derek is so unbelievably swoony- he's charming, caring, loving. He's pretty much the epitome of the perfect boyfriend. Delaney is such a strong, feisty, vulnerable girl. She's a friend you'd love to have on your side.
Fire and Ice is seriously everything you could want in a New Adult college romance. I could go on and on about this book, but it's one of those stories that pretty much anything I say would just be gushing. The Double-Ds totally found a place in my heart!
November 9, 2016
I received and voluntary read an ARC of this book. This book was read and reviewed by Stacy Aube for Cutting Muse Blog Review.
If you've read Jersey Girl this is a must read. This is Derek's story, # Dirty Gentleman. Can one night of passion change this players way?
Lacey is the dance major who will do anything to save her childhood home.
When the two have a wild passion filled night together it changes everything. They can't stop thinking of each other. They know nothing about the other so how will they reconnect? Will fate step in and bring these two together again?
If you've read Jersey Girl this is a must read. This is Derek's story, # Dirty Gentleman. Can one night of passion change this players way?
Lacey is the dance major who will do anything to save her childhood home.
When the two have a wild passion filled night together it changes everything. They can't stop thinking of each other. They know nothing about the other so how will they reconnect? Will fate step in and bring these two together again?
November 21, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
It doesn't happen often but sometimes I start a book and I think I'm not going to be able to finish it, but then something integral happens and I find myself completely caught up in the story and that's exactly what happened with Fire and Ice by Rhonda James. This was the first book I read by this author although as soon as I finished it, I immediately went back and one-clicked Jersey Girl, the first book in the series. A well off college hockey player, a woman struggling to get by, one explosive night neither can forget all begins this endearing and emotional romance.
Derek Davis knows he should be thankful for the opportunities he's given because of his family name, but Derek wants to blaze his own path and while he knows professional hockey is not in the cards for him, he hopes his years playing the game and his degree in communications will land him a job in sports broadcasting, one he hopes to get on his own merits. In Atlanta on a job interview set up by his father, Derek is trying to forget the job he has no intention of taking when a young woman pushes her way into his room.
All Delaney "Laney" Dixon can think about is getting away from the man who broke her heart and while she's not sure why she pushed her way into a room with a man she doesn't know, she'll admit he takes her breath away with his beauty.
I love when couples meet under unusual circumstances and their meeting was highly unusual, but what really impressed me was Derek tracking Laney down and proving to her that he appreciates all of her. There was much I loved about this book, but I don't want to spoil all the surprises within its pages for other readers. So, I'll just say that I was impressed with Laney's strength and conviction to be her own woman and to take care of herself and her burdens were not easy and were not all her own. Despite his privileged upbringing Derek was pretty down to earth and I absolutely loved that nothing Laney told him fazed him. While at times her unwillingness to accept any help from anyone got a bit on my nerves and drove Derek crazy, I could also understand where it was coming from and why she insisted on standing completely on her own two feet.
A smart, sassy and driven heroine, a hero bound and determined to be her special kind of super hero, lots of friendship, enough conflict to make it interesting, and love that knows no bounds made Fire and Ice an engaging and very special romance.
ARC provided with no expectations.
4.5 stars
It doesn't happen often but sometimes I start a book and I think I'm not going to be able to finish it, but then something integral happens and I find myself completely caught up in the story and that's exactly what happened with Fire and Ice by Rhonda James. This was the first book I read by this author although as soon as I finished it, I immediately went back and one-clicked Jersey Girl, the first book in the series. A well off college hockey player, a woman struggling to get by, one explosive night neither can forget all begins this endearing and emotional romance.
Derek Davis knows he should be thankful for the opportunities he's given because of his family name, but Derek wants to blaze his own path and while he knows professional hockey is not in the cards for him, he hopes his years playing the game and his degree in communications will land him a job in sports broadcasting, one he hopes to get on his own merits. In Atlanta on a job interview set up by his father, Derek is trying to forget the job he has no intention of taking when a young woman pushes her way into his room.
All Delaney "Laney" Dixon can think about is getting away from the man who broke her heart and while she's not sure why she pushed her way into a room with a man she doesn't know, she'll admit he takes her breath away with his beauty.
I love when couples meet under unusual circumstances and their meeting was highly unusual, but what really impressed me was Derek tracking Laney down and proving to her that he appreciates all of her. There was much I loved about this book, but I don't want to spoil all the surprises within its pages for other readers. So, I'll just say that I was impressed with Laney's strength and conviction to be her own woman and to take care of herself and her burdens were not easy and were not all her own. Despite his privileged upbringing Derek was pretty down to earth and I absolutely loved that nothing Laney told him fazed him. While at times her unwillingness to accept any help from anyone got a bit on my nerves and drove Derek crazy, I could also understand where it was coming from and why she insisted on standing completely on her own two feet.
A smart, sassy and driven heroine, a hero bound and determined to be her special kind of super hero, lots of friendship, enough conflict to make it interesting, and love that knows no bounds made Fire and Ice an engaging and very special romance.
ARC provided with no expectations.
November 22, 2016
I really enjoyed book 1, but I loved this one! Derek and Delaney are both such loveable characters, and I fell head over heels for both of them.
Derek is a player and doesn’t plan on settling down anytime soon. Although B has warned him to guard his heart because the right girl will eventually break threw his walls, Derek isn’t concerned and doesn’t plan on changing his ways. That is until Delaney knocks him off his feet and leaves him wanting more. “The Dirty Gentleman” is about to get his heart tied up in knots, but is Delaney ready for commitment?
Delaney has had a rough life. She has lost so much along the way, and has to take a job that others don’t approve of to save the only piece of her past she has left. Just when Delaney is about to lose everything, she meets Derek and he completely turns her world upside down. But is Delaney ready for everything Derek has to offer?
These two… OMG I love them both so very much. Delaney is such a sweet, loving, and caring person. And of Derek is pure male perfection in every way. He is also a complete sweetheart when it comes to Delaney. Throw in a little drama, a few surprises and this book, and getting to see Cassie and B as well and it’s the perfect combination. I adore Ms. James’s writing, and I can’t wait too see what she brings next.
November 22, 2016
Derek is "The Dirty Gentleman" He is self assured, he knows what he wants out of life and it is not the path that his parents expect.
Delaney is struggling to keep a small piece of her past...because if she doesn't then it will have all been for nothing.
A chance encounter, where they both decide to live in the moment, ends up being the begining of the end. Well, the end of the preconceived plans they both set in place.
They can't get out of each others mind. There was something so different about that night.
Will the secrets that they are holding on to so tight tear them apart?
Will Derek be able to save her like a superhero is expected to?
Can Delaney let go of the fear long enough to believe in something real?
A couple of things to note about loving and being loved
1. The heart doesn't keep a calendar and tick off the days until the appropriate amount of time has passed.
2. It's like having a real life superhero. And every girl deserves a superhero.
I absolutely loved the relationship between these two! I wasn't sure anyone could out outshine B but I think D may have just done it!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Delaney is struggling to keep a small piece of her past...because if she doesn't then it will have all been for nothing.
A chance encounter, where they both decide to live in the moment, ends up being the begining of the end. Well, the end of the preconceived plans they both set in place.
They can't get out of each others mind. There was something so different about that night.
Will the secrets that they are holding on to so tight tear them apart?
Will Derek be able to save her like a superhero is expected to?
Can Delaney let go of the fear long enough to believe in something real?
A couple of things to note about loving and being loved
1. The heart doesn't keep a calendar and tick off the days until the appropriate amount of time has passed.
2. It's like having a real life superhero. And every girl deserves a superhero.
I absolutely loved the relationship between these two! I wasn't sure anyone could out outshine B but I think D may have just done it!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
November 11, 2016
Ohh Myyyy Geee...Derek...I mean could he be any cuter and sweeter and sexy and generous? Talk about a HOT story...this was it for sure. I loved that he was such man's man yet he knew how to be sensitive and caring. Laney...what can I say about her? She is very strong willed and determined. She is sexy as HELL and determined to keep everyone at arms length. That is until she pushes her way into Derek's hotel room. What was meant to be a quick get a way for Laney turned into a night that she will never forget.
When Laney finally lets D into her heart will she be able to keep him there? When she decides to tell him all of her secrets will he stay or will he run? Will fate win this time or are there to many other factors at play that will force them a part? If you want a story that is dirty, sexy, and sweet then this is your read. Make sure you pick it up!!!!! I kind of hope there is maybe like a follow up novella I would love to find out what happens with them in the future.
When Laney finally lets D into her heart will she be able to keep him there? When she decides to tell him all of her secrets will he stay or will he run? Will fate win this time or are there to many other factors at play that will force them a part? If you want a story that is dirty, sexy, and sweet then this is your read. Make sure you pick it up!!!!! I kind of hope there is maybe like a follow up novella I would love to find out what happens with them in the future.
November 17, 2016
I adored this couple. Davis and Laney are true magic from their first meeting. This story is very will written with wonderfully written and enjoyable characters. Davis is the kind of guy you wish you could have met when you were in college. Strong, loyal, sensitive of feelings and being a total hottie doesn't hurt either. Laney has her own issues that she tries to keep buried but finding herself falling deeper in love with Davis, can she open herself up to him and tell him all of her secrets without losing the man that holds not only her body, but her very heart. It is an incredible love story and one that as you read it, you think you know what is about to happen, then it doesn't but something wonderful happens instead. It is a "keep you on you toes" kind of read, but it is also one that captures your heart and warms it.
November 13, 2016
Amazing as usual Miss James will blow your mind with her writing, story and characters.. this is one of those stories that even after you read it, it will stay with you for a very long time! It was sweet and engaging, fun at time, crazy hot and even heartbreaking! I can't wait to see what comes next!
November 20, 2016
**5+ Stars***
Oh my dear Rhonda James, you've healed my broken heart, and flooded my basement (hehe). How is this the first book I've read by you? This must be a mistake right? Don't tell my husband, but I might have gone a little one-click happy.... #Sorrynotsorry.
When I first started this book, I was skeptical. Girl see's ex, girl runs and hides, girl "runs into" new guy...... Heard it.... Oh but NO! Not this version I hadn't and neither have you. I'm not gonna tell you what happens next, but it was fucking hot, and spontaneous and gave me goosebumps.
While we're on the subject of sexy time-horizontal (and-sometimes-vertical-up-against-the-window)- HOTNESS, let's talk about the chemistry between our darling Laney and our smokin' hot Derek
This book had me sitting my my car, dreading going back into work, and since I live SOOOO close to the fictional Derek, it's taken everything in my power not to drive aimlessly looking for a sexy as hockey player, and a vintage pawnshop to stalk. Derek was the absolute definition of a book boyfriend. He is everything you could ever look for in a man. Successful, driven, gorgeous, and a powerhouse on the ice, and between the sheets. He was charming, and caring, and I'm ridiculously jealous of Laney.
Laney....God I love a strong ass girl, who will do whatever she has to do to make shit work. After a fucked up past and present she's living with, she remains bad ass, even though all she wants to do is give-up. She had the opportunity, but never once did she give into it. She remained bold, and held herself with great pride. (And trust me, after a run in with a potential in-law- THAT is no easy feat!)
I loved the supporting characters, especially Cassie, which is perfect since my next personal read will be Jersey Girl. The team was awesome to read about, and I loved their back and forth banter, and loathe I am to admit it, i'd probably end up being a puck bunny (sorry 'bout it)---That's only if one of them didn't pick me---or puck me ;)
Overall, for being my first Rhonda James book, I must say I'm in love, and cliche as it is, this book will not be my last read by this incredibly talented writer. She has a way of bringing you into the world she's created, and forgetting about the outside, and all of the flaws it holds, for just a little while. Her way with words is really quite amazing, and I highly recommend getting your copy of Fire and Ice today. Double D approves!
#slutpride, #thedailydose #VitaminD #DirtyGenetlemen
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Royal Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
Oh my dear Rhonda James, you've healed my broken heart, and flooded my basement (hehe). How is this the first book I've read by you? This must be a mistake right? Don't tell my husband, but I might have gone a little one-click happy.... #Sorrynotsorry.
When I first started this book, I was skeptical. Girl see's ex, girl runs and hides, girl "runs into" new guy...... Heard it.... Oh but NO! Not this version I hadn't and neither have you. I'm not gonna tell you what happens next, but it was fucking hot, and spontaneous and gave me goosebumps.
While we're on the subject of sexy time-horizontal (and-sometimes-vertical-up-against-the-window)- HOTNESS, let's talk about the chemistry between our darling Laney and our smokin' hot Derek
This book had me sitting my my car, dreading going back into work, and since I live SOOOO close to the fictional Derek, it's taken everything in my power not to drive aimlessly looking for a sexy as hockey player, and a vintage pawnshop to stalk. Derek was the absolute definition of a book boyfriend. He is everything you could ever look for in a man. Successful, driven, gorgeous, and a powerhouse on the ice, and between the sheets. He was charming, and caring, and I'm ridiculously jealous of Laney.
Laney....God I love a strong ass girl, who will do whatever she has to do to make shit work. After a fucked up past and present she's living with, she remains bad ass, even though all she wants to do is give-up. She had the opportunity, but never once did she give into it. She remained bold, and held herself with great pride. (And trust me, after a run in with a potential in-law- THAT is no easy feat!)
I loved the supporting characters, especially Cassie, which is perfect since my next personal read will be Jersey Girl. The team was awesome to read about, and I loved their back and forth banter, and loathe I am to admit it, i'd probably end up being a puck bunny (sorry 'bout it)---That's only if one of them didn't pick me---or puck me ;)
Overall, for being my first Rhonda James book, I must say I'm in love, and cliche as it is, this book will not be my last read by this incredibly talented writer. She has a way of bringing you into the world she's created, and forgetting about the outside, and all of the flaws it holds, for just a little while. Her way with words is really quite amazing, and I highly recommend getting your copy of Fire and Ice today. Double D approves!
#slutpride, #thedailydose #VitaminD #DirtyGenetlemen
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Royal Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
November 18, 2016
Review by Lisa Kane
Hope is a beautiful thing, and it's even more precious when you lose it and it somehow finds its way back to you.
They don't call Derek Davis the Dirty Gentlemen for nothing. This senior at GLU has got game, and I don't just mean on the ice. He's in Atlanta interviewing for a job that thanks to his parents, is pretty much his if he wants it. But before he goes back home to Ann Arbor, Michigan, things are going to get real interesting.
I've just never found a girl who speaks to me in that way. Let me be clear. I've spent many an evening with girls who knew exactly how to please me, but the pleasure was only temporary. I've never been one to believe in fairy tales as if there's some magic pussy out there made only for my dick.
Delaney "Laney" Dixon is at a wedding when she spies Noah, her ex. Fleeing the hotel's ballroom, she's desperate to get away from him. Bumping into a tall, dark and gorgeous man is no hardship. She pushes him right into his room. After a quick explanation of why she's there, the two of them take a really long, hard (emphasis on "hard" ) look at each other and both like what they see. Commence some hot making out! But Laney ends up fleeing, leaving her phone behind and returns to the reception.
Sometimes life has a way of throwing you a curveball. A curveball you don't have the option of letting slip past you.
Derek knows what he wants when he sees it, and he's not about to let this little hottie slip through his fingers. Enter the wedding crasher. One thing leads to lots of things and the two have the best night of their lives.
I get the feeling Derek Davis is a man who has a lot to say, but something about him makes me want to believe what he promised wouldn't be lies.
Both going back to reality. Only Derek can't get Laney out of his mind. Long distance calls, texts, phone sex become their new way of life. But Laney is hiding lots of secrets and one by one, they are all going to come out.
"Derek, I love you, but I can't help feeling like I'm a burden you have to bear. Sometimes I feel like I have nothing to offer you in return, and you deserve so much, Derek."
While I loved the steam and the witty banter between these two, a couple of things bothered me. For one, I can't imagine any guy being comfortable with Laney's part time job. I think it would have complicated things a lot more than it did in the story. There were lots of coincidences too, which stretched believability a little far. But for the most part, this one had lots of chemistry not to mention we got to visit with all the characters from Jersey Girl. (I loved that book!)
"Delaney Marie Dixon, it's no secret that I'm out of this world crazy head over heels in love with you. From the moment we met, you've set my heart on fire and it burns so strong every day."
Hope is a beautiful thing, and it's even more precious when you lose it and it somehow finds its way back to you.
They don't call Derek Davis the Dirty Gentlemen for nothing. This senior at GLU has got game, and I don't just mean on the ice. He's in Atlanta interviewing for a job that thanks to his parents, is pretty much his if he wants it. But before he goes back home to Ann Arbor, Michigan, things are going to get real interesting.
I've just never found a girl who speaks to me in that way. Let me be clear. I've spent many an evening with girls who knew exactly how to please me, but the pleasure was only temporary. I've never been one to believe in fairy tales as if there's some magic pussy out there made only for my dick.
Delaney "Laney" Dixon is at a wedding when she spies Noah, her ex. Fleeing the hotel's ballroom, she's desperate to get away from him. Bumping into a tall, dark and gorgeous man is no hardship. She pushes him right into his room. After a quick explanation of why she's there, the two of them take a really long, hard (emphasis on "hard" ) look at each other and both like what they see. Commence some hot making out! But Laney ends up fleeing, leaving her phone behind and returns to the reception.
Sometimes life has a way of throwing you a curveball. A curveball you don't have the option of letting slip past you.
Derek knows what he wants when he sees it, and he's not about to let this little hottie slip through his fingers. Enter the wedding crasher. One thing leads to lots of things and the two have the best night of their lives.
I get the feeling Derek Davis is a man who has a lot to say, but something about him makes me want to believe what he promised wouldn't be lies.
Both going back to reality. Only Derek can't get Laney out of his mind. Long distance calls, texts, phone sex become their new way of life. But Laney is hiding lots of secrets and one by one, they are all going to come out.
"Derek, I love you, but I can't help feeling like I'm a burden you have to bear. Sometimes I feel like I have nothing to offer you in return, and you deserve so much, Derek."
While I loved the steam and the witty banter between these two, a couple of things bothered me. For one, I can't imagine any guy being comfortable with Laney's part time job. I think it would have complicated things a lot more than it did in the story. There were lots of coincidences too, which stretched believability a little far. But for the most part, this one had lots of chemistry not to mention we got to visit with all the characters from Jersey Girl. (I loved that book!)
"Delaney Marie Dixon, it's no secret that I'm out of this world crazy head over heels in love with you. From the moment we met, you've set my heart on fire and it burns so strong every day."
November 21, 2016
Fire and Ice (Sticks & Hearts #2) by Rhonda James Rhonda James scores with FIRE AND ICE, the second book in the Sticks & Hearts series. While avoiding her ex at a wedding, Delaney Dixon meets Derek Davis thinking they will have a one-night fling. However, neither one can stop thinking about each other. Too bad they really do not know much about one another, including where the other one lives. This contemporary sports romance takes place in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Atlanta, Georgia. It is suitable for New adult audiences.
Rhonda James does a great job with her character development. Laney is a sweet girl who has had a difficult hand dealt to her. She is sad and lonely. Nothing seems to go her way. She is hiding a secret and keeps to herself. She is determined and hard working. My heart broke for her and the things she went through. Derek comes from a privileged background. He is a good guy, caring, and a gentleman. He goes after what he wants. He is a ladies’ man until he meets Laney, and she is all he can think about. I love that he would go to whatever extent to take care of her. The two have amazing chemistry. I enjoyed their texts. I think it is great that they are both fans of Iron Man. They grow throughout the novel and have lots of depth.
I enjoyed the plot. I like how Derek and Laney met. I love that they had no clue that they both went to Great Lakes University. Their reunion is intense. They have some interesting obstacles to overcome, including some family issues. I love how close Derek is to his teammates: Cage, Rivers, and Masterson. They are like family. I appreciate that Laney hits it off with Cassie. I find it amusing that Derek is jealous of his friends when they flirt with Laney. The hockey scenes are well done and believable. I love the epilogue.
This is the first book that I have read by Rhonda James. I really enjoy her writing style. This story had me feeling all sorts of emotions. I plan on continuing to follow this series. I already got a copy of book one, JERSEY GIRL, to read. I had no problem following this book even though I skipped over the first book in the series. However, after getting to know Brantley Cage and Cassie Rivers in FIRE AND ICE, I want to hear their story in JERSEY GIRL. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Rhonda James does a great job with her character development. Laney is a sweet girl who has had a difficult hand dealt to her. She is sad and lonely. Nothing seems to go her way. She is hiding a secret and keeps to herself. She is determined and hard working. My heart broke for her and the things she went through. Derek comes from a privileged background. He is a good guy, caring, and a gentleman. He goes after what he wants. He is a ladies’ man until he meets Laney, and she is all he can think about. I love that he would go to whatever extent to take care of her. The two have amazing chemistry. I enjoyed their texts. I think it is great that they are both fans of Iron Man. They grow throughout the novel and have lots of depth.
I enjoyed the plot. I like how Derek and Laney met. I love that they had no clue that they both went to Great Lakes University. Their reunion is intense. They have some interesting obstacles to overcome, including some family issues. I love how close Derek is to his teammates: Cage, Rivers, and Masterson. They are like family. I appreciate that Laney hits it off with Cassie. I find it amusing that Derek is jealous of his friends when they flirt with Laney. The hockey scenes are well done and believable. I love the epilogue.
This is the first book that I have read by Rhonda James. I really enjoy her writing style. This story had me feeling all sorts of emotions. I plan on continuing to follow this series. I already got a copy of book one, JERSEY GIRL, to read. I had no problem following this book even though I skipped over the first book in the series. However, after getting to know Brantley Cage and Cassie Rivers in FIRE AND ICE, I want to hear their story in JERSEY GIRL. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
November 17, 2016
Fire and Ice tells the story of ‘dirty gentleman’ Derek Davis. He is a team mate of Brantley Cage, whom we’ve met in Jersey Girl. This second book in the series has a bit of overlap with the last few chapters of the first book. There are also some recurring characters, which is a joy. You don’t necessarily need to have read Jersey Girl, but it does help, and also, why wouldn’t you?
While in Atlanta for a job interview, Derek meets a mysterious beauty at the hotel. They share an interesting encounter filled with innuendo and sexual tension. Just when things heat up even more, a phone call distracts them, and the girl makes a hasty exit. He tracks her down to the wedding she is attending and convinces her to give their… whatever it is… a chance, if only for that night.
Delaney Dixon needs an escape. From the wedding she is attending at the moment, to her life in general. The hot guy in the Armani suit in the elevator will do just fine. He’s nice enough, around her age, and obviously not looking for something serious. A phone call spooks her, though, which causes her to flee the scene in embarrassment. Imagine her surprise when he shows up at the wedding, flirting heavily, and convinces her to give him another chance.
Once back at GLU, Derek cannot get Laney out of his mind. Eventually he reaches out to her, and they start texting, getting to know each other a bit better. They set up a date to meet back in Atlanta during his birthday weekend, and both are looking forward to it. Things become a bit more complicated when his friends drag him out to a local strip club for his birthday, and buy him a lap dance.
Secrets are slowly revealed, feelings are tested, and Derek and Laney soon find out just how deep their bond already is. This part of the story is really quite lovely, with romantic feelings and lustful longing mixed together. But Laney is still keeping two very big secrets from Derek, and once those are out in the open, the situation becomes more complicated.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The attraction and chemistry between Derek and Laney was off the charts right from the beginning, and I loved seeing its development into something more. The blossoming friendship between Laney and Cassie was heart warming to witness, as both girls really needed a girl friend. They complement each other well. And aside from the romance, sexy times and slight angst, there is also plenty of humor in this book.
It is definitely worth the read!
While in Atlanta for a job interview, Derek meets a mysterious beauty at the hotel. They share an interesting encounter filled with innuendo and sexual tension. Just when things heat up even more, a phone call distracts them, and the girl makes a hasty exit. He tracks her down to the wedding she is attending and convinces her to give their… whatever it is… a chance, if only for that night.
Delaney Dixon needs an escape. From the wedding she is attending at the moment, to her life in general. The hot guy in the Armani suit in the elevator will do just fine. He’s nice enough, around her age, and obviously not looking for something serious. A phone call spooks her, though, which causes her to flee the scene in embarrassment. Imagine her surprise when he shows up at the wedding, flirting heavily, and convinces her to give him another chance.
Once back at GLU, Derek cannot get Laney out of his mind. Eventually he reaches out to her, and they start texting, getting to know each other a bit better. They set up a date to meet back in Atlanta during his birthday weekend, and both are looking forward to it. Things become a bit more complicated when his friends drag him out to a local strip club for his birthday, and buy him a lap dance.
Secrets are slowly revealed, feelings are tested, and Derek and Laney soon find out just how deep their bond already is. This part of the story is really quite lovely, with romantic feelings and lustful longing mixed together. But Laney is still keeping two very big secrets from Derek, and once those are out in the open, the situation becomes more complicated.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The attraction and chemistry between Derek and Laney was off the charts right from the beginning, and I loved seeing its development into something more. The blossoming friendship between Laney and Cassie was heart warming to witness, as both girls really needed a girl friend. They complement each other well. And aside from the romance, sexy times and slight angst, there is also plenty of humor in this book.
It is definitely worth the read!
November 26, 2016
~CASSIE~
Fire and Ice is the second book in the Stick and Hearts series. This series can be read as a standalone and each book is about a different couple. I do recommend reading Jersey Girl only because you get to see the relationship between all the friends and that makes Fire and Ice even better.
Fire and Ice is Derek and Laney’s story. Derek is a college hockey player getting ready to graduate and is in Atlanta for a job interview. While there he is kind of attacked by Laney who is hiding from her ex-boyfriend. That is probably the best thing to happen to them and after their hook up they think that is it. Little do they know they both attend the same college and even more interesting is the way they find out. Laney is a stripper and is about to give Derek a lap dance. Imagine their mutual surprise when they see each other! I think that is when I fall a little in love with Derek because instead of getting mad and leaving he stays. He might not like it, but he supports Laney’s decisions and he doesn’t make her feel dirty or bad about it. Derek is a lot alpha and wants to take care of Laney, but once he opens up his heart to her you see he is totally a softie. He can be totally stubborn, but if you are in his circle of people than you are his family and he will do anything for them. It was easy to fall all the way in love with him. And Laney totally fell for him and all of his alphaness! I really liked Laney’s character because she had a lot of bad stuff thrown at her, and she kept fighting. She has a hard time opening up because she has been betrayed and hurt over and over. I loved seeing her opening up to Derek and in the process becoming more confident with herself.
These two had so much chemistry that I thought my kindle might melt reading it. They were definitely hot and could not get enough of each other, but there was more than just the physical. They had a strong emotional connection too. It was fun reading the ultimate womanizer brought to his knees by one girl. They definitely have issues they need to deal with to get their happily ever after. But all they go through is worth it to see them so happy.
I would definitely recommend this series. I love Rhonda James’ writing and I really like how she brought back the whole gang. I think that is what makes this series a great series. I love when you see the couple you fell in love with first in the books in the rest of the series.
Fire and Ice is the second book in the Stick and Hearts series. This series can be read as a standalone and each book is about a different couple. I do recommend reading Jersey Girl only because you get to see the relationship between all the friends and that makes Fire and Ice even better.
Fire and Ice is Derek and Laney’s story. Derek is a college hockey player getting ready to graduate and is in Atlanta for a job interview. While there he is kind of attacked by Laney who is hiding from her ex-boyfriend. That is probably the best thing to happen to them and after their hook up they think that is it. Little do they know they both attend the same college and even more interesting is the way they find out. Laney is a stripper and is about to give Derek a lap dance. Imagine their mutual surprise when they see each other! I think that is when I fall a little in love with Derek because instead of getting mad and leaving he stays. He might not like it, but he supports Laney’s decisions and he doesn’t make her feel dirty or bad about it. Derek is a lot alpha and wants to take care of Laney, but once he opens up his heart to her you see he is totally a softie. He can be totally stubborn, but if you are in his circle of people than you are his family and he will do anything for them. It was easy to fall all the way in love with him. And Laney totally fell for him and all of his alphaness! I really liked Laney’s character because she had a lot of bad stuff thrown at her, and she kept fighting. She has a hard time opening up because she has been betrayed and hurt over and over. I loved seeing her opening up to Derek and in the process becoming more confident with herself.
These two had so much chemistry that I thought my kindle might melt reading it. They were definitely hot and could not get enough of each other, but there was more than just the physical. They had a strong emotional connection too. It was fun reading the ultimate womanizer brought to his knees by one girl. They definitely have issues they need to deal with to get their happily ever after. But all they go through is worth it to see them so happy.
I would definitely recommend this series. I love Rhonda James’ writing and I really like how she brought back the whole gang. I think that is what makes this series a great series. I love when you see the couple you fell in love with first in the books in the rest of the series.
November 22, 2016
4.5 stars!
Ladies, there's a new hockey player in town! While he may be dubbed the "Dirty Gentleman", Delaney Dixon is the one lady who can make Derek Davis fall to his knees. I'll admit I grabbed this book to review based on two factors: 1. HAWT cover and 2. he's a hockey player. What I found to be interesting is that hockey wasn't as central to the story as expected. In fact, this story turned out to be different and more than I expected. What started out as a chance encounter in a hotel room turned into a beautiful and complex love story.
Derek may appear to be nothing but a playboy looking for his next "encounter", but the truth is that the real Derek didn't come out until he met Delaney. It appeared that he never knew that he had it in him. The funny part is that he becomes the knight in shining armor, taking care of Laney when she needed him most, but didn't know how to ask for it.
Poor Laney was dealt the super short end of the stick in life. With that said, this girl is a fighter. Not always a risk taker, but she has gumption and strength. I think that's why I loved her so much with Derek. She has had to be so strong for so long and she meets him, she finally can lean on someone.
I found this story to be so sweet. Watching Derek go from a young boy who develops into a strong man is so endearing. I am happy to have been surprised by how fun, sexy, charming, and loving these characters turned out to be. They each face their own drama and dilemmas, but together they are unbeatable!
Ladies, there's a new hockey player in town! While he may be dubbed the "Dirty Gentleman", Delaney Dixon is the one lady who can make Derek Davis fall to his knees. I'll admit I grabbed this book to review based on two factors: 1. HAWT cover and 2. he's a hockey player. What I found to be interesting is that hockey wasn't as central to the story as expected. In fact, this story turned out to be different and more than I expected. What started out as a chance encounter in a hotel room turned into a beautiful and complex love story.
Derek may appear to be nothing but a playboy looking for his next "encounter", but the truth is that the real Derek didn't come out until he met Delaney. It appeared that he never knew that he had it in him. The funny part is that he becomes the knight in shining armor, taking care of Laney when she needed him most, but didn't know how to ask for it.
Poor Laney was dealt the super short end of the stick in life. With that said, this girl is a fighter. Not always a risk taker, but she has gumption and strength. I think that's why I loved her so much with Derek. She has had to be so strong for so long and she meets him, she finally can lean on someone.
I found this story to be so sweet. Watching Derek go from a young boy who develops into a strong man is so endearing. I am happy to have been surprised by how fun, sexy, charming, and loving these characters turned out to be. They each face their own drama and dilemmas, but together they are unbeatable!
November 28, 2016
"Hope is a beautiful thing, and it’s even more precious when you lose it and somehow it finds it’s way back to you."
I didn't think I could love Laney and Derek as much as I loved Cassie and Brantley. But let me tell you that I have never been so happy to be wrong. I fell hard for Laney and Derek. Not only were they hot as hell between the sheets, but they were such a strong unit when facing whatever life threw at them. And they faced a lot of obstacles.
Laney just broke my heart with everything she had been through especially at such a young age. But she's fighter and refuses to give up on what is important to her. She refuses to give up hope that things will work out.
And this is one of the reasons why I love Rhonda James' writing. She writes strong female characters. They might be young, but they are not afraid to go after what they want. Whether it's a relationship, a career, etc., they believe in fighting for it because they believe that they deserve it.
And Derek. Talk about swoon worthy. He was there by Laney's side every step of the way. The compassion and understanding that he showed her just melted my heart. He's not just her daily dose of D, he's her knight in shining armor.
If you read Jersey Girl, Fire & Ice is a must read. Even if you didn't read JG, I highly recommend this book. It's truly a beautifully written book that will pull at your heartstrings.
I didn't think I could love Laney and Derek as much as I loved Cassie and Brantley. But let me tell you that I have never been so happy to be wrong. I fell hard for Laney and Derek. Not only were they hot as hell between the sheets, but they were such a strong unit when facing whatever life threw at them. And they faced a lot of obstacles.
Laney just broke my heart with everything she had been through especially at such a young age. But she's fighter and refuses to give up on what is important to her. She refuses to give up hope that things will work out.
And this is one of the reasons why I love Rhonda James' writing. She writes strong female characters. They might be young, but they are not afraid to go after what they want. Whether it's a relationship, a career, etc., they believe in fighting for it because they believe that they deserve it.
And Derek. Talk about swoon worthy. He was there by Laney's side every step of the way. The compassion and understanding that he showed her just melted my heart. He's not just her daily dose of D, he's her knight in shining armor.
If you read Jersey Girl, Fire & Ice is a must read. Even if you didn't read JG, I highly recommend this book. It's truly a beautifully written book that will pull at your heartstrings.
November 17, 2016
Get ready for some heat with Fire & Ice because Derek and Laney definitely have some sizzle!
I fell hard for Derek & Laney's story giving them 5Stars!(I'd give them a few more if I could)
An unexpected meeting brings these two together if only for the moment. Each forgetting their own secrets, worries and doubts but left wondering if there wasn't something more there.
Derek was first introduced in Jersey Girl (book 1). He is a loyal friend to his hockey boys, a playboy dubbed #DirtyGentleman by the ladies and not too spoiled by his wealthy upbringing yet determined to be independent and take care of his business in his own way.
Delaney, a dance major, struggles to hang on to her secrets while barely holding it together to get through school.
If sizzling hot, steamy reads with new friendships, secrets, drama and surprises with all the feels this is the book for you!
I fell hard for Derek & Laney's story giving them 5Stars!(I'd give them a few more if I could)
An unexpected meeting brings these two together if only for the moment. Each forgetting their own secrets, worries and doubts but left wondering if there wasn't something more there.
Derek was first introduced in Jersey Girl (book 1). He is a loyal friend to his hockey boys, a playboy dubbed #DirtyGentleman by the ladies and not too spoiled by his wealthy upbringing yet determined to be independent and take care of his business in his own way.
Delaney, a dance major, struggles to hang on to her secrets while barely holding it together to get through school.
If sizzling hot, steamy reads with new friendships, secrets, drama and surprises with all the feels this is the book for you!
November 13, 2016
** ARC provided by the Author for an honest review **
Sexy, Smoldering and Emotional .. This read will set your kindles on fire and melt your heart.
Fire and Ice (Sticks and Hearts #2) by Rhonda James is a fantabulous, emotional romance! You will laugh, cry, and want to scream reading this book.
Derrick Davis #DirtyGentleman is in town for an interview. Laney sees him in the elevator and follows him to his room as she needs an escape from a wedding. They drink a little and talk. Laney bolts when Derrick gets a phone call. The stage is set .. It's a game of predator / prey.
Will Laney and Derrick end up together? You'll have to read the book to find out. This was a book that kept me turning the pages and not wanting to put the book down. I would recommend this book to anyone! It is that good! Fabulous 5 stars.
Sexy, Smoldering and Emotional .. This read will set your kindles on fire and melt your heart.
Fire and Ice (Sticks and Hearts #2) by Rhonda James is a fantabulous, emotional romance! You will laugh, cry, and want to scream reading this book.
Derrick Davis #DirtyGentleman is in town for an interview. Laney sees him in the elevator and follows him to his room as she needs an escape from a wedding. They drink a little and talk. Laney bolts when Derrick gets a phone call. The stage is set .. It's a game of predator / prey.
Will Laney and Derrick end up together? You'll have to read the book to find out. This was a book that kept me turning the pages and not wanting to put the book down. I would recommend this book to anyone! It is that good! Fabulous 5 stars.
November 17, 2016
4/5 Stars!!!
Spoiler Free Review
Fire & Ice starts off with a bang...well, not a bang, but a pretty hot encounter between Laney and Derek. The she disappears and he goes on a little treasure hunt to find her. That's when things get hot.
Then they go back to their real lives, but manage to stay in touch.
Of course, no good romance comes without hitches and these hitches are pretty big. When they finally meet up again, it is in the most inconvenient of ways and quite a shock to them both.
James has created some really great characters here. Derek is swoonworthy to the highest order and Laney is kind of kick-ass.
I really liked this book. Great story, great characters and fun hashtags make for a 4 star read!
Spoiler Free Review
Fire & Ice starts off with a bang...well, not a bang, but a pretty hot encounter between Laney and Derek. The she disappears and he goes on a little treasure hunt to find her. That's when things get hot.
Then they go back to their real lives, but manage to stay in touch.
Of course, no good romance comes without hitches and these hitches are pretty big. When they finally meet up again, it is in the most inconvenient of ways and quite a shock to them both.
James has created some really great characters here. Derek is swoonworthy to the highest order and Laney is kind of kick-ass.
I really liked this book. Great story, great characters and fun hashtags make for a 4 star read!
November 17, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this books cause I had all the right things I look for in any book. Hot moments? ✔ funny moments? ✔ sass and attitude? ✔ gut punch moments? ✔ So, what I'm saying is...stop reading my review and buy the book!!! And of course, find your special spot and enjoy it!!! Happy reading
November 14, 2016
Love it. Very intriguing storyline. Kept me intrigued. Didn't want to stop reading this book. Love that hockey is incorporated in this book. Laney is a strong female character. Dirtygentleman is my kind of guy. Five stars. Keep up the awesome books Rhonda. I received a arc in exchange for a voluntary review.
April 29, 2017
Pretty good. Pretty good.
This was essentially your average college hockey romance. A few things were standout to me. I really enjoyed the heroine, Laney, and I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it's because she was strong, but she was also vulnerable. She wasn't too much of one personality and I enjoyed reading her from beginning to end.
I read Jersey Girl awhile ago, so I don't really remember Derek that well, but I still enjoyed him. I liked that he was a decent guy, and he did have some flaws too.
If you like college romance with low angst, and a bit of naughty... look no further! Fire and Ice is for you!
This was essentially your average college hockey romance. A few things were standout to me. I really enjoyed the heroine, Laney, and I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it's because she was strong, but she was also vulnerable. She wasn't too much of one personality and I enjoyed reading her from beginning to end.
I read Jersey Girl awhile ago, so I don't really remember Derek that well, but I still enjoyed him. I liked that he was a decent guy, and he did have some flaws too.
If you like college romance with low angst, and a bit of naughty... look no further! Fire and Ice is for you!
January 21, 2025
No se puede esperar mucho.
November 19, 2016
4 Stars!!!
Fire and Ice by Rhonda James is a perfectly titled follow up to the first book in the series, Jersey Girl. We first met Derek Davis in Jersey Girl, and his insightful advice we saw in that book, carried over into Fire and Ice. He is fire. He is deep. He… unknowingly falls in love with a stripper.
Derek Davis is a college senior on the varsity hockey team. This is his last year, and knows he isn’t making it to the big leagues and is interviewing out of town. Coming from an affluent family, he doesn’t just want to be given a job. Davis is strong, intelligent, quiet but fierce.
When Laney sees her ex-boyfriend at an out of town wedding, she freaks and runs… straight into Davis’s hotel room. Once there, they explore their inexplicable chemistry. Both think that they will never see each other again, but secretly can’t help but want more. But Laney is emotionally damaged and at the end of her tether trying to keep her family’s home. As she is a dance major at college (ironically the same as Davis), she moonlights as a stripper to try and make the payments.
Laney is closed off, gun shy, and weary of everything. She is hard like ice. But once that fire melts the ice, she will be nothing more than a puddle.
I was rooting for Davis and Laney from page one. They were made for each other, and had to overcome obstacles that neither one could have possibly foreseen. Davis was incredibly patient with Laney when she put up her numerous walls. He loved her and was not afraid to show it or tell her. For Laney and her demons, she couldn’t understand why he would want anything to do with her. She loved him with everything that she had in her, but couldn’t see how someone so wonderful could possibly want her.
“She told me love looked good on me, I didn’t understand what she meant by that. But now, I’m sitting here listening to my best friend, and when I see the way you’re looking at her, I can’t help thinking the same thing.”
Davis loves Laney. End of story. She can freak out all she wants, but he will be a constant in her life. Yes, there is a slight hiccup when he finds out she is a stripper, but he handles it in his Davis fashion. I loved everything about him. Laney was a little harder to like, but I understood where she was coming from. If I went through the trauma that she had, I would question and doubt everything too. Once she got her head out of her ass though, I really started to enjoy her character.
I highly recommend this book, and anything and everything written by Rhonda James. She has a certain writing style that is highly appealing and I look forward to reading what is yet to come. (Give us Scotty!)
ARC provided for an honest review
Fire and Ice by Rhonda James is a perfectly titled follow up to the first book in the series, Jersey Girl. We first met Derek Davis in Jersey Girl, and his insightful advice we saw in that book, carried over into Fire and Ice. He is fire. He is deep. He… unknowingly falls in love with a stripper.
Derek Davis is a college senior on the varsity hockey team. This is his last year, and knows he isn’t making it to the big leagues and is interviewing out of town. Coming from an affluent family, he doesn’t just want to be given a job. Davis is strong, intelligent, quiet but fierce.
When Laney sees her ex-boyfriend at an out of town wedding, she freaks and runs… straight into Davis’s hotel room. Once there, they explore their inexplicable chemistry. Both think that they will never see each other again, but secretly can’t help but want more. But Laney is emotionally damaged and at the end of her tether trying to keep her family’s home. As she is a dance major at college (ironically the same as Davis), she moonlights as a stripper to try and make the payments.
Laney is closed off, gun shy, and weary of everything. She is hard like ice. But once that fire melts the ice, she will be nothing more than a puddle.
I was rooting for Davis and Laney from page one. They were made for each other, and had to overcome obstacles that neither one could have possibly foreseen. Davis was incredibly patient with Laney when she put up her numerous walls. He loved her and was not afraid to show it or tell her. For Laney and her demons, she couldn’t understand why he would want anything to do with her. She loved him with everything that she had in her, but couldn’t see how someone so wonderful could possibly want her.
“She told me love looked good on me, I didn’t understand what she meant by that. But now, I’m sitting here listening to my best friend, and when I see the way you’re looking at her, I can’t help thinking the same thing.”
Davis loves Laney. End of story. She can freak out all she wants, but he will be a constant in her life. Yes, there is a slight hiccup when he finds out she is a stripper, but he handles it in his Davis fashion. I loved everything about him. Laney was a little harder to like, but I understood where she was coming from. If I went through the trauma that she had, I would question and doubt everything too. Once she got her head out of her ass though, I really started to enjoy her character.
I highly recommend this book, and anything and everything written by Rhonda James. She has a certain writing style that is highly appealing and I look forward to reading what is yet to come. (Give us Scotty!)
ARC provided for an honest review
November 22, 2016
Arc provided for an honest review.
When Derek meets Delaney...
" I am fire and he is ice. And together, we fucking sizzle."
When Derek and Delaney went to Atlanta, they didn’t expect to find each other. Derek was there for a job interview and Delaney was there for a wedding. Delaney was recently dumped by her boyfriend
“he left me in a crumpled heap on the floor, told me he couldn’t handle the emotional baggage that came with loving someone like me”
but she was immediately attracted by Derek #Dirtygentleman.
“Trust me, buddy, if I limit myself to only one woman, there will be hearts breaking all over Ann Arbor,” I tease. “I’ll leave the hearts and flowers to you. Fuck ‘em and forget ‘em works for now.”
She followed him and barged into his room. Delaney was blown away by the view, the room and more importantly she was bewitched by his charm.
This led to Derek and Delaney spending the night together… and what a night it was… it was steamy… it was hot… it was magical… it was a night that both of them struggled to get over. So what happened in Atlanta should stay in Atlanta right?
Nope, because they are both actually students at GLA but none of them are aware that they live at 10mn from each other.
It was instalove and Derek is going to do everything in his power to make it happen. However, Delaney has a dark past and secrets that prevent her from moving forward… She is a strong, determined and brave heroine , but it is her vulnerability and her insecurity that makes her character interesting. She is just a girl who is scared to love.
"I'll want you just as much tomorrow as I do right this very moment. I can promise you that.”
Will Delaney and Derek get their HEA?
Fire and Ice is my first book by Rhonda James and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Her writing style and her characters are everything that I look in a good book. Derek and Delaney were definitely made for each other- they made me cry, panic, swoon but more importantly they made me fell in love with them .
Derek is definitely my #Ironman and my daily #VitamineD.
If you are looking for a heartfelt story that you will not be able to put down Fire and Ice is the book for you.
“Baby, I don’t want to be the guy who breaks your heart. I want to be the one who heals it.”
When Derek meets Delaney...
" I am fire and he is ice. And together, we fucking sizzle."
When Derek and Delaney went to Atlanta, they didn’t expect to find each other. Derek was there for a job interview and Delaney was there for a wedding. Delaney was recently dumped by her boyfriend
“he left me in a crumpled heap on the floor, told me he couldn’t handle the emotional baggage that came with loving someone like me”
but she was immediately attracted by Derek #Dirtygentleman.
“Trust me, buddy, if I limit myself to only one woman, there will be hearts breaking all over Ann Arbor,” I tease. “I’ll leave the hearts and flowers to you. Fuck ‘em and forget ‘em works for now.”
She followed him and barged into his room. Delaney was blown away by the view, the room and more importantly she was bewitched by his charm.
This led to Derek and Delaney spending the night together… and what a night it was… it was steamy… it was hot… it was magical… it was a night that both of them struggled to get over. So what happened in Atlanta should stay in Atlanta right?
Nope, because they are both actually students at GLA but none of them are aware that they live at 10mn from each other.
It was instalove and Derek is going to do everything in his power to make it happen. However, Delaney has a dark past and secrets that prevent her from moving forward… She is a strong, determined and brave heroine , but it is her vulnerability and her insecurity that makes her character interesting. She is just a girl who is scared to love.
"I'll want you just as much tomorrow as I do right this very moment. I can promise you that.”
Will Delaney and Derek get their HEA?
Fire and Ice is my first book by Rhonda James and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Her writing style and her characters are everything that I look in a good book. Derek and Delaney were definitely made for each other- they made me cry, panic, swoon but more importantly they made me fell in love with them .
Derek is definitely my #Ironman and my daily #VitamineD.
If you are looking for a heartfelt story that you will not be able to put down Fire and Ice is the book for you.
“Baby, I don’t want to be the guy who breaks your heart. I want to be the one who heals it.”
November 23, 2016
Derek is college hockey player, whose reputation as the #DirtyGentlemen precedes him. He has his future all planned out, plus no shortage of women to choose from. He's going to graduate and land his dream job. But while on a job interview, he meets Delaney Dixon, and his life will never be the same. She affects him like no other woman, and they spend a great night together that he can't get out of his head. He decides that he wants more, but she won't let him in. Delaney is a broken woman with a bad past that she carries around with her. In order to get things paid for, she is a stripper because that's the only way she can make the money she needs quickly. The night that Derek rescues her at wedding, she feels a connection, but doesn't believe that happily ever after exists for her. However, Derek won't quit, so will Delaney finally trust him enough to reveal all of her secrets?
This story was amazing from beginning to the very end, leaving me ready to beg for more. This is the first time that I've read Rhonda James, and am I ever glad that I finally did, as I LOVE LOVE LOVE her super talented writing style. She instantly captured my whole attention, that left me stranded in one position until I devoured it. Her balance between romance and sports was perfect to me, and it was refreshing that this book didn't have a spiteful woman trying to sabotage Derek and Delaney. Instead, it was Delenay's baggage that got in the way, and I can totally relate to that completely! She did add a twist or two that came out of left field, which made for some serious f-bomb dropping flying out of my mouth loudly. The character development was great, with a highly entertaining cast of secondaries that had me laughing hard! Flammable chemistry EXPLODED into SIZZLING sexy scene goodness every time they were in the same room, which seriously, shot sparks out of my kindle. I CANNOT WAIT TO READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR, and I'm giving her a standing ovation for a great story that I can't HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND ENOUGH!
This story was amazing from beginning to the very end, leaving me ready to beg for more. This is the first time that I've read Rhonda James, and am I ever glad that I finally did, as I LOVE LOVE LOVE her super talented writing style. She instantly captured my whole attention, that left me stranded in one position until I devoured it. Her balance between romance and sports was perfect to me, and it was refreshing that this book didn't have a spiteful woman trying to sabotage Derek and Delaney. Instead, it was Delenay's baggage that got in the way, and I can totally relate to that completely! She did add a twist or two that came out of left field, which made for some serious f-bomb dropping flying out of my mouth loudly. The character development was great, with a highly entertaining cast of secondaries that had me laughing hard! Flammable chemistry EXPLODED into SIZZLING sexy scene goodness every time they were in the same room, which seriously, shot sparks out of my kindle. I CANNOT WAIT TO READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR, and I'm giving her a standing ovation for a great story that I can't HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND ENOUGH!
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