For Dillon Frayser, a rising star for The Baltimore Banners hockey team, life has come easy. A solid childhood, a happy family, a natural talent for playing the game he loves. The only thing missing is the degree he promised his parents he would get soon after he was drafted. If he could just force himself to focus on carbon atoms and organic chemistry, he wouldn't have to worry about squeezing in embarrassing tutoring sessions between a busy schedule filled with practices and games.
Maggie Andersen dreads meeting her new student but she needs the money that tutoring will provide. That doesn't mean she's willing to put up with the anticipated antics of an arrogant brainless jock. When she finally meets Dillon, he turns out to be the exact opposite of what she expected: smart, funny, driven, and humble. Maggie soon finds herself letting her guard down and discovering a different kind of chemistry.
Will the tutoring sessions lead to something more for the mismatched pair? Or is this nothing more than a one-timer for the sexy hockey player?
Lisa 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!
I just finished a reread of this book at almost the same time as last year and for the same reason - hockey playoffs are upon us. And it's the same grade second time around. These two characters are just adorable together.
4.5 out of 5
I read and reviewed this one a while ago but just getting around to posting it here on GoodReads now. I thought I'd mention this since I'm talking about hockey and beards and we are now into baseball season :-)
Now that the playoffs and hockey beards have started in the NHL – and thankfully this year there are some Canadian teams – I’ve been watching some of the games and my love for hockey and hot hockey players is coming back. So, of course, that means some hot hockey romance books in between the live games. One Timer by Lisa Kamps is one of the ones I’ve inhaled lately.
I read and loved the first few of her Baltimore Banners series and then read one that I gave a huge thumbs down on. Then real hockey ended and the other books I’d uploaded by Ms. Kamps kind of fell off my radar. However, with my renewed interest in the game and going through my books, I noticed some of this author’s other books and thought “Oh right! I enjoyed most of her books.” So I started this one and couldn’t have been more delighted.
This book is absolutely adorable. I love Maggie Anderson, the totally geeky heroine who very reluctantly agrees to tutor Dillon Frayser, the pro hockey player who needs a little bit of help in getting the final course for the Master’s degree he’s been taking.
I love Maggie so very much. She’s a geek and totally comfortable being one. She wears clothes no self-respecting girly girl would wear, and if others don’t like it, well too darn bad, she does. She has a ferret named Slinky as a pet. Who could not love a heroine with a pet ferret? She has a very strong beef against jocks, thus her reluctance to tutor Dillon and would have refused if it weren’t for the money. She knows nothing about hockey and is, therefore, unimpressed with his career. She is just such an endearing hoot.
And as much as I love Maggie, that same love goes to Dillon. Head to toe, front to back he’s just the perfect kind of hero. Though he’s a pro hockey player, I wouldn’t really call him a jerk. In fact, underneath and much to Maggie’s dismay, he’s kind of a nerd himself. He’s not like a lot of the professional athletes we read about. He’s not a ‘player’, not at all. While not a virgin, he hasn’t really indulged with ‘puck bunnies’ and I find that quite refreshing. He’s rather bemused by Maggie and her eccentricities, and his interactions with Slinky are adorable.
There isn’t a whole lot of conflict in this book and it might have profited from a wee, wee bit more, but, saying that, I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a cute, funny, appealing and, yes, ADORABLE book.
Just as an FYI, I have been reading these books out of order and though they are a series, they work quite well as standalones. Characters from other books make appearances but they don’t detract from current book
One-Timer by Lisa B. Kamps is a sweet & funny romance between a geek & a jock that heats up the page. Maggie Andersen is working on her Masters degree and time is precious for her as she's constantly studying, working on labs or tutoring to pay the bills. When asked by one of her teachers to take on new student to tutor the last thing she wants to do is deal with a jock just trying to breeze by. Dillon Frayser needs one more course to complete his degree in organic chemistry. Once he was drafted his studies became a thing of the past but wanting to surprise his mother on her birthday with his degree Dillon needs to hit the books again after years away. Juggling a busy NHL schedule and studying is a challenge and Dillon wants to impress Maggie too. Intrigued has turned into interested in more than Maggie's mind and Dillon pushes Maggie to let down some of those walls she's built around herself.
I really don't know how Lisa does it. We are at book 9 in the Banners series and again another fresh, interesting brand new plot. I loved these characters. Maggie is smart and dedicated, hurt before by an athlete and forced her to protect her self and her heart. Dillon is smart, talented and charming but feeling the stress of his job and wants to break Maggie out of her shell. The first time we see these two meet - I almost died from laughter - Maggie's pet is hilarious and I really enjoyed the meeting. One-Timer also introduces us to the lead of Lisa's new series Playing The Game (York Bombers #1) and leads us into Harland Day's story which I'm just itching to read. Well done again Lisa! 5 Stars for One-Timer by Lisa B. Kamps
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
One-Timer is the ninth book in the Baltimore Banners series by Lisa Kamps.
Dillon Frayser was a gorgeous NHL forward for the Baltimore Banners. Although worth millions, he promised his mother he would get his degree. He had one final course as an obstacle and he needed help. Maggie Andersen was the quirky student that was recommended as his tutor. She was focused, driven, geeky and had zero respect for "dumb jocks."
It was told with a dual POV. I loved Dillion. He was quieter than most on his team, intelligent and somewhat humorous. He was confident but also had a reserved demeanor. I loved everything about him.
I wasn't as much a fan of Maggie. She was judgmental and snobby. I could see having initial assumptions, but her judgements carried too far into the storyline for me. Once the storyline progressed, she began growing on me little by little.
I liked the premise of the story....the geek and the jock get together for a surprising forever love. Of course it wasn't without major obstacles and on going challenges, but ultimately Love wins out.
The secondary plot was confusing at times and I didn't understand the emphasis on Harland, Dillon's teammate. It didn't seem relevant to the storyline. However, once I understood the importance of Harland to Kamps' new series, The York Bombers, it then gelled. I thoroughly enjoyed Kamp's perspective and detail into hockey. It added depth and dimension to the overall storyline.
All in all, it was enjoyable and entertaining. There were several editing errors, but nothing too numerous. Face Off, focusing on Ethan and Cindy, is up next as well as Harland's spin off in Playing the Game.
3.7 points Beauty and the Geek story. Or an Ugly Duckling where the duckling never becomes a swan, just finds acceptance and affection and respect for exactly what and who it is.
Once again this author is all about grays between black and white, acknowledging misconceptions and smashing cliches. Nice harmless (but not brainless) read.
This was cute easy read. Not the crazy drama that most of these books have. I don't really know where they can keep going on the dram part for the series but I'm sure she will find a way. Next book Ethan and Cindy?
Lisa B. Kamps author of One-Timer, Book 9 The Baltimore Banners, did a wonderful job with this engaging story of 'Geek meets Jock' in my humble opinion.
Dillon is not what he seems and neither is Maggie. Both characters are well rounded and totally believable. I loved the way you heard their thoughts and as a reader could then understand each of these introverted individuals and what motivated them. Lisa uses her story-line to demonstrate the mismatch between what the characters thought and what came out of their mouths to great effect. I really loved these characters. However, I would place this story as Hot-plus on the Romcon Romance Heat Scale as there are multiple explicit sex scenes within a loving relationship.
The sport detail was not a big part of the story although the lifestyle was. This only added to the story's authenticity in my opinion and worked really well from Maggie's non-sport background.
I haven't read any other books by Lisa B. Kamps and even though this was book 9, it was totally enjoyable as a stand-alone read. Well done indeed, Lisa. I was surprised to find the book cover was relevant to the story, more so than the title, which still doesn't make sense to me.
I would recommend this to other romance lovers who enjoy a well spun, original story even if the love-heat setting is a little high (as is the case for me). It is worth taking a chance on for the story!
I only ever give top stars to those stories I would read again and this book falls into that category! An excellent and enjoyable read!! But the best thing about this book is the ending - this ending was perfect for me! Thank you, Lisa.
I received a free copy of the book for an honest and voluntary review.
I loved this hero and heroine, as individuals and as a couple. It wasn’t insta love, their relationship build during their study hours. He wasn’t a player, had a few one night stands, but not the type to sleep around. I liked that for change. The heroine was a bit shy and awkward around people she didn’t know. It was nice to see her warming up to him. I love sport romances, in particular hockey romances, so that’s a big win with this book. You also get a sneak peek in what’s going on with Harland and Ethan & Cindy. I am curious to their books to see how their story evolves. But One-Timer was a cute read that kept me interested. I didn’t read all other books in this series, but that’s not an issue. There are some other teammates, some with girlfriends so I assume their books were prior to this one, but you can read it as a standalone.
GREAT ADDITION TO THE SERIES. One-Timer is the ninth book in the Baltimore Banners series. As with her other books, the action is hot and steamy, so definitely 18+. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. The author did a good job of giving depth, thoughts, and emotions to these characters. As a hockey fan, I always like the hockey action, but like how this book also highlighted that off the ice the players are real people with dreams and ambitions beyond the sport. Not all the players are dumb jocks. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, as well as the new spin-off series with the York Bombers (minor league hockey team).
Most jocks do have the smarts as well and have the degrees to prove it. So it was great that a story was written in that vein. The dark side of jocks was also portrayed, the side that uses to get the notches. Dillon is a smart jock needing a tutor for his final course of chemistry and hires Maggie at the behest of his Professor. Their attraction is mutual but Maggie neither trusts nor likes "jocks". Of course, this changes and evolves into a sexy, hot romance!
Let his was a great addition to the series. I love hockey romance and this one didnt disappoint. It was a hot love story between a jock and a smarty pants who is trying to help him finish up up his college degree as he promised his mother he would so he would have something to fall back on when his hockey career ends
We have Geek meet Jock. Maggie is working on her Masters when she is asked to take on a new student to tutor. Dillon wants to impress everyone but mainly Maggie and helps her break down her wall that she has built around herself. She was hurt before by a different athlete and doesn’t want to be hurt again.
What made this story great was neither characters was what the other thought they would be and it was refreshing. I haven’t read any of the other books and didn’t feel left out of anything as these can be read as stand alone. But I will be looking at the others in this series. It has everything for anyone, romance, great characters and sports.
I received a free copy of the book for an honest and voluntary review.
This was really, really lovely! It had a bit of everything. I liked Dillon and his shyness, cockiness and how faithful he was. He was a really good man. Not the usual alpha man who goes all possessive and territorial. Maggie was a cute girl. She is one of those who judge by the cover, you know? She thought he was a jackass only because he was a sports player (???). And the reason of their "break up" was honestly stupid. She had very deep commitment problems. Hey, but at least he could look for her. She cut their connections and he just...Stayed home. He could at least have gone to her house and demand some damn explanations.
All in all, their story was really cute and sweet. A bit of smut, a bit of laugh. With a very, very good epilogue. I would totally recommend this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book
This is the first book by Lisa B. Kamps I have read and although this is book 9 in the Baltimore Banners series it can be read as a standalone I LOVED this book, It is one that once I picked it up I could not put it down until I finished it. Dillon is so so hot. he is cute and sexy and smart and has manners just the man any woman would love to find! He is one of the best players on the Banners but he is trying to finish his courses so he can get his degree in Environmental Science. We find out slowly why and omg made me want to cry. Maggie is a nerd, I LOVED how she is portrayed, how she dresses and her snarkiness is to funny. Her best friend always tries to get her to dress better, do something fun not just work, study, do labs, tutor etc etc. When Maggie takes on Dillon as a new tutoring client of course due to her past she thinks he is just some big dumb jock. Their first meeting had me laughing out loud especially when slinky got Dillon not just once but twice lol. I cannot wait to read more Banners books.
In general, I am a huge sports romance fan and I tend to lean towards titles like these where you know there will be a little action on and off the field. One- Timer is a cute romance and easy read that does not get too deep into history, issues or outside influences since they are not necessary. The story is about the two main characters, Dillon a professional hockey player and Maggie a Master Student, coming together without a lot of drama and how they can fit into each other’s worlds. My favorite part about the story is that Maggie is studious and does not need to apologize for it. The author does not make her change to fit into Dillon's life.
This book can be read as a standalone title - I have not read any other books in this series and did not find it at all difficult to keep up with all the players/friends.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
What can I say I just love the Baltimore Banners series and this one is no exception!!! This is Dillon and Maggie’s story. As an intelligent self proclaimed geek, beautiful grad student Maggie has always thought gorgeous jocks were just dumb jocks. That is until she meets Dillon. Dillon was drafted into the NHL while in college so he did not finish but has now decided the wants to get his degree while still playing for the Banners. Not an easy task to take on with such a hectic schedule, but he really wants this for himself and really wants his degree so he enlists the help of a tutor for his less than favorite subject. Maggie is hired to tutor him in Chemistry which she finds out is the last class he needs to get his BS in environmental science. He is not like she expected him to be at all. He is so much more and better than she thought. Chemistry is Maggie’s thing and as we find out ironically Dillon and Maggie have oodles of undeniable chemistry of their own. They're so sexy that they combust when they come together. They also find that besides their serious attraction, which is so,so HOT, that they also have so much in common, like chess, movies and even video phone sex when they should be studying. Dylan is anything but a dumb jock. They have to get over a couple of hurdles along the way but together these two are a solid A+. One of my favorite scenes is when Maggie is one of the “winners” of the Shirts Off Their Backs contest at a Banners game and she wins Dillon’s of course! But it is what he writes on it that just melted my heart right then and there (as if I wasn't already hooked) ! I also adored the ending to this story so much and I hope we get a glimpse at this sweet couple in future books. PS : I think Slinky is adorable and a fun side of the story.
I know this is going to sound awful but I think I stepped into the twilight zone with this book.
I don't actually remember the plot, and if I didn't see it up on my reading progression screen I would have forgotten about it. Kindle says I read it though and she is never wrong.
I'm giving it a split down the middle 3 stars as I vaguely remember the heroine was a chemist but a judgemental bitch (like me) and he played hockey (I like) and studied environmental science (yay Green!).
Other than that, I'm drawing a blank... moving on...
One-Timer is a sweet and sexy romance between a hot hockey star and his geeky tutor. Without a lot of conflict, the story follows the story of Dylan and Maggie where the only thing that really stands in the way of their HEA is Maggie's self-confidence. Smoothly flowing, the story makes a feel good quick read. My voluntary review is based upon a free review copy
Geeks rule!!! This book is geek-tastic!I think this is my favorite book so far. I have loved every Banners book that I have read but this one was special. Dillion and Maggie will melt your heart. Dillion is definitely not what you would expect from a hot hockey player, but there is more to him than what you see. Maggie is more like most girls than we would like to admit probably. She thinks a gorgeous jock could never have feelings for a geeky girl like her. Boy is she in for a surprise. And don't let that geeky exterior fool you because she will blow you mind.
I honestly can't find anything I didn't love about this book except that it ended. I could have kept reading about their story all night. I also wanted to know more about Harland. I'm hoping we see more of Harland in a later book (hint hint). If Dillion hadn't already won me over, he definitely did when he gives Slinky a treat. Melt my heart much? Who is Slinky you ask? You will just have to read and find out!
This is such a sweet story about Dillon who plays for the Baltimore banners. He just needs to pass one course, chemistry to get his degree. He had made a promise to his mum to get his degree. It has been a few years so he was rusty and of course chemistry wasn't his best subject, thusly that is why he left it to the last. Enter Maggie his tutor who will help him pass chemistry. Maggie doesn't like jocks, since she has had a bad experience with one in the past. She does need the money though, so with must trepidation she decides to tutor Dillon. What ensues is typical head butting and getting to know each other. I liked that Dillon wasn't the typical jock even though Maggie tended to be the typical nerd. If you like sports, romance combined with a bit of nerdiness then this is your story. In fact I have enjoyed the whole series.
That's what Maggie sees when she agreed to tutor Dillon. Dillon needed one class to finish his degree, a promise he made to his mother, but needs Maggie to help him get through it. I laughed over Maggie's muttering about jocks and zoning out. I loved her "rat." Dillon is so sweet yet really gets things heated up between the two of them. It's a great feel good story that shows that stereotypes are not true. There's a challenge to get Maggie out of her comfort zone, and for Dillon to prove that he can be smart and a jock. I enjoy that the other players and significant others make appearances to keep with the family feel of hockey and to tie in the series. Once again, Lisa gives us another story that we don't want to end.
This was an enjoyable and kind of short book. Dillon was a professional hockey player but unknown to his teammates he was trying to complete his degree in Environmental Science. He was struggling with Chemistry and therefore enlisted Maggie as his tutor. Dillon and Maggie made a sweet couple. Dillon was not your typical jock. He did not fool around and was intense and focused on what he wanted to do. Maggie was a total geek and sometimes, she seemed oblivious to things around her and felt most comfortable studying and doing experiments in the lab. The attraction was gradual and it was nice to see how they realized their feelings for each other.
Lisa Kamps has given us another winner with One-Timer that includes friendly, relatable characters and a riveting plot with the right mix of action on and off the ice, emotion, humor, and sweet romance. I fell in love with Dillon Frayser, sexy rising star for the Baltimore Banners and his dynamic and repartee with feisty geek Maggie Andersen, his chemistry tutor. This is such a fun read and kept me glued to the book from beginning to end. Fans of contemporary romance will love this book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This wasn't the typical jock story. Dillon was such a sweetheart. Maggie, well she was so adorable as well. I love the dual POVs. The POVs weren't confined to individual chapters either. It flowed beautifully. Dillon was thoughtful and considerate like a true gentleman. It is nice to see a hero being respectful towards the heroine. I will have to go back and read more from this series.
Dillion, the smart jock, that must complete his degree because of a promise to his mother has one class left to go and a hockey schedule that is unforgiving. Problem the class is chemistry and he sucks at it. Can his tutor, who hates jocks, take unconventional ways to tutor him and help him pass. Will skype and phone calls be enough? Dillion has one shot. Will it be aimed at his education or his heart. Loved this series
I really enjoyed this book! I like Dillon and Maggie and their story. Dillon is a Banners hockey player who is secretly trying to fulfill his parents wish to get his degree. Maggie is the tutor who is hired to help him with getting ready for finishing the wish. These two couldn't be more different at least at first. But as they start to work on chemistry together, they realize their own chemistry is deepening. Can these two seemingly opposite people make it work forever?