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Bayard Hockey #2
Cross Check
A party girl and a clean-cut college hockey player discover that they're not so different in this sexy, soulful Bayard Hockey novel from the bestselling author of Shut Out and the Heller Brothers series.
Ella Verran has three goals this get off academic probation, repair her relationship with her friend Skylar, and take some responsibility for her life. All of which are hard enough without hot, snobby hockey player Ben Buckingham around to distract her. Ella can't stand Ben, and she knows the feeling is mutual. But he's best friends with Skylar's boyfriend, so he's always around—taunting and tempting Ella in ways she never thought possible.
As the star forward of the Bayard College hockey team, Ben has goals too, like playing well enough to land a spot on an NHL roster. Ben is perfectly poised on the ice, so why can't he keep his cool around Ella? Her wild behavior rubs him in all the wrong ways—and a few of the right ones. But as they...
Ella Verran has three goals this get off academic probation, repair her relationship with her friend Skylar, and take some responsibility for her life. All of which are hard enough without hot, snobby hockey player Ben Buckingham around to distract her. Ella can't stand Ben, and she knows the feeling is mutual. But he's best friends with Skylar's boyfriend, so he's always around—taunting and tempting Ella in ways she never thought possible.
As the star forward of the Bayard College hockey team, Ben has goals too, like playing well enough to land a spot on an NHL roster. Ben is perfectly poised on the ice, so why can't he keep his cool around Ella? Her wild behavior rubs him in all the wrong ways—and a few of the right ones. But as they...
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2017
83 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Jamieson
136 books2,643 followersKelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over 70 romance novels and novellas. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex,” “sweet and satisfying,” and “blisteringly sexy.” She likes black coffee, white wine and high heels…and of course cheering on her Winnipeg Jets during hockey season! She loves hearing from readers, so please visit her website at www.kellyjamieson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
July 31, 2017
3.5 Stars! Entertaining, sexy, and sincere!
Cross Check, the latest novel in the Bayard Hockey series, is a slightly more emotional tale about the heartbroken, grief-stricken Ella who has been neglecting her studies and masking her sorrow after the loss of one of her friends, and Ben the gorgeous, up-and-coming hockey star who seems positively perfect but has a few dark secrets of his own.
The writing is fluid. The plot is a heartfelt mix that tackles important contemporary issues faced by young people today including friendship, family, campus life, suicide, rape, mental illness, sex, relationships, love, and hockey. And the characters, including all the supporting characters, are kind, engaging, and supportive.
Overall, Cross Check is a romantic, sweet, moving read that has a nice amount of drama, angst, tension, humour, banter, attraction, dirty talk and chemistry and even though it's not my favourite Jamieson novel I think lovers of the new-age-college-romance genre will certainly enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Random House - Loveswept, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Cross Check, the latest novel in the Bayard Hockey series, is a slightly more emotional tale about the heartbroken, grief-stricken Ella who has been neglecting her studies and masking her sorrow after the loss of one of her friends, and Ben the gorgeous, up-and-coming hockey star who seems positively perfect but has a few dark secrets of his own.
The writing is fluid. The plot is a heartfelt mix that tackles important contemporary issues faced by young people today including friendship, family, campus life, suicide, rape, mental illness, sex, relationships, love, and hockey. And the characters, including all the supporting characters, are kind, engaging, and supportive.
Overall, Cross Check is a romantic, sweet, moving read that has a nice amount of drama, angst, tension, humour, banter, attraction, dirty talk and chemistry and even though it's not my favourite Jamieson novel I think lovers of the new-age-college-romance genre will certainly enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Random House - Loveswept, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
October 13, 2017
#sale http://amzn.to/2zli0f2 (10/13/2017)
A fun and sexy college hockey romance where a bad girl and a good guy hockey player discover that behind their animosity they have more in common than they ever thought.
After a tragic event, Ella Verran shoved responsibility out the window and threw caution to the wind, but now she needs to face the consequences of her bad choices. She has to get her grades up and wants nothing more than to patch up her relationship with her BFF. But Ben, her BFF’s boyfriend’s hot and too perfect roommate, is always around and she hates his snobby guts as much as she loves his sexiness.
Ben Buckingham, Bayard’s hockey team’s star forward has one goal, to play in the NHL, and he can’t afford to lose sight of this. But whenever he’s around Ella, he can’t think of anything else and that just can’t happen. Because while he walks the straight and narrow, she likes to take a walk on the wild side. But as he gets to know the girl behind the bad reputation, the more he wants her to walk by his side.
I love sports romances and Kelly Jamieson’s hockey love stories always hit the right spot. Cross Check is an appealing love-hate story about friendship, love, respect, trust and growing up that had me hooked from the very beginning.
Even though Ella and Ben hate each other, there’s also an underlying current neither of them can deny and soon they’re both breaching the animosity barriers by realizing they had misjudged the other and getting to know the things they hid behind their masks and had in common, building a relationship while also struggling with their achieving their goals.
I really enjoyed the college hockey backdrop in this series and how Jamieson continues to impress the importance of consent through Jacob and Skylar’s (from Shut Out, book #1) efforts or raising awareness and has now added the value of getting help after a traumatic event with Ella’s tribulations.
Jamieson balances hockey, romance and important issues with skill. The banter between the protagonists was fun and entertaining and their romantic and sexy moments were cute, intimate and hot. Ben was absolutely swoon worthy and I felt for Ella and loved that she took responsibility of her life and decided to grow up. I’m so glad she made up with her BFF!
The epilogue was awesome and I hope we get updates on both Ella and Ben, and Skylar and Jacob in future Jamieson’s hockey novels.
Cross Check is book #2 in the Bayard Hockey series by Kelly Jamieson. It is a standalone, new adult, hockey romance and a great addition to the series. Told from both points of view and has a happy ending. A great read for any sports romance lover.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2u9BEf0
Pinterest board -> https://es.pinterest.com/kellyjamieso...
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts taken are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
A fun and sexy college hockey romance where a bad girl and a good guy hockey player discover that behind their animosity they have more in common than they ever thought.
After a tragic event, Ella Verran shoved responsibility out the window and threw caution to the wind, but now she needs to face the consequences of her bad choices. She has to get her grades up and wants nothing more than to patch up her relationship with her BFF. But Ben, her BFF’s boyfriend’s hot and too perfect roommate, is always around and she hates his snobby guts as much as she loves his sexiness.
Ben Buckingham, Bayard’s hockey team’s star forward has one goal, to play in the NHL, and he can’t afford to lose sight of this. But whenever he’s around Ella, he can’t think of anything else and that just can’t happen. Because while he walks the straight and narrow, she likes to take a walk on the wild side. But as he gets to know the girl behind the bad reputation, the more he wants her to walk by his side.
I love sports romances and Kelly Jamieson’s hockey love stories always hit the right spot. Cross Check is an appealing love-hate story about friendship, love, respect, trust and growing up that had me hooked from the very beginning.
Even though Ella and Ben hate each other, there’s also an underlying current neither of them can deny and soon they’re both breaching the animosity barriers by realizing they had misjudged the other and getting to know the things they hid behind their masks and had in common, building a relationship while also struggling with their achieving their goals.
I really enjoyed the college hockey backdrop in this series and how Jamieson continues to impress the importance of consent through Jacob and Skylar’s (from Shut Out, book #1) efforts or raising awareness and has now added the value of getting help after a traumatic event with Ella’s tribulations.
Jamieson balances hockey, romance and important issues with skill. The banter between the protagonists was fun and entertaining and their romantic and sexy moments were cute, intimate and hot. Ben was absolutely swoon worthy and I felt for Ella and loved that she took responsibility of her life and decided to grow up. I’m so glad she made up with her BFF!
The epilogue was awesome and I hope we get updates on both Ella and Ben, and Skylar and Jacob in future Jamieson’s hockey novels.
Cross Check is book #2 in the Bayard Hockey series by Kelly Jamieson. It is a standalone, new adult, hockey romance and a great addition to the series. Told from both points of view and has a happy ending. A great read for any sports romance lover.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2u9BEf0
Pinterest board -> https://es.pinterest.com/kellyjamieso...
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts taken are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
July 12, 2017
I love when an author can turn a character around when they get their own book in the series. Ella came off as the "girl gone wild" in the first book. Even going so far as fighting with Skyler, who she has been best friends with forever.
In Shut Out, the first book, we learn what both Skyler and Ella were dealing with as they try to tackle college life. At the end of that book, it looked like Ella was on the road to disaster.
Ella and Ben start out as an enemies to friends to lovers. While they may have started out as enemies, it wasn't so bad that it was annoying to read about before they got their act together.
Ella has always felt judged by Ben and assumes he's mister perfect. Ben assumes Ella is just out to have fun. They soon learn that the other is not what they seem as they are forced to spend time together.
While this book is still dealing with the heavy subjects from book one, I felt it had a lighter tone to it and ended up really liking this couple. I also really liked that the author shut down the slut shaming. It was handled very well.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
In Shut Out, the first book, we learn what both Skyler and Ella were dealing with as they try to tackle college life. At the end of that book, it looked like Ella was on the road to disaster.
Ella and Ben start out as an enemies to friends to lovers. While they may have started out as enemies, it wasn't so bad that it was annoying to read about before they got their act together.
Ella has always felt judged by Ben and assumes he's mister perfect. Ben assumes Ella is just out to have fun. They soon learn that the other is not what they seem as they are forced to spend time together.
While this book is still dealing with the heavy subjects from book one, I felt it had a lighter tone to it and ended up really liking this couple. I also really liked that the author shut down the slut shaming. It was handled very well.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
July 25, 2017
4.5 stars
I’ve been a huge Kelly Jamieson fan for many years and I’ve enjoyed her work immensely, so it was easy for me to jump into her New Adult Banyard series and I’ve been very impressed. Having read the first book, Shut Out, I was well aware of the animosity between the hero and heroine featured in Cross Check. The thing I love about this series, is these characters are young, they make mistakes, sometimes they learn from them, sometimes they don’t, but they do grow, change, and begin to realize the world is bigger than them and being a part of it means accepting responsibility, opening their minds, and learning that respect, friendship, trust, and love can make it all better.
Following an incident that rocked her world, sent her reeling, and had her on the outs with her best friend, Ella went a bit out of control. Refusing to focus on everything bad in her life, Ella chose to numb the pain with alcohol, parties, and sex and it cost her. She begins her 2nd year of college on academic probation, word of her partying ways got back to her older brother who has threatened to tell their parents if she doesn’t change her ways, but more than that Ella realized that what she was doing made her feel empty and she’s determined to be a better student, to repair her relationship with her best friend, and to find peace for herself. What she doesn’t expect is for the hate she feels for Ben Buckingham (her best friend’s boyfriend’s roommate) to morph into something more. Ben is all too perfect; perfect hair, perfect clothes, and a superior attitude to match, but as Ella and Ben get to know one another they begin to see the person behind the façade they show to the world.
I enjoyed watching these two young people both who had not very high opinions of one another begin to realize that they had judged one another unfairly. While it was the heat and intensity between them that brought them together, it was discovering every little thing about one another that grew their friendship into much more. They made misjudgments, they made mistakes, but they were also big enough to admit them when they realized they were wrong which I greatly appreciated. While there was some young adult angst, given everything going on in their lives it was warranted and it wasn’t overly excessive. Ms. Jamieson did a great job of balancing the drama in their lives with the tender, sweet, and intimate moments giving this book an even and realistic feel.
Entertaining but also educational along with a side of romance, Cross Check is a fantastic addition to this exciting new adult hockey series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I’ve been a huge Kelly Jamieson fan for many years and I’ve enjoyed her work immensely, so it was easy for me to jump into her New Adult Banyard series and I’ve been very impressed. Having read the first book, Shut Out, I was well aware of the animosity between the hero and heroine featured in Cross Check. The thing I love about this series, is these characters are young, they make mistakes, sometimes they learn from them, sometimes they don’t, but they do grow, change, and begin to realize the world is bigger than them and being a part of it means accepting responsibility, opening their minds, and learning that respect, friendship, trust, and love can make it all better.
Following an incident that rocked her world, sent her reeling, and had her on the outs with her best friend, Ella went a bit out of control. Refusing to focus on everything bad in her life, Ella chose to numb the pain with alcohol, parties, and sex and it cost her. She begins her 2nd year of college on academic probation, word of her partying ways got back to her older brother who has threatened to tell their parents if she doesn’t change her ways, but more than that Ella realized that what she was doing made her feel empty and she’s determined to be a better student, to repair her relationship with her best friend, and to find peace for herself. What she doesn’t expect is for the hate she feels for Ben Buckingham (her best friend’s boyfriend’s roommate) to morph into something more. Ben is all too perfect; perfect hair, perfect clothes, and a superior attitude to match, but as Ella and Ben get to know one another they begin to see the person behind the façade they show to the world.
I enjoyed watching these two young people both who had not very high opinions of one another begin to realize that they had judged one another unfairly. While it was the heat and intensity between them that brought them together, it was discovering every little thing about one another that grew their friendship into much more. They made misjudgments, they made mistakes, but they were also big enough to admit them when they realized they were wrong which I greatly appreciated. While there was some young adult angst, given everything going on in their lives it was warranted and it wasn’t overly excessive. Ms. Jamieson did a great job of balancing the drama in their lives with the tender, sweet, and intimate moments giving this book an even and realistic feel.
Entertaining but also educational along with a side of romance, Cross Check is a fantastic addition to this exciting new adult hockey series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
May 16, 2020
Cross check is the 2nd book in the Bayard Hockey series. It is Ben and Ella’s story. Ella has been partying and sleeping her way through the current semester to the point where she is now on academic probation and has been labeled all the bulls*** stereotypical characterizations that come along with these behaviors. Ben is one of the stars of the college hockey team and destined to go to the big league. He himself has made judgements about Ella, but he is also the one person that can really understand about being misjudged and condemned. These two love to hate each other, but what will happen if they stop, and really get to know each other?...
My thoughts:
OH MY GOD ya’ll. The romance reading slump is over!! I'm back in the game (pun intended), and now i'm dizzy from all the twirling! Picture Julie Andrews in the sound of music...well…. except a lot less graceful, and on my patio in Florida with all my neighbors worried glances! Lol. Hmm...they must not picture it the same way...lol...something to think about…..ok conclusion….I just read better books then them….or they would want to twirl too. Lol. Anyways I loved this book!!! It checked off all the boxes for me (sorry for all the puns...I really just can’t help myself lol): hockey, sexy men, unperfect characters, great humorous banter, likeable h/h, good secondary characters, and explosive chemistry!!).
I don’t think I can come up with enough accolades, but I will try! It was fantastic, great, awesome, well-written, amazing, exceptional, excellent, marvelous, wonderful...ok I'm out. I don’t normally like the hate to love trope, but this time it worked, and worked well!! I think because the banter was so well written!!! I liked that both characters had flaws but were actively doing things to work through them. It was nice to see that Ella went to counseling to learn how to cope with trauma in a healthy way! I liked that Jamieson wasn’t afraid to address some serious issues: rape, mental health, suicide, athlete privilege, victim blaming, slut shaming, true consent, but in a smart way that wasn’t rammed down your throat...or overpowered the story. Afterall at the end of the day this is a romance novel. I thought the balance was great!
The chemistry between these two was off the charts good!!! Like a hat trick for sure...maybe even a hat rack?? Lol. Ok I think you all get it...I loved this book, and if you are a fan of contemporary romances you will too!!!!!
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
September 8, 2017
3 stars.
Kelly Jamieson has a knack for writing really entertaining sports romances.
Having said that, this book just wasn't one of my favorites by this author.
It was a cute and enjoyable read but that was all, I really didn't feel any sort of emotional pull or connection with it.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly Jamieson has a knack for writing really entertaining sports romances.
Having said that, this book just wasn't one of my favorites by this author.
It was a cute and enjoyable read but that was all, I really didn't feel any sort of emotional pull or connection with it.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2017
Cross Check
Bayard Hockey #2
Kelly Jamieson
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just love a good sports romance. It also touches on some heavy subjects like rape and suicide. So you get a little bit of drama mixed in with your romance.
I really enjoy Kelly Jamieson's writing style and can't wait to read more of her books.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Bayard Hockey #2
Kelly Jamieson
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just love a good sports romance. It also touches on some heavy subjects like rape and suicide. So you get a little bit of drama mixed in with your romance.
I really enjoy Kelly Jamieson's writing style and can't wait to read more of her books.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2022
I really do like sports romances and haven't read a book with a hockey setting for a while. I was looking forward to this book because I have also read several books by Kelly Jamieson.
Unfortunately I couldn't really connect with the character and the story. Ben and Ella were nice characters but didn't find myself really hooked with them. Sexually they had an amazing chemistry but the rest didn't connect for me.
The hockey setting was really nice and it was fun joining the games and Ben's urge to getting drafted to the NHL was a interesting aspect to the story.
All in all the book was a nice read but lacked for me in the romance and character bit.
Unfortunately I couldn't really connect with the character and the story. Ben and Ella were nice characters but didn't find myself really hooked with them. Sexually they had an amazing chemistry but the rest didn't connect for me.
The hockey setting was really nice and it was fun joining the games and Ben's urge to getting drafted to the NHL was a interesting aspect to the story.
All in all the book was a nice read but lacked for me in the romance and character bit.
July 13, 2017
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3.75 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
I love it when an author surprises me with a character! We didn't really get that great of an impression of Ella in the first book, but I really enjoyed her in this one. I thought she really redeemed herself and getting a look inside her head made me understand her more. Plus we just got to see more of what she's about, you know? I really appreciated her storyline of going off the rails after her friend's suicide, and then having to rein it in and settle down after going on academic probation. I enjoyed how Ms. Jamieson took a hard look at slut-shaming, and while Ella regretted some choices she made in partying/sleeping around, it wasn't all "down with the promiscuous girls" as you often see in some books. Ella really struggled with the labels she was given, and I thought we got an honest and refreshing look at the double standards between men and women, and how it's not the actions that she regretted so much as the reasons she was doing it, and how it made her feel.
I also really loved that the author took a good hard look at mental health, and that we got to see Ella's sessions with her therapist. I will admit that while I LOVED that this was all looked at, occasionally it felt a little heavy-handed. Which is funny, b/c this issue is really important to me. Or maybe not heavy-handed so much as not as natural to the story...I don't know, I don't know how to explain it.
Ella was spunky, but also really vulnerable and insecure. I really did feel for her, even if her penchant for pushing people away made me want to throttle her. It made her growth more satisfying though.
And then we get Ben!! We also got to see the slut-shaming from his perspective, and I loved that it really opened his eyes as well. I honestly thought we were going to get more from his background and past, but that wasn't as prominent as I'd expected. But I loved how we got an even deeper look at what it might be like for a hockey athlete looking to get drafted. I loved how vulnerable and scared and overwhelmed he was, and I guess that's sort of where we see the effects of his past. He felt so alone at times, and my heart broke for him. But I also really admired his dedication and determination, and I loved how Ella really showed him parts of himself to be proud of.
Their romance was cuter than I expected. I guess because I never really understood why they were enemies, since it was based on assumptions about the other person. But Ben was so adorable in his pursuit of Ella. He kind of made me swoon at times. Maybe because he was kind of vulnerable, but he still put himself out there. And I really loved their chemistry...holy heck could you feel it right from that dance scene!
I loved having more fun scenes with their group of friends! They often made me laugh out loud at their strange conversations and antics.
I will admit that occasionally certain transitions didn't feel smooth to me...but that could be in my head too. (Like those strange conversations with their friends didn't always flow as naturally for me)
So yeah, I was surprised that I enjoyed this one even more than the previous book! And again, if you love hockey, or love sports romances that actually showcase the sport, I think Ms. Jamieson is one of the best I've ever read for that! And now she's made me want to check out her Aces series!!
3.75 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
I love it when an author surprises me with a character! We didn't really get that great of an impression of Ella in the first book, but I really enjoyed her in this one. I thought she really redeemed herself and getting a look inside her head made me understand her more. Plus we just got to see more of what she's about, you know? I really appreciated her storyline of going off the rails after her friend's suicide, and then having to rein it in and settle down after going on academic probation. I enjoyed how Ms. Jamieson took a hard look at slut-shaming, and while Ella regretted some choices she made in partying/sleeping around, it wasn't all "down with the promiscuous girls" as you often see in some books. Ella really struggled with the labels she was given, and I thought we got an honest and refreshing look at the double standards between men and women, and how it's not the actions that she regretted so much as the reasons she was doing it, and how it made her feel.
I also really loved that the author took a good hard look at mental health, and that we got to see Ella's sessions with her therapist. I will admit that while I LOVED that this was all looked at, occasionally it felt a little heavy-handed. Which is funny, b/c this issue is really important to me. Or maybe not heavy-handed so much as not as natural to the story...I don't know, I don't know how to explain it.
Ella was spunky, but also really vulnerable and insecure. I really did feel for her, even if her penchant for pushing people away made me want to throttle her. It made her growth more satisfying though.
And then we get Ben!! We also got to see the slut-shaming from his perspective, and I loved that it really opened his eyes as well. I honestly thought we were going to get more from his background and past, but that wasn't as prominent as I'd expected. But I loved how we got an even deeper look at what it might be like for a hockey athlete looking to get drafted. I loved how vulnerable and scared and overwhelmed he was, and I guess that's sort of where we see the effects of his past. He felt so alone at times, and my heart broke for him. But I also really admired his dedication and determination, and I loved how Ella really showed him parts of himself to be proud of.
Their romance was cuter than I expected. I guess because I never really understood why they were enemies, since it was based on assumptions about the other person. But Ben was so adorable in his pursuit of Ella. He kind of made me swoon at times. Maybe because he was kind of vulnerable, but he still put himself out there. And I really loved their chemistry...holy heck could you feel it right from that dance scene!
I loved having more fun scenes with their group of friends! They often made me laugh out loud at their strange conversations and antics.
I will admit that occasionally certain transitions didn't feel smooth to me...but that could be in my head too. (Like those strange conversations with their friends didn't always flow as naturally for me)
So yeah, I was surprised that I enjoyed this one even more than the previous book! And again, if you love hockey, or love sports romances that actually showcase the sport, I think Ms. Jamieson is one of the best I've ever read for that! And now she's made me want to check out her Aces series!!
July 23, 2017
Kelly Jamieson does it again! I loved book one in this series and eagerly looked forward to seeing Ella and Ben's love/hate relationship play out. Though the book started slow, the last half was fantastic. The thing that sets Jamieson apart from other hockey romance writers is her knowledge of the game and how much she puts into showing readers the team dynamics. This is such a huge part of who an athlete is and so it's a huge part of the character she's writing about. She nails it every time.
Like the previous book in this series, Cross Check deals with serious issues on college campuses. In Shut Out, we met Ella as she was partying her way through the current semester at Bayard as she dealt with her friend's suicide. She became known as a party girl who liked to sleep around. A lot of Cross Check focuses on the double standard applied to young women who like to have sex and how they're viewed. While Ella's behavior was reckless and unhealthy because of her emotional state, being labeled a slut by her peers was even more damaging. As she seeks counseling, she learns to love herself, to stop judging herself and others, and to let go of the guilt she felt over her friend's suicide. To a larger extent, Cross Check addresses the prevalence of depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety on college campuses. As I always find with Kelly Jamieson, she teaches her readers as much as she entertains them. (though sometimes this resulting in stilted narrative)
I did struggle initially with Ben and Ella as a couple. Ben's a dick for at least the first 30% of the book and I had a tough time liking him. After a few weeks of supposed hate-filled chemistry, Ben and Ella give into their passion and, while I wouldn't recommend this as a way to start a relationship, it's the catalyst for them to connect emotionally. By the end I was definitely cheering for them and maybe shed a tear or two as their dreams came true.
My only real issue with Cross Check is one I've had before when reading books by Kelly Jamieson and that's too much sex. I'm all for it when love scenes move the story forward (for instance there's a wonderful scene that starts with a striptease that goes a long way in showing how comfortable Ella and Ben are together), but when it's more gratuitous than not, I end up skipping pages.
4 stars for Cross Check. Heat level: 3.5
I received a copy of Cross Check from NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
Like the previous book in this series, Cross Check deals with serious issues on college campuses. In Shut Out, we met Ella as she was partying her way through the current semester at Bayard as she dealt with her friend's suicide. She became known as a party girl who liked to sleep around. A lot of Cross Check focuses on the double standard applied to young women who like to have sex and how they're viewed. While Ella's behavior was reckless and unhealthy because of her emotional state, being labeled a slut by her peers was even more damaging. As she seeks counseling, she learns to love herself, to stop judging herself and others, and to let go of the guilt she felt over her friend's suicide. To a larger extent, Cross Check addresses the prevalence of depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety on college campuses. As I always find with Kelly Jamieson, she teaches her readers as much as she entertains them. (though sometimes this resulting in stilted narrative)
I did struggle initially with Ben and Ella as a couple. Ben's a dick for at least the first 30% of the book and I had a tough time liking him. After a few weeks of supposed hate-filled chemistry, Ben and Ella give into their passion and, while I wouldn't recommend this as a way to start a relationship, it's the catalyst for them to connect emotionally. By the end I was definitely cheering for them and maybe shed a tear or two as their dreams came true.
My only real issue with Cross Check is one I've had before when reading books by Kelly Jamieson and that's too much sex. I'm all for it when love scenes move the story forward (for instance there's a wonderful scene that starts with a striptease that goes a long way in showing how comfortable Ella and Ben are together), but when it's more gratuitous than not, I end up skipping pages.
4 stars for Cross Check. Heat level: 3.5
I received a copy of Cross Check from NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
February 7, 2017
Original review: A Novel Glimpse
Note: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Last month I read my first Kelly Jamieson novel. It was one of her contemporary hockey romances and I was really impressed. I loved her writing style and couldn't believe how well she pulled off third person dual point of view narration. I was excited to get another chance to read one of her upcoming novels, this time a new adult hockey romance. If I was impressed with the first book I read by Kelly Jamieson, Cross Check completely blew me away.
Cross Check was told in first person dual narration, and it was so much fun to read! I couldn't get enough of this enemies to lovers romance. The sexual tension rolling off Ella and Ben was explosive. I loved every minute of their hate to love fest.
Ella was a good person who had made some poor choices recently. Those choices had given her a reputation she wanted to get away from. That was hard to do knowing people, like Ben, were judging her. I loved the strength she showed making changes and getting the help she needed. Ella was a great role model for young women out there. She proved there isn't anything that can stand in your way of changing yourself if you want it bad enough. Ben had issues of his own. He thought he had moved past them, but really he was just hiding from them. I enjoyed the way he learned that he might have been judging Ella the way he didn't want to be judged. The way they taught each other to move on from the past was very sweet. Oh, and that sexual tension I mentioned before? Well, it was HOT, HOT, HOT when they finally acted on it.
The only thing I wish I could have changed was not having read the first Bayard Hockey novel before reading Cross Check. I felt like I was missing was a little bit of both Ben and Ella's past. They obviously had some deeply negative feelings about each other from what took place in the first book. I also would have liked to have a better understanding of what happened to make Ella who she was in this book. But all this is on me, not the author's writing ability. I should have read the first book! I need to go back and read it now.
Cross Check was a fun college hockey romance with some intense issues built into it. I loved every moment of it. I respected the way Kelly Jamieson made a fiery romance educational as well. I highly recommend this book to new adult fans out there.
Note: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Last month I read my first Kelly Jamieson novel. It was one of her contemporary hockey romances and I was really impressed. I loved her writing style and couldn't believe how well she pulled off third person dual point of view narration. I was excited to get another chance to read one of her upcoming novels, this time a new adult hockey romance. If I was impressed with the first book I read by Kelly Jamieson, Cross Check completely blew me away.
Cross Check was told in first person dual narration, and it was so much fun to read! I couldn't get enough of this enemies to lovers romance. The sexual tension rolling off Ella and Ben was explosive. I loved every minute of their hate to love fest.
Ella was a good person who had made some poor choices recently. Those choices had given her a reputation she wanted to get away from. That was hard to do knowing people, like Ben, were judging her. I loved the strength she showed making changes and getting the help she needed. Ella was a great role model for young women out there. She proved there isn't anything that can stand in your way of changing yourself if you want it bad enough. Ben had issues of his own. He thought he had moved past them, but really he was just hiding from them. I enjoyed the way he learned that he might have been judging Ella the way he didn't want to be judged. The way they taught each other to move on from the past was very sweet. Oh, and that sexual tension I mentioned before? Well, it was HOT, HOT, HOT when they finally acted on it.
The only thing I wish I could have changed was not having read the first Bayard Hockey novel before reading Cross Check. I felt like I was missing was a little bit of both Ben and Ella's past. They obviously had some deeply negative feelings about each other from what took place in the first book. I also would have liked to have a better understanding of what happened to make Ella who she was in this book. But all this is on me, not the author's writing ability. I should have read the first book! I need to go back and read it now.
Cross Check was a fun college hockey romance with some intense issues built into it. I loved every moment of it. I respected the way Kelly Jamieson made a fiery romance educational as well. I highly recommend this book to new adult fans out there.
June 11, 2017
4.5
My copy needed a little editing, but other than that, this is an extraordinary read.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
My copy needed a little editing, but other than that, this is an extraordinary read.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 7, 2017
Review coming!
**ARC provided by NetGalley via Author in exchange for an honest review.**
**ARC provided by NetGalley via Author in exchange for an honest review.**
July 11, 2024
TW: sexual assault, death
3.5 stars. This was a quick, fun, college based sports romance. The two leads were likeable characters, and I found myself caring about their relationship more than I did for the leads of the first book. This is partially because of pacing. The relationship in this book felt like a much more natural progression than the one in Shut Out did. It was a fun enemies-to-lovers romance. It did fall back on the "I-never-hated-you-I-was-just-jealous-of-the-guys-you-were-with" trope, which kind of feels like a cop out in the enemies-to-lovers arc, but it wasn't detrimental to the book or anything. Like the last book, this book heavily discusses sexual assault and slut-shaming (and how they play off of each other). It's nice to see romance books discuss such important subject matter, and it was never delivered in a way that felt preachy in this book. Lastly, and on a much more upbeat note, it was fun to (finally) read a hockey romance in which the guy teaches the girl how to skate. Overall, this was a pretty average romance, but I'm bumping up my rating because it did a good job discussing some serious subject matter.
3.5 stars. This was a quick, fun, college based sports romance. The two leads were likeable characters, and I found myself caring about their relationship more than I did for the leads of the first book. This is partially because of pacing. The relationship in this book felt like a much more natural progression than the one in Shut Out did. It was a fun enemies-to-lovers romance. It did fall back on the "I-never-hated-you-I-was-just-jealous-of-the-guys-you-were-with" trope, which kind of feels like a cop out in the enemies-to-lovers arc, but it wasn't detrimental to the book or anything. Like the last book, this book heavily discusses sexual assault and slut-shaming (and how they play off of each other). It's nice to see romance books discuss such important subject matter, and it was never delivered in a way that felt preachy in this book. Lastly, and on a much more upbeat note, it was fun to (finally) read a hockey romance in which the guy teaches the girl how to skate. Overall, this was a pretty average romance, but I'm bumping up my rating because it did a good job discussing some serious subject matter.
July 27, 2017
I loved the first book of this series.
This one... not so much. I really liked Ben the hero, because I guess a like a hero who has his shit together and who isn't a complete manwhore sometimes. But the heroine Ella, didn't make the cut. She was a complete and total bitch to her best friend Skylar in the first book of the series. And it was impossible for me to shake off. There really was no amount of trauma or excuses that would have redeemed her for me. She was neglectful, mean spirited, jealous and irresponsible throughout the first book.
She constantly makes bad decisions and then falls into the pits of self pity when things don't go her way. I found her to be rather snarky and nasty to the hero and the whole 'hate to love' thing just didn't work for me in this book. Mostly because I just couldn't see what he saw in her.
Nor could I reconcile that at the end of the book she suddenly becomes some beacon of self-awareness and wisdom after a few counselling sessions.
This one... not so much. I really liked Ben the hero, because I guess a like a hero who has his shit together and who isn't a complete manwhore sometimes. But the heroine Ella, didn't make the cut. She was a complete and total bitch to her best friend Skylar in the first book of the series. And it was impossible for me to shake off. There really was no amount of trauma or excuses that would have redeemed her for me. She was neglectful, mean spirited, jealous and irresponsible throughout the first book.
She constantly makes bad decisions and then falls into the pits of self pity when things don't go her way. I found her to be rather snarky and nasty to the hero and the whole 'hate to love' thing just didn't work for me in this book. Mostly because I just couldn't see what he saw in her.
Nor could I reconcile that at the end of the book she suddenly becomes some beacon of self-awareness and wisdom after a few counselling sessions.
February 7, 2017
*4.5 stars*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*
July 23, 2017
Title: Cross Check
Author: Kelly Jamieson
Series: A Bayard Hockey Novel
Publisher: Loveswept
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: July 25, 2017
Genre(s): Male/Male Hockey Romance
Page Count: 252 pages
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
This is the second book in the Bayard Hockey series. I did not read the first book and I am not sure if I would have enjoyed this book anymore or less if I had. From the blurb characters from the first book are in this book as well. It looks like this story picks up where the first book ended with the focus being on Party Girl, Ella and Hockey Pretty Boy Ben. Plot: Everyone is back at college to begin the spring semester. Ella has to make some drastic changes in her life. The drunken nights with too many random hookups has put her on academic probation. Getting counseling is the first step in making things right. Repairing the relationship with her best friend from high school is another high priority. The problem with fixing her friendship is that Skylar is dating Jacob, a star player on Bayard’s hockey team and his best friend Ben is always around. To say that Ella and Ben don’t get along is putting it mildly, but as the two are constantly put together the enemies to lovers relationship takes off. The chemistry between Ella and Ben is amazing. The more they let one another in, the closer they become until insecurities rear their ugly head. The pacing in this story is fast. There is some good hockey action. Fun playful banter as well as serious issues regarding suicide, and rape. I loved the ending of this strong emotional story. I am not sure if there will be more to this series, but I will keep my eye out for the next book. The character development was very strong. I loved how Ella took the steps to take charge of her life. Ben with all his own problems is the perfect balance to Ella.
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Cross Check provided by the Loveswept I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Author: Kelly Jamieson
Series: A Bayard Hockey Novel
Publisher: Loveswept
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: July 25, 2017
Genre(s): Male/Male Hockey Romance
Page Count: 252 pages
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
A party girl and a clean-cut college hockey player discover that they’re not so different in this sexy, soulful Bayard Hockey novel from the USA Today bestselling author of the Heller Brothers series.
“Kelly Jamieson is my go-to author for hockey romance.”—Jami Davenport
Ella Verran has three goals this semester: get off academic probation, repair her relationship with her friend Skylar, and take some responsibility for her life. All of which are hard enough without hot, snobby hockey player Ben Buckingham around to distract her. Ella can’t stand Ben, and she knows the feeling is mutual. But he’s best friends with Skylar’s boyfriend, so he’s always around—taunting and tempting Ella in ways she never thought possible.
As the star forward of the Bayard College hockey team, Ben has goals too, like playing well enough to land a spot on an NHL roster. Ben is perfectly poised on the ice, so why can’t he keep his cool around Ella? Her wild behavior rubs him in all the wrong ways—and a few of the right ones. But as they skate around each other, Ben learns that there’s more to Ella than her bad reputation. And when the line between love and hate starts to blur, he can’t resist crossing over and sweeping her off her feet.
Review:
This is the second book in the Bayard Hockey series. I did not read the first book and I am not sure if I would have enjoyed this book anymore or less if I had. From the blurb characters from the first book are in this book as well. It looks like this story picks up where the first book ended with the focus being on Party Girl, Ella and Hockey Pretty Boy Ben. Plot: Everyone is back at college to begin the spring semester. Ella has to make some drastic changes in her life. The drunken nights with too many random hookups has put her on academic probation. Getting counseling is the first step in making things right. Repairing the relationship with her best friend from high school is another high priority. The problem with fixing her friendship is that Skylar is dating Jacob, a star player on Bayard’s hockey team and his best friend Ben is always around. To say that Ella and Ben don’t get along is putting it mildly, but as the two are constantly put together the enemies to lovers relationship takes off. The chemistry between Ella and Ben is amazing. The more they let one another in, the closer they become until insecurities rear their ugly head. The pacing in this story is fast. There is some good hockey action. Fun playful banter as well as serious issues regarding suicide, and rape. I loved the ending of this strong emotional story. I am not sure if there will be more to this series, but I will keep my eye out for the next book. The character development was very strong. I loved how Ella took the steps to take charge of her life. Ben with all his own problems is the perfect balance to Ella.
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Cross Check provided by the Loveswept I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
July 22, 2017
This is the reason why I love Hockey romances!
Cross check is told in the pov's of Elle and Ben.
Elle is a reformed bad girl! I love novels that turn the tables and switch the roles! When she finds herself on academic probation that's when she knows she has officially hit rock bottom. It's time to buckle down and get her grades up. That means no partying and definitely no one night stands with hot college boys.
Ben is a hockey hottie and a man on a mission of making it to the NHL. He doesn't have time for girlfriends nor does he want one, that is until Elle keeps showing up whereever he is. That is to be expected when elle and Ben's best friends are dating each other though.
The more time Ben and Elle spend together the more they learn that they were completely wrong about each other's personalities and the more they find they love what they see.
I really enjoyed Cross Check. This is my first novel by Author Kelly Jamieson and I have to admit I'm quite impressed! Jamieson knows her shit when it comes to hockey! I loved the fact that she incorporated so much on ice game moments in this novel. It wasn't just another 'hey i'm a hockey stud' novel. I actually read the play by plays almost like an announcer was giving the details in my head! It definitely kept me entertained.
This novel does touch on the subject (not the act) of suicide and the impact it has on the loved ones who are left behind to morn. I loved this portion of the novel. It was eye opening to the pain and suffering the friends and family go through. The emotions are spot on and bring a level of angst to the novel that made it that much more better.
Now for the reason I dropped a star:
Even though I really enjoyed Cross Check, I felt the flow was off during a couple of chapters. Where as I loved the connection between Ben and Elle, I wasn't feeling the friendship between Elle and Skylar. I felt some of the 'best friend' type scenes were rushed and lacked that sisterly vibe. Maybe its because I didn't read the first book (Shut Out). I have no clue but I do plan on getting to Shut Out soon, so we shall see!
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and if you love hockey I highly recommend this novel! You’ll no doubt love the play by plays. Lets not forget the hot as hell scenes between Ben and Elle!
Cross check is told in the pov's of Elle and Ben.
Elle is a reformed bad girl! I love novels that turn the tables and switch the roles! When she finds herself on academic probation that's when she knows she has officially hit rock bottom. It's time to buckle down and get her grades up. That means no partying and definitely no one night stands with hot college boys.
Ben is a hockey hottie and a man on a mission of making it to the NHL. He doesn't have time for girlfriends nor does he want one, that is until Elle keeps showing up whereever he is. That is to be expected when elle and Ben's best friends are dating each other though.
The more time Ben and Elle spend together the more they learn that they were completely wrong about each other's personalities and the more they find they love what they see.
I really enjoyed Cross Check. This is my first novel by Author Kelly Jamieson and I have to admit I'm quite impressed! Jamieson knows her shit when it comes to hockey! I loved the fact that she incorporated so much on ice game moments in this novel. It wasn't just another 'hey i'm a hockey stud' novel. I actually read the play by plays almost like an announcer was giving the details in my head! It definitely kept me entertained.
This novel does touch on the subject (not the act) of suicide and the impact it has on the loved ones who are left behind to morn. I loved this portion of the novel. It was eye opening to the pain and suffering the friends and family go through. The emotions are spot on and bring a level of angst to the novel that made it that much more better.
Now for the reason I dropped a star:
Even though I really enjoyed Cross Check, I felt the flow was off during a couple of chapters. Where as I loved the connection between Ben and Elle, I wasn't feeling the friendship between Elle and Skylar. I felt some of the 'best friend' type scenes were rushed and lacked that sisterly vibe. Maybe its because I didn't read the first book (Shut Out). I have no clue but I do plan on getting to Shut Out soon, so we shall see!
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and if you love hockey I highly recommend this novel! You’ll no doubt love the play by plays. Lets not forget the hot as hell scenes between Ben and Elle!
July 31, 2017
Disappointing. I loved the first book in this series and I am a big fan of Kelly Jamieson's work but not this one.
The blurb: Ella Verran has three goals this semester: get off academic probation, repair her relationship with her friend Skylar, and take some responsibility for her life. All of which are hard enough without hot, snobby hockey player Ben Buckingham around to distract her. Ella can’t stand Ben, and she knows the feeling is mutual. But he’s best friends with Skylar’s boyfriend, so he’s always around—taunting and tempting Ella in ways she never thought possible.
As the star forward of the Bayard College hockey team, Ben has goals too, like playing well enough to land a spot on an NHL roster. Ben is perfectly poised on the ice, so why can’t he keep his cool around Ella? Her wild behavior rubs him in all the wrong ways—and a few of the right ones. But as they skate around each other, Ben learns that there’s more to Ella than her bad reputation. And when the line between love and hate starts to blur, he can’t resist crossing over and sweeping her off her feet.
I didn't like Ben, I felt that the way he spoke about women, especially Ella, was crude and crass. I also thought he was a bit of a whiny cry-baby for being upset by the mean girls who his mother worked for - hasn't he watched any teen film EVER?
I also felt like there was too much moralising about slut-shaming, too much psycho-babble, too much sermonising and yet the actions of the characters seemed at odds with all the preaching. Ella tries to own her behaviour and yet it all gets wrapped up in her grief over the death of her friend - she only partied because she was numb inside - sheesh!
So, sorry just not for me, I felt that this was two novels fighting it out between them and neither worked for me.
The blurb: Ella Verran has three goals this semester: get off academic probation, repair her relationship with her friend Skylar, and take some responsibility for her life. All of which are hard enough without hot, snobby hockey player Ben Buckingham around to distract her. Ella can’t stand Ben, and she knows the feeling is mutual. But he’s best friends with Skylar’s boyfriend, so he’s always around—taunting and tempting Ella in ways she never thought possible.
As the star forward of the Bayard College hockey team, Ben has goals too, like playing well enough to land a spot on an NHL roster. Ben is perfectly poised on the ice, so why can’t he keep his cool around Ella? Her wild behavior rubs him in all the wrong ways—and a few of the right ones. But as they skate around each other, Ben learns that there’s more to Ella than her bad reputation. And when the line between love and hate starts to blur, he can’t resist crossing over and sweeping her off her feet.
I didn't like Ben, I felt that the way he spoke about women, especially Ella, was crude and crass. I also thought he was a bit of a whiny cry-baby for being upset by the mean girls who his mother worked for - hasn't he watched any teen film EVER?
I also felt like there was too much moralising about slut-shaming, too much psycho-babble, too much sermonising and yet the actions of the characters seemed at odds with all the preaching. Ella tries to own her behaviour and yet it all gets wrapped up in her grief over the death of her friend - she only partied because she was numb inside - sheesh!
So, sorry just not for me, I felt that this was two novels fighting it out between them and neither worked for me.
July 9, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book in the Bayard Hockey series and was really looking forward to book two. Kelly Jamieson does a wonderful job with this book. From her Aces Hockey series, I know she can write one hell of a sports romance, but she goes one step further in this series and adds in the trials and tribulations of being in college. In Shut Out, I was impressed when how she worked in heavy subjects like rape, suicide and slut shaming. In Cross Check, she continues to bring awareness to those things in a great way and includes mental illness in there as well. I would give high marks to this book just for that, but she has once again created some really interesting characters that you can’t help but fall in love with.
Ella we got to meet in the first book and it was a lot of fun and extremely interesting to really get to know her in this one. She has a lot of guilt and other strong feelings that she is trying to work through because of what went down with her friends Skylar and Brendan. Ella decided at first that drinking, partying and sleeping around was the best way to deal with those feelings until she ends up on academic probation. With her world crashing around her even more, she finally takes a long look at what her goals are and what she needs to do to reach them.
Then in walks Ben. Ben is sweet and sexy, but to Ella, he’s a pompous jerk. He judges her and she judges him, but unfortunately their best friends are together, which means they have to spend a lot of time together. I loved watching these two go from hate to something more. Their chemistry was ridiculous from the beginning and it’s always fun to try to watch people like that fight against the pull. It was also great watching these two get to know each other better and to realize that their pre-conceived notions might be false.
The epilogue in this book was perfect as well. I hope that it means we’ll get to see these characters down the road in other capacities. I highly recommend this book and this series. While you do not have to read Shut Out to enjoy Cross Check, I think you should cause it’s awesome.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
Ella we got to meet in the first book and it was a lot of fun and extremely interesting to really get to know her in this one. She has a lot of guilt and other strong feelings that she is trying to work through because of what went down with her friends Skylar and Brendan. Ella decided at first that drinking, partying and sleeping around was the best way to deal with those feelings until she ends up on academic probation. With her world crashing around her even more, she finally takes a long look at what her goals are and what she needs to do to reach them.
Then in walks Ben. Ben is sweet and sexy, but to Ella, he’s a pompous jerk. He judges her and she judges him, but unfortunately their best friends are together, which means they have to spend a lot of time together. I loved watching these two go from hate to something more. Their chemistry was ridiculous from the beginning and it’s always fun to try to watch people like that fight against the pull. It was also great watching these two get to know each other better and to realize that their pre-conceived notions might be false.
The epilogue in this book was perfect as well. I hope that it means we’ll get to see these characters down the road in other capacities. I highly recommend this book and this series. While you do not have to read Shut Out to enjoy Cross Check, I think you should cause it’s awesome.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
November 4, 2019
This review was originally posted on my review blog Deanna Reads Books
I am such trash for hate-to-love romances, don't @ me! So I was pumped for this one. This book is the follow-up to Shut Out by Kelly Jamieson. It follows Ella, Skylar's bestie from the first book. A lot of the books is about Ella trying to right her wrongs from the previous book. So while I think you can read this one without having read the first book, it's probably better if you read them in that order.
I really liked Ella and Ben together, and there are some hijinks when they do get together. Note to self, don't ever use warming condoms. LIKE OMG NO!! I really liked when they were finally together, but then Ella gets too inside herself about things and of course there was a break up. STAPHH!!! Don't worry this book has an HEA!
One thing I liked about this one, was that I find a lot in romance novels the dude is the one who has slept around and the woman hasn't or is uber innocent. There's nothing wrong with that, however, I did like that with Ella she was a woman who slept around as much as the dudes did. But of course the double-standard exists, and it was interesting to see Ben experience it and realize how messed up it was. Like, why are men?
I really liked this one, but I'm bummed there are only two books in this series. I would love to read about more of the guys on the team. I especially love college-aged romances and I wish I had them when I had been in college.
I am such trash for hate-to-love romances, don't @ me! So I was pumped for this one. This book is the follow-up to Shut Out by Kelly Jamieson. It follows Ella, Skylar's bestie from the first book. A lot of the books is about Ella trying to right her wrongs from the previous book. So while I think you can read this one without having read the first book, it's probably better if you read them in that order.
I really liked Ella and Ben together, and there are some hijinks when they do get together. Note to self, don't ever use warming condoms. LIKE OMG NO!! I really liked when they were finally together, but then Ella gets too inside herself about things and of course there was a break up. STAPHH!!! Don't worry this book has an HEA!
One thing I liked about this one, was that I find a lot in romance novels the dude is the one who has slept around and the woman hasn't or is uber innocent. There's nothing wrong with that, however, I did like that with Ella she was a woman who slept around as much as the dudes did. But of course the double-standard exists, and it was interesting to see Ben experience it and realize how messed up it was. Like, why are men?
I really liked this one, but I'm bummed there are only two books in this series. I would love to read about more of the guys on the team. I especially love college-aged romances and I wish I had them when I had been in college.
July 1, 2017
Ella and Ben are coming at life from two different directions. Ella has gotten off track and is on academic probation due to her lack of focus, partying too much and general lack of discipline her freshman year in high school. Ben is striving to make it into the NHL and is focused on both his game and his studies. They each feel disdain for each other in the beginning. Ella thinks Ben is a snob and he thinks Ella is a party girl. Both of them hide behind their personas for different reasons.
Ella and Skylar are both still struggling with the suicide of their friend the previous year and both have taken different paths in dealing with that grief. Ella knows she needs to be a better friend to Skylar and sets about trying to do that. Ella also makes a vow to focus on her schoolwork, less partying and more focusing on being a better student. She knew she went off the rails and is paying the price with academic probation. The bar she sets for herself is pretty high and does not include a relationship of any sort with a male, let alone Ben.
Ben does not want distractions from his pursuit of being drafted. He thinks a girlfriend would hold him back and is adamant that he wants to just focus on his career and school. Ben realizes that he may have judged Ella harshly but also gets her to see that his life is far from perfect. He had a rough childhood and does not want anyone to know how bad it was. Ben does do a great job of focusing and accomplishing what he needs to both with school and hockey. I liked how he would prioritize and still find time to have fun.
Ella and Ben basically collide one night and the sparks shoot off. Neither one of them handles it all that great in the beginning. They each are full of insecurities that causes some problems. Ella questions her reputation and whether she is good enough for Ben. She also questions what others will say about him when they find out they are together. Ben feels he does not measure up and it is compounded when he meets Ella's parents. They both agree to work it out together. You will have to read the book to see how it all unfolds. It was a quick, easy read and, although it did deal with some sensitive topics (rape, sexual assault, suicide, mental illness) it was done in such a way that it just wove through the book. I am grateful to have received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Ella and Skylar are both still struggling with the suicide of their friend the previous year and both have taken different paths in dealing with that grief. Ella knows she needs to be a better friend to Skylar and sets about trying to do that. Ella also makes a vow to focus on her schoolwork, less partying and more focusing on being a better student. She knew she went off the rails and is paying the price with academic probation. The bar she sets for herself is pretty high and does not include a relationship of any sort with a male, let alone Ben.
Ben does not want distractions from his pursuit of being drafted. He thinks a girlfriend would hold him back and is adamant that he wants to just focus on his career and school. Ben realizes that he may have judged Ella harshly but also gets her to see that his life is far from perfect. He had a rough childhood and does not want anyone to know how bad it was. Ben does do a great job of focusing and accomplishing what he needs to both with school and hockey. I liked how he would prioritize and still find time to have fun.
Ella and Ben basically collide one night and the sparks shoot off. Neither one of them handles it all that great in the beginning. They each are full of insecurities that causes some problems. Ella questions her reputation and whether she is good enough for Ben. She also questions what others will say about him when they find out they are together. Ben feels he does not measure up and it is compounded when he meets Ella's parents. They both agree to work it out together. You will have to read the book to see how it all unfolds. It was a quick, easy read and, although it did deal with some sensitive topics (rape, sexual assault, suicide, mental illness) it was done in such a way that it just wove through the book. I am grateful to have received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
December 4, 2017
3.5 Stars
I love hockey romance. I enjoyed this
one. I really liked Ben and Ella together,
they had a love/hate relationship until
it was burning off the pages hot. They
were funny, and sarcastic but when
they were together, their alone time, that
is when this book really shined. I needed
more of that. I wanted more interaction,
because that was when I could not put
this book down.
This is book 2 of the Bayard Hockey series,
I did not read book one. I probably should
have because they had the main characters
of that book, plus some back story line,
and that is what kinda bored me.
It also kinda bugged me how Ella's
past was constantly referenced as to
her being a "slut". I get it, Ella slept
around. It's a turn off for me when every
one shames her for it, including her ex
hook-ups, and in front of Ben. I'm not
a big fan of my hero being a total whore,
and I wasn't a fan of Ella being one.
I think the constant bringing it up, made
me have a hard time connecting to her.
Yes, I get that the past, and the consequences
of it is what led to her low self esteem and
her sleeping around, I just didn't like it.
That being said, I did enjoy this book
and I really liked Ben and Ella, just wished
for more.
I love hockey romance. I enjoyed this
one. I really liked Ben and Ella together,
they had a love/hate relationship until
it was burning off the pages hot. They
were funny, and sarcastic but when
they were together, their alone time, that
is when this book really shined. I needed
more of that. I wanted more interaction,
because that was when I could not put
this book down.
This is book 2 of the Bayard Hockey series,
I did not read book one. I probably should
have because they had the main characters
of that book, plus some back story line,
and that is what kinda bored me.
It also kinda bugged me how Ella's
past was constantly referenced as to
her being a "slut". I get it, Ella slept
around. It's a turn off for me when every
one shames her for it, including her ex
hook-ups, and in front of Ben. I'm not
a big fan of my hero being a total whore,
and I wasn't a fan of Ella being one.
I think the constant bringing it up, made
me have a hard time connecting to her.
Yes, I get that the past, and the consequences
of it is what led to her low self esteem and
her sleeping around, I just didn't like it.
That being said, I did enjoy this book
and I really liked Ben and Ella, just wished
for more.
August 14, 2017
I thought that Cross Check was a sweet and emotional romance that was filled with lots drama and angst. Tons of sexual tension. And conversations filled with quick wit, humour, and just enough naughty talk to make a girl blush. It's an awesome book and I most definitely enjoyed reading it.
Ella is trying to rebuild her life after last year's mistakes. She has a lot to make up for - she partied too much and took her friends for granted. She didn't try as hard as she should of in her classes. She is determined to not be distracted from her old ways or boys.
But Ben just keeps on popping up and these two just cannot escape the way they make each feel. Or how they seem to understand one another. But they doesn't even like each other. Or at least, that's what they keep telling themselves. Their acted on their attraction feel inevitable and you devour page after page for the moments they do.
As their storied unfolded, I loved that I was experiencing their ups and downs - I was completely caught up and consumed by Ella and Ben. It's a great coming of age, friends to lovers romance. One that I would absolutely recommend others check out.
Ella is trying to rebuild her life after last year's mistakes. She has a lot to make up for - she partied too much and took her friends for granted. She didn't try as hard as she should of in her classes. She is determined to not be distracted from her old ways or boys.
But Ben just keeps on popping up and these two just cannot escape the way they make each feel. Or how they seem to understand one another. But they doesn't even like each other. Or at least, that's what they keep telling themselves. Their acted on their attraction feel inevitable and you devour page after page for the moments they do.
As their storied unfolded, I loved that I was experiencing their ups and downs - I was completely caught up and consumed by Ella and Ben. It's a great coming of age, friends to lovers romance. One that I would absolutely recommend others check out.
August 31, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. I like Kelly Jamieson, and I like hockey. Still this was not my favorite of her books on hockey, or her characters, however that does not diminish the story. I can't give it a four star, but it was not a 2 star either. So I did not Ella in that last book, so she had to work at it to redeem herself in my eyes, and after a while she did. Then there was Ben, he also had to work at being worthy in my eyes, because some of the thing he said annoyed me. but eventually they were good to go. Now I could sit here and tell you the story, but what good would that do, it is enjoyable, and you should read it for yourselves and get your own view point, because it is entertaining.
October 4, 2017
An enjoyable read. Ella doesn't care for Bayard's star hockey forward Ben much, she thinks he's a pretty boy snob and his thoughts on Ella are't much better, he thinks she's a slut. At first their meetings are strained but when the story unfolds, the reasons for certain actions are explained, which are heartbreaking and sometimes proves we should never take things we see as face value.
Wonderful character and relationship development. A great story.
Wonderful character and relationship development. A great story.
July 9, 2017
Ella’s life has become a soap opera and she has made a mess of her life. Now she needs to get it in order before she is forced to move back home. Ben has watched Ella from a distance and is not impressed. When they are thrown together several times, they realize there is a chemistry between them they can’t deny. This book will tug at your heart strings, make you laugh, and swoon at the sex scenes. I couldn’t put it down which is the biggest compliment I can give to any book! Don’t miss this one!
July 6, 2017
Ella spent too much time partying last year and is now trying to raise her grades and act more responsibly. Ben is working hard to get an opportunity to play in the NHL and doesn't need any distractions. While they have the same friends, they've never really gotten along well with one another. They keep getting thrown together at different social events and start to get to know each other on a deeper level. Good story, good characters...it's a good read.
June 23, 2017
Ben and Ella don't care for each other. Ella thinks he's a snob, pretty boy and he basically thinks she is a slut. I was concerned at first, that this was going to be one of those love/hate romances and I couldn't have been more wrong. I gave this book a five star for so many reasons, but the main ones being it made me feel, it made me cry, it changes me and m perception of those around me and the world. This author touched me with this book in ways that I know I will never be the same again.
I couldn't put this book down, forgoing the things I needed to do, so that I could read Ella and Ben's journey. Their road to happiness is not easy, especially since they both have preconceptions of the other as well as issues of their own to deal with. As in life, however, fate brings them together and they see the other with new eyes and realize that what they thought...what they saw on the outside, was but a glimmer of the layers of who they were.
Ben's focusing on getting into the NHL and he doesn't need or want distractions and Ella has been hurt in the past and she doesn't want to take the risk that it will happen again. They both go into this relationship stressing they want nothing serious but what happens when Cupid steps up to the plate? He shoots that arrow and "love" is in the air.
Ella and Ben's journey to love is so believable and well written. For those of us who read book one in this series we get to revisit Jacob and Skylar, which is an extra bonus which I loved. When I finished this book I was left feeling happy and the very best part? I get to take their journey again, anytime I want. This copy was given to me for an honest review by netgalley but I am preordering it. You will LOVE this book, it is my favorite of this author's to date.
I couldn't put this book down, forgoing the things I needed to do, so that I could read Ella and Ben's journey. Their road to happiness is not easy, especially since they both have preconceptions of the other as well as issues of their own to deal with. As in life, however, fate brings them together and they see the other with new eyes and realize that what they thought...what they saw on the outside, was but a glimmer of the layers of who they were.
Ben's focusing on getting into the NHL and he doesn't need or want distractions and Ella has been hurt in the past and she doesn't want to take the risk that it will happen again. They both go into this relationship stressing they want nothing serious but what happens when Cupid steps up to the plate? He shoots that arrow and "love" is in the air.
Ella and Ben's journey to love is so believable and well written. For those of us who read book one in this series we get to revisit Jacob and Skylar, which is an extra bonus which I loved. When I finished this book I was left feeling happy and the very best part? I get to take their journey again, anytime I want. This copy was given to me for an honest review by netgalley but I am preordering it. You will LOVE this book, it is my favorite of this author's to date.
June 28, 2017
Kelly Jamieson takes us back to Bayard College and The Bayard Bears Hockey Team.
Ben Buckingham a player for the Bears is trying to live the dream of becoming an NHL player and doing so with a past that he wants to move away from and show people that you can become whatever you want to be not matter what. What Ben never expects is Ella Verran the schools Party girl.
Ella Verran has had a great upbringing, maybe some very overprotective parents and siblings but when life gets in the way and you struggle to find your way back sometimes you can do things to blur the lines.
Ella wants to make changes and move on but when people perceive you as one thing it's hard for them to see anything else. That's exactly what Ben thinks.
The love hate relationship between Ben & Ella is fantastic to see. They both struggle with their own issues but when they come to together and see what no one else sees it's amazing to see that come off the pages.
There story will deal with an array of issues that Kelly most definitely will walk you through, and one thing is for sure you will feel that you on the journey with Ben & Ella. You will be cheering them on throughout the story and you are hoping that they both can find what they are looking for, not only for themselves but also as a couple.
Ben Buckingham a player for the Bears is trying to live the dream of becoming an NHL player and doing so with a past that he wants to move away from and show people that you can become whatever you want to be not matter what. What Ben never expects is Ella Verran the schools Party girl.
Ella Verran has had a great upbringing, maybe some very overprotective parents and siblings but when life gets in the way and you struggle to find your way back sometimes you can do things to blur the lines.
Ella wants to make changes and move on but when people perceive you as one thing it's hard for them to see anything else. That's exactly what Ben thinks.
The love hate relationship between Ben & Ella is fantastic to see. They both struggle with their own issues but when they come to together and see what no one else sees it's amazing to see that come off the pages.
There story will deal with an array of issues that Kelly most definitely will walk you through, and one thing is for sure you will feel that you on the journey with Ben & Ella. You will be cheering them on throughout the story and you are hoping that they both can find what they are looking for, not only for themselves but also as a couple.
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