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The Baltimore Banners #10
Face Off
Ethan Kincaid is relaxed and laid back, a gentleman winger for the Baltimore Banners. His play on the ice--and off--is fast, furious, and unstoppable. He's never met a challenge he couldn't overcome--except when it comes to the one woman he really wants. Is he willing to risk the treasured friendship for one night of passion? Is it possible for passion to lead to something else?
Cindy Miller walked away from her studies in psychology and is now stumbling, trying to find herself. The one constant has been her unexpected friendship with Ethan, a friendship she doesn't want to lose. After seeing her best friend find true love, Cindy wants nothing less for herself. Can she find that with Ethan? Is it something the charming winger is even interested in?
One night changed the course of their lives, putting them on a path neither expected. Can they go back to what was? And will another night pull them closer together--or pull them apart for good?
Cindy Miller walked away from her studies in psychology and is now stumbling, trying to find herself. The one constant has been her unexpected friendship with Ethan, a friendship she doesn't want to lose. After seeing her best friend find true love, Cindy wants nothing less for herself. Can she find that with Ethan? Is it something the charming winger is even interested in?
One night changed the course of their lives, putting them on a path neither expected. Can they go back to what was? And will another night pull them closer together--or pull them apart for good?
300 pages, ebook
Published May 9, 2017
32 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Lisa B. Kamps
65 books799 followersLisa B. Kamps is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes steamy romance with real-life characters and relatable stories that evoke deep emotion. She likes her men hard, her bed soft, her coffee strong, her whiskey neat, and her wine chilled...and when it comes to sports, hockey is the only thing that matters!
Lisa currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons (who are mostly sorta-kinda out of the house), one very spoiled Border Collie, two cats with major attitude, several head of cattle, and entirely too many chickens to count. When she's not busy writing or chasing animals, she's cheering loudly for her favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals--or going through withdrawal and waiting for October to roll back around!
For more information, please visit: www.LisaBKamps.com
Lisa currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons (who are mostly sorta-kinda out of the house), one very spoiled Border Collie, two cats with major attitude, several head of cattle, and entirely too many chickens to count. When she's not busy writing or chasing animals, she's cheering loudly for her favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals--or going through withdrawal and waiting for October to roll back around!
For more information, please visit: www.LisaBKamps.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 16, 2017
Face Off was the tenth book in the Baltimore Banners NHL series by Lisa Kamps.
Ethan Kincaid met Cindy Miller previously in book nine, One-Timer, as their two best friends, Dillon and Maggie, found their forever love. Ethan and Cindy hit it off well from the start and became fast friends. The friends turned to lovers at Dillon and Maggie’s wedding in St Thomas. However, we learned quickly that something wasn’t quite right with Cindy. Without revealing spoilers, Kamps then took us down a dark, but most likely realistic path.
Although Face Off was well written and well developed, it wasn’t my favorite book in the series due to its intense nature. I was looking for a little more excitement. It explored a serious and grave topic that brought on awareness, even if not a lot of entertainment.
Kudos to Kamps for tackling a difficult topic amidst a journey of forever love. We’re not sure where the series is headed next; however, it appears Corbin and Lori will make an appearance in the near future.
Ethan Kincaid met Cindy Miller previously in book nine, One-Timer, as their two best friends, Dillon and Maggie, found their forever love. Ethan and Cindy hit it off well from the start and became fast friends. The friends turned to lovers at Dillon and Maggie’s wedding in St Thomas. However, we learned quickly that something wasn’t quite right with Cindy. Without revealing spoilers, Kamps then took us down a dark, but most likely realistic path.
Although Face Off was well written and well developed, it wasn’t my favorite book in the series due to its intense nature. I was looking for a little more excitement. It explored a serious and grave topic that brought on awareness, even if not a lot of entertainment.
Kudos to Kamps for tackling a difficult topic amidst a journey of forever love. We’re not sure where the series is headed next; however, it appears Corbin and Lori will make an appearance in the near future.
May 20, 2017
You Must Read This Book
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Face Off and wasn't left disappointed. I was pulled into the story straight away and this is the first story I've come across that describes beautifully the battle someone can face when fighting mental health issues. Having battled depression and anxiety myself for several years, I was concerned that I would find this story difficult to read but that wasn't the case at all. As I read about Cindy's battle, I was reminded of my own but was also reminded of how far I've come since receiving my diagnosis in 2010. The words and descriptions written by the author were beautiful and showed exactly what Cindy was going through. Thankfully, Cindy had the love and support of others around her and once she received treatment that worked for her, started to make progress in her battle. Cindy also found the love of a man who was first her friend and then her allie, and I believe he helped her in battle and always will. The ending was emotional as Cindy got the HEA that her mental health battle had convinced her she wasn't entitled to. This is a book I will definitely read again, especially when I need a reminder about my own achievements in the battle with depression and anxiety.
This story is well worth the full 5 stars I've rated it!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Face Off and wasn't left disappointed. I was pulled into the story straight away and this is the first story I've come across that describes beautifully the battle someone can face when fighting mental health issues. Having battled depression and anxiety myself for several years, I was concerned that I would find this story difficult to read but that wasn't the case at all. As I read about Cindy's battle, I was reminded of my own but was also reminded of how far I've come since receiving my diagnosis in 2010. The words and descriptions written by the author were beautiful and showed exactly what Cindy was going through. Thankfully, Cindy had the love and support of others around her and once she received treatment that worked for her, started to make progress in her battle. Cindy also found the love of a man who was first her friend and then her allie, and I believe he helped her in battle and always will. The ending was emotional as Cindy got the HEA that her mental health battle had convinced her she wasn't entitled to. This is a book I will definitely read again, especially when I need a reminder about my own achievements in the battle with depression and anxiety.
This story is well worth the full 5 stars I've rated it!
November 5, 2017
Dnf 47%
** Contain spoiler
Don't get me wrong the story was great, the blame was on me. I don't like stories with a mental disease or depression disorder themes.
If I knew, beforehand, that the heroine was this kind of ill and that she was very melancholic with her depression I wouldn't have got into this.
It's not because I'm insensitive, au contraire, I know that diagnosed depression is a very serious disease, I had a friend that killed himself after years of dealing with this shit, but I don't want to read about it in romance..
No thanks. .
** Contain spoiler
Don't get me wrong the story was great, the blame was on me. I don't like stories with a mental disease or depression disorder themes.
If I knew, beforehand, that the heroine was this kind of ill and that she was very melancholic with her depression I wouldn't have got into this.
It's not because I'm insensitive, au contraire, I know that diagnosed depression is a very serious disease, I had a friend that killed himself after years of dealing with this shit, but I don't want to read about it in romance..
No thanks. .
May 19, 2017
review to come
June 15, 2017
I will not bore you with the blurb because the description is perfect. Ethan is a right-winger for the Baltimore Banners and is in love with Cindy. Cindy has been trying to live life day by day. They have a great friendship but is it worth losing for one night of passion? You have to read this book!!!!! I won't give any spoilers.
This book is amazing because it delves into a condition alot of people live with everyday.
***I received a free copy for an honest review****
This book is amazing because it delves into a condition alot of people live with everyday.
***I received a free copy for an honest review****
May 19, 2017
I received an ARC copy of Face Off by Lisa Kamps for an honest review, and really enjoyed it! This is the first book that I have read by this author and was not disappointed! I have not had the opportunity to read the previous books in the Baltimore Banners series, but definitely want to! Since this is part of a series, I was concerned that I would be lost starting with book 10. However, that was not the case. I feel that this book can be read without reading the other nine first. It grabbed me right at the beginning, wondering what this darkness was? Kuddo's to Lisa for touching on mental illness and how it can affect some people. And how it can either pull you into the darkness or you can choose to give friendship and love a chance. Ethan and Cindy dealt with the ups and downs of the illness to find that happiness! I would recommend this book, either to be read among the series or as a standalone. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of Face Off.
June 21, 2017
This is so much more than just a story of romance. Lisa delves into a topic that people are not always well informed on. The characters in this book deal with real depression and the effects it has both on the person suffering with it and the people who are close to them. This book was so touching. It was great to have the characters from previous books woven into this story so flawlessly. Of all the series I follow, this is my favorite. This book is the best yet!
April 30, 2017
You can never go wrong with one of Lisa's books.
I love a good hockey series and this one fits the bill.
Over the course of the series you become attached to the
different characters and seeing what life and hockey throws
their way.
This time the story is about Ethan and Cindy - Maggie and Dillions
best friend.
This is a story about friends to lovers and the heavy road inbetween
when life throws them a few curve balls.
Ethan was just an upstanding guy. The perfect hero in this story.
Your heart goes out to Cindy and what she is dealing with and her fears.
Kudos to Lisa for bringing into the light a misunderstood topic. It really opened
my eyes and enlightened me.
Just love this series - and this is a must read.
I love a good hockey series and this one fits the bill.
Over the course of the series you become attached to the
different characters and seeing what life and hockey throws
their way.
This time the story is about Ethan and Cindy - Maggie and Dillions
best friend.
This is a story about friends to lovers and the heavy road inbetween
when life throws them a few curve balls.
Ethan was just an upstanding guy. The perfect hero in this story.
Your heart goes out to Cindy and what she is dealing with and her fears.
Kudos to Lisa for bringing into the light a misunderstood topic. It really opened
my eyes and enlightened me.
Just love this series - and this is a must read.
May 11, 2017
What do you do when your feelings for your best friend is more than friendly? How about if you are battling severe depression and the fear of delving so far below that you follow in your father's footsteps and take the most painful way out? It was a beautiful wedding of her best friend and the demons in her head were battling to get out and takeover, but he was there to keep her grounded. Cindy's life is spinning out of control, but Ethan makes her feel. Feel grounded. Feel safe. Feel not lost. Ethan's a winger for the Baltimore Banners, Ms. Kamp's fictional hockey team. He's become besties with Cindy and wants more. One night on the beach is not enough for him. Ms Kamp hits hard with the depression her heroine is facing and letting dictate her life. Ethan is by her side as she confronts her demons daily and tries to convince her they can win together. It's a tough subject, yet Lisa Kamps faces off with it and wins. She doesn't soften it. She hits hard and shoves you against the boards so you truly feel what Cindy is going through and the struggle she has to just move the motions of living. Ethan is a true hero and gentleman in the way she writes him. He doesn't give up; doesn't want to give up. Each book of the series has dealt with something that is real.. This one hit me hard, and I can guarantee you will cry and scream, but if you stick with it, you'll be cheering for the two of them to make it work.
May 9, 2017
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I was wondering if a relationship would bloom between Ethan & Cindy when we met them on One-Timer (Book 9). They have not only become good friends, but the book starts off with them at a destination wedding for one of Ethan's fellow team members. (I don't want to say who and spoil it!) Of course being on a tropical island, some sparks fly, but what will happen to their friendship if they act on it. Ethan and Cindy both have their own struggles and hurdles to jump in this story and I really felt for both of them. They both tugged at my heartstrings and I was rooting them on along the way, hoping that they would end up happy and together. I love how Lisa includes characters/fellow teammates from the previous books in the Baltimore Banner Series so you get a little peek into their current lives. I highly recommend this book, it can be read as a standalone but I personally suggest reading One-Timer first as a lot of the characters from that book carryover into Face Off. Fantastic Job Lisa!!
May 9, 2017
Having read the other books in this series I was anxious to get my hands on this one...and it was everything I thought it could be and more.
Ethan and Cindy's love story is no fairy tale. It is real with ups and downs. I was totally enthralled in this story. Ethan is in this for the long haul. I loved how strong he was, how determined to be there for her no matter what. You can't help but feel so badly for Cindy with all she is going through. My heart broke many times as well as tears falling for this couple.
This author did an outstanding job of researching the subject matter for what Cindy is going through. Having dealt with this within my own family, it felt as if I was in the storyline, watching it happen in realtime. I simply loved this book as a whole and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a love story that is real, that makes you feel, that leaves you at the end, feeling like you just want to read it over and over again.
Ethan and Cindy's love story is no fairy tale. It is real with ups and downs. I was totally enthralled in this story. Ethan is in this for the long haul. I loved how strong he was, how determined to be there for her no matter what. You can't help but feel so badly for Cindy with all she is going through. My heart broke many times as well as tears falling for this couple.
This author did an outstanding job of researching the subject matter for what Cindy is going through. Having dealt with this within my own family, it felt as if I was in the storyline, watching it happen in realtime. I simply loved this book as a whole and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a love story that is real, that makes you feel, that leaves you at the end, feeling like you just want to read it over and over again.
May 9, 2017
While I think it is admirable that Ms. Kamps chose to feature a heroine with mental health issues, it is unfortunate that she chose to completely eliminate any other development of character. I have no idea why the hero & heroine fell in love. Supposedly they were very good friends before they hooked up at the wedding but we learn nothing about that relationship that would explain what instead appears to be insta-love. How, if they had a "treasured" friendship, did he not know where she lived, so that he could check on her when she didn't return his calls? Ethan's friends repeatedly tell him that they thought the couple was close but these same friends never disclosed to him that Cindy was ill. Lots of potential to create a love story dealing with a serious issue but instead it feels rushed and undeveloped.
June 16, 2017
Face Off is the tenth in the Baltimore Banners series and can be read as a standalone. It has some hot action, it's for sure 18+.
This friends to lovers story that bursts into flames at a destination wedding. Ethan and Cindy are both attendants and spend a week in the tropics with their group of friends. They have great chemistry and show wonderful couple potential. I found it easy to fall in love with them both.
And then things go wrong. I was amazed at the writing in this book. The care with which a very difficult issue is lived in words is astounding. I felt off and uncomfortable and completely sympathetic to the complete and utter struggle to just be. Just, wow.
Ethan is a hero and the kind of guy every girl reads romance books to find. It takes time and care, but we all get our HEA! I look forward to seeing Ethan and Cindy in future BB books.
This friends to lovers story that bursts into flames at a destination wedding. Ethan and Cindy are both attendants and spend a week in the tropics with their group of friends. They have great chemistry and show wonderful couple potential. I found it easy to fall in love with them both.
And then things go wrong. I was amazed at the writing in this book. The care with which a very difficult issue is lived in words is astounding. I felt off and uncomfortable and completely sympathetic to the complete and utter struggle to just be. Just, wow.
Ethan is a hero and the kind of guy every girl reads romance books to find. It takes time and care, but we all get our HEA! I look forward to seeing Ethan and Cindy in future BB books.
May 9, 2017
Hope, Love, and Happiness
Wow, I just really don't have the perfect words to praise this book. Lisa did an amazing job of telling a story I can personally relate to. Cindy has emotional demons that she just cannot seem to shake. Her heart and mind are in a battle that forces Cindy to choose between what could happen or take a chance at having love and happiness. Ethan fell in love with Cindy at first sight. Their friendship grew and a trip abroad takes their friendship to a whole new level. However Cindy faces a struggle within. Ethan tries to open Cindy's eyes to love but she is so sure that she will hurt him in the end. Can love conquer all? This story brought happy tears to my eyes. It's definitely one of my favorites.
Wow, I just really don't have the perfect words to praise this book. Lisa did an amazing job of telling a story I can personally relate to. Cindy has emotional demons that she just cannot seem to shake. Her heart and mind are in a battle that forces Cindy to choose between what could happen or take a chance at having love and happiness. Ethan fell in love with Cindy at first sight. Their friendship grew and a trip abroad takes their friendship to a whole new level. However Cindy faces a struggle within. Ethan tries to open Cindy's eyes to love but she is so sure that she will hurt him in the end. Can love conquer all? This story brought happy tears to my eyes. It's definitely one of my favorites.
August 27, 2018
Makes you think
This story is another side of mental illness. It is about Cindy Miller, best friend to Maggie who has just married Dillon Frayser. Cindy is also friends with Dillon's teammate, Ethan, who has more than friendly feelings for Cindy. This is her story, told from her perspective of the deepest, darkest depths of this illness. While many of us deal with various degrees of depression, as do I, the darkest of the dark is Cindy's cross to bear. Her father's suicide weighs heavy on her heart too although he was bi-polar which is different from her diagnosis.
I loved that this was told from her perspective as well as Ethan's and not just from the observer's poverty.
This story is another side of mental illness. It is about Cindy Miller, best friend to Maggie who has just married Dillon Frayser. Cindy is also friends with Dillon's teammate, Ethan, who has more than friendly feelings for Cindy. This is her story, told from her perspective of the deepest, darkest depths of this illness. While many of us deal with various degrees of depression, as do I, the darkest of the dark is Cindy's cross to bear. Her father's suicide weighs heavy on her heart too although he was bi-polar which is different from her diagnosis.
I loved that this was told from her perspective as well as Ethan's and not just from the observer's poverty.
December 7, 2018
Loved it
Cindy's life is out of her control, she is suffering from major depression. She has been friends with Ethan, a player for the Baltimore Banners forever, they had a long weekend together after their best friends' wedding in the islands but she doesn't want to burden him with her health problems. Ethan wants to be more than friends and he doesn't care if she has health problems, he wants to help her thru them. Can he convince her that they can make it? I love this series, and the author has done a good job of capturing the pain of depression with this great addition to the series.
Cindy's life is out of her control, she is suffering from major depression. She has been friends with Ethan, a player for the Baltimore Banners forever, they had a long weekend together after their best friends' wedding in the islands but she doesn't want to burden him with her health problems. Ethan wants to be more than friends and he doesn't care if she has health problems, he wants to help her thru them. Can he convince her that they can make it? I love this series, and the author has done a good job of capturing the pain of depression with this great addition to the series.
May 9, 2017
This just might be one of my favorite books by this author! I loved everything about it! Once I stated reading I couldn't stop. That is how much Ethan and Cindy drew me into their story. One of my favorite tropes is friends to lovers and this is one of those. But with so much more emotion and passion thrown in. I don't want to say too much because I think it is all important to their story. This book does deal with some mental illness, but with how this author handled it couldn't have been better.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
May 8, 2017
This is a beautifully written, emotionally charged friends to lovers romance with characters so real you become totally involved in their story. I couldn't put the book down and didn't want it to end. I loved the sweet and tender romance between Ethan and Cindy as I cried along with them and also felt their hope as they deal with tough issues. Ms. Kamps has taken a difficult subject and given us a must-read Baltimore Banners Book 10. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of Face Off.
May 12, 2017
Hockey Love
Ethan is in love with a shell of a woman. She love him back but doesn't know how to express it without fear getting in the way. Will these two figure out how to make it work without his career or her fears getting in the way? Depression is a real life issue and sort of a taboo subject. I like how this author tackled it and didn't hide how it can truly affect ones life and take it over. Good story line.
Ethan is in love with a shell of a woman. She love him back but doesn't know how to express it without fear getting in the way. Will these two figure out how to make it work without his career or her fears getting in the way? Depression is a real life issue and sort of a taboo subject. I like how this author tackled it and didn't hide how it can truly affect ones life and take it over. Good story line.
March 30, 2020
This one was a hard one to read. NOT because it was a bad book, but because of the darkness that Cindy suffered. I enjoyed the story line, the friendship that blossoms. Wonderful characters and wonderful friends. My heart was with Ethan throughput the story and Maggie was my hero! Always enjoy the hockey involvement within the story! This author writes like she has personal knowledge of game and I don't mean from observeration! Another winner for the Baltimore Banners Series!
May 7, 2017
While this book is a continuation of the Banners hockey series I was surprised to find that the major theme was mental illness. Thank you Lisa for taking the risk with such a tough subject. You did a wonderful job allowing us to see both how the patient and those around them deal with the ups and downs of mental illness.
June 15, 2017
Great Read! The book was really good. I really enjoyed this fast paced story, in fact, I could not put it down. The story is well written and developed. I was surprised how the story turned from passion on a beach to the sad things going on in Cindy's life. Ethan was such a beacon of light and hope for her. I love his determination in helping the girl he loves to find peace.
May 4, 2017
What an emotional story! I am in awe of the strength Cindy and Ethan have to deal with a serious issue. This story was so well written I could feel all the emotions these two characters were going through. Well done Lisa! One of my favorite couples from this series
May 12, 2017
I love this series!
Another awesome addition to the Banner series. Ethan and Cindy were such a sweet couple. Cindy's troubles made me cry. I don't do spoilers so go buy the book and revel in another hot hockey romance from Lisa!
Another awesome addition to the Banner series. Ethan and Cindy were such a sweet couple. Cindy's troubles made me cry. I don't do spoilers so go buy the book and revel in another hot hockey romance from Lisa!
July 31, 2017
Awesome
I love this series and such an interesting sorry line. Sometimes we forget that those types of things happen to people. Great insight into what could be a very horrible situation! Loved it!
I love this series and such an interesting sorry line. Sometimes we forget that those types of things happen to people. Great insight into what could be a very horrible situation! Loved it!
August 13, 2018
Hockey romance
Love this series!!!!!! I really liked that this book had MDD in it and explained what happens to those who have it. What they 're friends and family can expect and even though it never goes away there are things you can do to help it.
Love this series!!!!!! I really liked that this book had MDD in it and explained what happens to those who have it. What they 're friends and family can expect and even though it never goes away there are things you can do to help it.
May 10, 2017
Great book with a difficult issue at hand, but nonetheless a great resolve! Add hockey to the mix and you have a great story of friends to lovers in the end!
May 14, 2017
This book was much more different than the other books in this series. It was kind of hard to get into but once I did it was easy. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what's next for this team
June 4, 2017
Such a good book!
June 25, 2017
Excellent as always!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews