Winning Hard

The Chesapeake Blades #1

by Lisa B. Kamps

Taylor LeBlanc has hockey in her blood and the trophies and medals to prove it. Her dreams of playing pro come to an end when the only place for her to go is the newly-formed not-really-pro women’s team, the Chesapeake Blades. It’s not quite what she had in mind, but it’s a start—except half the team is convinced she's receiving special treatment because her step-dad used to be the head coach for the Baltimore Banners and the team's PR Director wants to use her in his marketing campaign. To make matters worse, the PR Director is none other than her childhood nemesis, Chuckie-the-fart--who happens to be all grown-up and too gorgeous for his own good. Charles Dawson never had the drive or the heart to follow hockey out of childhood. What he does have is ambition and passion—two things he needs in abundance to successfully market the brand-new women's hockey team to a less-than-enthusiastic demographic. He also needs patience—something that’s in short supply when he’s forced to deal with the one woman who has the uncanny ability to make him feel like the bumbling, uncoordinated, and socially awkward thirteen-year-old boy he used to be. Taylor isn’t the mouthy little tomboy he remembers and sparks fly between the two, igniting an attraction that makes both of their lives unbearable when it becomes harder to ignore. Taylor and Charles both want to win, but at what cost? Are they willing to trample every obstacle in their way--especially when the biggest obstacle could be the one thing they both need more than any trophy or medal?

Genres: Sports, Romance, Hockey Romance, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Hockey

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2017

About the author

Lisa B. Kamps is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes steamy romance with real-life characters and relatable stories that evoke deep emotion. She likes her men hard, her bed soft, her coffee strong, her whiskey neat, and her wine chilled...and when it comes to sports, hockey is the only thing that matters!

Lisa currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons (who are mostly sorta-kinda out of the house), one very spoiled Border Collie, two cats with major attitude, several head of cattle, and entirely too many chickens to count. When she's not busy writing or chasing animals, she's cheering loudly for her favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals--or going through withdrawal and waiting for October to roll back around!

For more information, please visit: www.LisaBKamps.com

Reviews

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Intriguing idea of a women's not quite semi-pro hockey team, the Chesapeake Blades, who are preparing for their inaugural season. Although I enjoyed the give and take between Taylor and Charles, and I thought Sammie was a great supporting character (and here's hoping she gets a story of her own!) there were a few points I had issues with.

Although I'm not familiar with the intricacies of what the atmosphere is like between new players who are experiencing the realities of playing on a more-than-recreational league, I was amazed by the lack of confidence in the team's viability by the women hockey players. Yes, they were new but surely they understand that it takes time to build a following. Would they really be that negative?

Secondly, Charles seemed to second guess himself a lot. Certainly, especially early on in a personal relationship, having confidence in your actions is one thing but in his professional life? He kept saying "I'm good at what I do", but then would doubt himself, wondering whether what he was trying to accomplish in his marketing position would really work. Maybe that, on top of the player's insecurities, just added up to a lot of insecurity all the way around.

Lastly, the owner, James Murphy, seems totally clueless about anything sports related, and is repeatedly disrespectful of the women players referring to them as "girls" as if it didn't matter or was no show of disrespect. If he owned a men's not quite semi-pro hockey team, would he call them "boys"? Even when Charles admonishes him saying "They're women. And it's a women's hockey team and a women's hockey league" the owner continues to refer to them as "girls". That was frustrating.

Perhaps the next story in the series won't focus so much on the possible failure or lack of confidence in the team. Maybe this is typically the way a new league begins - lots of uncertainty and doubts. I'm intrigued enough to read the next in this series to find out!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I honestly was not sure how I was going to feel about this new series but I can now say that I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed Winning Hard and look forward to more in this series. I am typically only all about the male Hockey players/teams, but I found I liked this new female perspective about the struggles of a female hockey player on a brand new all-female team trying to get off the ground and be taken seriously.
Taylor is not your typical heroine. She is trying to make a name for herself and step out from beneath the shadows of her famous uncle JP and her stepdad Sonny, both big names in the hockey world , both who we know from Lisa's Baltimore Banners series. She has talent and skill but not the easiest time of things because some of her teammates think she only made it and was named captain because of her family. This story is about Taylor proving them wrong and proving to herself that she can do this and gain the respect of family and fans alike. She is strong but vulnerable, sassy but sweet and I liked her character a lot. Different personalities on the team make for some interesting dialogue and situations just as on any team.
She was not expecting a boy from her past who she used to play hockey with and who she was always butting heads with to reenter her life as the Marketing/PR guy for her team. Of course he is now a man that she finds she is very attracted to. Enter Charles, or "Chuckie the fart", as Taylor not so lovingly refers to him at first a throwback to their childhood. He has his work cut out for him in his new position with this team and also with Taylor who he has always had a crush on. That seems to only rise to the surface when he comes face to face with her now as an adult and they definitely have some great chemistry.
Can the Blades earn the respect of hockey fans and make a name for themselves? Can Taylor & Charles get over their past and have a future together?
If you are a Lisa Kamps fan, you will definitely love reading this story and if you have never read her before, this is a fine place to start. You do not have to have read the Banners series to enjoy this book, it just gives you a little bit of back story about who Taylor is.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great concept for a new series; a Women’s Hockey League! This first book introduces characters and tells the struggles of the startup of the Women’s Hockey League. The league is somewhere between a recreational league and a professional league, and it shows how difficult it is for the women who chose to play. They face playing on inferior ice, inferior equipment, and low pay that has them having to work another job, sometimes two.

This first book is about Taylor (team captain and player) and Charles Dawson (PR Director for the Blades). They have a history of playing hockey as kids and Charles had a crush on her and he finds out he still does. Taylor comes from hockey royalty and she is scorned by some teammates because of who her family is. Taylor is very talented, and she works hard to prove that she belongs there. Then Charles is introduced at practice and Taylor can’t believe her eyes! Before her stands a gorgeous man not the bumbling, chubby 13-year-old boy. From that day forward Charles works hard to win her heart.

From the start I was captivated by this story. I love reading hockey romance about college and NHL players. I didn’t think I would like this as much but wanted to give it a try. I found I really liked it. The story had a lot of heart and dealt with not only the love story between Taylor and Charles (which was smoking hot); and the development of a team in a new league, dealing with a clueless owner, they also dealt with issues in the sports world like drug use, jealous and competing teammates, and the inequalities between the women’s league versus the men’s league. There was a lot of push and pull and just enough drama and steam to keep me wanting more. The secondary characters were entertaining, and I can’t wait to watch them develop as the series continues.

If you like sports romance, give this new series a try. I have a feeling you will enjoy it as much as I did. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

ARC kindly provided for an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has great pacing and the characters are very likable. Lisa's books are character driven and in the moment pacing wise. This makes for a compelling and in media res kind of feeling with the stories she tells. However I would like some more backstory in future books for the characters, as they are so well developed I'd love to know what makes them tick exactly.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.

[The Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story! I liked the idea of a women hockey team and league! Very refreshing! I can’t wait for more!

[Mellissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what can I say about this book except that Lisa has done it again. We get to meet some of our old favorites from the Banners series, and if Sonny hadn’t alr eady he has now earned a forever place in my heart.

This book follows the story of Taylor LeBlanc and Charles Dawson AKA “Chuckie the Fart”. For those who’ve read the Banners series we met Chuckie as a boy who obviously was mean to Taylor because he had a crush on her, but no worries Taylor gave as good as she got. Always the tough girl, things are no different in this new series. Taylor truly is the embodiment of the phrase #fightlikeagirl.

Chuckie isn’t your typical Alpha male. Yes, he is protective and at times can be dominant. However, Chuckie understands that Taylor is a force to be reckoned with, and you can’t control her wild spirit. He wants to encourage her strength since that’s part of who she is, even if she can be intimidating at times.

Taylor doesn’t always realize just how strong she comes across. Sometimes that strength can be interpreted as coldness or indifference, but Taylor cares more than some can see. It’s a trait her family and loves ones see, and that hard exterior might as well be glass because Chuckie sees right through it. Joining the Blades is more than just women’s hockey, more than following a dream, it becomes a journey for Taylor to discover herself.

Outside of amazing characters, an awesome women’s hockey team, Lisa has also includes some really hard moments. Classic Lisa, because her books are not a fantasy but an imitation of life. It’s not always sunshine and roses, and a women’s hockey team is not excluded. From hard hitting topics like drug abuse to sexism in professional sports Lisa will not just bring love and sexy times, she will bring a healthy dose of reality.

For any one who follows Women’s Professional Hockey you know how real this story is to truth. Yes the characters are fiction, but the trials the women who play professionally face are real. The fight to be taken seriously in this game still has a long road ahead, but maybe with writers like Lisa spreading the word we might be one small step closer.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning Hard is book 1 of the Chesapeake Blades series by Lisa B Kamps and can be read as a standalone. However, the book does give you hints of what's possibly to come for some of the other players and you'll be left wanting to know more.

‘She felt frail, fragile, like all her inner strength—her dreams—had been ripped from her, leaving her empty and hollow, nothing more than a shell of the woman she'd been.’ - Charles

Having read books from Lisa B Kamps’ other series’ (The Baltimore Banners, The York Bombers, and Firehouse Fourteen) I was excited to read the first book in this new series. As always, Lisa B Kamps doesn't disappoint and has written another book that had me hooked throughout and unable to put down. I read Winning Hard all in one go and can't wait for the rest of the series! Lisa B Kamps’ words allow you to experience what her characters are feeling, thinking and seeing - you feel like you're right there with them. I just love Lisa B Kamps’ work and she's become one of my top favourite authors whose books I would never hesitate to read.

‘But they were family nonetheless, held together with one common bond: their love of hockey. And the desire to make something more of this tiny little chance they'd been given.’ - Taylor

Having previously read Break Away (book 5 of The Baltimore Banners series) and seeing a younger Taylor, I enjoyed seeing the remarkable woman she'd become and that she still had a passion and love for hockey. I absolutely loved the link between Charles and her, and getting glimpses of when they knew each other previously. Shannon and Sammie also had me laughing out loud, and I wanted to hate Rachel but couldn't as there's clearly an underlying story as to why she treats Taylor the way she does.

I'm excited to learn that Taylor also appears in two other books of The Baltimore Banners series and you can find these mentioned just before the prologue in Winning Hard. Loving Hard will be book 2 of the Chesapeake Blades series and is Sammie’s story, which is expected to be released in January 2018.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own

[Momz Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great series by Lisa B Kamps! As the series begins, the first book introduces characters and potential for her to continue to develop them along the way. A start up Women’s Hockey League is the premise for this book. The Hockey League is somewhere between a Recreational League and a Professional League, and it exposes how difficult it is for the women who choose to be a part of the building process.

The main character, Taylor, was previously introduced in on of the Baltimore Banners books, another series by the same author. Taylor is talented, strong, and determined to succeed. Charles is the other main character and is hired as marketing director for the Blades. He is being tasked with building interest and ticket sales for the new League on a shoe sting budget. Taylor and Charles realize that they actually played Hockey together when they were young. There are a few moments we are taken back to that time and let in on things that happened when they were young. Charles was awkward and chubby while Taylor was a star player. Their relationship evolves throughout the novel and it is a great story of them getting to know each other as grown ups.

The only thing I wasn’t completely crazy about in the book was the fact that Charles seemed weak and insecure at times. Because the book is based on a strong female character, it almost seemed like a little role reversal. I found myself thinking he was more emotional and less confident, typically something you would find in a female character.

Overall it was a great story and an easy read. I’m anxious to see Lisa develop the characters she established in this book as she continues the series. It’s a definite must read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women's Professional Hockey has finally made it into sports romance! Yeah! I can't think of anyone better than Taylor LeBlanc to show us the fledgling league. She's grown up with hockey in her family and in her blood. She's ready to move on after finishing college and it's not much to talk about but it's the next level and she's a guiding force in forming the inaugural Chesapeake Blades.

It's a romance so there's got to be a great guy, right? Well, Charles Dawson fills that spot nicely as the newly hired replacement Director of Marketing and PR for the Blades. He's got his work cut out for him since nobody know they even exist. He's working for a wealthy older majority owner and his bored cronies on the Board, and none of them know a thing about hockey. He's surprised to see Taylor is one of the players, they have some history as former teammates when they were kids.

I just loved the push and pull between Taylor and Charles from their first second meeting all the way to the end of the book. They are adorable in their teasing and loving. He's got a job to do and she is blocking him with her own privacy issues along the way. They butt heads so good! I loved the hockey in the book, the practices and games. The playing conditions and road trips made the book come alive. The relationships between the girls on the team, good and bad gave the story so much depth and I'm eager to read about some of the other girls! Taylor is a someone I already knew from the Baltimore Banners series and she already has a place in my heart. It was wonderful to be a witness to her finding love.

I'm a big fan of this new team in this brand new league. I'm onboard all the way!

[Sarah (lou_reads_romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book in return for an honest review:
I'm quite new to Lisa's writing so was excited to get the chance to begin this series. The story of a new female hockey team and all their trials and tribulations starting out.
This first one is a good introduction to the players whilst also telling the story of Taylor Leblanc. A feisty young player with talent and attitude....have to say I didn't warm to her as a person initially, I found her to be spoilt and self centred. I did get to like her more towards the end when her human side showed through. I really liked her love interest Charlie....he was very forgiving of her!! Charlie is kind and sensitive, and did well to get through her layers. I did struggle to see what his attraction was to her.. he was in awe of her I think having had a crush on her when they were young teens. Ok
This was a great lead into the other character stories and I am looking forward to Sammie's book as I thought her character was quite fun.
I have found with other of Lisa's book that you get very little of her characters back story and the books are very much in the moment. Which can be fine but sometimes it's nice to know a bit more about how the character ticks. Sometimes you want a bit more depth to the character. With that said, however, I did enjoy this book as it is a fun quick read, not much angst, enough well placed 'hot ' scenes and a couple of laughs.

Thanks Lisa looking forward to more of the Blades😉

[Scrap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book
OMG I was so thrilled when I found out that not only were we going to
get Taylor LeBlanc's story but we have a NHL Women's League in this
OHH The Blades are going to be an amazing new series.
I LOVED Taylor (Tay Tay) and Charles (Chuckie) wont add the rest of her
nickname for him. The fact that they knew each other when they were kids
and that Chuckie had a crush on Taylor awe so cute, Yet she absolutely had
no clue at all (she was just 10 at the time) Taylor is a force to be reckoned with on
the Ice and Chuckie has been hired to as the new PR manager for the Blade's
He is stunned at how bad the former PR manager has done and knows her is
the best, but with hardly any budget and the fact that there are only a few female teams
as of now he has his work cut out for him. Yet the moment he realizes that Taylor is
on the team he thinks she would be a wonderful player to put in the spotlight (along with
her famous dad and uncle) to boost ticket sales Oh and since her uncle plays for the
Banners that should help even more. But Taylor is not happy at all with this and when
the interview goes south (due to the reporter and her snide remarks) things between
Chuckie and Taylor do as well. But can they stay away from each other? OMG the heat
between those two I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!

[Karen Boozer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that I was excited about a women's hockey series but was curious as to how it would actually be told because in real life the women's professional leagues aren't the same as the men leagues. Lisa has another hit on her hands because she is very realistic but doesn't loose the sexiness of her other series. I love that we get to see some of the favs from the Banners in this series. I also always knew Sonny had a heart of gold but this book really proves that.

I have to say that Taylor is awesome and doesn't want to skate by on the coattails of Sonny and JP just because she could. She is a hard worker and wants to be treated just like the other girls. I love how she tries to fight for the girls league that she wants to work but doubts the public acceptance at the same time. Charles also believes in the league and as the Marketing Director he works very hard to open peoples eyes to the potential in the league...especially the owner's eyes. It turns out that Taylor and Charles played on a league as kids and they didn't get along then but it is wonderful to see their relationship evolve past those times as kids.

I voluntary received an ARC copy of this book for reveiw. I hope that you take a chance because you will not regret it...such an awesome book!

[Marijke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced ARC copy of this book for an honest review:

I'm a huge Lisa B Kamps fan and have read all the titles in the Baltimore Banners and York Bombers series. I wasn't too sure about the Chesapeake Blades series when I first saw the title on upcoming release; the synopsis veered towards the YA genre, which I don't particularly enjoy and my rating reflects personal preference regarding the genre. But, having read the advanced copy of Winning Hard I'll definitely follow this series - a little less edgy than the Banners and Bombers, but sweet with the HEA.


Tyler and Chuckie's story is a great introduction to the new team - a sweet romance about two people coming into their own and following their passions, without the usual immature angst and drama that tends to overshadow this type of storyline. Set against the backdrop of a fictional women's hockey league, the contrast to the money and privileges of the traditional NHL teams is a refreshing change. I can't wait to read the next book and Sammie's story. And Rachel - there's definitely an interesting story there!

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Lisa B. Kamps books. I think that Winning Hard might now be one of my favorite books of all time. I just love reading sport romances especially when that sport is hockey. I have honestly never read a hockey romance with a female being the hockey player. I have to say Lisa B. Kamps did an amazing job with this book. I loved Taylor when we were introduced to her in the Baltimore Banner books. I was hoping she might get her own book. Winning Hard is just that, Taylor's book. It is also Chuckie's book. I also remember him being a royal pain in Taylor's side during at least one of those books. I think that it was brilliant to make the first book in the Chesapeake Blades series their book. Taylor and Chuckie made this story everything a hockey romance should be. I loved it from the first page until the last. This was an incredible book to kick off the series with and I cannot wait for Sammie's book. I know it will be just as as good as Taylor's. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winning Hard by Lisa B. Kamps is the first in her new Chesapeake Blades series which following the beginning of a all women's semi professional hockey league. Taylor LeBlanc comes from a hockey family and after thinking her hockey life was finished after college to hear of a women's league she's interested but skeptical. Charles Dawson loves what he does as a marketing director and does he have a huge project selling women's hockey league even in a hockey town. With tons of challenges ahead of them will a relationship be the one to tip the scales over?

Taylor is such a strong character but her self doubt had me holding back from connecting with her a bit. Charles aka Charlie had the patients of a saint in my opinion ~ I was rooting for him from the start. This as a great start to a new series and I can't wait to see who's story we get next! 4 Stars for Winning Hard by Lisa B. Kamps

*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for an honest review ***

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winning Hard is the first book in the Chesapeake Blades series. This is a new series involving a semi-pro female hockey team. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. As with the author's other books, the action is hot and steamy, so definitely 18+.

The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. If you read the Baltimore Banners series, you are already somewhat familiar with the main character Taylor. Now we get her story. The author did a good job of giving depth, thoughts, and emotions to these characters. As a hockey fan, I always like the hockey action, but like how this book also highlighted that off the ice the players are real people with issues just like the rest of us. I look forward to reading more of this series!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting concept: A professional woman’s ice hockey team. I am a huge hockey fan and having a daughter who plays in college I was very excited to read this story.
Winning Hard brings forth the struggles of not just trying to start a women’s professional hockey team but the huge inequalities between men and women’s sports in general.
I enjoyed Taylor as a character. She showed a lot of strength, which I am sure came from playing hockey with the boys for years and being part of o famous hockey family. Her love and dedication to the sport a well as her determination is admirable. I liked the way Ms. Kamps brought her past, in the form of an old ‘friend’, Chuckie, to help her move forward towards her future. Together they make a good team.
I am excited to see what more these amazing ladies of the ice have in store for us.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but I won't talk about the plot to give anything away. I love Lisa's books and this one was no exception. Childhood friends, the loss of a dream, unknown futures, jealousy, a new job, tough challenges, secrets, clueless and power hungry bosses, and love, this book had it all. Winning Hard was an easy read that left me wanting more and anxious for the next book. The characters weren't complicated and the plot moved along holding my attention throughout the book. This book starts a series that is a spin off of Lisa's Baltimore Banners series, but I did not need to have read the Banners to enjoy Winning Hard.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Kamps scores a winner and shines a light on women's ice hockey in book one of the Chesapeake Blades series focusing on the remarkable athletes who become a (somewhat dysfunctional) family held together by their love of hockey. I really liked Taylor LeBlanc, who has hockey in her blood, and her dynamic with the other characters especially Charles "Chuckie-the-fart" Dawson, her childhood nemesis and now Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Blades.

Winning Hard is one of the best books I have read by this excellent author and I look forward to reading more about these talented and dedicated athletes. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Jennifer Dicenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of hockey romances and this author is one of my favorites. Now I wasn’t sure how I would feel about having the lady be the hockey player but I shouldn’t have worried. This author made me fall in love with these characters! And it was everything I have come to want from her books. Taylor and Charles definitely have a history and a not good one at that. But if they can put all that aside they just might find what they both need.
I am looking forward to the other books in this series and catching up with some of my favorite Banners players.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Ms Kamps has decided to expand her hockey to the women's hockey league. She brings back a few familiar faces and an all grown up Taylor whom we met when she was just a little girl trying to prove herself in a boy's sport. She's still trying to prove herself. And it's a challenge with the views on women in the sport of hockey, But Ms Kamps meets it heads on and shoves it into the boards. She proves that a woman can play the sport and still be a woman away fromthe sport. Charles is a perfect compliment to Taylor and their history just adds to it. I cannot wait to meet the rest of the team.

[a collective of books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about a women's hockey team. The team struggled to get their feet off the ground when it came to getting publicity and selling tickets. There's also drama between team members, which created a domino effect on how things progressed. The ending of the book was pretty abrupt. I like my books to have closure or at least eluding to eventual closure in future books. But this is a standalone in a series. The relationship between Charles and Taylor just skimmed the surface, but I like that the book focuses on how much harder a female athlete has to work on top of having full time jobs to pay the bill while trying to live their dream.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything worth having is worth fighting for, working hard for. Some believe that Taylor "has it handed to her", but she knows that's the farthest from the truth. I really liked Taylor, as she doesn't have the perfect life, not everything goes her way, but it's all in a realistic way. She has insecurities and struggles but she perseveres. The past shows up, in Charles the new PR Mgr! I really enjoyed the dual points of view; understanding what was going through the hearts and minds of Taylor and Charles (aka Chuckie). I appreciate that Taylor is seen in a few other stories by Author Kamps, but Winning Hard can be read as a stand alone. I'm looking forward to Taylor's friend and teammate, Sammie, to get her story!

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

All her life Taylor has wanted to be a pro hockey player.. Knowing the odds of that happening were slim to none she got her job and moved on.. When the opportunity to play for the newly formed women's league comes her way she jumps at it. Unknown to her the new marketing director is her childhood nemesis Charles...

Charles's is not the dorky boy from back when and Taylor is not the tomboy he remembers. Can his views on how to best market a women's hockey league bring them closer or make her dislike him more?

Great story and nice to see the view from women hockey instead of mens

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a good read. It is different due to the female is the strong, intimidating one. Taylor and Chuck went to school together and were not the best of friends. Now they have changed, grown up and the attraction is strong. Taylor is into hockey she just lands a spot on the woman's league. Chuck is a PR guy trying to get the woman's league noticed. Can they get over the past , the problems going on now and have a hea? Read the book it is worth it. I received it as an arc and voluntarily reviewed it

[CARLA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great way to start a new series! Kamps already has a killer series with the Baltimore Banners men's hockey series. I see good things happening with this new series. Women's hockey doesn't generally get much attention in sports romance, so this is a welcome change from the norm. I really loved Taylor's character. She is full of spunk. Chuckie was not my most favorite male character that Kamps has ever written, but there was more to him than meets the eye. I am excited to see what happens next.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, Lisa did it again! Another great book! I loved reading a book about a women’s hockey league. Nice change of pace. This book also showed how the past can be left in the past and how people do change. Also showed how teammates pull together when needed. Liked the humor as well! I recommend this book! I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved that it was about a women's hockey team. I can now live vicariously through these women because I have a hard time standing on blades, let alone move around in them. I love that Taylor and Charles had a history and how they overcame some of their issues about each other and themselves. A very entertaining read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the girls hockey team! It makes a fun twist! I love Lisa B Kamps' books and this is no exception. She constantly surprises me in her story plots and characters. I absolutely loved this book!! It was well written and just a fantastic read!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.*

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful hockey story and romance by Ms. Kamps! Enjoy how she writes her characters, develops the relationships and puts some humor in her stories! Having a girl who plays hockey, I was anxious to read this story and wasn't disappointed! Excellent start to this new series, looking forward to the next one! I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.