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The Chesapeake Blades #3
Playing Hard
Shannon Wiley is no stranger to competition—or the fallout from being one of the best. She's been playing ice hockey all her life and is now the goalie for the newly-formed Chesapeake Blades—and she's no stranger to playing in a man's world. She's more than capable of taking care of herself and she certainly doesn't need a man...but wouldn't it be great if she could find a partner? Someone who accepted her for herself instead of running scared?
Caleb Johnson is the star winger for the Baltimore Banners. A charming ladies' man, he's never met a challenge he couldn't handle...until meeting Shannon Wiley. Strong-willed and outspoken, she's like no other woman he's ever met. The more time he spends with her, the more he wants to be with her. But is it the challenge he wants—or Shannon herself?
The battle of the sexes quickly heats up between these two talented and head-strong people—on and off the ice. But will they both learn that there's more on the line than just winning when hearts become involved?
Caleb Johnson is the star winger for the Baltimore Banners. A charming ladies' man, he's never met a challenge he couldn't handle...until meeting Shannon Wiley. Strong-willed and outspoken, she's like no other woman he's ever met. The more time he spends with her, the more he wants to be with her. But is it the challenge he wants—or Shannon herself?
The battle of the sexes quickly heats up between these two talented and head-strong people—on and off the ice. But will they both learn that there's more on the line than just winning when hearts become involved?
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2018
28 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Lisa B. Kamps
65 books798 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 35 reviews
August 29, 2019
I enjoyed Shannon & Caleb's story. Good characters. This was an intriguing book. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a free copy of the book via booksprout.
August 16, 2019
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2018
Never underestimate the power of a woman!
If you love ice hockey then take a chance on this story. Shannon started playing ice hockey at a young age with the boys so getting to play against the men now as a women is an exciting opportunity. Except, the men don’t see them as equals so they are in for a quite a surprise when they face off against each other in an exhibition game, especially Caleb. He has been enjoying getting to know Shannon off the ice, but when they face each other as opponents he really messes up.
This book is a fun read that points out the differences and similarities between men and women’s professional ice hockey with the added benefit of a love story. Enjoy!
If you love ice hockey then take a chance on this story. Shannon started playing ice hockey at a young age with the boys so getting to play against the men now as a women is an exciting opportunity. Except, the men don’t see them as equals so they are in for a quite a surprise when they face off against each other in an exhibition game, especially Caleb. He has been enjoying getting to know Shannon off the ice, but when they face each other as opponents he really messes up.
This book is a fun read that points out the differences and similarities between men and women’s professional ice hockey with the added benefit of a love story. Enjoy!
October 29, 2018
This story will play hard with your heart! (4.5 stars)
By: Addictive_Reads
Playing Hard is the third book by Lisa B Kamps in her Chesapeake Blades series and it does not disappoint. The storyline is dynamic and entertaining – drawing the reader in from the beginning. The main characters (Shannon Wiley and Caleb Johnson) are endearing, sweet, sexy with smoldering chemistry and real. The reader is part of their journey as they navigate their relationship and insecurities together. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. This is an absolute great read!!
By: Addictive_Reads
Playing Hard is the third book by Lisa B Kamps in her Chesapeake Blades series and it does not disappoint. The storyline is dynamic and entertaining – drawing the reader in from the beginning. The main characters (Shannon Wiley and Caleb Johnson) are endearing, sweet, sexy with smoldering chemistry and real. The reader is part of their journey as they navigate their relationship and insecurities together. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. This is an absolute great read!!
August 6, 2018
This is the third book of this series and I have to say that it is my favorite of the three and I absolutely loved the first two books. This book is so well written and the characters our awesome. Combining the Blades and Banners series was absolutely an incredible idea and I just loved it. Being able to see characters from both series in this book was amazing. There is just something about Lisa B. Kamps writing that just pulls me in from the beginning of the book. I loved Shannon and Caleb. Shannon was such a strong and independent woman but she still had a few insecurities. She was also smoking hot so most people did not take her seriously when they found out she was a goalie. Caleb was so hot, talented and nice. Shannon and Caleb made a really nice couple. I loved how they interacted together. This story about them was so full of drama and miscommunication that it kept me so engaged I almost took longer then an hour for lunch. I honestly could not put it down. I am so invested in the Blades and the Banners and I cannot wait to see what Lisa B. Kamps comes up with next. I am kind of hoping for Dani's story because I think that one would be really interesting. 5 star read for sure.
July 27, 2019
Play Like a Girl - Play Hard and WIN!!!
Girls can do anything they can put their minds to, and this book emphasizes that fact.
Shannon knows she and her teammates are just as good as, if not better than, the male hockey players, and this is their chance to prove it.
Caleb is impressed by the Blades, but doesn’t realize his unconscious bias is making an appearance. On the surface he thinks the Blades are amazing players, but is he ready to admit that they may be better than the Banners?
Playing Hard is an insightful book that is more than just a story. This book brings to light the unconscious bias many have that women are not as good as men when it comes to hockey. Not because of skill, but because of their gender. Lisa B. Kamps does a great job pulling real life scenarios into her writing and shedding light on this touchy subject.
Always a HEA.
Well done!
Girls can do anything they can put their minds to, and this book emphasizes that fact.
Shannon knows she and her teammates are just as good as, if not better than, the male hockey players, and this is their chance to prove it.
Caleb is impressed by the Blades, but doesn’t realize his unconscious bias is making an appearance. On the surface he thinks the Blades are amazing players, but is he ready to admit that they may be better than the Banners?
Playing Hard is an insightful book that is more than just a story. This book brings to light the unconscious bias many have that women are not as good as men when it comes to hockey. Not because of skill, but because of their gender. Lisa B. Kamps does a great job pulling real life scenarios into her writing and shedding light on this touchy subject.
Always a HEA.
Well done!
August 1, 2018
I. Love. This. Story.
I loved books 1 & 2 of the Chesapeake Blades Hockey Romance series, BUT Playing Hard is my favorite! I loved the tug-n-pull, push-n-give of the interaction between Shannon and Caleb!
Let it be known that I have NEVER seen a hockey match. I’ve read several of Lisa B. Kamps books regarding hockey and have enjoyed, but never got into the “game”. BUT with the charity match between the Blades and the Banners, I was in Shannon’s position as goalie at the net, watching the action as it sped towards her! Made the ole heart pump! I was cheering for the Blades!
Playing Hard is the perfect description of strong willed woman and alpha man! IT. WAS. GREAT. One word description: FUN! The series just gets better and better!
I loved books 1 & 2 of the Chesapeake Blades Hockey Romance series, BUT Playing Hard is my favorite! I loved the tug-n-pull, push-n-give of the interaction between Shannon and Caleb!
Let it be known that I have NEVER seen a hockey match. I’ve read several of Lisa B. Kamps books regarding hockey and have enjoyed, but never got into the “game”. BUT with the charity match between the Blades and the Banners, I was in Shannon’s position as goalie at the net, watching the action as it sped towards her! Made the ole heart pump! I was cheering for the Blades!
Playing Hard is the perfect description of strong willed woman and alpha man! IT. WAS. GREAT. One word description: FUN! The series just gets better and better!
August 2, 2019
Shannon is a goalie for the Blades in the female hockey leauge. She is a beautiful blonde who has never had much time for girlie things, hockey is her love she has been playing for 17 years, since she was 6. Guys love her till they relive she is who she is and it is not the girlie girl she looks like.
Caleb player for the Banners hockey team, he asks Shannon out, she thinks it's a joke, but she agrees to meet him for dinner.
This is where they become friends, funny, makes you look at stereotypes.
Really enjoyed this easy to read captivating story with strong female characters and men not afraid of real women.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Caleb player for the Banners hockey team, he asks Shannon out, she thinks it's a joke, but she agrees to meet him for dinner.
This is where they become friends, funny, makes you look at stereotypes.
Really enjoyed this easy to read captivating story with strong female characters and men not afraid of real women.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2019
Even though I love sports, I'm not usually one to read sports romances. Lisa Kamps is a favorite author though so I wanted to give it a try. Wow! I am so glad I did. Caleb is a player on and off the ice. Shannon is definitely not a girly girl and has no filter when it comes to voicing her opinion. Totally loved that about her. Caleb finds himself interested in Shannon, but she can't figure out why since she intimidates most men. When they play each other during an exhibition game, it becomes more than just hockey. Their competitiveness comes out and their relationship is on the line more than just the game. I loved Shannon and Caleb and can't wait to read more in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2019
I love this book. I love the writing I love the depth of characters. I love the storyline. I love Caleb who thinks he knows what he wants and how to get it. I love Shannon who is so self aware, so driven, so strong, yet vulnerable. I love the secondary characters and the hints at their stories. I love the series' crossovers and I love the look we get into Gauthier's story, sweet, sneaky, honorable man. I could not put this down. I finished it in one setting and it is not short. I cannot repeat how much I live this enough. Shannon's snark and Caleb's self assuredness along with their chemistry overloaded my heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2019
This is the third book of the series. I have not read the previous books in the series but have read the Baltimore Banners series. Shannon is a hockey goalie and used to being in a man's world. But she has bit found a man that interests her enough or that is strong enough to stand by her side. Caleb is a winger for the Baltumore Banners. Yes! A crossover/blending of these amazing people and stories. He of course is a ladies man. He is looking for a woman that will give as good as she gets. He wants someone to challenge him as well. When these two cross, there is challenge and chemistry. But is it HEA or just a short blip in the road?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2019
The story was well written, with likeable characters that have amazing chemistry. This is a story about Caleb and Shannon. Caleb is the star winger for the Baltimore Banners. He also is a player with the ladies, he's never met a challenge or lady he can't handle. That all changes when he meets Shannon. She is strong willed, outspoken, she is so different from everyone else he has met. As they start to spend time together, the more he wants her. Is it just the challenge or is it actual Shannon? This will keep you reading til the end to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2019
A woman can do anything a man can do especially in the world of sports and the Blade are about to prove that.
Shannon has always been a great hockey player and growing up she played with the boys now she is the goalie for the Blade hockey team When an exhibition match is held between the Blade and the Banners you just know there will be steam Caleb plays for the Banners he doesn't think he is prejudiced against women players after all he is enjoying getting to know Shannon but as the game between their teams draws closer his prejudices how Is this hockey player about to be taught a lesson and will live bloom on the ice You will have to read to see
Shannon has always been a great hockey player and growing up she played with the boys now she is the goalie for the Blade hockey team When an exhibition match is held between the Blade and the Banners you just know there will be steam Caleb plays for the Banners he doesn't think he is prejudiced against women players after all he is enjoying getting to know Shannon but as the game between their teams draws closer his prejudices how Is this hockey player about to be taught a lesson and will live bloom on the ice You will have to read to see
August 16, 2019
This is book 3 in the Chesapeake Blades Hockey series and it features Shannon and Caleb. I love it when a woman doesn’t make it easy for a man to win her heart or a place in her bed. Shannon was quite a surprise. She is very beautiful, plays goalie for a woman’s hockey team AND is very intelligent. Men have always been intimidated by her but not Caleb. These two are creating some serious chemistry on and off the ice.
This was a great hockey story line! I love the knocking of the helmets towards the end. It made me cry happy tears. The characters were fantastic! I can’t wait to read more from this amazingly talented author.
This was a great hockey story line! I love the knocking of the helmets towards the end. It made me cry happy tears. The characters were fantastic! I can’t wait to read more from this amazingly talented author.
August 16, 2018
I love the ladies of the Blades! This is such a great series!! And Shannon & Caleb's road to an HEA is definitely my favorite so far! I loved this story so much and really enjoyed getting to know Caleb and Shannon and how their personalities make it seem like they won't really be a good match but then you see how perfectly they do fit together and it's wonderful!! She is one heck of a goalie and I love how hard she plays! She loves just as hard! I was absolutely swooning at how big of a fan Caleb is of hers.
Can't wait for more of this team!!
Can't wait for more of this team!!
October 18, 2018
Playing Hard by Lisa B. Kamps is Shannon's story, the Blades goalie. Shannon is hard nosed, quirky as heck ~ as all goalies seem to be and always felt like a tomboy growing up. When Caleb, the star winger for the Baltimore Banners can't stay away Shannon questions herself. I loved Shannon's focus on her goal and cheered for her throughout her journey. Caleb was patient, loving and sexy as heck too! Another fantastic story in this series that deserves a shot!
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - Purchased Copy ***
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - Purchased Copy ***
August 6, 2019
I love hockey romance and this was a double whammy because both main characters are pro hockey players. Shannon is the goalie for the new Blades pro women's hockey team, she is used to having to do more with less with the inequality between men and women in pro hockey. Caleb is a star with the Banners and takes an interest in Shannon. I enjoyed these characters as their love story developed and they learn some truths about themselves. The book is a well-written romance and very timely with the way athletes are compensated.
August 6, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Shannon and Caleb's story! This might be my favorite of the "Chesapeake Blades" story so far. I love the story-line and characters in the book. The writer does a good job exploring and writing about the gender bias female athletes deal with. I also love the back and forth between the characters. He is the star winger for the male hockey team the Banners. She is the goalie for the female team the Chesapeake Blades. These two are dynamite! She is a challenge he can't resist. Great story!!
August 7, 2019
You must read this one of you are a hockey game, a sports fan, or just a fan of unlikely romance. I'm all of the listed "requirements" from that sentence and I still wasn't prepared for just how much I loved this book! Caleb is a player, according to Tay-Tay and Shannon should stay far away from him. Sure, he's a nice guy, but stay away. Well, Shannon never did like being told what to do. What starts as a play, perhaps, turns into so much more. The hockey is awesome; the love intense.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2019
Battle of the sexes...
This is the first book I have read in this series and I really enjoyed it. The characters are warm, lovable, and relatable. The storyline is great with the battle of sexes on and off the rink. This is a very entertaining read which also addresses the bias against women in hockey. Will Caleb be able to let go of that bias or will he lose Shannon and his chance of happiness?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I have read in this series and I really enjoyed it. The characters are warm, lovable, and relatable. The storyline is great with the battle of sexes on and off the rink. This is a very entertaining read which also addresses the bias against women in hockey. Will Caleb be able to let go of that bias or will he lose Shannon and his chance of happiness?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2019
Kudos to Ms. Kamp for spotlighting the power of a female hockey player. The judgements and struggles they have to go through based on gender and what many believe to be an exclusive male sport.
Loved Shannon and her interactions with Caleb. Great hockey action; especially the charity game. My favorite in this stand alone series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved Shannon and her interactions with Caleb. Great hockey action; especially the charity game. My favorite in this stand alone series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2018
These books are so welcome. They are entertaining and Lisa B. Kamps never fails to bring you close to her characters. There's always a realistic plot, entertaining characters (both main and subcharacters) and real feelings. These two are no exception. The guy is as swoon worthy as usual, but I have to say this woman is fabolous. I just love her. This was a great escape <3
July 25, 2019
Reading a story from a female athlete’s perspective is amazing!!! This is the story of Shannon a goalie in a women’s up and coming hockey league and Caleb who plays for a pro hockey league. The is is melting from the heat they put out!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2019
This is Caleb and Shannon’s story. Caleb is a pro hockey player whilst Shannon plays Goalie for a women’s team. Caleb is initially shocked when she tells him she has a job. A nice story and l particular enjoyed the ending. Enjoyed this book very much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2019
Book three in The Chesapeake Blades series a well written story that held my interest throughout. Shannon Wiley is the goalie for the Chesapeake Blades and Caleb Johnson is the star winger for the Baltimore Banners this is their story a book I enjoyed reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2018
What a great story! Shannon’s story is my favorite so far in the Chesapeake Blades series. She proves that you don’t have to change who you are to find true love - if he’s the right guy he will love you no matter what AND girls can be better than boys - even as a goalie in hockey.
August 5, 2019
The female protagonist is crazy relatable in this story, I mean for me anyway. The male protagonist is insanely realistic. The story is fundamentally beautiful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2019
This is the first book I've read by this author and really enjoyed it I like Shannon and celeb relationship and how girls are just as good as men in sport this was a good read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2019
If you like hockey romances, you will enjoy this book. The characters, Shannon and Caleb, are interesting, well-developed and have chemistry. The story is interesting, well-written with a happily ever after. In addition to receiving an arc, I purchased the book for my collection.
August 5, 2019
Shannon is goalie for a woman’s hockey team and meets Caleb a star for the men’s hockey team. She thinks he is playing games with her when he asks her out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews