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Chicago on Ice #4

The Bottom Line

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After landing her dream job as an assistant buyer for a luxury fashion retailer in Minneapolis, Taylor Hartigan’s life becomes a nightmare. Performing mundane tasks and catering to the ridiculous whims of the boss from hell, she sees no opportunity for advancement. Though she’s never quit anything in her life, Taylor walks out and heads home to Chicago, the city that holds her heart. With her confidence shaken and no job on the horizon, she knows she has to find herself again.

Once she arrives, she’s shocked to learn hockey player Hunter Riley has been traded to the Chicago Buffaloes. Taylor met Hunter the previous season when his hard-hitting play broke the glass in front of her. Meeting him after the game, something passed between them—and has stayed with her ever since. Since she’s followed his career, she knows he’s coming off a disastrous season in Houston and must rediscover his game in Chicago—or face losing his hockey dream.

The timing couldn’t be worse for the pair to become involved since they’re both at a crossroads but the chemistry between them can’t be denied. Taylor worries that their budding relationship won’t survive the challenges of rebuilding two broken careers. Can the new versions of themselves fit together? Or tear them apart?

Or will love be the bottom line, after all?

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2018

117 people are currently reading
152 people want to read

About the author

Aven Ellis

45 books825 followers
USA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.

Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.

Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.


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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Simona.
613 reviews122 followers
March 23, 2020
*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Ice hockey, Chicago, romance and characters we already know! Yes please!

The Bottom Lineis part of Aven Ellis’ Chicago on Ice series, it’s book number four. I’d suggest reading the previous books, because you really get to know the characters and the storyline stays in the right order.

The first time Taylor and Hunter meet is in book number three, where he bumps into the glass right in front of her. Their chemistry was obvious, but she lives and works in Minneapolis and he plays for Houston. However, she is not happy with her job and misses Chicago. She quits and decides to find what really makes her happy. Hunter gets traded and now plays for the Chicago Buffaloes.

It finally means that they can see each other and spend a lot of time together. Life is not always easy though. She wants to start her own business, connected to fashion. Hunter now plays with his brother, the captain of his team and first has to prove that he is a great player. Taylor’s parents are not supportive at all and that is really difficult for her. It’s a good thing she has Hunter, her friends and also her brother with his family.

Other familiar characters are part of the story as well, which is fabulous. They all have something special and add a lot of charm. Of course there are some exciting news as well, I just love catching up with them.

Both Taylor and Hunter go through a very important journey in this book and they learn a lot. The fact they they have each other really helps. They are good for each other and there for each other. Their scenes and moments are adorable. Aven Ellis has a really talent for creating gripping and thrilling storylines. It hast he perfect mixture of romance, love, friendship, family and sport. There is a lot of passion behind the writing and the plot is full of exciting elements.

Their relationship moves on very quickly and the end conflict, didn’t really come across in a realistic way. I felt like it was just there, to have some drama. The epilogue on the other hand was different to the usual Aven Ellis style. I really liked it.

Aven Ellis’ style is wonderful, vivid, fresh and absorbing. She really knows how to capture emotions.
Profile Image for Whitney.
424 reviews50 followers
October 15, 2018
Aven Ellis takes readers back to Chicago and to the world of the Chicago Buffaloes hockey team. This time around, Taylor Hartigan has quit her job that made her miserable and moved back to her hometown in beloved Chicago and cute Canadian Hunter Riley has just been traded to the Buffaloes.

They are both struggling with big life changes and feeling like failures, but can't forget the moment they shared over a year ago when Hunter broke the glass at a game right in front of Taylor, making her spill nachos ALL OVER HERSELF! 

Taylor and Hunter are PERFECT for each other. They understand how hard each other wants to work for what they want, they uplift and encourage each other, they have fun, and the building romance is so swoon worthy! They don't want to let this relationship fail like they feel they have both failed in their careers, but can they realize they can be successful both in their work and in love?

As with all of Aven's series readers get to follow up on couples from other books. I love seeing how their relationships are flourishing and seeing what they're in to now! If you've enjoyed Aven's Chicago on Ice series you will love this one.


The Bottom Line releases October 17th.
Thank you SO MUCH to Aven for an advance copy of this novel.
Profile Image for Jo ReadsRomance.
511 reviews35 followers
July 21, 2021
4.5 Stars!

This series has filled my heart with happiness. I’m so glad that I finally found the time to read it. Every book has been brilliant and this one was no exception. Taylor & Hunter’s romance pulled me in from the start. I loved getting to know Taylor. I could truly relate to her back story. I loved seeing Taylor & Hunter together. They made the perfect couple and their love made me smile. I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since I started this series. If you adore a romance that makes you sigh and swoon, I highly recommended adding this to your TBR. I know I will be definitely reading more from this author. I can’t wait to catch up on what I’ve missed so far.
Profile Image for Suzanne Smart.
465 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2018
I swear, every one of Aven Ellis' books makes me want to be twenty-something again and give it another go !!!!!! Such a sweet and great escape!
Profile Image for Emma Star Crossed Reviews .
1,017 reviews295 followers
October 17, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Aven for my copy of this book. I'm a huge fan of Aven's writing and I have been eagerly awaiting this book since the scene with these two in Save the Date.

Taylor and Hunter are both lost career wise. Taylor worked hard to get to her dream job and then the dream  and the reality didn't exactly match up. I was immensely proud of Taylor for quitting her job. It was extremely brave. I instantly liked Taylor. She's determined, independent and driven. Hunter played an awesome game in San Francisco but when he was traded to Houston things fell apart. The team didn't suit his style and his game was poor, leading him to be traded to the Buffaloes. While Hunter may be a Riley hockey doesn't come easy to him like it does for his older brother and Captain of the Buffaloes. I fell for Hunter the moment he broke that Plexiglas more than a year before this book and with every page I fell harder and harder.

I love Aven's writing style and she really hit the nail on the head with this one. She not only wrote sweet and compelling characters that are perfect for each other, she also wrote characters that are inspiring. They pulled themselves up. They worked hard and they believed in each other, supported each other. there were also a lot of funny moments throughout.

I'm already missing my Aven fix and cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Maryline M's Bookshelf.
298 reviews21 followers
October 18, 2018
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.com

American ice hokey must be the place to be for all the single ladies. In 'The Bottom Line', Aven Ellis treats her readers to yet another dreamy, perfect book boyfriend with hockey player Hunter Riley. It's the 4th installment in the Chicago on Ice series, but can be read as a stand alone novel. However, if you've been with the Chicago Buffaloes from the start, reading this book feels like adding to the family.
Our main characters in 'The Bottom Line' start out a little different than the other Buffaloes did. They had their 'meet cute' a year before finally being able to catch up. Having had 12 months of day dreaming and Instagram-stalking, their relationship picks up fast. From the start, Hunter and Taylor make a great team. Very early on, they find a way to understand what the other person needs; and so supporting each other in their doubts and struggles.
The story had some laugh-out-loud moments and, of course, had me swooning over that gorgeous book boyfriend of a man, Hunter Riley.
For me however, the inner-monologues of self-doubt and hesitations were a bit much. They felt repetitive and unnecessary. Aven Ellis' characters are easy to relate to. Because of how well thought-out they are and the way they are introduced, you as a reader "get" them - without having to read a detailed thought process every step of the way. And sometimes there's just too much over-thinking. Maybe realistic, but not particularly "fun" for a lighthearted romance novel.
Profile Image for Anna.
300 reviews35 followers
October 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this latest installment in the Chicago on Ice series! I always find myself claiming to have new favorite characters after each new story. The Bottom Line was no exception.

Hunter has been traded twice within a short amount of time, and doesn't have much time to basically save his NHL career. He also has to live up to his brother who hasn't faced the struggles that Hunter has. Taylor is also facing a big change in her life and has been putting a lot of pressure on herself to exceed her parents expectations. I think almost everyone has had similar fears of failing at something; I know I have. My heart really went out to Hunter, especially, and I took a big liking to him right away. His little quirks were so endearing and I liked how easygoing he was. I also appreciated how Taylor really grew in the story and how her mindset changed so much. I also adored her relationship with her brother and sister-in law!

The Bottom Line was such a fun read and a great way to escape for a while. I am really looking forward to the next story in Aven Ellis' hockey world!
Profile Image for Stacey.
433 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2018
Taylor and Hunter are both struggling with their careers. Taylor left what had been her dream job, but when she realizes that's not what she wants anymore, she quits and returns home to Chicago, despite the disapproval of her parents. Hunter, on the other hand, had a bad season and was traded to the Chicago Buffaloes. Not only is he struggling with getting his career back on track, but he has to prove to everyone that he wasn't just traded to the Buffaloes because his brother is the team's captain.

The pair are great together. They understand each other's struggles, and they're very encouraging of one another. I enjoyed watching them build up a friendship and then moving on to becoming more. It was also nice to catch up with some of the characters from the previous books.

Fans of Aven Ellis won't want to miss this one. And if she's a new-to-you author, you won't regret giving this book a read.
20 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2018
Swooning over Hunter

Wow another Aven Ellis 5 star book! We have all had times in our life where we feel like we're in the black hole and nothing is going the way we dreamed. Hunter and Taylor are both in this place in life and have never forgotten their chance meeting over nachos and broken glass. When they are finally able to meet again the sparks are flying well more like fireworks! Their chemistry is obvious in every word and look but well we all know what's it's like to start over and fight for your dreams and your life to resemble normallacy again and a new relationship is already hard without figuring out that as well. These two build each other up and of course hit the bumps of having no self confidence and the fears of failure but they strive through together. This book is swoon worthy it includes passion, love, hysterical moments, but most importantly two people that you can literally feel the love and support through every page.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,763 reviews6 followers
October 17, 2018
Taylor has her dream job but is it really her dream job? She is away from everyone she cares about and is not happy. Hunter just got traded to Chicago a fresh start he needs badly unfortunately its his brothers team and now there is more pressure then ever on him. Taylor and Hunter met previously when he smashed the glass and spilled nachos all over her, since then they have sort of kept in contact via social media etc and have developed a friendship.. Taylor wishes they were in the same place at the same time so they could possibly have more. Taylor decides shes moving back to Chicago and she will figure things out even though she knows she has nothing but maybe she will have the chance with Hunter.. Loved watching their friendship grow and Taylor's friendship with the other women in the book. Love how Aven writes and can't wait for more
Profile Image for Crystal.
335 reviews
October 18, 2018
Aven has hit another winner with this one. I absolutely loved this book. It was a low angst fun quick hockey romance.
Taylor was amazing. She she knew what she wanted in life, and was not afraid to go after it, whether it was in her professional life or her love life. She left a "dream job" in Minneapolis and moved back home to Chicago because she just knew it was not right for her, despite the disapproval of her parents. And how lucky was she that Hunter, the hot hockey player that she met over a year ago was traded to Chicago at the same time.
I love how Aven can create characters who make you feel like you know them, they are real people with real lives and feelings. I am hoping that there are more Chicago Buffalo players who need to find their perfect match.
232 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2019
I loved it

Another great addition to the Chicago on ice hockey series. Taylor had always wanted to work in fashion but after working at her first job as an assistant buyer for almost a year and being miserable she quits it and moves back home to Chicago. When Hunter Riley was traded to the Chicago Buffaloes he felt he was at rock bottom. They had met over a year before when he came crashing thru the plexiglas in the middle of a hockey game and practically landed in her lap along with her nachos, and they had kept in touch. Now they were finally living in the same city, they could get to know each other and figure out where they were going from here, both personally and professionally.
20 reviews
October 17, 2018
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The rom com genius that is Aven Ellis does it again. It's unreal to me how well she can write a book that has wit, tugs on your heart strings, and overall just gives you all the feels. This books was a little different tho because Chicago plays such a huge role and Aven writes the city beautifully! I told her she was making me want me visit there asap because I wanted to experience every little thing that Taylor and Hunter were. Taylor has the likable qualities that you look for in a new friend and Hunter is EVERYTHING. If you're in the mood to head to Chicago to keep up with next best rom com, look no further! The Bottom Line is a 5 star read and needs to be the next book you snuggle up with!

This review was originally featured on polishedandbubbly.com
154 reviews
October 18, 2018
There are about a million reasons why I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book!

I already love Hunter’s brother. Captain Smart Ass is my spirit animal.
Taylor has been in the background of several other Chicago on Ice books and I couldn’t wait to meet her.
They met because of nachos.
I was dying to know if Hunter wanted to see Taylor again, if he was just being nice, or if he was pulling a PR stunt!
I wanted to see Taylor back home with her girls!

Taylor and Hunter are both going through a lot of changes in their careers and I love that neither of them were looking for someone. And yet in her amazingly heart-warming way, Aven Ellis weaves yet another amazing love story!
Profile Image for Paige Norman.
607 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2022
Book 4 was just as great as books 1-3 in this series (THAT NEVER HAPPENS!). I'm completely and totally a Aven Ellis fan now, at least for her hockey series! Hunter meets Taylor when he crashes into the glass at a hockey game. He buys her nachos. Follows her on social media. Gets traded to his brother's team. Taylor has life problems of her own, and adding a hot hockey player to them is not on the list. Believable conflicts and really great resolutions. Standalone, but part of a series (READ THEM ALL!!!). Satisfying HEA.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
501 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2018
An outstanding read by Ellis! She is my go-to for the perfect mix of a romance novel. Nothing is ever over the top in her storylines. Just believable characters with real flaws, some humor, and a happy ending. Taylor and Hunter are no different. Both coming off big changes in their careers, they are in the same city after meeting unexpectly the year before. It's not always perfect and full of insecurities by both, but truly magically in the end.
Profile Image for Jennifer Dicenzo.
440 reviews
October 17, 2018
This is the book I have been waiting for in this series! Ever since Taylor had the nachos dumped on her in a previous book. You just knew there would be a connection between her and Hunter. The connection was there, but would these two ever be in the same place at the same time to explore it? When one life decision and one work decision leads them both to Chicago sparks fly. But now that they are in the same place, is it the right time?
264 reviews
May 12, 2025
I really liked the characters, Taylor & Hunter and their story. I didn't like the abbreviated timeline. Way too much happened over the course of a week as mentioned several times in the book. The story takes place over like a month but I felt it should have been over the course of several months to be more believable.
Profile Image for Kierstin Carnahan.
1,115 reviews8 followers
September 27, 2018
Aven does it again with another great love story. I really related to the Taylor's mom because she sounded a lot like mine. I love that Aven always includes an epilogue that wraps up this story and other ones so nicely. I love learning more about previous book characters too.
5 reviews
April 17, 2020
2.5 stars. This book was better than the previous book in the series. Or at least I liked the characters and story a bit more. But, the constant rehashing of the self esteem issues was annoying. And, they kept bringing up the nachos incident.
Profile Image for A Greenaway.
122 reviews
October 17, 2018
They just keep getting better!

Love this series! Each one is just as good as the others. A sweet romance with good life problems and solutions.
Profile Image for Hannahbee.
236 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2018
(DNF @ 54%) Boooooooring! Does this book even have a plot?
Profile Image for Jennifer.
Author 1 book13 followers
October 29, 2018
So good

Cannot even explain how amazing this book was in a review. I love this author writing. She makes the characters connect. You will get lost reading and not want to put down
31 reviews
December 24, 2018
Been waiting for this story!!!

Book 4 was worth the wait!!! I’m so glad I got to read Taylor and Hunter’s story. Great addition to this series!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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