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Big Men on Campus #2
Best Man on Campus
Ben
Some guys get stupid when they fall for a girl. Some guys are just born stupid.
Not sure which I am, but I am sure I’m hooked on Jazzy.
The worst possible broken girl on campus.
Damaged by unholy demons from her past, she has a razor-sharp take-no-prisoners attitude that runs true and deep.
No matter. She had me the first time I heard her open her mouth and sing. Her tragic voice spoke of soul-splitting pain and I knew I should have run the other way.
But I didn't.
And in the crowded bar in front of all my teammates, she has to dare me. I shouldn’t be charmed by her broken, hard-luck anti-charm, but I have to take her dare. No matter if it leads us down a path of mutual self-destruction.
I need to try to save her.
The thing I never expect is the devastating chemistry we have in bed, and worse, the vulnerable underbelly of the grittiest, toughest woman I’ve ever met.
If I save Jazzy from her demons, who’s going to save me and my heart from her?
Best Man on Campus is a sizzling reverse bully college hockey romance. This full length standalone novel is the second in the Big Men On Campus series. If you love stories where the hot good guy saves the sexy broken girl, then you'll enjoy this one! (Contains sex and language for a mature audience.)
Some guys get stupid when they fall for a girl. Some guys are just born stupid.
Not sure which I am, but I am sure I’m hooked on Jazzy.
The worst possible broken girl on campus.
Damaged by unholy demons from her past, she has a razor-sharp take-no-prisoners attitude that runs true and deep.
No matter. She had me the first time I heard her open her mouth and sing. Her tragic voice spoke of soul-splitting pain and I knew I should have run the other way.
But I didn't.
And in the crowded bar in front of all my teammates, she has to dare me. I shouldn’t be charmed by her broken, hard-luck anti-charm, but I have to take her dare. No matter if it leads us down a path of mutual self-destruction.
I need to try to save her.
The thing I never expect is the devastating chemistry we have in bed, and worse, the vulnerable underbelly of the grittiest, toughest woman I’ve ever met.
If I save Jazzy from her demons, who’s going to save me and my heart from her?
Best Man on Campus is a sizzling reverse bully college hockey romance. This full length standalone novel is the second in the Big Men On Campus series. If you love stories where the hot good guy saves the sexy broken girl, then you'll enjoy this one! (Contains sex and language for a mature audience.)
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2021
99 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 10, 2021
I loved this book. An emotional story, the tale of Ben and Jazzy is one of overcoming one’s past. The two attend the same college and end up spending the night together after a bet with friends. He’s a star on the school hockey team and she’s a music student with an amazing voice. But she is haunted by the demons of her past. Ben is determined to get through her walls but it is a tough go. When he finally gets the story of her past from her, Ben will do everything he can to help Jazzy move forward and let go of her demons. It will be hard for her but she will eventually acknowledge the truth of what happened to her that night five years ago and with Ben’s help, she will be able to finally begin to heal. A change of heart will have Ben deciding to go for an NHL career instead of a medical one and Jazzy will finally get noticed for her music and the two will get the chance to go for their dreams and their happily ever after.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
April 10, 2021
Goodness, this book is a little dark at times. Jazzy has demons that she needs to address from her past, Ben is there to support her when she needs him. Although a hockey star, he’s more interested in medicine. How will everything pan out? Will Jazzy be able to fight her demons and move on? There are quite a few twists and turns in this story but, wow, it certainly is an interesting and well written story.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and this is my fair and honest review.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and this is my fair and honest review.
April 7, 2021
Talk about demons & issues from the past, this one takes the cake. Suppressing past sins does not lead to healthy relationships, burying the past & the future. The do better tries to help you thru as that is what he does. Will he help you move forward or keep you bound up in the past?
June 10, 2021
I received a free digital copy from Sirenbooks in exchange for an honest review.
Jazzy and Ben are nothing alike. He is a hockey player, a nice guy. And she is too bitter to be that young.
But surprisingly when she dares him to go home with her and spend the night, Ben accepts.
Ben feels an immediate attraction for her. He soon realises that Jazzy is a very complicated girl. A girl with baggage. And he wants to help her.
But he, and I, could have imagined the truth.
I admit I was not a Jazzy's fan in the beginning. But little by little, as I discovered her story, I began to understand her.
The story is OK. And the character are well built,especially Jazzy.
Jazzy and Ben are nothing alike. He is a hockey player, a nice guy. And she is too bitter to be that young.
But surprisingly when she dares him to go home with her and spend the night, Ben accepts.
Ben feels an immediate attraction for her. He soon realises that Jazzy is a very complicated girl. A girl with baggage. And he wants to help her.
But he, and I, could have imagined the truth.
I admit I was not a Jazzy's fan in the beginning. But little by little, as I discovered her story, I began to understand her.
The story is OK. And the character are well built,especially Jazzy.
April 26, 2021
Jazzy's life summed up by Kace, a teammate friend of Ben's: "I can't believe Jazzy grew up the way she did. No mother, who knows who her father was, a degenerate uncle and druggy grandma taking care of her. Some dude in a band and some groupie holding all her life's secrets. " Yes, Jazzy is broken, but she is so strong and resilient, talented and beautiful. Ben is instantly attracted. He is the most patient and understanding man I have ever seen. I absolutely loved reading their story. I highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
March 23, 2023
Dang!!
I so wanted to throw this virtual book across the galaxy because it frustrated the heck out of me!! So much turmoil, twists and turns, and plain painful craziness. So happy that Ben, the Unicorn was able to break through Jazzy's ugly demons and help her face the truth even while dealing with his emotional turmoil and decisions. Glad to see that some athletes truly have a heart and loving soul. Dang this was some book!!
I so wanted to throw this virtual book across the galaxy because it frustrated the heck out of me!! So much turmoil, twists and turns, and plain painful craziness. So happy that Ben, the Unicorn was able to break through Jazzy's ugly demons and help her face the truth even while dealing with his emotional turmoil and decisions. Glad to see that some athletes truly have a heart and loving soul. Dang this was some book!!
April 13, 2021
I absolutely adored this book! I am so happy when I see authors creating strong characters who are suffering from mental health issues. Ben was and is the perfect man for Jazzy!
Great continuation of this series. Can be read as a stand alone, but why would you, this whole series is great so far!
Great continuation of this series. Can be read as a stand alone, but why would you, this whole series is great so far!
May 31, 2021
This is a 2.5 star book review.
How do I say this?...The book was fine. But really intense. And quite triggering especially for victims of sexual assault or those suffering from depression.
Jazzy was messed up. She experienced a really traumatic childhood and adolescence that culminated into a bit of a sex crazed and completely messed up young woman. She’s in college and she, a singer, has a job singing in a local bar. She also likes to hook up with random guys. It’s at one of these bar jobs that she meets Ben, the golden boy unicorn of their college. He’s tall, dreamy, and willing to do anything to fix the broken girl. As Ben and Jazzy fight for any semblance of a normal relationship, secrets about Jazzy’s past come back to haunt them and Ben struggles to save her from herself.
Okay, so like I said before, this was so intense. I didn’t particularly like the romance between Ben and Jazzy. It felt toxic, and while they were constantly fighting and breaking up or anything like that, there were so many pushed boundaries and genuinely unpleasant behaviors that I could barely stand it. I did enjoy seeing Jazzy grow as a character a bit, but I found her generally unlikeable and pretty obscene. Yeah, the erotic scenes were fine, but they were sometimes awkward or repetitive and usually not enjoyable at all. Ben was a bit boring. Completely perfect and completely unrealistic. Going pre-med and a full-time hockey star who was being scouted. Talk about multitasking; most pre-med students barely sleep let alone play a college sport well enough to potentially go pro. I don’t know, he just did nothing for me in terms of likability or development, and I really didn’t find him even that attractive as a character.
The dialogue in this, and especially some of the fights, came across as repetitive and childish. And mostly obscene in a way that made me uncomfortable. I’ve never gotten uncomfortable while reading a book, but between the wrinkling of my nose and the cringing, I was glad when it was over.
I also felt like a lot of the romantic relationship building and even the plot events were rushed or just ignored. It made everything come across as incomplete or like the author didn’t care about how the characters reacted to each other and the secrets from their pasts.
I guess I am at least glad it was a happily ever after, for the time being anyway.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
How do I say this?...The book was fine. But really intense. And quite triggering especially for victims of sexual assault or those suffering from depression.
Jazzy was messed up. She experienced a really traumatic childhood and adolescence that culminated into a bit of a sex crazed and completely messed up young woman. She’s in college and she, a singer, has a job singing in a local bar. She also likes to hook up with random guys. It’s at one of these bar jobs that she meets Ben, the golden boy unicorn of their college. He’s tall, dreamy, and willing to do anything to fix the broken girl. As Ben and Jazzy fight for any semblance of a normal relationship, secrets about Jazzy’s past come back to haunt them and Ben struggles to save her from herself.
Okay, so like I said before, this was so intense. I didn’t particularly like the romance between Ben and Jazzy. It felt toxic, and while they were constantly fighting and breaking up or anything like that, there were so many pushed boundaries and genuinely unpleasant behaviors that I could barely stand it. I did enjoy seeing Jazzy grow as a character a bit, but I found her generally unlikeable and pretty obscene. Yeah, the erotic scenes were fine, but they were sometimes awkward or repetitive and usually not enjoyable at all. Ben was a bit boring. Completely perfect and completely unrealistic. Going pre-med and a full-time hockey star who was being scouted. Talk about multitasking; most pre-med students barely sleep let alone play a college sport well enough to potentially go pro. I don’t know, he just did nothing for me in terms of likability or development, and I really didn’t find him even that attractive as a character.
The dialogue in this, and especially some of the fights, came across as repetitive and childish. And mostly obscene in a way that made me uncomfortable. I’ve never gotten uncomfortable while reading a book, but between the wrinkling of my nose and the cringing, I was glad when it was over.
I also felt like a lot of the romantic relationship building and even the plot events were rushed or just ignored. It made everything come across as incomplete or like the author didn’t care about how the characters reacted to each other and the secrets from their pasts.
I guess I am at least glad it was a happily ever after, for the time being anyway.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2021
Ben is a good guy. No, like seriously good. He is kind, caring, understanding, yes, he sounds annoying but he's not (mostly not, anyway). Jazzy is a hot mess. She is loud, rude, over the top, yes, she sounds annoying but she's not (mostly not, anyway). These two should not be a good couple but they work in the end.
My first impression of Ben is that he is too good to be true. I would have thought that but my daughter went to school with a guy like Ben so I know they exist. He is truly a unicorn! He has issues he needs to work out but he can't seem to find his way through the issues to the obvious solution. My first impression of Jazzy is that she is too awful to be true. Honestly, I've known a few people like her and I found myself repelled by them. As the characters worked through being together and their own personal demons they leaned on each other for support (after yelling or walking away first). At the end of the day, I gave this book 4 stars because the characters had to go through a lot and it was a very interesting story.
The author chose to gloss over the issues Ben is dealing with the are fully out of his control (like his father). I kind of wanted more information but it wasn't necessary for the main romance to work. Jazzy's issues were solved in a pretty simplistic way. I really did want to see Jazzy seek professional help to deal with everything that got laid on her. And my personal favorite issue with book, the inst-love. These two fell in love without spending much time together or even talking on the phone. It's a personal issue of mine when characters don't spend time really getting to know each other before love enters the mix. I wish the story had more substance surrounding Jazzy's history and recovery (I can't say more because no spoilers).
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes contemporary new adult romance. TRIGGER WARNING!!! I mean that. There is childhood trauma in the book that some people might find really upsetting.
My first impression of Ben is that he is too good to be true. I would have thought that but my daughter went to school with a guy like Ben so I know they exist. He is truly a unicorn! He has issues he needs to work out but he can't seem to find his way through the issues to the obvious solution. My first impression of Jazzy is that she is too awful to be true. Honestly, I've known a few people like her and I found myself repelled by them. As the characters worked through being together and their own personal demons they leaned on each other for support (after yelling or walking away first). At the end of the day, I gave this book 4 stars because the characters had to go through a lot and it was a very interesting story.
The author chose to gloss over the issues Ben is dealing with the are fully out of his control (like his father). I kind of wanted more information but it wasn't necessary for the main romance to work. Jazzy's issues were solved in a pretty simplistic way. I really did want to see Jazzy seek professional help to deal with everything that got laid on her. And my personal favorite issue with book, the inst-love. These two fell in love without spending much time together or even talking on the phone. It's a personal issue of mine when characters don't spend time really getting to know each other before love enters the mix. I wish the story had more substance surrounding Jazzy's history and recovery (I can't say more because no spoilers).
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes contemporary new adult romance. TRIGGER WARNING!!! I mean that. There is childhood trauma in the book that some people might find really upsetting.
August 15, 2021
My thoughts at the beginning of this book are quite different than what I’m thinking at the end. It also should really come with a trigger warning. At the start, this book found a bunch of my hot buttons and then proceeded to jump up and down on them. If Jazzy’s character had been male, this would have been labeled “dark romance” and we’d all be screaming “dubious consent”. Because, Jazzy revels in not being a ‘nice’ person. I suspect this is where the bully romance description was supposed to come into play, but for me it didn’t feel bully-ish. Ben really is the unicorn she accuses him of being. He’s pretty much perfect except for his inability to choose between hockey and medicine. And just what was that pile of malarky about a hockey player can’t be a doctor? One of the former players of my hometown team is a physician to this day. I realize I’m seriously dating myself, but I find it difficult to believe that someone as devoted to both hockey and medicine as Ben is supposed to be would have never discovered Dr. Randy Gregg. Especially since there’s a real student-athlete award in his honor that seems tailor-made for Ben. I set aside my initial gut reaction and kept reading. I’m glad I did, since I no longer wanted to give up on their story or teach my reader how to fly. As we peeled back the layers of Jazzy’s defenses and learned why she was so determined to keep everyone beyond arm’s reach (see above note about trigger warning) it was easier to understand her behavior. We see her do some growing during the course of the book, and even Ben steps up and takes a stand for what he really wants in his life, but I can’t see their relationship as anything other than co-dependent and toxic. They’re going to need a lot of help from mental health professionals in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books as part of the boxed set.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books as part of the boxed set.
May 24, 2021
I typically love Stephanie Queen books and I had enjoyed the first book of the series, unfortunately I was not the biggest fan of Best Man on Campus.
Best Man on Campus follows university hot shot hockey player and do-gooder Ben Weaver and hot mess, tortured soul Jasmine (Jazzy). Their connection is trouble from the start! Ben is fighting the urge to help Jazzy with her problems and Jazzy is fighting with herself to let it happen. She's tormented by her past and the truths that haunt her dreams and it takes a rude awakening with Bens help to open her eyes to reality. They have to fight her demons and get through his dilemmas to find a way to have a life together.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I was just not into it. Mainly so because of Jazzy. I understand her character, her past, her reason for being who she is, but I just didn't care for it. She was too crass. I feel like her character could have toned down the attitude and her heartbreaking story would have still been as traumatic. I enjoyed Ben's character and his ability to really stick with it. His attempt and doing what was right was really nice, but it was also great to see him get what he wanted without hurting his family or his friends. Like the rest of Stephanie's books, I also really liked the sports team aspect and having a close team/friend bond. This was a nice book for what it was, but I could have done without the attitude. I probably wouldn't read this one again but I would still recommend it to other romance readers.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Best Man on Campus follows university hot shot hockey player and do-gooder Ben Weaver and hot mess, tortured soul Jasmine (Jazzy). Their connection is trouble from the start! Ben is fighting the urge to help Jazzy with her problems and Jazzy is fighting with herself to let it happen. She's tormented by her past and the truths that haunt her dreams and it takes a rude awakening with Bens help to open her eyes to reality. They have to fight her demons and get through his dilemmas to find a way to have a life together.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I was just not into it. Mainly so because of Jazzy. I understand her character, her past, her reason for being who she is, but I just didn't care for it. She was too crass. I feel like her character could have toned down the attitude and her heartbreaking story would have still been as traumatic. I enjoyed Ben's character and his ability to really stick with it. His attempt and doing what was right was really nice, but it was also great to see him get what he wanted without hurting his family or his friends. Like the rest of Stephanie's books, I also really liked the sports team aspect and having a close team/friend bond. This was a nice book for what it was, but I could have done without the attitude. I probably wouldn't read this one again but I would still recommend it to other romance readers.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
April 14, 2021
WOW – this story had my emotions all over the place. I just wanted to reach into the book and give Jazzy a hug and tell her she was enough. This is the story of Jazzy and Ben. Jazzy has a lot of demons from her past that is holding her back from really being happy and believing that she deserves anything good. She believes she is broken and that no one would want her. Jazzy is her own worst enemy. Ben is a senior at St. Paul University and a member of the hockey team. He is basically a good guy who is trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life. He had a pretty good childhood growing up with the exception of his dad not coming to games, missing holidays and missing birthdays. Ben likes to fix things – mainly people.
This book will have your emotions on a roller coaster – with all the twists and turns and ups and downs, you aren’t too sure how you want to feel. I had tears, I laughed, I was angry, and I was sad. I really felt like I was experiencing every emotion Jazzy and Ben were having throughout the book. Great story, and great characters who deal with issues, struggles, fears, and passion. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book will have your emotions on a roller coaster – with all the twists and turns and ups and downs, you aren’t too sure how you want to feel. I had tears, I laughed, I was angry, and I was sad. I really felt like I was experiencing every emotion Jazzy and Ben were having throughout the book. Great story, and great characters who deal with issues, struggles, fears, and passion. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2021
Best Man on Campus is the story of Jazzy, a college student and singer/songwriter who is broken by the demons of her past, and Ben, the unicorn college hockey player who feels compelled to save her.
So I had to reread the blurb to see what made me download this book in the first place. I thought I was misled, but the blurb was really clear on this being a "reverse bully" story, although I guess I didn't quite know what that meant. It was also clear on how Jazzy was broken and Ben was going to be the one to save her.
I guess I didn't realize the depths of Jazzy's brokenness. I figured out around the first chapter what demons she was facing, but this book was DARK! Jazzy is really hard to like and honestly her relationship with Ben was toxic. She was downright abusive to him, which does not make a compelling love story. This book was almost a rare DNF for me, but I really wanted to show compassion to the characters to see it through. I did and I am glad I didn't give up. But I feel like a light-hearted RomCom is in my future because the trauma for these imaginary characters really shook me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So I had to reread the blurb to see what made me download this book in the first place. I thought I was misled, but the blurb was really clear on this being a "reverse bully" story, although I guess I didn't quite know what that meant. It was also clear on how Jazzy was broken and Ben was going to be the one to save her.
I guess I didn't realize the depths of Jazzy's brokenness. I figured out around the first chapter what demons she was facing, but this book was DARK! Jazzy is really hard to like and honestly her relationship with Ben was toxic. She was downright abusive to him, which does not make a compelling love story. This book was almost a rare DNF for me, but I really wanted to show compassion to the characters to see it through. I did and I am glad I didn't give up. But I feel like a light-hearted RomCom is in my future because the trauma for these imaginary characters really shook me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2021
This is definitely like no other story this author has ever written and what an emotionally packed masterpiece it ended up being! The rollercoaster of feelings and overcoming of past demons, has left me feeling completely overwhelmed. The obstacles both characters are faced with to overcome are completely separate yet has the same emotional impact.
Jazzy, the FMC, comes from tragedy in itself and appears in her demeanor. She has past demons that are difficult to overcome, causing her to act out physically and mentally her guard is up at all times.
Ben, MMC, has demons of his own and expectations of his father is a burden in and of itself. He’s always been the type to want to fix the most broken women, and Jazzy peaks his curiosity once meeting her.
Their individual past history is a lot to overcome, making their unintended relationship more difficult. The emotional scarring of Jazzy along with feelings of inadequacies for Ben, makes for one hell of a exciting opportunity for an amazing love story between two well-deserving characters!
Jazzy, the FMC, comes from tragedy in itself and appears in her demeanor. She has past demons that are difficult to overcome, causing her to act out physically and mentally her guard is up at all times.
Ben, MMC, has demons of his own and expectations of his father is a burden in and of itself. He’s always been the type to want to fix the most broken women, and Jazzy peaks his curiosity once meeting her.
Their individual past history is a lot to overcome, making their unintended relationship more difficult. The emotional scarring of Jazzy along with feelings of inadequacies for Ben, makes for one hell of a exciting opportunity for an amazing love story between two well-deserving characters!
April 18, 2021
I read an arc copy of this book and what an emotional rollercoaster of a book it was
Jazzy is beautiful with an amazing voice and a secret buried so deep she doesn’t even remember it but what she does remember is that she had to go in to foster care aged 15 because her uncle and only interested relative was murdered in front of her which causes her untold personal pain and the inability to fully connect with anyone while simultaneously not wanting to be alone
She flies off the handle one minute and the next will do randomly scary things making her hard to like
Ben is studying to get to med school and become a doctor while playing ice hockey as the team captain and winning games he has a big secret his managed to keep under wraps
Him and jazzy meet and the attraction is off the charts there are some big bombshells and seriously hot fireworks between the two
it was a brilliant read from start to end and i cannot wait to read on for more in there particular story along with the other characters from this fantastic series
Jazzy is beautiful with an amazing voice and a secret buried so deep she doesn’t even remember it but what she does remember is that she had to go in to foster care aged 15 because her uncle and only interested relative was murdered in front of her which causes her untold personal pain and the inability to fully connect with anyone while simultaneously not wanting to be alone
She flies off the handle one minute and the next will do randomly scary things making her hard to like
Ben is studying to get to med school and become a doctor while playing ice hockey as the team captain and winning games he has a big secret his managed to keep under wraps
Him and jazzy meet and the attraction is off the charts there are some big bombshells and seriously hot fireworks between the two
it was a brilliant read from start to end and i cannot wait to read on for more in there particular story along with the other characters from this fantastic series
April 16, 2021
**trigger warning**
Well this is a pretty good story however there were a few things that I was not fond of but it is what made the story come together. So lets meet Ben and Jazzy. Ben is a sweet guy and he has a good head on his shoulders. He has dreams of being a doctor but he is also really good at playing hockey. Like good enough for the NHL draft. His family background is not bad. Then we have Jazzy and let me say that this girl has a lot of issues. She has been struggling since she was a kid. She has dealt with loss and no love from a family. So when Ben sees her he can really see her and he wants to help. There is something about her that is calling to him. He wants to love her and she does not make it easy. She wants to open up but she is having a hard time trying to process her feelings. She is up and down a lot and also blanks out. It is crazy. You just need to read this book to understand. Will there be a happily ever after? Well it will be a hard path to get there!
Well this is a pretty good story however there were a few things that I was not fond of but it is what made the story come together. So lets meet Ben and Jazzy. Ben is a sweet guy and he has a good head on his shoulders. He has dreams of being a doctor but he is also really good at playing hockey. Like good enough for the NHL draft. His family background is not bad. Then we have Jazzy and let me say that this girl has a lot of issues. She has been struggling since she was a kid. She has dealt with loss and no love from a family. So when Ben sees her he can really see her and he wants to help. There is something about her that is calling to him. He wants to love her and she does not make it easy. She wants to open up but she is having a hard time trying to process her feelings. She is up and down a lot and also blanks out. It is crazy. You just need to read this book to understand. Will there be a happily ever after? Well it will be a hard path to get there!
April 10, 2021
I received a free ARC from Hidden Gems for the promise of an honest review.
It was good. I was not sure I was going to like the book but I ended up smiling at the end. The story to me started confusing/jumbled. The timeline from 15 to junior in college was quick and confusing. One minute Jazzy is 15 and being introduced to her foster mother then the next thing I know she is in a bar meeting Ben. I had to reread the beginning to get the timeline straight.
Ben is a a unicorn like Jazzy calls him. He is patient and understanding. He takes his time with Jazzy who has suffered a lot in her life. He puts her needs first while striving to make a tough decision about his future - medical or professional hockey. He is there for her as she works through her trauma. It is necessary for her to deal with this trauma so they can have a future.
The book is good.
It was good. I was not sure I was going to like the book but I ended up smiling at the end. The story to me started confusing/jumbled. The timeline from 15 to junior in college was quick and confusing. One minute Jazzy is 15 and being introduced to her foster mother then the next thing I know she is in a bar meeting Ben. I had to reread the beginning to get the timeline straight.
Ben is a a unicorn like Jazzy calls him. He is patient and understanding. He takes his time with Jazzy who has suffered a lot in her life. He puts her needs first while striving to make a tough decision about his future - medical or professional hockey. He is there for her as she works through her trauma. It is necessary for her to deal with this trauma so they can have a future.
The book is good.
April 11, 2021
The reader starts by knowing that Jazzy is the foster daughter of Majik, the cook at the BOMC house where the male characters in this series live. Jazzy has had a decent, but not great life, until her uncle, with whom she lived, is killed. Then she becomes a foster child. She is damaged goods, and she is a loose gun. She is well known for her temper and bad behavior.
When she badly cuts her hand, Ben bandages her up and so starts their relationship. He's a great guy, always trying to make things better. He's a college hockey star, destined for the NHL, but he'd prefer to go to medical school. Ben is too good to be true, a real unicorn.
As they pair struggles with a personal relationship, they are excellent as physical lovers. This book has intense sex scenes, rough language and difficult life situations. It should be read by adults only.
When she badly cuts her hand, Ben bandages her up and so starts their relationship. He's a great guy, always trying to make things better. He's a college hockey star, destined for the NHL, but he'd prefer to go to medical school. Ben is too good to be true, a real unicorn.
As they pair struggles with a personal relationship, they are excellent as physical lovers. This book has intense sex scenes, rough language and difficult life situations. It should be read by adults only.
April 11, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own. This certainly isn't a happy, feel good kind of book, it is rather dark and deals with trauma. There is course language and intense sex. Jazzy was a hard character for me to like, even though I knew she had a lot to deal with from her past. She has a lot of demons she is fighting, she comes across as very brash and has a lot of walls built up around her. Ben is such a caring, compassionate guy and he sees through her walls and helps her deal with her past and move forward, even though he is trying to figure out his life and what path he will take, go into the medical field or continue into the NHL. Their relationship isn't easy, it has a lot of bumps in the road. So it was great to see that as the book progressed so did their relationship, that they got their HEA.
May 20, 2021
I feel like I was expecting this book to be more on the rom-con side but then it surprised me with some very dark aspects, so check tw before reading. The author had a special way of navigating between the popular tropes but not quite fitting into them. Because to me it really wasn't enemies to lovers and not quite friends with benefits but more I-am-attracted-to-you-duh-but-i-don't-wanna-hurt-you type of situations. I did like the overall story and characters mostly because it was an easy read that helped me think about something else during my exams but In my opinion with the topics that were talked about it should not have been. And I mean by that, that some major characters developments were rushed and not talked about as seriously as they should have been with more depths.
I received an advance review copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
I received an advance review copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
April 13, 2021
Jazzy has had a rough upbringing, and while she doesn't realize it at first, her landing in Majik's care was probably one of the best things that could have happened to her. Majik helps get her on a good path and into a good college, one where she works as the cook at the BMOC house. She just knows that Ben and Jazzy would be good for each other. But will Jazzy let her guard down long enough to find out? Will Ben be able to keep his focus and get what he's been working so hard to achieve? Or will they together change what they though they knew about their futures? There is plenty of drama and heart and soul to this story, but also moments that made me laugh and smile. I enjoyed seeing these two characters grow and learn and heal old wounds... and have the chance for HEA.
August 1, 2021
Wow. I felt so emotional reading this book.
Jazzy clearly has a lot of issues and Ben can't stay away from her, even though he really has enough on his plate. There was an intense chemistry between Ben and Jazzy, but more importantly, he was so super supportive and protective of her. He was willing to do what he can to help her. And I really felt for Jazzy, and can't imagine all that she went through.
Warning: There are some pretty hard triggers in this book so it might not be for everyone. I found it hard to read about Jazzy's past, but am so happy that she will get her HEA.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
Jazzy clearly has a lot of issues and Ben can't stay away from her, even though he really has enough on his plate. There was an intense chemistry between Ben and Jazzy, but more importantly, he was so super supportive and protective of her. He was willing to do what he can to help her. And I really felt for Jazzy, and can't imagine all that she went through.
Warning: There are some pretty hard triggers in this book so it might not be for everyone. I found it hard to read about Jazzy's past, but am so happy that she will get her HEA.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
May 4, 2021
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the second book in the Big Men on Campus series. Each book can be read as a standalone.
Ben is an all around good guy. He wants to follow in his dad's footsteps and become a doctor. Only thing stopping him is the sight of blood. He's really good at hockey and has a possibility of being drafted into the NHL. He just has to decide which is a better fit for him.
Jazzy has dark demons from her past teams. She's just working her way through guys looking for a unicorn. Maybe a certain hockey boy could be the lucky one.
I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book. *Warning* does have triggers.
Ben is an all around good guy. He wants to follow in his dad's footsteps and become a doctor. Only thing stopping him is the sight of blood. He's really good at hockey and has a possibility of being drafted into the NHL. He just has to decide which is a better fit for him.
Jazzy has dark demons from her past teams. She's just working her way through guys looking for a unicorn. Maybe a certain hockey boy could be the lucky one.
I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book. *Warning* does have triggers.
June 25, 2021
That… was quite the roller coaster. I took me a moment to get into the story but I’m glad I kept reading because whoa! That was an emotional read! I don’t want to give to much away but the way the character of Jazzy was written was refreshing. She is herself a rollercoaster of emotions. She was unpredictable. She not only kept Ben on his toes but also me as a reader. The trauma she went through is heartbreaking. But her journey was written with class, sensitivity and perspective. I really liked the relationship between Jazzy and Ben. It wasn’t a cheesy predictable insta-love. They deal with intense and serious issues.
April 14, 2021
This book .....OMG!
I’m emotionally drained from reading this book. Ben & Jazzy. Ben, there is nothing not to like about this man! He meets Jazzy, he learns quickly that reaching her will not be easy. Jazzy has had a very tough life, there was little to no normalcy in her life when she meets Ben. Her smart mouth scares people off as fast as they approach. Ben is by nature a person that helps almost everyone he is encounters; when he meets Jazzy he is tested in ways no one can imagine. This book of fiction addresses a real life issue for so many woman. It is brilliantly written, a book that is very hard to put down.
I’m emotionally drained from reading this book. Ben & Jazzy. Ben, there is nothing not to like about this man! He meets Jazzy, he learns quickly that reaching her will not be easy. Jazzy has had a very tough life, there was little to no normalcy in her life when she meets Ben. Her smart mouth scares people off as fast as they approach. Ben is by nature a person that helps almost everyone he is encounters; when he meets Jazzy he is tested in ways no one can imagine. This book of fiction addresses a real life issue for so many woman. It is brilliantly written, a book that is very hard to put down.
April 14, 2021
Very good! Quite emotional. Jazzy has A LOT of rage and pent up anger and she’s, frankly, a witch with a capital B! But once you delve into her past you understand why and can’t help but feel for her and root for her to make it through. Ben is just the guy for the task. Even if he does get abused quite a bit throughout the book, he gets Jazzy and she needs someone to withstand her bad attitude. Often those that scream the loudest and act the meanest are the ones that need the most love and patience.
April 17, 2021
Dark past, dark heart, dark soul.
This is a good story but I had a hard time hanging in with Jasmine because she is so angry and so mean and can't deal with the horrible things that have happened to her and haunt her. Ben, the ultimate do-gooder, is a saint or martyr or glutton for punishment to keep going back to try to help her when she keeps pushing him away - physically and figuratively.
It's a long rocky road. I'm exhausted (in a satisfied way).
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.)
This is a good story but I had a hard time hanging in with Jasmine because she is so angry and so mean and can't deal with the horrible things that have happened to her and haunt her. Ben, the ultimate do-gooder, is a saint or martyr or glutton for punishment to keep going back to try to help her when she keeps pushing him away - physically and figuratively.
It's a long rocky road. I'm exhausted (in a satisfied way).
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.)
May 14, 2021
From the get go, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I quickly became obsessed with finding out what demons Jazzy was contending with, and how Ben was going to help her with that. This books sucks you into the situation to experience all the highs and lows with them. It's a quick read, with just enough world building to keep there with them. A lot drama, with some twists and turns. Thankfully it's an HEA and doesn't leave you hanging.
Mahalo to the author for providing an advance copy so that I can voluntarily leave my honest option.
Mahalo to the author for providing an advance copy so that I can voluntarily leave my honest option.
May 29, 2021
DNF: 26%
Not sure what a reverse bully book is supposed to be, but I'm guessing it means when the female MC is the bully.
Doesn't really matter because there's no actual bully here.
Jazzy is messed up from trauma and childhood abandonment. Because of this she has a lack of trust of people in general and men in particular, so she pretty much treats everyone, but especially men, like shit. Doesn't make her a bully.
Ben, the title character, wants to fix her. I'm guessing eventually this happens.
While I'm sympathetic to Jazzy, I'm just not interested in how Ben will fix her.
Not sure what a reverse bully book is supposed to be, but I'm guessing it means when the female MC is the bully.
Doesn't really matter because there's no actual bully here.
Jazzy is messed up from trauma and childhood abandonment. Because of this she has a lack of trust of people in general and men in particular, so she pretty much treats everyone, but especially men, like shit. Doesn't make her a bully.
Ben, the title character, wants to fix her. I'm guessing eventually this happens.
While I'm sympathetic to Jazzy, I'm just not interested in how Ben will fix her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2022
The best man on campus is Ben, the captain of the varsity hockey team.
Jazzy is a young woman with many problems after having lived through a traumatic experience.
Our characters meet through the intermediary of Jazz's foster mother, who works as a cook for Ben and his roommates.
Jazzy constantly tries to push Ben out of her life, but he's always there when she needs him.
A very touching love story. I 💔 read what Jazzy had been through, but her unicorn man makes Jazzy start to heal.
Emotional reading.
Jazzy is a young woman with many problems after having lived through a traumatic experience.
Our characters meet through the intermediary of Jazz's foster mother, who works as a cook for Ben and his roommates.
Jazzy constantly tries to push Ben out of her life, but he's always there when she needs him.
A very touching love story. I 💔 read what Jazzy had been through, but her unicorn man makes Jazzy start to heal.
Emotional reading.
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