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Thin Ice
The last thing ER doctor Emily Jordan needs in her life is another man to let her down, and certainly not one who uses his fists in his work. She's seen enough of the results of violence in the world, and has no use for anyone who contributes to it. Professional hockey player Eric Cameron has never met a woman who intrigued him so much. Emily Jordan has it all.brains and beauty, a home of her own, a career she excels at, a son who adores her, and loving friends and family to help her bring it all together in a way Eric has longed to be a part of his entire life. The problem is this feisty, independent woman wants nothing to do with him and has no problem letting him know it. The memory of Emily's healing hands despite her clear-cut opinion of him when she treats him after a post-game barroom brawl drives Eric to find the key to her wounded heart, but success would mean that Emily would have to give up all that she has-and depend on a man who's life is anything but settled. Will Eric be able to win her heart despite her opposition to the only life he's ever known? Or when the season ends will he move on again--alone?
386 pages, Nook
First published January 1, 2007
18 people are currently reading
1355 people want to read
About the author
Liana Laverentz
5 books16 followersLiana is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Washington Romance Writers, and Pennwriters, Inc. She spends her free time reading, weeding, making soup, watching Law and Order, taking road trips, and staying at as many bed and breakfasts as she can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 13, 2014
Thin Ice was a realistic touching story of Emily who is a single mom with a violent past and Eric Cameron, a pro hockey star who is brought in to the ER after a bar brawl where she is a doctor. I really enjoyed this story about Emily's struggles with her love for Eric and his love for the violent sport of hockey. Emily is a strong heroine who knows what she wants but because of her abusive ex-husband she has trouble accepting her feelings for a (gorgeous) brute like Eric. Eric, I can't say enough about his character. He was tough, yet oh so sweet. He absolutely melted my heart with how much he loved Emily.
I thoroughly enjoyed Thin Ice. The story was great, the characters real. Though I have been very fortunate in my life to not have had the horrific experiences that Emily did, the author painted her in a light where I could feel for her and admire her strengths without feeling pity for her. And Robbie her son was so adorable!
Where I had a (small) problem was about 2/3 into the book I felt it dragged a bit and I found myself skimming a little. I think the author may have went into a bit too much when Emily went home to visit her family. I felt I was reading about characters that didn't add much to the story and took away from those I wanted to know more about (Ryan's parents and maybe more of Emily and Eric together).
Overall I would recommend Thin Ice to anyone who wants an alpha yet sweet hero who sweeps the wounded yet strong heroine off her feet in a manner that would make any woman swoon.
Re-read 1/12/2014
I thoroughly enjoyed Thin Ice. The story was great, the characters real. Though I have been very fortunate in my life to not have had the horrific experiences that Emily did, the author painted her in a light where I could feel for her and admire her strengths without feeling pity for her. And Robbie her son was so adorable!
Where I had a (small) problem was about 2/3 into the book I felt it dragged a bit and I found myself skimming a little. I think the author may have went into a bit too much when Emily went home to visit her family. I felt I was reading about characters that didn't add much to the story and took away from those I wanted to know more about (Ryan's parents and maybe more of Emily and Eric together).
Overall I would recommend Thin Ice to anyone who wants an alpha yet sweet hero who sweeps the wounded yet strong heroine off her feet in a manner that would make any woman swoon.
Re-read 1/12/2014
June 24, 2011
I feel sorry for this book. Had i been on a better reading mood, it would have gotten a better rating from me. Unfortunately, while i could understand and remind myself that the heroine was right to react the way she did towards the hero, at the beginning. By the time i read passed half of the books, i began to get fed up. The fact that they only started to get their head out of their....when my kindle read 90%, just sealed it into an ok read.
It's so sad because there was a good plot and good characters, for the most part, but the communication was horrible. While i know there are couples who are the same way, i'm reading fiction for a reason. Why give me the worst of people in the main characters? Why not show me their best and lift my spirits?
Review to come soon! Maybe i'll appreciate the book better then.LOL
It's so sad because there was a good plot and good characters, for the most part, but the communication was horrible. While i know there are couples who are the same way, i'm reading fiction for a reason. Why give me the worst of people in the main characters? Why not show me their best and lift my spirits?
Review to come soon! Maybe i'll appreciate the book better then.LOL
August 1, 2011
I enjoyed this book but the h/h did not spend enough time together for me to care about them as much as I would have liked to.
The heroine Emily lived through a childhood of a controlling father and then married a violently abusive husband. After divorcing her husband when she became pregnant she built a life for herself and her son, establishing herself as a doctor in A&E. This where she meets Eric a professional hockey player who comes in for treatment after a bar fight. His seeminly violent nature and career, understandably put Emily off, but Eric is persistent and his true nature is revealed. He is a total hero actually.
Emily spends most of the book coming to terms with her relationships with her ex-husband who reappears on the scene, and her father both of which colour her relationship with Eric. The number of times she pushes Eric away made me wonder why he kept coming back. The pair hadn't really spent enough time together for him to really get to know her. Eric's job as a professional hockey player meant he travelled alot, Emily continually pushed him away and the constant misunderstandings that kept them a part meant that there wasn't enough interaction between the two of them for me to develop an emotional attachment to them as a couple.
This, for me, is a heroine focused book, with Emily working through her issues. I would have liked have seen much more of Eric and of Emily and Eric together.
The heroine Emily lived through a childhood of a controlling father and then married a violently abusive husband. After divorcing her husband when she became pregnant she built a life for herself and her son, establishing herself as a doctor in A&E. This where she meets Eric a professional hockey player who comes in for treatment after a bar fight. His seeminly violent nature and career, understandably put Emily off, but Eric is persistent and his true nature is revealed. He is a total hero actually.
Emily spends most of the book coming to terms with her relationships with her ex-husband who reappears on the scene, and her father both of which colour her relationship with Eric. The number of times she pushes Eric away made me wonder why he kept coming back. The pair hadn't really spent enough time together for him to really get to know her. Eric's job as a professional hockey player meant he travelled alot, Emily continually pushed him away and the constant misunderstandings that kept them a part meant that there wasn't enough interaction between the two of them for me to develop an emotional attachment to them as a couple.
This, for me, is a heroine focused book, with Emily working through her issues. I would have liked have seen much more of Eric and of Emily and Eric together.
May 30, 2012
Emily annoyed me so much in this book. She continually hurt poor Eric. I didn't think she deserved all the chances he gave her.
Sorry, thats not much of a review, but I'm catching up on all the books I read and this one was read about 2 weeks ago. :(
Sorry, thats not much of a review, but I'm catching up on all the books I read and this one was read about 2 weeks ago. :(
June 18, 2010
Laverentz crafts a sharp, yet edgy contemporary romance with "Thin Ice." Centered around the sport of hockey, Eric Cameron and Emily Jordan are haunted by their pasts, and before they can truly become a couple, they'll have to deal with the demons that threaten to tear them apart.
Eric is a professional hockey player who has just been taken by the Minnesota Saints. He's a bit of a drifter, going from team to team. After a bar room brawl, he goes to the ER where he meets Doctor Emily Jordan. He finds himself drawn to the beautiful doctor with tender hands.
Emily has worked hard to overcome hardship and become a doctor. She watched her mother endure an abusive relationship and she herself was married to a man who abused her before she found the strength to leave. Now she puts long hours into her career and balances that with raising her son, Robbie, who is eight. Emily abhors violence. When she sees Eric in the ER, the extent of his injuries rattle her.
Eric is persistent and works hard to earn a degree of Emily trust. She soon comes to learn that Eric is a hockey player and the violence in his life is from that. Eric also makes friends with Robbie at a school presentation. It's Robbie's acceptance of Eric which gives Emily pause to think.
Slowly, Emily lets Eric into her life, but it's one step forward, two back. The physical attraction between the couple is combustible and they soon make love. Emily, however, is haunted by old hurts and finds it hard to emotionally commit to Eric.
After a series of articles about domestic violence which Emily does for Carmen Martinez, a newspaper reporter, Emily's ex-husband resurfaces and gives her a beating she won't forget. Emily tries to push Eric away, which breaks his heart. In order for Emily to completely embrace the love Eric offers her, she'll have to find the strength to put the demons of her past to rest.
Laverentz's plot is solid and she treats the topic of domestic violence with sensitivity and care. The writing has a nice air of authencity to it and you can tell Laverentz has done her research.
Laverentz uses a good economy of words, bringing her descriptions alive. It's easy to picture her world.
The dialogue is real, accenting the characterization well. Both Emily and Eric are rich and complex. Emily is a character that's easy to relate to on many levels, a single parent, career orientated, with a kind heart, yet it's not easy to earn her trust. Eric has overcome a lot in his life, yet success is lonely without a family. With Emily, he learns to temper his anger and patience.
The love scenes are sophisticated/intense and tastefully done. If anything, the point of view narration switches within scenes, which can leave the reader confused at times. Overall, "Thin Ice," is a story full of substance, suspense, and the power of love.
Eric is a professional hockey player who has just been taken by the Minnesota Saints. He's a bit of a drifter, going from team to team. After a bar room brawl, he goes to the ER where he meets Doctor Emily Jordan. He finds himself drawn to the beautiful doctor with tender hands.
Emily has worked hard to overcome hardship and become a doctor. She watched her mother endure an abusive relationship and she herself was married to a man who abused her before she found the strength to leave. Now she puts long hours into her career and balances that with raising her son, Robbie, who is eight. Emily abhors violence. When she sees Eric in the ER, the extent of his injuries rattle her.
Eric is persistent and works hard to earn a degree of Emily trust. She soon comes to learn that Eric is a hockey player and the violence in his life is from that. Eric also makes friends with Robbie at a school presentation. It's Robbie's acceptance of Eric which gives Emily pause to think.
Slowly, Emily lets Eric into her life, but it's one step forward, two back. The physical attraction between the couple is combustible and they soon make love. Emily, however, is haunted by old hurts and finds it hard to emotionally commit to Eric.
After a series of articles about domestic violence which Emily does for Carmen Martinez, a newspaper reporter, Emily's ex-husband resurfaces and gives her a beating she won't forget. Emily tries to push Eric away, which breaks his heart. In order for Emily to completely embrace the love Eric offers her, she'll have to find the strength to put the demons of her past to rest.
Laverentz's plot is solid and she treats the topic of domestic violence with sensitivity and care. The writing has a nice air of authencity to it and you can tell Laverentz has done her research.
Laverentz uses a good economy of words, bringing her descriptions alive. It's easy to picture her world.
The dialogue is real, accenting the characterization well. Both Emily and Eric are rich and complex. Emily is a character that's easy to relate to on many levels, a single parent, career orientated, with a kind heart, yet it's not easy to earn her trust. Eric has overcome a lot in his life, yet success is lonely without a family. With Emily, he learns to temper his anger and patience.
The love scenes are sophisticated/intense and tastefully done. If anything, the point of view narration switches within scenes, which can leave the reader confused at times. Overall, "Thin Ice," is a story full of substance, suspense, and the power of love.
February 24, 2013
This is one seriously long novel. I finished it after 5 long days. It probably would have been better if it weren't a very long one. I'm not a big fan of hockey, and yet I enjoyed reading about it.
Eric is not hard to love. At first, he was just a lonely man who came home to an empty house and had a really bad luck, but when he met Emily it's like he found his purpose. Even though his job is a violent one, he was still gentle to Emily. It doesn't also hurt that he is a sweet man. Emily on the other hand, is a woman who lost her trust on men. She has a long history with abusive men and she didn't want to be burned again. It took a very long time for Eric to gain her trust. I admit that I was losing my patience with her distrustful character. Fortunately, she had a good support system. She had many friends who advised her to follow her heart and to stand up for herself.
In the end, they were able to iron things out and they had their happy ending.
I'm quite happy because this novel showed that a love story between a sports professional and a normal everyday person can be imperfectly perfect.
If you want a nice read about hockey and the journey of a woman who was abused, this one's for you.
Eric is not hard to love. At first, he was just a lonely man who came home to an empty house and had a really bad luck, but when he met Emily it's like he found his purpose. Even though his job is a violent one, he was still gentle to Emily. It doesn't also hurt that he is a sweet man. Emily on the other hand, is a woman who lost her trust on men. She has a long history with abusive men and she didn't want to be burned again. It took a very long time for Eric to gain her trust. I admit that I was losing my patience with her distrustful character. Fortunately, she had a good support system. She had many friends who advised her to follow her heart and to stand up for herself.
In the end, they were able to iron things out and they had their happy ending.
I'm quite happy because this novel showed that a love story between a sports professional and a normal everyday person can be imperfectly perfect.
If you want a nice read about hockey and the journey of a woman who was abused, this one's for you.
February 24, 2015
I loved this story!
The opening scene starts with a gripping bang and keeps you rooted to your seat. The main characters, Eric Cameron and Dr. Emily Jordan, are polar opposites with great chemistry. They are both strong and broken in their own ways.
Eric is lonely despite being famous. He is painted as a charismatic and talented hockey player. Ms. Laverentz does a great job of pulling out Eric’s failings as well as his redeeming qualities.
Dr. Emily Jordan is a mother and hard worker. Her past is violent and holds some secrets that eventually she has to deal with.
I truly enjoyed this story’s voice, character angst, and tense situations. I recommend this book to romance readers. If you haven’t picked this one up, you are missing out.
Amy Rachiele, M. Ed.
Indie Author, Mobster Series
The opening scene starts with a gripping bang and keeps you rooted to your seat. The main characters, Eric Cameron and Dr. Emily Jordan, are polar opposites with great chemistry. They are both strong and broken in their own ways.
Eric is lonely despite being famous. He is painted as a charismatic and talented hockey player. Ms. Laverentz does a great job of pulling out Eric’s failings as well as his redeeming qualities.
Dr. Emily Jordan is a mother and hard worker. Her past is violent and holds some secrets that eventually she has to deal with.
I truly enjoyed this story’s voice, character angst, and tense situations. I recommend this book to romance readers. If you haven’t picked this one up, you are missing out.
Amy Rachiele, M. Ed.
Indie Author, Mobster Series
July 28, 2011
Thin Ice was a great book. Eric and Emily had both been shaped by their pasts. Emily especially had reservations about starting a relationship. But Eric refused to give up.
The progression of their relationship seemed believable. And his dedication to her touched my heart.
Emily's son Robbie was a great addition to the story. I love a hero who is good with kids!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good sports romance.
The progression of their relationship seemed believable. And his dedication to her touched my heart.
Emily's son Robbie was a great addition to the story. I love a hero who is good with kids!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good sports romance.
June 29, 2012
Can I just say that I'd like to order one Eric Cameron please, to be delivered ASAP? Loved him! He was definitely swoon-worthy.
Anyways, on to the review of the actual book. I liked it a lot more than I expected to. After reading Toni Aleo's hockey series, soon after my new-found love of hockey developed, I had read a couple hockey romances that didn't really pique my interest. However this one was great and held my interest the whole way through.
Anyways, on to the review of the actual book. I liked it a lot more than I expected to. After reading Toni Aleo's hockey series, soon after my new-found love of hockey developed, I had read a couple hockey romances that didn't really pique my interest. However this one was great and held my interest the whole way through.
July 4, 2012
Good story line, likeable hero and heroine, and some nice angst, but only three stars as this book was just too long for the story.
I found myself skimming the parts of the book during the times when Emily and Eric were apart. With some "tightening up", this could have been a 4 star book.
I found myself skimming the parts of the book during the times when Emily and Eric were apart. With some "tightening up", this could have been a 4 star book.
February 9, 2020
The synopsis was promising, but the heroine’s behavior towards the hero became redundant. I understood why she acted the way she did in the beginning, but then it got old. She was quick to assume the worst. Honestly, I have no idea why the hero wanted the heroine except that she was a doctor and a “hot” redhead. The heroine was moody and VERY judgemental. She tried her best being a great mom, but making assumptions about her patients and people in general was not teaching the son how to treat people. As I mentioned, she was quick to judge.
The book is written in dual POVs. However, the switch happens at random times throughout the entire chapter. You know what every one is thinking at every moment.
The hero came into the hospital with injuries after he tried to protect a waitress from being ‘attacked’ by some customers. The entire thing was a set up by the customers, but the heroine just assumed that the hero was a troublemaker. She did not ask him what happened, just assumed. I liked how the hero called her out on it, but it did not teach her anything.
I love slow burn romances. I love when there is a tug and pull in stories, but the characters have to likable. If they are not likable, I have to connect. I did neither. The heroine had nothing to offer. Her half a** apologizes were weak.
The writing was mediocre.
I gave up on the book. I could not stand how this couple behaved.
The book is written in dual POVs. However, the switch happens at random times throughout the entire chapter. You know what every one is thinking at every moment.
The hero came into the hospital with injuries after he tried to protect a waitress from being ‘attacked’ by some customers. The entire thing was a set up by the customers, but the heroine just assumed that the hero was a troublemaker. She did not ask him what happened, just assumed. I liked how the hero called her out on it, but it did not teach her anything.
I love slow burn romances. I love when there is a tug and pull in stories, but the characters have to likable. If they are not likable, I have to connect. I did neither. The heroine had nothing to offer. Her half a** apologizes were weak.
The writing was mediocre.
I gave up on the book. I could not stand how this couple behaved.
May 24, 2019
4,5 ⭐
August 1, 2020
Eric was the perfect hockey god who just needs a woman's touch in his life. Emily just needs to let go of the past to build a life that is not work and her son.
August 3, 2011
Thin Ice by Liana Laverentz
Release Date: April 5th, 2007
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Page Count: 373
Source: Directly from author for review
The last thing ER doctor Emily Jordan needs in her life is another man to let her down, and certainly not one who uses his fists in his work. She's seen enough of the results of violence in the world, and has no use for anyone who contributes to it.
Professional hockey player Eric Cameron has never met a woman who intrigued him so much. Emily Jordan has it all, brains and beauty, a home of her own, a career she excels at, a son who adores her, and loving friends and family to help her bring it all together in way Eric has longed to be a part of his entire life. The problem is this feisty, independent woman wants nothing to do with him and has no problem letting him know it.
The memory of Emily's healing hands despite her clear-cut opinion of him when she treats him after a post-game barroom brawl drives Eric to find the key to her wounded heart, but success would mean that Emily would have to give up all that she has and depend on a man who's life is anything but settled. Will Eric be able to win her heart despite her opposition to the only life he's ever known? Or when the season ends will he move on again -- alone?
What Stephanie Thinks: This book is just fabulous -- it portrays contemporary romance at its finest! Emily's dark past and her struggle to see through to Eric's affections are emotional in both a joyful and saddening way. Her journey of love and discovery both wrenches at my heart and lifts it up at the same time.
The hero and heroine are so realistic and more importantly, so lovable. Even with their individual flaws -- Emily's, being paranoia, and Eric's, being desperation -- I can't help but adore them. Not to mention Eric is an amazing alpha male. I swooned and fantasized and pretty much fell in love with him! The secondary characters, such as Emily's ex-husband and son, are incredibly fleshed out as well. As much as I love Robbie (son), I despise Ryan (ex), which says a lot because I want to pluck Robbie out of the book and adopt him. This just strengthens Laverentz's complete and well-developed characters -- personalities she creates that I am able to both love and hate. After all, characterization is key in fiction.
And the chemistry. Hoo boy! Maybe it's just me sweating bullets here, but it's hot hot hot! There's so much tension between them, both physically and emotionally, that it is often frustrating at times, but it all plays out A-okay in the end. Might I mention the sex is superhot too? I love how intimately sex is portrayed, but without getting too nitty-gritty (read: pornographic), which is ultimately the factor that separates romance from erotica. Somehow, less explicit love scenes make them hotter, and Thin Ice is proof of that.
Laverentz has a skilled voice that I'm now keen on getting to know better. Her dialogue is witty and entertaining, and it includes cunning twists and shocking revelations in a contemporary setting. Familial misunderstandings and secrets impede the delusion of the "perfect" life, in a way we all will be able to relate to and take home and to heart, as well. Overall, Thin Ice is a story about the power of love and family, and the best part, is that the characters come to life.
Stephanie Loves: "He didn't answer me then because he was afraid it was the wine talking, not my heart, and that I didn't know what I was saying or that I'd regret saying it in the morning.
The only thing I regret is being blind for so long."
Radical Rating: 9 hearts- One of my all-time favorites!
Release Date: April 5th, 2007
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Page Count: 373
Source: Directly from author for review
The last thing ER doctor Emily Jordan needs in her life is another man to let her down, and certainly not one who uses his fists in his work. She's seen enough of the results of violence in the world, and has no use for anyone who contributes to it.
Professional hockey player Eric Cameron has never met a woman who intrigued him so much. Emily Jordan has it all, brains and beauty, a home of her own, a career she excels at, a son who adores her, and loving friends and family to help her bring it all together in way Eric has longed to be a part of his entire life. The problem is this feisty, independent woman wants nothing to do with him and has no problem letting him know it.
The memory of Emily's healing hands despite her clear-cut opinion of him when she treats him after a post-game barroom brawl drives Eric to find the key to her wounded heart, but success would mean that Emily would have to give up all that she has and depend on a man who's life is anything but settled. Will Eric be able to win her heart despite her opposition to the only life he's ever known? Or when the season ends will he move on again -- alone?
What Stephanie Thinks: This book is just fabulous -- it portrays contemporary romance at its finest! Emily's dark past and her struggle to see through to Eric's affections are emotional in both a joyful and saddening way. Her journey of love and discovery both wrenches at my heart and lifts it up at the same time.
The hero and heroine are so realistic and more importantly, so lovable. Even with their individual flaws -- Emily's, being paranoia, and Eric's, being desperation -- I can't help but adore them. Not to mention Eric is an amazing alpha male. I swooned and fantasized and pretty much fell in love with him! The secondary characters, such as Emily's ex-husband and son, are incredibly fleshed out as well. As much as I love Robbie (son), I despise Ryan (ex), which says a lot because I want to pluck Robbie out of the book and adopt him. This just strengthens Laverentz's complete and well-developed characters -- personalities she creates that I am able to both love and hate. After all, characterization is key in fiction.
And the chemistry. Hoo boy! Maybe it's just me sweating bullets here, but it's hot hot hot! There's so much tension between them, both physically and emotionally, that it is often frustrating at times, but it all plays out A-okay in the end. Might I mention the sex is superhot too? I love how intimately sex is portrayed, but without getting too nitty-gritty (read: pornographic), which is ultimately the factor that separates romance from erotica. Somehow, less explicit love scenes make them hotter, and Thin Ice is proof of that.
Laverentz has a skilled voice that I'm now keen on getting to know better. Her dialogue is witty and entertaining, and it includes cunning twists and shocking revelations in a contemporary setting. Familial misunderstandings and secrets impede the delusion of the "perfect" life, in a way we all will be able to relate to and take home and to heart, as well. Overall, Thin Ice is a story about the power of love and family, and the best part, is that the characters come to life.
Stephanie Loves: "He didn't answer me then because he was afraid it was the wine talking, not my heart, and that I didn't know what I was saying or that I'd regret saying it in the morning.
The only thing I regret is being blind for so long."
Radical Rating: 9 hearts- One of my all-time favorites!
February 2, 2012
What An Emotional Roller-coaster!
This book got my attention because it is a sports romance- Hockey Romance- which is my new favorite. I don't know what it about those hockey players that do it for me! Anyhoo I digress.. back to the book.. What I thought was going to be a light hearted romance read turned out to be romance with too much angst. The blurb does not even hint about the emotional tug of war that goes on in the book.
Well I totally loved the hero Eric Cameron. The author made him very likable. He knew right off that he wanted the heroine Emily Jordan from the very moment he felt her touch on his body as the treating ER doctor. He and Doctor Emily's son made a fast connection. I made more of a connection with Eric and Emily's son than with Emily and Eric.
I did not like Emily Jordan from page one! I thought she was a little too self righteous for my liking. There were times that I understood why she behaved the way she did but when one incident turned into too many... well... it just became annoying. I felt she jumped to conclusions about Eric too quickly even when, in my opinion, he clearly demonstrated his character to her. She trusted him enough to be around her son but she didn't trust him to be the man she needed in her life. Emily had a couple of bad relationships in the past that impacts the way she interacts with Eric. I totally got that. I just felt like the author labored too long with it.
Midway through the book the author spent a lot of time on Eric and Emily--separately. I kept waiting for when the story would once again turn towards Eric and Emily--together. Well before that happen you went through a number of misunderstandings and mishaps that kept them apart. I just kept thinking: "For the love of god if one more thing happens I am going to throw this book across the room"... Metaphorically speaking of course-this was a Kindle version so you know that wasn't going to happen! I like a little angst in a story but there was way too much for me in this one.
As stated earlier, this is not a light-hearted romance. There are some serious emotional turmoil going on with well hidden secrets on both Eric and Emily's side. The author does a great job of delivering that side of the story. She also wrote Emily's character in such a way that it caused me to have a serious reaction to her even if it was annoyance, empathy, and anger all rolled up together. I liked the author's voice and her ability to draw out an emotional reaction from her readers. This a good read if you like angst, secrets, and romance.
This book got my attention because it is a sports romance- Hockey Romance- which is my new favorite. I don't know what it about those hockey players that do it for me! Anyhoo I digress.. back to the book.. What I thought was going to be a light hearted romance read turned out to be romance with too much angst. The blurb does not even hint about the emotional tug of war that goes on in the book.
Well I totally loved the hero Eric Cameron. The author made him very likable. He knew right off that he wanted the heroine Emily Jordan from the very moment he felt her touch on his body as the treating ER doctor. He and Doctor Emily's son made a fast connection. I made more of a connection with Eric and Emily's son than with Emily and Eric.
I did not like Emily Jordan from page one! I thought she was a little too self righteous for my liking. There were times that I understood why she behaved the way she did but when one incident turned into too many... well... it just became annoying. I felt she jumped to conclusions about Eric too quickly even when, in my opinion, he clearly demonstrated his character to her. She trusted him enough to be around her son but she didn't trust him to be the man she needed in her life. Emily had a couple of bad relationships in the past that impacts the way she interacts with Eric. I totally got that. I just felt like the author labored too long with it.
Midway through the book the author spent a lot of time on Eric and Emily--separately. I kept waiting for when the story would once again turn towards Eric and Emily--together. Well before that happen you went through a number of misunderstandings and mishaps that kept them apart. I just kept thinking: "For the love of god if one more thing happens I am going to throw this book across the room"... Metaphorically speaking of course-this was a Kindle version so you know that wasn't going to happen! I like a little angst in a story but there was way too much for me in this one.
As stated earlier, this is not a light-hearted romance. There are some serious emotional turmoil going on with well hidden secrets on both Eric and Emily's side. The author does a great job of delivering that side of the story. She also wrote Emily's character in such a way that it caused me to have a serious reaction to her even if it was annoyance, empathy, and anger all rolled up together. I liked the author's voice and her ability to draw out an emotional reaction from her readers. This a good read if you like angst, secrets, and romance.
October 13, 2012
I liked it! bitter sweet with a real touch... a story of un-encounters!
the reality of abuse exists around each one of our corners, we just decide (too often) to close our eyes and pretend it is not there... who are we kidding?
in this new technology era, where we live our lives in an accelerated mode, frustrations are all over the place. we just over complicate things.. the roles are changing and adjusting is mandatory. but some people just don't get it.
Abuse takes so many sorts of shape.. and it takes a very strong individual to resist it. I felt respect for Emily's character.. she got out of it.. although not 100% mentally, but she stood up for her son, and started all over again.
it seems it is in our human nature to be abussive.. it could be in a minor way, the wife controlling the husband or the boss asking you to stay extra hours.... we accept it as long as it does not get to an extreme. It should not be like that, but it is..
Got quite upset that when she finally realizes Eric was what she wanted, she gave up to the unreasonably demands of her ex without a real fight.. after all what Eric did?
I would have liked to read more about cassandra... she seemed an interesting character!
overall... I liked it! and would read the following of the story if it comes..
the reality of abuse exists around each one of our corners, we just decide (too often) to close our eyes and pretend it is not there... who are we kidding?
in this new technology era, where we live our lives in an accelerated mode, frustrations are all over the place. we just over complicate things.. the roles are changing and adjusting is mandatory. but some people just don't get it.
Abuse takes so many sorts of shape.. and it takes a very strong individual to resist it. I felt respect for Emily's character.. she got out of it.. although not 100% mentally, but she stood up for her son, and started all over again.
it seems it is in our human nature to be abussive.. it could be in a minor way, the wife controlling the husband or the boss asking you to stay extra hours.... we accept it as long as it does not get to an extreme. It should not be like that, but it is..
Got quite upset that when she finally realizes Eric was what she wanted, she gave up to the unreasonably demands of her ex without a real fight.. after all what Eric did?
I would have liked to read more about cassandra... she seemed an interesting character!
overall... I liked it! and would read the following of the story if it comes..
July 21, 2018
This was cute. A light read that makes you smile at the end.
July 31, 2014
Aunque la portada es una de las más feas del mundo mundial y la historia es bastante típica, el libro es bastante entretenido.
Lo que me gustó:
-La protagonista. Una mujer con los pies en la tierra que sabe lo que quiere y lo que NO quiere. Aunque a veces me molestó un poco, en general me gustó el personaje y cómo se desarrolló la relación con el protagonista.
-El protagonista. Para ser el típico hombre violento, me gustó bastante. El protagonista está bastante jodido y es violento, pero me gustó y me pareció un poco tierno a veces.
Lo que no me gustó:
-Creo que a la autora le faltó darle más profundidad a la historia. A veces me parecía que iba bien, lento y seguro, desarrollando bien el argumento; pero a veces también sentí que se precipitaba mucho y que muchos momentos se desarrollaban demasiado rápido para mi gusto.
-El drama. El drama fue bastante meh, y la verdad esperaba que pasara algo más con Ryan.
En general, es entretenido y está bien para pasar un rato agradable.
Lo que me gustó:
-La protagonista. Una mujer con los pies en la tierra que sabe lo que quiere y lo que NO quiere. Aunque a veces me molestó un poco, en general me gustó el personaje y cómo se desarrolló la relación con el protagonista.
-El protagonista. Para ser el típico hombre violento, me gustó bastante. El protagonista está bastante jodido y es violento, pero me gustó y me pareció un poco tierno a veces.
Lo que no me gustó:
-Creo que a la autora le faltó darle más profundidad a la historia. A veces me parecía que iba bien, lento y seguro, desarrollando bien el argumento; pero a veces también sentí que se precipitaba mucho y que muchos momentos se desarrollaban demasiado rápido para mi gusto.
-El drama. El drama fue bastante meh, y la verdad esperaba que pasara algo más con Ryan.
En general, es entretenido y está bien para pasar un rato agradable.
February 25, 2013
I am SO frustrated right now. I tried to finish this, I really did. I hate bitchy heroines, but I tried to give this one a chance because I thought it might have some potential and the writing is actually quite engaging. I made it to page 231 before I finally had to throw in the towel. The heroine runs hot-cold-hot-cold-hot-cold throughout the book, and while I truly do understand where she's coming from emotionally (she was abused by her ex-husband), the hero doesn't deserve the crap she puts him through. He's a sweet guy and I honestly can't imagine what he sees in her unless he's a complete masochist. If these were real life people, I'd be in her face screaming at her to fucking TALK to the poor guy, and explain why she's so scared and bitchy. After she told him for the millionth time that she didn't want to see him anymore, I decided she didn't deserve the happy ending I'm sure she'll be getting, and I'm no longer interested in her angsty emotional roller coaster.
October 17, 2014
I won this in the TRR 2013 summer party and hadnt read this author before.
Whilst this is a fairly long book, I found it fast paced and fairly engrossing, telling us the story of Eric and Emily. Eric is the captain of the local NHL franchise, Emily an ER doctor. Its a story about family and relationships, and whilst there are sex scenes, they do tend to be the fade to black type - though i felt this suited the story just fine.
Through a series of meetings, we learn more about their backgrounds, Emily's especially as it colours all her current decisions and attitudes.
Eric is obviously smitten and is almost too good to be true - I want one like him! - though he does have some dubious history.
Readers expecting a lot of ice hockey maybe disappointed as the ice time is limited and is more of a background topic but the story is carried well with the main story as well as a number of sub plots.
A great read, suitably apt HEA, leaving me feeling very warm and happy.
Whilst this is a fairly long book, I found it fast paced and fairly engrossing, telling us the story of Eric and Emily. Eric is the captain of the local NHL franchise, Emily an ER doctor. Its a story about family and relationships, and whilst there are sex scenes, they do tend to be the fade to black type - though i felt this suited the story just fine.
Through a series of meetings, we learn more about their backgrounds, Emily's especially as it colours all her current decisions and attitudes.
Eric is obviously smitten and is almost too good to be true - I want one like him! - though he does have some dubious history.
Readers expecting a lot of ice hockey maybe disappointed as the ice time is limited and is more of a background topic but the story is carried well with the main story as well as a number of sub plots.
A great read, suitably apt HEA, leaving me feeling very warm and happy.
September 18, 2012
Hockey player Eric Cameron is lonely and wanting to find someone to fill that emptiness when he meets ER doctor Emily Jordan. Of course as his interest is peaked, Emily seems put off by his bruises from his latest round in the arena. Eric is determined to get to know the woman who has an adorable son, but with each step he takes to get closer she takes two steps back.
Emily has a dark past that she has kept sheltered within, everything about Eric makes her nervous. I liked aspects of this story but never did really warm to Emily. She came off as cold and I felt so sorry about Eric during their rocky beginning. I was still compelled to finish the story and hoped they would work it all out.
Emily has a dark past that she has kept sheltered within, everything about Eric makes her nervous. I liked aspects of this story but never did really warm to Emily. She came off as cold and I felt so sorry about Eric during their rocky beginning. I was still compelled to finish the story and hoped they would work it all out.
June 16, 2013
this book was a cute romance. On my nook it was about 700 pages but I read it in a day. I really liked Eric. He was such a sweetheart. I can understand why Emily was the way she was and why she had such walls up and pushed Eric away. I just wish they had more about when they actually were together because it was like one moment they were fine and the next Emily was running and not wanting anything to do with him. There was a long time when they just werent together and I just couldnt wait till they finally did get together. I also wish she wouldve just told Eric about Ryan and everything she was going through. But she did it in her own way I guess because she had to protect Robby. So I give this book 3.5 to 4 stars. It had good romance and drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2010
I don't usually read romance novels, but I really enjoyed this book. As a hockey fan, I liked the character of professional hockey player Eric Cameron. He meets his complete opposite, Dr. Emily Jordan, a physician with a troubled past. The characters felt real to me, and at times I wanted Emily to stop worrying so much and just let Eric into her life, but if the author had made it easy, then it wouldn't have been such a suspenseful read. I read the book in two days and was disappointed whenever I had to put it down. It leads to a satisfying conclusion. I'll be looking for more books by this author.
January 27, 2013
This surprised me. I really liked the story. I was afraid it'd turn into smut that just happens to center around a hockey player, but it had an good plot. Plus, it wasn't smut! I shouldn't sound so surprised, but a lot of the hockey kindle books that pop up are just books about sex with a hockey player. I love hockey books and I'm tired of finding a lot of duds. I'm glad to say this was not. It was closer to Gibson, Aleo, or Deirdre.
August 19, 2011
This book is my idea of a good romance. The hero is loveable and sweet without being a namby pamby pushover, and the heroine gave him a run for his money for good, legitimate reasons (not contrived to keep the story going. Liana Laverentz has a Susan Elizabeth Phillips thing going on -- and I love it!
January 19, 2012
I'm not going to post a formal review on my blog, but just wanted to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I picked it up as what I call "books for me" and loved it! There is much more depth to the characters and the story. The book description didn't do the story justice. highly recommend
March 31, 2012
i really enjoyed reading this book, but it got only 4 stars because in some parts of the book i felt like the story was cut short and we jumped ahead with something over and done without being put into words. i think the story would've been much better if those parts were not "cut" out.
overall, characters were nice and loveable and i could relax reading this book :)
overall, characters were nice and loveable and i could relax reading this book :)
May 29, 2012
Romance with lots of turns and twists. Eric is one of the good guys and it's Emily with the drama. See how things work out. It's nice to see the story come full circle and give closure to the characters.
August 23, 2012
This was a really good story even though it didn't go at all like I thought it was. I was getting a little frustrated for a while b/c it just seemed to move to slow for me. And I hate characters that take out past hurts on the guys or girls trying to get them. It sucks.
May 9, 2013
It was too long. She should've shortened the story because I got bored by the middle and just skipped to the epilogue. Really great ending though if you're into this book. Spoiler: there is a HEA. Very HEA :)
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