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Chicago Steel #2
Checked By You
Mika
She’s the uber-sexy, single mother living next door. Everyone tells me to keep my distance. But there’s something about her. Specifically, her eyes. They speak to me. Drawing me in like a siren. I want to know her, but she’s more guarded than Buckingham Palace. However, after one afternoon in her presence, I find myself addicted and wanting more. Willing to do whatever I have to just to make it past her defenses.
Shiloh
My next-door neighbor is an insanely hot, single professional hockey player. As if that isn’t bad enough, he’s a nice guy too. After spending an afternoon where he showed my son how to skate and took us out to ice cream, I want to let him in. My past cautions me to put on the brakes, but I find myself going full steam ahead, ignoring all the red flags waving at me.
She’s the uber-sexy, single mother living next door. Everyone tells me to keep my distance. But there’s something about her. Specifically, her eyes. They speak to me. Drawing me in like a siren. I want to know her, but she’s more guarded than Buckingham Palace. However, after one afternoon in her presence, I find myself addicted and wanting more. Willing to do whatever I have to just to make it past her defenses.
Shiloh
My next-door neighbor is an insanely hot, single professional hockey player. As if that isn’t bad enough, he’s a nice guy too. After spending an afternoon where he showed my son how to skate and took us out to ice cream, I want to let him in. My past cautions me to put on the brakes, but I find myself going full steam ahead, ignoring all the red flags waving at me.
356 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2022
21 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Buss
16 books160 followersJessica Buss was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She is married to her high school sweetheart and has two sons. Although she has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology, she stepped away from that field to be a stay-at-home mom. Now that her kids are growing up and she’s getting more time to herself, she’s giving this writing thing a chance.
https://www.jessicabuss.com
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https://www.jessicabuss.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 9, 2023
✅️Professional Hockey Player 🏒
✅️Single Mom (2 kids)💙🩵
✅️ Neighbors 🏠🏡
✅️ Insta-attration/love 😍
✅️ No cheating 🫶
This was cute and I enjoyed the story.
Hockey player helps his neighbor for the meet cute and she thinks he has no idea who she is, while really he is pinning over her next door.
Mika is super cute with the kids and I loved it! 😍
*There were still some repetitive parts that seemed unnecessary or out of place, but for the most part the story flowed well.
*There were times when the book read as past/present tense that threw me a bit.
*Per author request to re-read after editing and republished book. Thank you for all your hard work put into this book!
✅️Single Mom (2 kids)💙🩵
✅️ Neighbors 🏠🏡
✅️ Insta-attration/love 😍
✅️ No cheating 🫶
This was cute and I enjoyed the story.
Hockey player helps his neighbor for the meet cute and she thinks he has no idea who she is, while really he is pinning over her next door.
Mika is super cute with the kids and I loved it! 😍
*There were still some repetitive parts that seemed unnecessary or out of place, but for the most part the story flowed well.
*There were times when the book read as past/present tense that threw me a bit.
*Per author request to re-read after editing and republished book. Thank you for all your hard work put into this book!
August 20, 2023
I think it still needed some work, but this book was better than the first one. I did get bored with chapters repeating the same events from a different point of view. However, some better structured chapters make me think the author is getting there. And she has a way with words, definitely a unique voice that she’ll only keep perfecting.
As for the romance itself, it’s again instalove, so of course it bothered me a little, but it’s a matter of preferences. The “I’ve never been in love, I see this person three seconds and I don’t know what’s happening but I want forever with them” trope is a trope I have a hard time appreciating because it’s too often lust taken for love, and because what I enjoy the most is the learning about each other. But I have to admit the latter is still happening some here, even though it’s after they already decided they had a thing going on. I loved the cute domesticity and Mika taking care of Shiloh’s sons.
The various twists and turns in their relationship didn’t always make sense though. It’s like they react before they think, and often to make poor decisions. I’ve seen this with other fledgling authors: instead of letting the characters tell their story, they know where they want to go and push the characters in that direction even when it doesn’t make much sense, with the usual “I don’t know why I did that”. It happens with more experienced authors too, but when almost all the story is told that way, it makes for poor character development and consistency problems. Here the balance was a bit skewed, but not too much. There were no obvious inconsistencies.
Practice makes perfect, and the author is practicing. Let’s see what the next book brings.
Quickie
- Series: Chicago Steel #2 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #neighbors #single mom
- Triggers: cheating
- Main couple: Shiloh Erickson & Mika Popov-Stevenson
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + Mika’s dedication to Shiloh’s family was adorable
- – why are they sometimes waiting for weeks to make a gesture?
EDIT: as this book was already better than the first one, the new version made it better but it wasn’t as noticeable as with the previous book. Still the structure is way better–I actually liked the big flashback that gives all the information as to why Shiloh’s mistaken when she breaks up with Mika. The author also cut some scenes that weren’t important, hence tightening the plot.
Besides the fact that it’s my least favorite trope, instalove, my main problem was with the timeline. Mika waits for months before he does anything to reconnect with Shiloh, and it seriously bothered me.
Still a pretty cute romance, and the author is definitely working on her craft. Good job.
As for the romance itself, it’s again instalove, so of course it bothered me a little, but it’s a matter of preferences. The “I’ve never been in love, I see this person three seconds and I don’t know what’s happening but I want forever with them” trope is a trope I have a hard time appreciating because it’s too often lust taken for love, and because what I enjoy the most is the learning about each other. But I have to admit the latter is still happening some here, even though it’s after they already decided they had a thing going on. I loved the cute domesticity and Mika taking care of Shiloh’s sons.
The various twists and turns in their relationship didn’t always make sense though. It’s like they react before they think, and often to make poor decisions. I’ve seen this with other fledgling authors: instead of letting the characters tell their story, they know where they want to go and push the characters in that direction even when it doesn’t make much sense, with the usual “I don’t know why I did that”. It happens with more experienced authors too, but when almost all the story is told that way, it makes for poor character development and consistency problems. Here the balance was a bit skewed, but not too much. There were no obvious inconsistencies.
Practice makes perfect, and the author is practicing. Let’s see what the next book brings.
Quickie
- Series: Chicago Steel #2 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #neighbors #single mom
- Triggers: cheating
- Main couple: Shiloh Erickson & Mika Popov-Stevenson
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + Mika’s dedication to Shiloh’s family was adorable
- – why are they sometimes waiting for weeks to make a gesture?
EDIT: as this book was already better than the first one, the new version made it better but it wasn’t as noticeable as with the previous book. Still the structure is way better–I actually liked the big flashback that gives all the information as to why Shiloh’s mistaken when she breaks up with Mika. The author also cut some scenes that weren’t important, hence tightening the plot.
Besides the fact that it’s my least favorite trope, instalove, my main problem was with the timeline. Mika waits for months before he does anything to reconnect with Shiloh, and it seriously bothered me.
Still a pretty cute romance, and the author is definitely working on her craft. Good job.
November 9, 2023
I was completely invested in this hero getting his happily ever after. Mika has been on a self-imposed hiatus from the dating world because he is searching for something more. Cupid's arrow flings his way and BOOM! Hits directly for his next-door neighbor. Mika has all the qualities of hero I love: protective, caregiving, attentive and all once in awhile his inner caveman comes out. If you love a cinnamon roll hero, he is it.
Shiloh really deserves Mika. I mean her previous relationship was - Oof! nothing but trouble. However I love a strong heroine who knows that family comes first. She has her own protective instincts that a single moms can relate to. I will admit for the dark moment of the story I was Team Mika but I could really see her point of view on protecting her heart.
Again this was a enjoyable read with that instant attraction goodness I so love that I devoured and ready for book 3 in the series.
Shiloh really deserves Mika. I mean her previous relationship was - Oof! nothing but trouble. However I love a strong heroine who knows that family comes first. She has her own protective instincts that a single moms can relate to. I will admit for the dark moment of the story I was Team Mika but I could really see her point of view on protecting her heart.
Again this was a enjoyable read with that instant attraction goodness I so love that I devoured and ready for book 3 in the series.
November 2, 2022
This is the 2nd book in this series and it can be read as a standalone. This book is about Mika and Shiloh’s journey together. One simple interaction between the two has them feeling the sparks. This is a well-written, emotional story, and with heartbreak, humor, slow burn, sports romance, and single parent. Shiloh is a single mom to her two little boys. Mika is a star defensemen hockey player for the Chicago Steel. She is his next-door neighbor. I love the beautiful bond Mika developed with the boys. I am looking forward to reading more from this Author! Can’t wait for the next book.
July 7, 2023
After reading this author’s debut novel I was quietly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. Now after finishing her second book I am in no doubt that she was meant to be an author.
I loved all the highs and the lows throughout this book. Mika and Shiloh were a great couple to read. I also very much enjoyed how well little Sam & Lian were written and what they brought to the story as well.
The conflict part of this story really made my heart drop. But I am going to be a total fence sitter here, because I could see both sides of the story as this played out. But I was also one extremely happy reader once I got past this point.
I also liked the continuance of Christian & Monica in this book. But I don’t know if the next book will be about them or if their story will continue to play out as a sub plot. Either way I know I can’t wait to get my hands on book 3
I loved all the highs and the lows throughout this book. Mika and Shiloh were a great couple to read. I also very much enjoyed how well little Sam & Lian were written and what they brought to the story as well.
The conflict part of this story really made my heart drop. But I am going to be a total fence sitter here, because I could see both sides of the story as this played out. But I was also one extremely happy reader once I got past this point.
I also liked the continuance of Christian & Monica in this book. But I don’t know if the next book will be about them or if their story will continue to play out as a sub plot. Either way I know I can’t wait to get my hands on book 3
November 2, 2022
This is a good story with a interesting group of characters and held my attention from start to finish . I really like how the author had the couple get togeather and I can’t wait to read more .
July 25, 2023
Mika is a pro hockey player who is one of the best at his position. Shiloh is a single mother living life with her tiny humans. Mika spies Shiloh one day coming home from a run, and helps her since she was having some issues with her groceries. From the moment they met, the sparks were flying & both felt the connection. Mika is all in, but Shiloh is trying her best to not let him in so let the slow burn rumble begin. I love it when the hero is trying to talk the heroine into giving them a chance since most of the time it's the other way around (good on you Jessica Buss for flipping the script). Shiloh is going to be a hard sell since she's a package deal, but holy hell! The interactions between her tiny humans & Mika were the very best so my heart was filled up with sweetness as well. I loved the fact that this author added more to this story because it made it better for me so now I had to rate it higher so bravo Jessica Buss, Checked by You was a great story that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
March 24, 2024
It amazes me how the characters remain in each book. It was exciting to read about Lucas and Samantha, now Mika and Shiloh, but Christian and Monica still remain a mystery. Love that you see the main characters' story, but nothing is left out from the previous story(small details included). It is seamless. This series has been a second chance romance series, so if you love that sort of thing, I think you will love these cute little reads.
July 24, 2023
Omg I loved this book! This is the second book in the series and I really can't wait to read the next book. It gives me all I could want in a book. The sexy times are hot and even though there are some things you rage at hoping it out all good.
Jessica Buds is a must read for me now I'm hooked!
Jessica Buds is a must read for me now I'm hooked!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2022
4 STARS for Checked by You - author is Jessica Buss
This is Book 2 of the Chicago Steel Series and can be read as a standalone.
Checked By You started off a little on the slow side for me I think that is just to set readers up with some needed background information for both the main characters.
Checked by You is a :
Sports Romance - hockey
Next door neighbor Mika attracted to single mom Shiloh
Two adorable kids in Sam and Lian
Relatable relationship issues
Slow burn
Great chemistry
Some laugh out loud dialog and funny situations
Happily Ever After
Mika is a star defensemen for the Chicago Steel when out for a run one day he spots his neighbor Shiloh needing some help with falling groceries bags. A simple interaction that has them both feeling the chemistry. Shiloh is a protective Mama Bear to her little ones and can’t see herself getting involved with the gorgeous - hot - athlete ( thanks to a Google search ) he has single bachelor written all over him … or does he ?
Shiloh has trust issues from a bad breakup with her cheating ex husband part of the reason she is so reluctant to think about dating Mika. Some of my favorite scenes in this book involve Mika and Shiloh’s kids just so cute - heart warming really …
I enjoyed this book and recommend this series !
This is Book 2 of the Chicago Steel Series and can be read as a standalone.
Checked By You started off a little on the slow side for me I think that is just to set readers up with some needed background information for both the main characters.
Checked by You is a :
Sports Romance - hockey
Next door neighbor Mika attracted to single mom Shiloh
Two adorable kids in Sam and Lian
Relatable relationship issues
Slow burn
Great chemistry
Some laugh out loud dialog and funny situations
Happily Ever After
Mika is a star defensemen for the Chicago Steel when out for a run one day he spots his neighbor Shiloh needing some help with falling groceries bags. A simple interaction that has them both feeling the chemistry. Shiloh is a protective Mama Bear to her little ones and can’t see herself getting involved with the gorgeous - hot - athlete ( thanks to a Google search ) he has single bachelor written all over him … or does he ?
Shiloh has trust issues from a bad breakup with her cheating ex husband part of the reason she is so reluctant to think about dating Mika. Some of my favorite scenes in this book involve Mika and Shiloh’s kids just so cute - heart warming really …
I enjoyed this book and recommend this series !
August 21, 2023
super cute book. really liked this story line better then the first book. you don’t necessarily have to read book 1 first, so this could be stand alone but for character development it’s good to read the first so you understand who these people are to the main characters and why they are important. this story line was a lot more believable in a sense of a single mother being protective over her children, especially since her ex husband is a total POS, in which you could see that happening in real life (unfortunately). same with the tabloids and how they skew things to make it look a certain way. i’m sure this has happened to many famous relationships as well. mika’s devotion to shiloh gives you butterflies and how committed he is to her kids. the miscommunication of when the tabloid happens and how she expects him to fight for her, but he thinks she wants him to leave her along is equally as believable. also to me, a good amount of smut. not too much, not too little. doesn’t make you feel like that’s all there is, that there’s more to their story then just sex. i also enjoyed that it was 280 pages again. perfect amount of pages to make you want to keep reading yet doesn’t feel like it drags on. can’t wait to read book 3 because the reviews say it’s even better then this one.
October 31, 2022
Jessica Buss hits it in the net with CHECKED BY YOU (Chicago Steel #2). In this story, Chicago Steel defenseman Mika Popov-Stevenson is drawn to the single mother living next door. Shiloh Erickson is attracted to her neighbor but cautious because of her past.
CHECKED BY YOU is a heartwarming and entertaining read. I like Shiloh. Her ex was a selfish controlling jerk. She has not dated anyone since her divorce. Her boys come first. She is a good mother. Mika was raised by a single mother. He has a ton of respect for Shiloh. He’s never dated anyone, so there is a bit of a learning curve for him. I love that Mika felt a connection with Shiloh’s sons, Samuel and Liam, as well as with her. The boys are adorable.
CHECKED BY YOU can be read as a stand-alone. I did not read the first book in this series and had no problem following the story. However, those characters are in this novel, so I am interested in reading book one, HOOKED BY YOU, Lucas’ and Samantha’s story. This is the first book that I have read by Jessica Buss. I enjoyed her writing style and want to read the other books in this series. I am looking forward to Christian and Monica’s story in book three, CLIPPED BY YOU. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
CHECKED BY YOU is a heartwarming and entertaining read. I like Shiloh. Her ex was a selfish controlling jerk. She has not dated anyone since her divorce. Her boys come first. She is a good mother. Mika was raised by a single mother. He has a ton of respect for Shiloh. He’s never dated anyone, so there is a bit of a learning curve for him. I love that Mika felt a connection with Shiloh’s sons, Samuel and Liam, as well as with her. The boys are adorable.
CHECKED BY YOU can be read as a stand-alone. I did not read the first book in this series and had no problem following the story. However, those characters are in this novel, so I am interested in reading book one, HOOKED BY YOU, Lucas’ and Samantha’s story. This is the first book that I have read by Jessica Buss. I enjoyed her writing style and want to read the other books in this series. I am looking forward to Christian and Monica’s story in book three, CLIPPED BY YOU. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
October 28, 2022
This book started off a little slow for me as I was irked it was about some random teammate we knew very little about and not Christian and Monica 😂😂 HOWEVER the farther I got into the book and the story fleshed out more (and stopped having word for word copies from the last book) I started to really enjoy their story.
The breakup part was very believable with him being a hot sexy hockey player who has been notoriously single for years and her having a NASTY ex-husband who was not ever worthy of having out a ring on her finger.
This book was so steamy once they got together and then back together! Holy Moly! lol
Mika is a total swoony badass for how he stepped up to be a father to her boys just as much as a good partner to Shiloh.
I would totally recommend this for fans if steamy hockey romance ❤️
The breakup part was very believable with him being a hot sexy hockey player who has been notoriously single for years and her having a NASTY ex-husband who was not ever worthy of having out a ring on her finger.
This book was so steamy once they got together and then back together! Holy Moly! lol
Mika is a total swoony badass for how he stepped up to be a father to her boys just as much as a good partner to Shiloh.
I would totally recommend this for fans if steamy hockey romance ❤️
October 12, 2023
4.25⭐️
This is book 2 in the Chicago Steel series and I really enjoyed it! Shiloh and Micas story was so cute💗
Our mmc Mica is a pro hockey player AND a bachelor. He is ready to take a break but only until he meets his gorgeous next door neighbour. However he can’t help but not want a relationship, especially with kids involved, but the attraction he feels is still so strong!
Our fmc Shiloh is a single, divorced mother of 2 beautiful children. She is cautious about giving her heart to someone again after her last marriage and she wants to always put her children first🥰
Their story was SO good, the more I read, the more I fell in love with Shiloh! And Mika is soooo cute with the 2 kids. I loved the characters, story, chemistry and the spice! Onto book 3 now🫶🏻
🤍 single mum
🤍 hockey player
🤍 sports romance
🤍 neighbours
🤍 no cheating
This is book 2 in the Chicago Steel series and I really enjoyed it! Shiloh and Micas story was so cute💗
Our mmc Mica is a pro hockey player AND a bachelor. He is ready to take a break but only until he meets his gorgeous next door neighbour. However he can’t help but not want a relationship, especially with kids involved, but the attraction he feels is still so strong!
Our fmc Shiloh is a single, divorced mother of 2 beautiful children. She is cautious about giving her heart to someone again after her last marriage and she wants to always put her children first🥰
Their story was SO good, the more I read, the more I fell in love with Shiloh! And Mika is soooo cute with the 2 kids. I loved the characters, story, chemistry and the spice! Onto book 3 now🫶🏻
🤍 single mum
🤍 hockey player
🤍 sports romance
🤍 neighbours
🤍 no cheating
July 26, 2023
I really enjoyed Shiloh and Mica's story. Mica is one of the good ones. He's a protector, raised by a single mom, so he understands what Shiloh is dealing with. My heart melted with how he is with her little ones. The two of them click so well, that pull runs deep, but the slow burn adds so much to their connection. I was surprised by the ups and downs, which really kept the pages turning! I'm really loving this series, the characters we've met and I'm looking forward to what is next!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 25, 2023
Shiloh and Mika overcome obstacles and a past failed relationship. They secretly pined for each other before starting a friendship that turned into so much more. I felt bad for Shiloh when she was with Trent ... a total tool. So glad she found her footing and blossomed into the woman she was meant to be.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book with ups and downs and some miscommunication between them. But it helps them grow and realize what's in their hearts. A great continuation to the series. Looking forward to more stories regarding the team.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book with ups and downs and some miscommunication between them. But it helps them grow and realize what's in their hearts. A great continuation to the series. Looking forward to more stories regarding the team.
July 28, 2023
This book is the 2nd in the series and I love these characters! They both want the same thing but neither of them know how to go about it. Shiloh is afraid and has trust issues, plus she has her boys to think about. Mika has never had a relationship but knows he wants one with Shiloh. Their lack of communication when things got rough was frustrating but they finally get it together! Another great story by Jessica Buss! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
July 25, 2023
3.5stars
This was a good read. Shiloh was a bit of a doormat at the beginning of the book but she slowly came into her own. Although I felt she should have at least gave Mika a chance to explain himself before kicking him to the curb. I get she has a rough time with her ex but at least she should have given Mika the benefit.
This was a good read. Shiloh was a bit of a doormat at the beginning of the book but she slowly came into her own. Although I felt she should have at least gave Mika a chance to explain himself before kicking him to the curb. I get she has a rough time with her ex but at least she should have given Mika the benefit.
November 1, 2022
This book had a lot of learning points that many couples could learn from. Mika has some things that he needs to learn being a famous guy dating someone who has been burned in the past. Shiloh needs to learn trust. It was a super sweet story that held me on every word.
October 3, 2022
I throughly enjoyed Reading this sequel to hooked by you. We didn’t get much Micah time in the first book so I loved how you really got to know him throughout the book. But like who doesn’t love a big ole sexy hockey player. You also meet Shiloh who is a beautiful single mother. (One of the best tropes). Also who doesn’t like a hockey player loving on 2 little boys. I loved this book and the characters. I love a book with good side characters and man Do you fall in love with Monica and Christian (both in hooked by you as well).
August 24, 2023
This is the second book, it's Mika and Shiloh, she's a single mum, he's a hockey player, it's instalove. I really enjoyed elements of this book and look forward to what comes next
August 14, 2023
**ARC REVIEW**
Cute read, the story flows and is enjoyable. Some parts went by too fast for me and I would have enjoyed the book more if it delved deeper. Overall, fun and heartwarming read!
Cute read, the story flows and is enjoyable. Some parts went by too fast for me and I would have enjoyed the book more if it delved deeper. Overall, fun and heartwarming read!
July 26, 2023
Love how Mika and Shiloh instantly are attracted and feel a connection. Mika is amazing, super sweet and great with Shiloh’s boys. I frustrated by the total lack of communication between the two and Shiloh not even giving Mika a chance to explain.
November 9, 2023
This is book #2 in the Chicago Steel series. This is my favorite book in this series. Omg I love Mika & Shiloh!! Cried, Laughed, and so many other emotions. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
CAWFILE: 10.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
CAWFILE: 10.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
December 27, 2023
Mikah and Shiloh's story I loved it. It's so good I couldn't get enough of these two. The pacing was on point and the storyline was very well written. I liked that this was about a single mom who meets the one but not without a bit of work to get that HEA. A must read.
July 25, 2023
Mila has never done a relationship, but with Shiloh he sees his entire future with her and her boys. However something happened and he never got to tell her before one of her best friends did. They’re both devastated and heartbroken until one night their friends planned a night out. They finally do the talk that they should have done months before. They get their happy ending together along with Shiloh’s two boys.
July 14, 2023
Revised Review-Better the Second Time Around…
As a huge fan of the hockey genre, I was ready to sink my teeth into the story of Mika and Shiloh. While I haven’t read the first book in the Chicago Steel series, Jessica Buss did a nice job at explaining previous characters.
This time around, we get a closer look at Mika, who seems like one of the last single guys on the team. Mika is a family man without a family. He had an emotionally tough upbringing with his single mother and really wants his own family. I appreciated the tweaking of Mika’s character. He was more relatable in this revision.
Shiloh is a single mom of a two- and a five-year-old boy, so to say she was busy is an understatement. With some past baggage of her own, she isn’t looking for a partner, however Mika isn’t bad to admire from afar. Once she takes her five-year-old to the rink for some ice skating lessons and a professional hockey player is there, it’s game on.
In the previous version, it felt that these characters had zero chemistry. However, Mika was much more likeable this time around. His want for his own family was so sweet. Shiloh is going to get my rath now. While I like some angst, it was quick angst in the storyline and Shiloh was very immature about the situation with Mika. At one point I wanted him to move on and find someebody that appreciates him. In this rerelease, Jessica Buss did a great job at taking out the “filler” that was present in the previous read and made Mika an excellent book boyfriend! Although part of a series, Checked by You reads well as a standalone.
Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog.
As a huge fan of the hockey genre, I was ready to sink my teeth into the story of Mika and Shiloh. While I haven’t read the first book in the Chicago Steel series, Jessica Buss did a nice job at explaining previous characters.
This time around, we get a closer look at Mika, who seems like one of the last single guys on the team. Mika is a family man without a family. He had an emotionally tough upbringing with his single mother and really wants his own family. I appreciated the tweaking of Mika’s character. He was more relatable in this revision.
Shiloh is a single mom of a two- and a five-year-old boy, so to say she was busy is an understatement. With some past baggage of her own, she isn’t looking for a partner, however Mika isn’t bad to admire from afar. Once she takes her five-year-old to the rink for some ice skating lessons and a professional hockey player is there, it’s game on.
In the previous version, it felt that these characters had zero chemistry. However, Mika was much more likeable this time around. His want for his own family was so sweet. Shiloh is going to get my rath now. While I like some angst, it was quick angst in the storyline and Shiloh was very immature about the situation with Mika. At one point I wanted him to move on and find someebody that appreciates him. In this rerelease, Jessica Buss did a great job at taking out the “filler” that was present in the previous read and made Mika an excellent book boyfriend! Although part of a series, Checked by You reads well as a standalone.
Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog.
September 4, 2023
3.5 Stars! This story about a single mom and a professional hockey player had romance, angst, sweet tender moments, some misunderstandings, and heartwarming moments. Shiloh and Mica had to overcome some obstacles to reach their HEA and I enjoyed watching them figure out how to overcome their own past experiences in order to be open to this new relationship. I enjoyed their banter and their chemistry. So, you may be wondering why not a full 4 stars...well, the one drawback for me was that the first few chapters were more tell than show. It took a bit of time to get through Shiloh's back story and I did feel like it dragged a bit. I understand why the author did it, after all, we needed to understand why she would behave the way she did later on in the story, but I felt like it could have been done a bit more quickly or, if it was going to take that amount of time, I would have loved to experience a few scenes between her and her husband instead of mostly just "hearing" about his behaviour. However, the rest of the story worked well and I enjoyed Shiloh and Mica's interactions and their love story. Overall, this is a really fun read from a new to me author!
July 27, 2023
4.5 Stars
So this is my first book by Jessica so I wasn't sure what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised to find i absolutely loved it!!! I wished I had time to read book 1 before this one. Not because I felt I missed anything at all because they seem to be about an individual couple in each book but they do entwine and mix with each other. And I just like getting the bones on a couple before they have the meat if you know what I'm saying. But that's just a preference of mine and I didn't count against this book at all. Because Mika and Shiloh were as close to perfection as a book can get. And her boys I mean I love books that have kids I just wish that it had more of the one on one time with Mika and them. But as far as how everything else was played out it was as it should have been. I can't wait til the next book!!
So this is my first book by Jessica so I wasn't sure what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised to find i absolutely loved it!!! I wished I had time to read book 1 before this one. Not because I felt I missed anything at all because they seem to be about an individual couple in each book but they do entwine and mix with each other. And I just like getting the bones on a couple before they have the meat if you know what I'm saying. But that's just a preference of mine and I didn't count against this book at all. Because Mika and Shiloh were as close to perfection as a book can get. And her boys I mean I love books that have kids I just wish that it had more of the one on one time with Mika and them. But as far as how everything else was played out it was as it should have been. I can't wait til the next book!!
March 24, 2024
I loved this book!! Instant love, when Mika saw her, he was knocked on his butt! Their love story is so great though! However, on one of his away game's pics were taken that looked really bad, & Shiloh was very upset & broke up with him for a while. I wanted to scream TALK TO EACH OTHER! And at least give the benefit of doubt. They took a while to get back together, & they FINALLY did! I loved that he was so great with her kids! Highly recommend!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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