Icing

I really enjoyed "Icing" by Kelly Jamieson. This is the second full length book in the Aces Hockey series and Kelly is doing a great job building on the story lines started in the first two. Duncan is a fun character and I enjoyed watching Amber and him battle to get their HEO. Fans of the sports genre, especially Hockey would certainly enjoy this series. I recommend it as a fun quick read.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

Icing was a nice way to spend my time. I won't say that I didn't have a few problems with it, but things ran smoothly for most of the time. What tired me a bit was the arguments Amber and Duncan had. They were happening every now and then, but they always revolved around the same thing. For most of the book, neither of them fully realizes that the other is different and so is their needs. Duncan was trying to be helpful and support Amber when she needed it and she was always trying to be undefended and strong on her own. I am not saying that she shouldn't be, but sometimes it's ok to ask for help. For example, when her car broke down and she had to go to the interview she couldn't instead of calling Duncan for help, she took the bus show more home and missed the interview. Duncan on the other hand was always trying to help everything and everyone. I am not saying that this is a bad thing, but it was for most of the book when it came to their relationship. He couldn't back down. Both of them have their own hang ups and in both cases I find them justified.

I would have liked to know what happened to some people who appeared in the story and I hope I will hear good news about them in the next book. Also, I wanted to see Andrew and Jenna, but they weren't even mentioned :(. I liked this book and I thought of it as a good way to spend my time, so I will be recommending it, The book can be read as stand alone. The point of view alternate between Amber and Duncans giving us info on what both of them were thinking which for me helped a lot. show less

Duncan was so different than I thought he was going to be. At least, the vibe I got of him in the last book was of such a playboy and wild crazy ladies around him all the time. I'm so happy to find out that that was so not the case. He was more a good ol' boy with a heart of pure freaking gold. That Amber comes into his life right at the perfect time for him, but not so perfect time for her was a nice little push and pull between the two. Of course, Amber had some issues that she needs to work out, but they were pretty much perfect together. I'm loving this team and need more books in this series! If you like sports romance than this is the series for you, with its blend of hockey and actual romance is top notch.

Thanks to Netgalley for show more the ARC. show less

This was my first time reading one of Ms. Jamieson's books. Overall, the storyline is good. The characters are well developed and show growth. The story is fun, has some humor and contains more than just passing mentions of hockey. I loved the interactions with the secondary characters. They added depth and a more realistic feeling to the book. But, there were a couple things I had problems with. I would've liked to have had more build up to Amber and Duncan's relationship. I loved how Amber is a strong, smart, independent woman. However, Duncan is continually presumptuous and possessive before they've ever been on a date. It felt like they were moving too fast and fell in love too soon despite the reluctance of both to get involved show more with the other. I also got tired of the sex scenes being drawn out. It seemed like they were a way to add pages to the book. I got to a point where I just wanted it to end and dreaded the next time they hooked up.

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

Kelly Jamieson scores again with Icing the latest book in the Aces Hockey Series. Twenty-seven-year-old NHL Star Duncan Armstrong recently has broken up with his model girlfriend who was using him for his money. Amber Johnson Is the daughter of a former NFL star and wants nothing to do with a professional athlete. When they meet they hit it off, but as soon as they find out the others' profession red flags are raised. This contemporary sports romance takes place in Chicago and suitable for new adult and adult audiences.

I really like both Duncan and Amber. We met Duncan in book one when the Captain of the Chicago Aces and his roommate, Marc Dupuis, starts to date Duncan’s sister Lovey. Duncan’s ex-girlfriend/model Melissa is a piece show more of work. I felt bad that she used Duncan. Amber had a tough life growing up. I found it fascinating how Amber, and her mother handled the situation so differently, Amber clearly acting more adult. It is understandable why she would be skeptical about athletes. I thought it was interesting that both Duncan and Amber instantaneously liked each other when they first met but then judged each other because of the other’s profession and their past experiences. They both had a lot in common and have great chemistry.

I enjoyed the plot. It was believable and well executed. I like that we got a feel for Duncan’s and Melissa’s relationship in book one and that Icing starts with their break up. The hockey scenes are skillfully described and credible. The ending was well resolved. This story could easily be followed as a standalone, but I recommend reading them in order.

Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

NHL star Duncan Armstrong has fame and fortune, and a Stanley Cup win is an ultimate wish, and he's tired of being taken for granted by gold-diggers who like the prestige of dating a NHL player, he's a country boy at heart but he's not dum.
On his first night single he meets a waitress in a bar who seems different.
They hit it off great, he returns to the bar and then Duncan learns that Amber is a part time model and he has second thoughts about her.

Duncan keeps coming back for more. Can there be a HEA for the two lovers, the chemistry between them was phenomenal. A great story. I highly recommend it.