Game On An Aces Hockey Novel

I've received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. If you read it once, you read it twice. The overall premise of the series has been something I read.... Numberous times. Group of friends make a bet that one their own: hot, talented and overall ladies man can make the equally insanely hot girl fall in love with him and then a whirlwind romance ensures. I'm not saying that this overused story premise wasn't a good read, cause it was and I've very much enjoyed it, but it's not original. Despite that, if you're looking to read a sports romance filled with funny moments and great characters, definitely give this a try. It stood out a little more thentthe similar series I have read in the past and would definitely recommend to fellow readers for a quick read.

I'm a big fan of sportsromances and ones involving hockey in particular, so my expectations are high when I read something by a new to me author! From the start, Game on sucked me right in. The book starts off with Cam agreeing to a bet. First that he can't get the beautiful woman he sees to go out with him and on top of that, after dating her for two months that he won't fall in love. Cam may seem like a typical arrogant jock, but not that far into the book it's clear that there's more to him that meets the eye. He may have his choice of women and not stick to one after sleeping with them a few times, but he is a true gentleman. The woman doesn't pay for dates, he even seems protective. Cam knows he needs to work for what he's got and doesn't take it for granted. Olivia is over men! After her she caught her now ex-fiance cheating on her, she was done. She's decided to concentrate on her non-profit organization, despite her family not agreeing with that at all. I liked Olivia. Even though she comes from money, that's not something she took lightly. Her starting her own non-profit instead of working for the family business didn't go easily. Olivia has never felt completely accepted and she feels like she's always competing with her siblings. So when Cam, a famous hockey player, asks her out, she sees the perfect opportunity to help out her non-profit. No more, no less. Game On is a sexy, funny and feelgood romance. I haven't read the first seven books, but the way the players are around each other, it makes me want to dive in. Kelly Jamieson made me love Cam and Olivia from the start. On top of that, she made them feel real. I mean, in what book do the characters have a great first date to end up puking, because of food poisoning? While I felt bad for them, it was hilarious. Cam and Olivia fit together perfectly and I love their chemistry. Even though they both are in it to gain something, it's clear that they're starting to feel more than they bargained for. I loved that the romance was kind of slow burn though. They didn't jump into bed together and were all of a sudden in love. They actually went on dates (that didn't always go well) and met each other's friends and family. The romance, humor, sexy times and other aspects of their lives was in perfect balance in this book. I loved reading about what they were both doing when the other was off working. I'm also a big fan that this author actually had them be honest to the other that they were using each other. In most romances it comes out at the worst possible moment and they end up upset. That wasn't the case in Game On and I really appreciated. If you're looking for a fun sports romance filled with humor, romance, some feel good moments and characters you can relate to (even if they're famous hockey players), Game on is the book for you! I will definitely be checking out the rest of this series!

Reviewed from a free copy provided by the publisher. When Cam Brickley's teammates bet he can't date a woman for two months without following in love, he knows this is a best he can when. He hasn't had a relationship since his first girlfriend and is strictly in the game for casual sexy times. Olivia Lockwood needs a famous spokesperson to help spur her non-profit fitness program for kids into the big leagues, so when hot and locally famous hockey player Cam hits on her at the bar, she thinks she can turn his interest into a business opportunity. One date turns into three and into more as Olivia convinces Cam to join her mission and as Cam plays his heart out on the ice. But when both start to have feelings, Cam's bet begins to feel a bit dirty. Fans of Jamieson's Aces hockey series will enjoy this series ending, while those new to the series may find the romance between Cam and Olivia a little flat as loose ends are tied up. This wasn't really for me. I don't personally enjoy romances starting off as a bet, unless both parties are privy to it. Jamieson does handle the eventual outing of the bet well, but I had a few other issues that are of the content warning/spoiler variety. (view spoiler)[Olivia is a self-confessed former fat kid but is now "hot as fuck" and thin because she became a runner and then started her charity to help kids exercise. Kind of noble, but bothered me a little and felt fat-shamey. There's described familial shame regarding Olivia's appearance, Olivia not being smart enough, Olivia not being successful enough. Cam's previous girlfriend we find out tried to commit suicide as a "manipulation" and had "mental-health issues." I felt this was a caricature and not handled sensitively but solely as a reason why Cam refuses to date/commit. (hide spoiler)]