Big Stick: An Aces Hockey Novel

4 Star Review of Big Stick (Aces Hockey #7) by Kelly Jamieson This is book 7 in the Aces hockey series and can be read as a standalone. Kelly Jamieson has done a great job with this series and this is Nick Balachov and Jodie’s story. When Jodie moves to Chicago she and her daughter need a place to stay, which is where Nick enters the picture when he lets them stay in his Coach house. All Nick wants to do is concentrate on hockey and have an occasional hook up. The last thing he wants is to be seriously attracted to any woman, least of all single mum Jodie and her gorgeous 2 year old daughter Zyana. Nick has had a hard life with means he has closed himself off to those around him whilst Jodie is his opposite and seizes the moment. Initially they clash but as circumstance and fate continue to bring them together they slowly ease into a friendship with potential for so much more. The chemistry between them is intense and Nick’s affection and behaviour towards Zyana is heart warming. I really loved that Jodie knew what or who she wanted and wasn’t afraid to move forward, her protectiveness towards her daughter was inspiring. The writing was strong and kept my attention and there were plenty of hot and passionate scenes.

Nick, the resident loner of the Aces Hockey team, steps outside his comfort zone to attend his best friend and teammate's birthday party. While there, he meets Jodie and is not impressed. Jodie and her best friend co-own an adult toy business. After her best friend fell in love and married an Aces hockey player, Jodie decides to embrace life and move as well. Having no family left in Chicago, Jodie packs up her daughter and moves in with the newlyweds. Three years after the death of his brother and Nick still can't get passed the overwhelming guilt he feels. Although he knows he's not responsible for his brother's death, he can't help but feeling like he could've done something more to help with his brother's depression. Nick also feels as though he doesn't deserve happiness because his brother should be living the life he is as he was the better hockey player. It's affected Nick so much, that he has decided he never wants to be responsible for anyone ever again. Until.... Unable to find a suitable home for Zyanna, Jodie reluctantly accepts Nick's offer to move into his coach house. Nick values his alone time, but also feels as though he owes it to his best friend to help him out. When Jodie and Zyanna start wondering around his property, he's irritated, but also intrigued. Nick never wanted kids, but finds Zyanna intelligent and adorable. He finds her mom, brilliant and desirable and chatty! When a winter storm throws them together, sparks fly and he begins to wonder "what if". When Jodie has to leave town for a business trip, Nick volunteers to watch Zyanna. While in his care, Zyanna becomes sick. Nick, not knowing what to do, feels horrible when he ends up having to take her to Urgent Care. He wrongly blames himself for her illness and uses it as an excuse to reinforce his belief that he's better off alone. In the process, he breaks Jodie and Zyanna's hearts. Loved, loved, loved this novel!!! Grief is real and molds our beliefs, feelings. It causes us to believe things that aren't necessarily true. Although it was Jodie's nature to be chatty, she excelled at listening when Nick needed an ear. She and Zyanna helped Nick become a more complete person. The transformation was endearing! Nick's interactions with Zyanna were priceless! Zyanna's "gwiant" endearment was so adorable! She had him wrapped around her finger from the start! Epic love story! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

4.5 Stars for Big Stick which is book 7 in the Aces Hockey Series but everyone of this series can easily be read as stand-alone books. I love hockey and I love this series and I was excited to be back in Chicago with the Aces and I was not disappointed Kelly Jamieson delivered once again. Jodie is a business owner and single mum she has just moved to Chicago with her best friend who also happens to be her business partner, life is moving in the right direction but that’s about to change when she meets a hulk of a hockey player who is a teammate of her best friends man. Jodie needs a place to live and she ends up renting Nick’s guest house, things don’t start well for this couple but the more time they spend together the more they realise they have feelings for each other. This book has all the feels you could ever want in a romance, it has its ups and downs, it has many obstacles to cross before you get a HEA and it has the most adorable little girl who has some brilliant one liners. A great addition to one of my favourite series.