Whether it’s a clutch goal or a cocktail, nothing beats “top shelf.” In this novel from the bestselling author of the Heller Brothers Hockey series, a fun-loving jock and an ambitious career woman mix business with pleasure.
Not only is Jared Rupp one of the stars of the NHL’s Chicago Aces, he’s also the owner of the Sin Bin, the after-hours hot spot where the whole team hangs out. Lately, Jared … Lately, Jared can’t take his eyes off the woman he’s hired to give the Bin a more modern feel: a sexy, sophisticated consultant who has carved out a niche updating drink menus. She’s as passionate about her career as Jared is about hockey—and yet he can’t help wondering what kind of cocktail she really wants.
In her line of work, Sidney Frayne is used to guys hitting on her in bars, but Jared gets her hot enough to burst into flames. When he’s wining and dining her, he’s sophisticated as hell; on the rink, he’s a testosterone-fueled powerhouse. Still, Sidney’s bitter divorce taught her to keep her emotions on ice. With her busy schedule—and Jared’s playboy reputation—she’s not sure she’s ready for a fling. Because if she lets Jared into her bed, she just may have to let him into her heart.
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A sweet story overall. I’m not a fan of the setup for the story. I find the whole sex without feelings thing annoying because it’s stupid to think feelings won’t become involved. Plus, the whole I’ll never love anyone because I don’t want to get hurt thing is stupid too. The scenario just comes across as pathetic to me, so I don’t enjoy reading it. Then throw in an idiotic choice without any real professional opinion, and I wasn’t loving it. Way to just assume things; jeez. Also, Sidney kept saying she was over the situation with her ex, but she’s still letting it rule aspects of her current life, so it’s obvious she isn’t over it. The story is still entertaining, and Jared and Sidney do have a good connection. Some hot stuff between them! The hockey is fun too; except for the easy puck bunnies. This is the second book this week I’ve read where the guy banged some easy lay that went crazy stalker afterwards; keep it in your pants boys! At least until you know you aren’t with someone out to not take no for an answer; you don’t know when things will get out of hand or the lies they’ll tell. Jared was a decent guy; just didn’t make the best decisions in the past, still a sweetie though. Sidney for the most part is a strong lady with a good heart. She’s been hurt in the past, so there are those walls up.
Overall, I was entertained the whole story and I enjoyed the previous books in this series. I’m not in a rush to continue the series though because the next 2 books at least seem like they are a similar sex no feelings type scenario, and I’m just tired of that. Good writing though, so we’ll see.
Top Shelf is top shelf, indeed! I love the sexy banter, the dirty talk, the hockey environment and the 2 sweet leads. Jared and Sidney meet at his bar/restaurant the Sin Bin one night when Jared spies the beautiful blond walk into the place alone. She’s talking to herself about the cocktail menu sucking, so he’s immediately taken back and wants to know more. They meet and the attraction is immediate between the two and their relationship progresses from there. But, alas, it’s not really a relationship, as they agree to it just being some fun between them, with no dating, no falling in love, just fun between the sheets. He’s not looking for a commitment, and she’s been badly hurt by her ex husband, so it seems to be a perfect plan for the 2 who aren’t looking for a relationship beyond the bedroom.
Of course, as is almost always the case, both develop feelings, so they agree to date exclusively, but still, no falling in love, just a no strings attached, fun in the sack relationship. Between Jared’s busy hockey schedule, Sidney’s busy consulting business, and Jared’s crazy, stalker ex, and both their adamant vows that they’re not looking for forever, the obstacles to their relationship just might derail it from ever progressing.
I really like Jared, he’s sweet, so sexy, and incredibly kind hearted, both with his fellow teammates and with Sidney. Sidney frustrated me a little sometimes with the way she shrank from Jared, but, given her past with her ex husband, I guess it is understandable that she kept her heart locked away. Their chemistry is electric, though, and helped elevate Top Shelf from what could have been a fairly standard romance.
Lots of on ice hockey action, which I love! Jared and Sidney are just looking to hookup…. then create a dating game… all without the chance of falling in love, of course. Enjoyable characters, a little too much steam for me (skipped through a lot of scenes).
Hockey star Jared Rupp notices the beautiful woman enter his bar and when she sits down next to him he is intrigued. She gives her opinion of the drink menu peaking his interest even more.
Sidney Frayne knows that a man like Jared wants her but she also knows from her own experience that no strings is the best option when it comes to giving in to her desires. However, neither expect to fall for one another. What happens when one of them begins to want more?
I liked this one quite a bit. I thought the chemistry was intense and liked that they both felt like they did not have more to give. Sidney was an intriguing character who you wanted to know more about as the story progressed. Great read.
I loved this book! The characters were beautiful and believable. The dialog was true to character and the storyline was romantic and sexy. I hated to have it end. I am now going to read the other books in the series.
(4.25 stars)
What I’m really enjoying about the Aces Hockey series is the fact that it is evolving out of a rocky start in book one to a series where each book is getting increasingly better. Jared and Sidney have chemistry from their very first encounter. They have a very playful “non- relationship” and often found myself laughing at their antics. Top Shelf mixes together the perfect balance between Jared’s life on and off the ice. I’m really looking forward to reading Max’s book since his story has been being setup throughout the last few books. I’m curious to see IF and HOW Ms. Jamieson is going to make him whole again.