A brooding hockey hunk learns to embrace life—and love—from a single mom who takes the world one puck at a time. “Kelly Jamieson is my go-to author for hockey romance.”—USA Today bestselling author Jami Davenport Big move . . . Jodie’s motto is “Don’t wait for the perfect moment—take the moment and make it perfect.” And that’s just what she decides to do when she moves to Chicago with her … to do when she moves to Chicago with her two-year-old daughter. Now all Jodie needs is a place to live, and her best friend’s boyfriend has just the answer.
Big stick . . . Nick Balachov has zero interest in socializing, partying, or flirting right now. It’s not that he doesn’t like women. He loves them. It’s just that hockey, casual hookups, and hanging out at home are enough for him these days. Now Nick has a big problem—because the woman living in his empty coach house is a major distraction.
Big deal? The more Nick tries to keep his distance, the more Jodie needs him—around the house, that is. First he helps with the snowstorm, then the power outage. Nick even finds himself trying to impress her little girl. What the hell is wrong with him? Jodie represents everything Nick doesn’t want. But maybe she’s just what he needs. . . .
Praise for Big Stick
“Oh, the feels! Big Stick is a sexy romance that will leave readers begging for the next in the series. Kelly Jamieson has me hooked.”—Tracy Goodwin, internationally bestselling author of Ice Hot: A New York Nighthawks Novel
“Kelly Jamieson’s characters fly off the page. I wouldn’t kick grumbly hockey-hottie Nick out of bed—even if he did pass out on accident. One-click Nick and Jodie. You won’t be disappointed.”—Tricia Lynne, author of Moonlight & Whiskey
“I enjoyed the plot. The hockey scenes are well written. It was easy to visualize what was happening on the ice. Big Stick was a perfect addition to the Aces Hockey series.”—Diane’s Book Blog (five stars)
USA Today bestselling author Kelly Jamieson’s epic Wynn Hockey series can be read together or separately:
PLAY TO WIN
IN IT TO WIN IT
WIN BIG
FOR THE WIN
Don’t miss any of Kelly’s captivating reads:
The Aces Hockey series: MAJOR MISCONDUCT • OFF LIMITS • ICING • TOP SHELF • BACK CHECK • SLAP SHOT • PLAYING HURT • BIG STICK • GAME ON
The Bayard Hockey series: SHUT OUT • CROSS CHECK
The Last Shot series: BODY SHOT • HOT SHOT • LONG SHOT
The standalone novel: DANCING IN THE RAIN
This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
more
This was my first read by Kelly Jamieson and it will definitely not be my last. I am a sucker for single parent romances and thrown in a sport I love, hockey, and that was the icing on the cake.
Big Stick, is a standalone in the Aces Hockey series. I have not read any of the other books in the series and was not at all lost or confused while reading this one.
Nick is my kind of book boyfriend! He is alpha, stubborn, and a self proclaimed people hater. Watching him break down for Jodie and Zyana, Jodie’s 2 year old daughter, was extremely swoony and I couldn’t get enough of it. Jodie is strong, independent, and it’s hard for her to lean on someone else. I loved watching Jodie and Nick maneuver around their growing feelings for each other and also deal with things that have happened in their pasts. Sure, they both make mistakes along the way but my favorite part was that they were grown up enough to talk about things without a whole bucket load of extra drama.
If you love romances, single parents, and sports romances, pick this one up!
I will be going back and reading the previous books in the series. I want to know more about Nick’s other teammates that I met in this installment. I will also be checking out the next book in this series, Game On once it releases.
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
4,5 stars
Lately I’m favoring hockey romances a lot! What can I say, I can’t resist a sexy hockey player
Nick is not just sexy; he’s moody and broody. He doesn’t really like people and prefers to be alone (I can relate at the alone part!). He lost his brother 3 years ago and that’s part of the reason he stirs away from others.
Jodie is exactly the opposite. She loves socializing and can chat your ears off. She’s brave and strong and really knows what she wants from her life. I seriously respect her; it’s not an easy fit to decide to have a child alone! Her daughter Zyana steals the spotlight in more than one times! She’s so cute
Even Nick couldn’t resist Zee’s charm. He’s warming to both her and Jodie soon enough. It was really interesting to see a closed off character changing through the book and actually opening his heart to other people!
Jodie and Nick’s attraction is getting stronger with every chapter and their chemistry is explosive! I found hilarious how they managed to made dirty jokes while watching hockey
What this book is really about is not hockey or sports. It’s about moving on from the past, forgiving yourself and opening your heart again!
Jodie has taken a big step, she moved to Chicago from New York, following her best friend and business partner, Kendra as Kendra began her relationship with Chicago Aces player Max. New city, company and a little girl to raise, dating and socializing hasn’t been a priority but when Kendra and Max’s apartment is full of his hockey teammates, plenty of eye candy all around, Jodie’s ready to mingle. Nick is not is a great place in his life, still recovering from losing his younger brother he only at the party because it’s his best buddy’s birthday party., he’s fine standing in a corner just observing, with plenty of alcohol to numb, but when he notices the pretty house guest well something catches his eye. Nick doesn’t date, he hates kids, not very social and could be said to be grumpy, Jodie is his opposite, bubbly and social and brings along a sweet little mini me too–total opposites but attraction is strong. When Nick allows Jodie and her little girl to move into the coach house on his property, he tries to keep his distance but when a blizzard snows them in and cuts the power well what is Nick to do but open his house to Jodie and her little girl. Once things heat up will it stay a casual thing or will deeper feelings find their way into a closed up Nick. Great fun read!
This is my first book by Kelly Jamieson and I’m happy to say that it won’t be my last. It was easy to read and I liked both Nick and Jodie. Who doesn’t like a guy that comes through even though he’s had a rough time and doesn’t feel that he’s earned the right to be happy. I liked Jodie a lot. I liked that she didn’t play games and how she loved her daughter. And, of course, being a hockey player doesn’t hurt!
5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review
I want to start off by saying, I love any book where the heroine’s name is Jodie. I know it’s not spelled the same, but you get the point. I’m kidding…or am I? In all honesty, I loved this story! Jodie and Nick were everything I hoped they would be and so much more. I love the Aces series and it’s great to see some of our old friend.
I love Nick. I love that he’s grumpy and wants to be left alone. It’s not often that you see that. Most of the time the guys is out looking for anything that walks. Not Nick. Jodie is an amazing mom. She loves her little girl and really isn’t look for anything. But these two have chemistry in spades. I loved watching these two fall. It made me happy to see how involved Nick was with Zyana.
I loved every single second of this book. Kelly Jamieson did an amazing job with this story. I loved every second of it and can’t wait to see what’s to come.
Nick is an interesting person, he is always closed off and not very friendly except to a few of his fellow teammates and their significant others but there is something about him that lets you know that he’s a tortured soul with a heart of gold, and in this book we find out just how true that is.
Big Stick is the seventh book in the Aces Hockey Series and although it can definitely be read as a standalone I feel you will get more out of it if you at least read SLAP SHOT which is about Jodie’s best friend, Kendra, and Nicks friend and teammate, Max, this is where we are introduced to Jodie. Jodie is a single mother of the cutest little girl, Zyana, and they have recently relocated to Chicago from New York in order to continue the sex toy business Jodie and Kendra started together and be close to her best friend. Many people wouldn’t just pick up and leave a place they are living in just to be close to a friend especially when they can continue to run their business from the two different states but Jodie doesn’t have any family and quite honestly she was probably reluctant to let go of the only person she cared about. You have to admit that’s pretty bally’s and I give her a lot of credit for doing that.
This story runs parallel to PLAYING HURT so if you have read Chase and Jordyn’s story you will see some overlapping and get a sense of Déjà vu but although the timing is the same the interactions are a little different. I really enjoyed watching Nick loose his rough and tough exterior when it came to Jodie and Zyana, there is some angst but nothing over the top. This was a really good addition to the series, I not only recommend this book to readers that enjoy sports romances but I recommend the entire series. Happy Reading!!!
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book**
Nick Balachov is a loner by nature although he truly enjoys the comeraderie of his teammates. But parties are not his thing . . . especially at this time of year when he feels the loss of his brother more than ever. When he passes out in the spare room at his friend’s birthday party and wakes up to the gorgeous yet overly chatty woman who tried to flirt with him earlier in the evening, he realizes he may have to rethink his position.
Staying with her friend and business partner after a move to Chicago, single mom Jodie needs a place to leave. When her friends suggest staying at Nick’s coach house, she balks at the idea . . .after all, he saw her naked before rushing out of the spare room he didn’t realize she was staying in. But, when she can’t seem to find an affordable apartment in a safe neighborhood, she reluctantly agrees.
As circumstances continue to throw them together, Jodie can’t help but to develop feelings for the gruff and broody hockey player who always seems to be there when she and her daughter need him most. And, the more that Nick tries to keep his distance from Jodie and Zyana, the more he’s drawn to the then both.
Once Nick and Jodie give in, their romance burns hot enough to melt the Chicago snow, but happy ever afters are never easy to come by. Even though she enjoys sex and being in a relationship, Jodie isn’t willing to compromise for less than she and her daughter deserve. And while he may feel drawn to Jodie and Zyana, they represent everything that terrifies Nick and makes him feel unworthy of being good enough for them.
When push comes to shove, will their personal baggage pull them apart or will their newfound feelings be enough to change their ways of thinking so they all get the happy ever after they deserve?
Big Stick was my first book in the Aces Hockey series, and I have to say that I am hooked! I really loved how Kelly Jamieson took the time to really create characters with lots of depth and emotion as well as gave them well developed back stories to make this feel like so much more than a typical sports romance.
Nick is the complete opposite of the quintessential cocky sports star, and I loved how broody and emotional he was . . .especially knowing why he was that way. It made watching him give in to his feelings for both Jodie and Zyana and start to enjoy life with them even that much sweeter.
Jodie is a fabulous character as well. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. Yet she is also caring and empathetic and doesn’t let her need for independence freeze out her need for relationships, both romantic and platonic. I love how she chose to be a single mom and created her own family knowing the difficulties she would face.
Together, this couple is just really enjoyable to watch slowly fall into one another. It was a real thrill to watch their story unfold! 4.5 stars.
Loved this one. Big broody hockey player – check. Adorable little girl with a sexy mom – double check! A fantastic recipe for a fun story that has the heart of Nick Balachov lost to the little girl and her mom Jodie because no matter how hard he tries to resist them Nick just can’t stay away.
Wonderfully written and these characters are amazing. The story will definitely leave you smiling. I highly recommend.
4 1/2 STARS!
Opposites attract when they least expect it! He’s not looking to be responsible for anybody but himself ever again, yet he finds himself being drawn to this gabby woman and her equally peppy toddler. They might have been the last thing in the world he was looking for, but it turns out the love they show him just might be exactly what he needs to be able to move forward with his life! Great characters that keep the story line moving.
Pro hockey player Nick Balachov doesn’t need any distraction right now. He’s still picking up the pieces of the turmoil life has been thrown at him in the last few years, and it’s just about all he can handle right now to concentrate on playing hockey, having time to himself and maybe an occasional casual hook-up. He never in his wildest dreams thought he’d be offering the guest house on his property to a single mom and her two year old daughter, but man, that just happened!
Jodie believes in living life to the fullest, so she didn’t let self-doubt railroad her out of picking up and moving with her kid from New York to Chicago! Her bestie and business partner Kendra has been the best at trying to get her settled, but she’s encroached on her love nest long enough and has to find her own place. Good thing Kendra’s hockey player boyfriend Max knows Nick will do him the solid of offering up his house.
After reading some of the other books in this series, I was eager to read Nick’s story. I love a good sports romance, and hey, hockey! For a team player, Nick is a bit of a loner and he prefers to stay home doing various projects rather than socializing. And let’s face it, his people skills are a bit rusty. Although he’s done it a lot in the past, he currently has no interest in hooking up, he claims to hate kids, and did I mention he’d rather be left alone? So when his teammate’s fiancée has a BFF and business partner who needs a temporary home for herself and her two-year-old daughter and Nick’s carriage house is suggested as a solution, Nick wants to offer up a great big NO. But what kind of a jerk would that make him? Surely they can keep their distance and go about their respective lives without interacting. Great in theory, but Mother Nature isn’t inclined to cooperate.
There are so many things I loved about this book. Of course, the sports setting and the camaraderie of the team members. I was impressed with Jodie taking charge of her life and building her family even though it might go against society norms. Her daughter, Zyana, was an adorable, funny kid who came up with some thought provoking comments and also provided some poignant moments with Nick. And then there’s Nick. He’s the kind of hero we all love – strong and sexy with a big heart but struggling with a brokenness compliments of past life experience. I loved watching him struggle and then come to terms with things, finally letting go of the guilt of the past so he could embrace love.
So why only three stars? Because the first bedroom scene was ruined by way too much asking permission or affirmation. Can I kiss you? Can I touch you here? Can I take your sweater off? Can I take your bra off? Are you okay? Are you still okay? Are you okay now? And it’s not like there was any kinky stuff involved. Only a clueless dolt wouldn’t be able to read nonverbal cues from his partner, and Nick didn’t strike me as clueless when it comes to pleasing a woman. And here’s the irony of this situation. Do you think Jodie asked permission or asked Nick if he was okay when she went down on him? No, she did not. I read romance to escape from real life and I don’t need or want current or controversial social issues bleeding into my fiction. That’s exactly what I’m seeking escape from!! This isn’t the first book I’ve read recently where the author sees the need to bring the current issues of the real world into a fictional romance. I don’t know if it’s a matter of an author making a statement or treading cautiously to avoid upsetting a reader. I much prefer a book that doesn’t step carefully but posts a trigger warning so individual readers can decide for themselves. Although I’m not sure how that warning would read. “Caution, contains intimate scenes of non-verbal, clearly implied consent?”
Otherwise, this is an entertaining, enjoyable read. For those of you who don’t mind opinions on current issues popping up in your romance, this will be a five star read. For readers like me who want an escape from real life, including current or controversial issues, I think you’ll be fine by skipping the big bedroom scene.
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Kelly Jamieson’s BIG STICK lights the lamp. It is the seventh book in the Aces Hockey series. Nick Balachov is grieving over the three-year anniversary of his brother Aleks’ death. He wants to be left alone to drown in his sorrow. Then teammate, Max Hall, talks Nick into renting out his coach house to single mom, Jodie. Being alone is no longer an option. This sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.
Kelly Jamieson does a wonderful job with her character development. Jodie is Kendra Armstrong’s (book 5, SLAP SHOT) business partner. The two own a sex toy company. Jodie and Kendra relocated their business to Chicago from New York. Jodie has a two-year-old daughter named, Zyana. Jodie is a talkative and smart engineer. Nick had a rough childhood. He feels guilty for his younger brother’s death. He feels undeserving of his life. He is an interesting guy.
I like how Nick, Jodie, and Zyana get to know each other. I appreciate how their relationship evolved. I love that Nick becomes protective of them. Nick typically keeps to himself. I love that he confides in Jodie, especially about his brother. He starts to want things he never wanted before.
I enjoyed the plot. The hockey scenes are well written. It was easy to visualize what was happening on the ice. BIG STICK was a perfect addition to the Aces Hockey series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Hockey romance for the win and they’re easily becoming one of my favorite romances to read! Big Stick was my first read by Kelly Jamieson and of course, in true Malia fashion, I’m rather late to this series…it’s book 7…oops!
I loved and admired Jodie’s strong independence. I’m always a fan when kids are brought into the fold and a huge part of the story. I can’t say that I’ve read a story where the heroine took matters into her own hands and decided to have a child on her own. And I won’t understand what it’s like to be a single mother. But to me, she handled everything as best as she could and she is such an amazing mother to Zyana.
And I loved that Jodie and her best friend, Kendra, run a sex toy business together! It definitely brought some humorous moments in the book because it’s so easy.
Ahhh Nick, he has a lot of pain and guilt that he’s dealing with. And he handles it in the only way he knows how, alone. When it comes to Nick and relationships, he keeps them at bay. Thinking he doesn’t deserve to have that kind of commitment with anyone, so he keeps it casual with no strings.
Jodie and Zyana moving into the house on his property was probably one of the best thing for Nick. With their rough start, I was eager to see they relationship turn into something more. Little by little, you see Nick opening up around Jodie.
As his walls start falling away, behind that tough and stand-offish exterior, there’s a genuinely sweet guy that’s absolutely caring.
I loved the slow burn between these two and they’re definitely one of my favorite kind of stories to read. I did feel in some parts where it lulled a little bit. But I was eager to get to the end to their happy ever after.
I definitely enjoyed this read and can’t wait to start from the beginning in the Aces Hockey series.
Kelly Jamieson
I’m a newbie to Kelly Jamieson and I didn’t know going into this book, that it was the 7th in the series, but I’m very intrigued to read about the other guys now! Big Stick was sexy, funny, and super cute! You have Jodie, this tough, super smart, sexy single mom, her adorable and seriously smart two year old Zee, and Nick and his big stick! Ha! Okay, there’s more to Nick than his big stick. Actually, he has a lot going on under that 6’4″ giant bod and grumpy exterior. He finds out a lot about himself after Jodie walks…or should I say talks herself into his life and it’s pretty awesome to see Nick come out of his shell.
Jodie, also learns a little about herself and putting herself back out there. Okay, I will say, I had a hard time believing Zee was two. Only for the simple fact that I have 4 kiddos, and granted my first one was talking before she turned one. She’s super smart and I totally had conversations with her at the age of two, she spoke very clearly, but some things seemed a little too advanced for Zee. I also have a two-year-old right now, he’s my baby lol, and he’s so different from my first. Definitely does not speak like my first did at this age so I think that’s why I struggled a little with her age and some of the things she did or said. But hey, she just might be a genius, so what do I know right?! ;p
Anyways, I loved how Nick, aka the giant, was completely blindsided by a two-year-old and a sassy mouthed sex talking woman. How he wants nothing to do with either of them or that lifestyle, but somehow gets sucked into them and before he knows it, he’s in deep. Plus he realizes, maybe what he thought he wanted was entirely different from what he actually wanted and needed. We learn his story and it’s a sad one, but Jodie was the perfect person to come into his life and help him see how loveable and worthy of love he is. I also loved the camaraderie of the guys in this book. The team gave you a real sense of family and although I am reading book 7 first, I didn’t feel as if I had to read the other books first, but now I really want to. Love that I found a new author and some new sexy athletes to gawk over and can’t wait to read the other books in this series!
#B2B Kristina
Jamieson is known for her stories of fiesty women and the men who charm them. What makes Big Stick stand out is that Jodie and Nick give readers a look at both sides of the coin. He’s the man that has it all. She’s a woman struggling to make a better life for herself and her child. Jodie is ever the optimist. Nick is a victim of his own celebrity. This is a pairing that shouldn’t work, yet totally does. A situation of convenience takes an unexpected turn when hearts become involved. Jamieson proves she can do no wrong when it comes to romance. Her language is one that only the heart can understand and mine is well versed in perfection.
This book takes place at the same time as PLAYING HURT and immediately following SLAP SHOT. Jodie, Kendra Armstrong’s partner at Femme Products, which makes sex toys for women, has followed her partner from NYC to Chicago, after Kendra moved to be with her boyfriend, Ace hockey star Max Hall (Hallsy). Back in NYS, Jodie had given up the idea of ever finding a man she could love and trust and feeling her biological clock ticking had artificial insemination to create her now 2 year old daughter, Zyana. They are staying with Max and Kendra until they can find their own place. At a party at the house, Jodie meets Max’s team mates, including, Nick Balachov, who she thinks is a jerk and he thinks she talks too much. However, Nick has an empty coach house on his property, which he had built for his brother, Aleks. But his brother died almost 3 years, and Nick still is carrying around guilt, because he feels that he should have kept his younger brother safer. Max talks Nick into letting Jodie and Zyana move into the coach house, until they can find something else. Nick is not a people person, preferring to spend his down time restoring furniture, because he is afraid of letting people down, but when a snow storm followed by a power outage, hits Chicago, he starts feeling protective of them both. Feeling a strong attraction for each other, they agree to a friends with benefits relationship, but will that really work for them?
As with the other books in the series, this is a well written story, with skillfully developed, endearing characters and a captivating story line that keeps the reader engaged through the entire book.
I received a free, advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Another enjoyable hockey romance by Kelly Jamieson. A great addition to the Aces Hockey series. Zyana was adorable. Loved tagging along on Nick and Jodie’s journey to happiness.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC received via NetGalley.
Jodie sees through all of Nick’s bluster to the sweet softy he hides inside.
Nick is just fine on his own – he doesn’t need a woman to answer to, a family to be responsible for. So why can’t he get Jodie out of his head? Maybe because she’s living in the coach house behind his home?
Jodie chose to be a single mother, knowing she had enough love to give any child, but she’s not totally against the idea of finding forever with a nice man. Or Nick, since he’s the one who’s currently hitting all her go buttons at once.
Growly, grumpy Nick and delightfully upbeat Jodie make the unlikeliest of couples, but they truly are the yin to each other’s yang. Watching Nick slowly melt around her daughter was just priceless. His self-doubts were painful to witness and almost cost him everything in the end.
This story was enchanting from the start, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Nick even at his worst. Jodie was a wonderfully vibrant character, full of hope but with her own insecurities as well. This book was a non-stop read for me, and I look forward to more with the Aces hockey hotties and the women who tame them. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
4.5
Favorite Aces novel to date!
I absolutely adored this romance between Nick and Jodie. There were twists and turns with bumps and bruises, but I saw each character grow in their own way, some more than others, and it was a beautiful thing. This book kept me entertained from page one.
My heart broke for Nick’s situation and it felt very personal, like I was the one living it. The emotion in this book was fantastic.
It had moments that were predictable, and some where I had to go back and reread because I thought I misunderstood something, but overall, this book has definitely been my favorite Aces Novel and I highly recommend it.
From the moment hockey star Nick Balachov waltzes into his friends party and his eyes land on Jodie he’s hit with an attraction he wasn’t looking to find, so he does what he always does, and becomes the jerk needed to send her packing. He’s not looking for a roll between the sheets, he’s become accustom to the quiet and he intends to keep it that way, and no woman is going to change that. But then again he has never met a woman quite like Jodie, she represents everything he thinks he doesn’t want, not to mention she has a child, and that alone has him wanting to run for the hills!
Being a parent isn’t even on his radar for the future, but when they need a place to stay for a bit he finds himself going against everything he believes and offering up his carriage house to them. Which he is certain is going to come back and bite him big time… and it does, the more time he spends with her and her young daughter the more he starts to see the possibilities a life with them could hold!
Between the pages of Big Stick you will find a delightfully crafted tale that is sure to tug on heartstrings and leave you swimming in feels! From the very first page this one pulled me in, the words gripped me tightly and just wouldn’t let go. I cannot say enough wonderful things about these characters, I found myself instantly connecting with them, and soon after falling head over heels for them… especially little Miss Zyana, she was a hoot! I have read a few of the Aces Hockeys books, and I have to say this one just took the lead as my favorite, it was sweet, sexy, and so good for the heart!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
I enjoy a great hockey romance and this is it.
Kelly Jamieson brings it !
Her knowledge of the game enhances the story.