ARC Review: 4 1/2 stars for Top Shelf by Kelly Jamieson

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 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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What I thought about Top Shelf

Trying to get her new business off the ground, Sydney Frayne happens to check out the Sin Bin and meets the sexy, gorgeous owner, Jared Rupp.  He's immediately taken with her and it doesn't take long for them to get horizontal.  There's a lot of heat between these two right from the start.

When I started reading this book, I was a bit worried that it would follow the usual romance formula and so I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did.  What intrigued me was that even though both Jared and Sydney insist that their bedroom activities are short-term and they aren't looking for a relationship, their words aren't enough to keep from falling for each other.

I particularly liked how Jared was the one to really fall hard for Sydney.  It was quite charming to have him be the one that realizes first that he's in love, and he has to figure out what to do about that, even though Sydney is holding firm on her "it's just sex" thinking.  

The book is well-written and held my interest throughout.  There's some great hockey sequences too, which I love in a hockey romance. This was the first book I've read in this series and it worked quite well as a standalone.

Overall, I really enjoyed this romantic story between Jared and Sydney and even found myself going back to re-read parts of it after I finished.  If you are looking for a entertaining and enjoyable hockey romance, you just might like this one.

ARC provided for review. 

About the Author

Kelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over 40 romance novels and novellas.

Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex”, “sweet and satisfying” and “blisteringly sexy”. She likes black coffee, white wine and high heels…and of course cheering on her Winnipeg Jets during hockey season!

Visit her website at www.kellyjamieson.com or contact her at info@kellyjamieson.com.  

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