Holiday on Ice (Play by Play 8.5) by Jaci Burton-a review
Holiday on Ice
Book 8.5 in the Play-by-Play series
By Jaci Burton
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance, hockey
Release Date: November 18, 2014
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Superstar hockey player Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer and dancer Stella Slovinski have picked up where they left off a year ago, resuming their hot, uncomplicated affair. Stella refuses to call it dating, or a relationship. But lately, Trick is looking for more…
Stella’s been burned before—in a relationship she never talks about—not with her family, not with her friends, and definitely not with Trick. But now it’s the holiday season and Trick is determined to give Stella his heart wrapped up in a bow. He knows Stella is the right woman for him, but he’ll have to melt the ice surrounding her heart to keep her from walking away.
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REVIEW:
I just have to say, as much as I do love my paranormal and fantasy genre books, these sports themed stories by Jaci Burton are fast becoming my 2nd favourite genre. I just love her Play-by-Play series and Holiday on Ice is a nice addition to this very hot and steamy series. This novella is Stella and Trick’s story, and we were introduced to them in Melting the Ice. Even though Stella and Trick were secondary characters in Melting the Ice, it was very plain to see the chemistry and connection these two characters had with one another and I was very glad to see Ms. Burton has written a novella for them. Their story is one about love and hope lost, heartache, learning to believe in love and hope again, and going for what you truly believe in.
Stella and Trick are not only perfect for each other, but they burn up the pages in this one. Seriously, I don’t know how Ms. Burton’s keyboard, computer screen, etc, don’t catch fire when she writes this series. Her heroine and hero are combustible in this one, just like all her previous books in this series. The sexual chemistry sizzles through the pages between Trick and Stella from their first scene together when they walk back into each other’s lives.
Trick always knew there was something special about Stella and seeing her again, only proves to him he wants her back in his life on a permanent basis. He’s ready to leave behind his playboy image and get serious with one women, Stella. Now if only he can convince her of this. Stella having been badly hurt where love and her heart are concerned, doesn’t want to tread back into that area because it’s just too painful. However, seeing Trick again, and spending time with him is making it harder for her to keep her motto of, love’em and leave’em.
The romance between Stella and Trick is steamy to say the least, but also has a very sweet and charming side to it as well. Trick is the perfect hero, he’s strong, sexy as hell, charming, understanding and very patient with Stella. He knows she needs time and space and doesn’t rush her into anything. He knows she’s always had one foot out the door in this ‘relationship’ cause she refuses to call it a relationship. After a misunderstanding and coaxing from Trick, Stella finally opens up to him about her past relationship and love. The scene where they finally admit they love each other, and then when Stella opens up to Trick about her past are perfectly written. They were sweet, touching and very heartfelt. Having their story centered around the Christmas season is just the right touch. It gave them the chance to spend time together Christmas tree shopping, decorating the tree, playing in the snow, going ice skating and just having fun, falling in love with each other during a special time of the year and seeing what it would be like to be with that person everyday for the rest of their lives. These scenes just added another layer to a beautifully, charming and steamy storyline. Oh and lets not forget the hockey scenes. Since this is a sports themed story, and our hero is a sexy hockey player, those scenes were supercharged with engery and action and made me feel like I was sitting at Trick’s games with Stella cheering him on. What can I say, there’s just something about a man in a hockey uniform that gets me going. 😉
Once again Jaci Burton has written a fun, sexy, steamy, and fast paced story about romance, love and hockey. It kept me involved from start to finish, and made me feel like I was sitting in my local hockey arena cheering on my team. I just love these sports themed romances, and mixing in a little Christmas magic to this one was sheer perfection on Ms. Burton’s part IMO. Who can resist a sexy hockey player anyway. 😉
Until next time, happy reading and Merry Christmas everyone!!!
Reviewed by Marcie
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Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 50 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.. Visit her website at www.jaciburton.com for excerpts, her blog and contest information.
