Top Shelf: An Aces Hockey Novel by Kelly Jamieson
Publication Date: October 18, 2016
Contemporary Romance
Loveswept

Reviewed by Kini

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.

This is fourth in a series about hockey players. I have not read any of the previous books and didn’t feel lost, so I can comfortably say this can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoy this author’s voice and fell she does a pretty good job of incorporating realism in to her books, but they aren’t what I’d call gritty. Just kind of ordinary people, even though the hero in this book is an NHL hockey player. He isn’t overly alpha. The characters are typically fairly smart and don’t engage in over the top antics.

Sidney and Jared meet when she comes into his bar for a drink and proceeds to tell him how the menu and drinks are boring. She doesn’t realize he is the owner. Jared then hires her to help him revamp the bar. At first she is hesitant to get involved with him, because she has labeled him a player. Then they have this whole exchange about being a player, to which he replies:

“A player.” He shook his head sadly. “That has such a pejorative connotation.”

Thankfully, they don’t have too much of a debate over the fact that they essentially work together and are attracted to each other. They pretty much just go for it. They are both adults and neither are looking for anything serious. It works for them, until Jared wants to try for more so he challenges Sidney into dating him.

“She knew only too well the collateral damage that could happen when a couple split. But it was a challenge. She couldn’t walk away from a challenge.”

Jared is really the one that pushes for more of a relationship. I always enjoy when the hero drives the relationship forward.

Jared has an ex-girlfriend that was super annoying and kept showing up and trying to mess with Jared and Sidney’s relationship. She also played a part in the big misunderstanding. Sidney did jump to some conclusions and has this warped sense of he is this famous hockey player and deserves a woman who is more whatever than she was. I am grateful that there wasn’t a ton of page time spent on that ridiculousness.

I don’t want to ruin it but spoiler:

This was a solid read. There were some carry over characters from the previous books and some that are probably going to get later books, but none of it was distracting. In fact, I am interested to see if Hallsy gets his own book. Smart characters, realistic progression of their relationship, some steamy sex, this book was a win for me.

Grade: B

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