Shootout: Seattle Sockeyes

Scoring #9

by Jami Davenport

I'm the new guy on the team, and I'm struggling to earn my teammates' respect and forgiveness for the dirt I've slung at the Sockeyes in the past.

I played my entire life with my twin brother by my side, even in the pro's. Now I've been traded to the Sockeyes, and my brother has been selected in the expansion draft by the Portland Icehawks.

I'm facing the unthinkable, competing against my brother in a game where only one of us emerges the ultimate winner. And that's not my only problem. I've developed a huge crush to one of my teammate's sisters, and he's not taking kindly to my interest in her, especially since he and I have butted heads in the past.

She's not interested in me, but I'm not able to walk away. There's something special about her, and I have to find a way to convince her that there's also something special about me, even if her brother hates my guts.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Contemporary, Hockey, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amazon

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive a free novel and be notified of new releases, special sales, and contests: https://geni.us/JamiDavenportNews

USA Today bestselling author Jami Davenport writes sexy contemporary, new adult, and sports romances, including Gone Missing, Seattle Sockeyes, and The Scoring Series.

Jami lives on a small farm near Puget Sound with her Army Ranger-turned-plumber husband, a Newfoundland drool monster, and a prince disguised as an orange tabby cat.

Jami worked in IT for years and is also a former high school business teacher but recently achieved a life-long dream of being a full-time author. A horse lover since birth, Jami showed dressage horses for over thirty years. Now she gardens and goes glamping, along with other travelling adventures. She's a lifetime Seahawks and Mariners fan, and has season tickets to the Seattle Kraken hockey team. She still misses her SuperSonics.

An avid boater, Jami has spent countless hours in the San Juan Islands, a common setting in her books. In her opinion, it's the most beautiful place on earth.

Reviews

[ItaPixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shootout was a fantastic read.

Banks Slater is the latest transferred player to the Seattle Sockeyes, Jessica Wilder is the new coah for the youth program of the franchise. They have a frustrating first encounter, it starts with them competing against each other for the rink and it ends with them trying to standing up in the locker room.

I've devoured Banks and Jessie story. It was entertaining, pleasant and enjoyable, but it also is irritating to see hockey is still a male dominated world where women has to put a double efforts to be acknoledged.

I loved how Jessie keeps Banks ego in check since their first shootout. She is a great heroine, nice and tenacious, she knows her value as a hockey player and coach and never back down in front of a challange. I appreciated how Banks recognize Jessie's talent. He is never intrusive and let her fight her battles, but he is always there to support her.
Their relationship grows organically, they share the same love for the sports and a blazing attraction.

I highly recommend it. You are not going to want to put this book down once you've opened it.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shootout🏒⛸️

Banks is new to the Sockeyes professional Hockey Team but unfortunately he is also person non grata. After a game goes bad, when he was with his old team, the Sockeyes aren’t very accepting of him because of this. However, he’s off to a bad start anyway when he ends up in a hockey challenge with a female skater, who he doesn’t think should be on the Sockeye ice…not realising WHO she is😳 Jessie is a new coach to the amateur coaching team and also the sister of a professional Sockeyes player. When the new guy comes in challenging her ice time, she decides to teach him a lesson😉

I adore Jessie and Banks together, their chemistry and “fake” relationship and I’m happy it all worked out for the best in the end. I can’t wait for more stories in this Sockeyes Scoring series❣️I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review😍

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book. When Banks was traded to Seattle and his twin was traded to Portland, I know it was so hard for both of then since they always played on the same team. I think it was worse on Banks since he was persona non grata because of something that happened last season. When Banks met Jessie he had no idea she was his teammate Wilder’s sister. I loved how strong Jessie was as a person and a hockey player. She had a tough road to pave in a man’s game. When her brother saw Jessie and Banks together, he about blew a gasket. Since Jessie was tired of her brother trying to run her life, she asked Banks to pretend they were together. You can just imagine how well that went for Banks and the hockey team. I was so proud how Jessie handled herself throughout the book. There were some ups and downs in the book along with some surprises. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Jean Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Wilder (sister to Sockeye's hockey player "Wild") just landed her dream job working for the Seattle Sockeyes' youth program. Jessie is a 2 time Olympic gold medalist in this male dominated hockey world and has to fight for everything she gets. She's a bit nervous so she goes to the rink the night before she starts her job to skate around. Unfortunately, she didn't bring her skates, so she's using some figure skates that she rented. It doesn't take long before she feels the presence of someone watching her. Unfortunately, he makes himself known pretty quickly and isn't happy that she's there. It turns out, it's Banks Slater. He was recently traded to the Sockeyes'. He's a premier forward and a league bad boy. He's also pretty despised by the Sockeyes' because they blame him for their losses last year. He's not happy to see her there and a challenge begins. Jessie gracefully loses because she's handicapped by not having her own equipment and leaves. She goes to take a shower and through a series of funny events. Banks and her are rolling around naked on the floor when someone walks in on them. Rumors fly and by the next day, word gets out to Wild that Banks was rolling on the floor naked with this girl named, Jessie. It isn't until Wild's fist connects with his jaw that he realizes, she's Wild's sister.

Wild is so furious about what happened that he yells at Jessie. She's sick of him bossing her around and decides to prank her brother and kisses Banks. They agree to pretend date since both Banks and Jessie will benefit from this charade. But before you know it, there's no good time to break off this fake relationship and it starts to get serious on both sides.

This was definitely a fun read! I love the Sockeye's!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banks Slater and Jessie Wilder have a crazy wolf first meeting that will grab your attention, have you laughing hilarious and on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.

Traded to a team that pretty hates him is a the harsh reality Banks faces plus being separated from his twin brother for the first time. He’s not ready for the wild introduction he has with a teammates sister, a teammate who can make Banks’ life miserable.

To rile up her overprotective brother, Jessie decides to play a prank on him using his new teammate after her brother’s overreaction to a locker room incident between her and Banks. It somewhat backfired when Jessie and Banks end up having to fake date to save his chances with the team and to keep her brother from killing him. Fake dating turns to friendship, some sexual attraction and possibly more.

Jessie is a super talented female hockey player trying to prove herself in a man’s world. She’s strong, talented, capable and gorgeous and totally has Banks’ attention. The player on and off the ice is happily settling down and avoiding his former partying ways, spending most of his time hanging out or talking with Jessie.

Watching these two come to terms with their emotions and feelings for each other was entertaining and sweet. Banks ends up being so much more than expected and was quiet swoon worthy after his initial attitude evaporates and he becomes supportive and connected with Jessie.

I received a free ARC from the author and 1852 Media; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Sockeyes hockey world. “Shootout” is a fun, flirty and heartfelt fake relationship romance that pulled me in with Banks and Jessie’s first meet and kept me there with their undeniable chemistry.

Banks is the newest player on the Sockeyes after being traded during the offseason. While at the practice facility, he runs into another person using the ice. Jessie is an Olympic gold medal winner in hockey and one of the newest members of the Sockeye family. The two have an interesting meet which leads to Jessie telling Banks’ teammate, who is also her overprotective brother, that the two are dating. But the more they hang out, the fake slowly starts to fade into real.

I loved how Banks and Jessie first met. It had me so invested in their story because I wanted to see where it would go from there. Banks was an instant favorite for me. I love a misunderstood sort of bad boy. Banks is a fish out of water being traded for the first time and from being away from his twin brother too. Jessie also is a fish out of water her whole life being a superstar in man dominated sport. That small connection they have of both being new solidified their friendship and helped them become more over time. I have my fingers crossed that we get a book about Jessie’s brother. He’s a perfect grump with a soft side.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banks Slater had always played with his twin brother but both had been traded, with Banks going to Seattle Sockeyes and his brother to Portland. Not having his brother as a sounding board or his back he's facing the wrath from his new teammates on a hit that happened last season on one of their players. He's a premier forward and bad boy of the league. He likes to party and doesn't think about settling down.

If all that wasn't bad enough he runs into a female skating on their practice rink and it ends up in a shootout challenge and then he runs into her in the showers and they end up falling over each other and of course they get caught and it looks not what it really is. He still doesn't know she is Jessie Wild.

Jessie Wild had been picked to be the first woman selected as a player development coach with the Sockeyes youth hockey program. Her background includes assistant coach, prior she played on the first line of the Women's D1 Collegiate championship team. She is an Olympic gold medalist and holds several records. She's not a newbie to hockey.

Banks and Jessie meet again and she decides to prank her brother who is Banks' teammate and doesn't think highly of Banks. He goes along with the prank of them fake dating.
But the more time they spend together they get closer and really enjoy each other.
What happens when her ex shows up?

4.5 stars

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake relationship, what could go wrong? Jami delivers on this amazing story about two people who each have something to prove! Banks and Jesse will win over your heart in this one! 5 hockey stars!
Banks has been traded to the Sockeyes, and oh boy, in the previous season, he took out their best guy with a clean hit, and their next best guy got a 3 game suspension defending their hurt player, all caused by Banks, and now he has to try to play along side guys on this team that do not like him. When he meet's Jesse, who he later finds out is his new teammates sister, the one that got suspended, and she pretends to be dating him, that sets up a whole new set of obstacles for him to conquer.
Jesse, the only daughter with a hockey dad and brother, has always had to fight to prove she should be behind the bench coaching a team. Even being a gold medal, best woman hockey player isn't enough to satisfy the coach of the youth team. She's tired of her brother always stepping in so when the opportunity arises to have him think she's dating Banks, she jumps on it. She's still recovering from her broken heart, and he's protective of her.
Enjoy their story as in unfolds here, perfect book to enjoy especially during the Stanley Cup playoffs!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really liked this series and this book is no exception. This was a quick read for me and hard to put down. I loved Banks Slater from his name to just who he is. He is just trying to adjust to his new team and being away from his family and twin brother. He is not exactly liked by all of his teammates but he tries to make the best of it and turn their impressions of him around.

Jessie is an Olympic Gold Medal women's hockey player who has just been hired by the Sockeyes to help with their youth program. She has a run in with Banks in the locker room that causes the pot to get stirred as one of the equipment managers catches them. She tries to get out from under her brother's thumb who happens to be one of Banks' teammates so she says that she and banks are dating. She decides that this is a good way to get back at him.

The more time they "fake date" the more they start to fall for each other but don't want to admit it. They have great chemistry and seem to fit well together. I have to say that I can't look at a zamboni without thinking about what they did on one. You get to see more of Vic who luckily has the next book coming out next year. I can't wait to read his story.

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shootout by Jami Davenport was the ninth book in the Scoring series regarding the Seattle Sockeyes, NHL team. Although enjoyable in order, Shootout could be read as a standalone.

I really enjoyed Banks Slater. He was a twin that had played hockey with his brother since birth until he was traded to the Sockeyes. He was a little lost as well as misunderstood. Although he could definitely be a dick at times, I enjoyed him more often than not. Jesse Wilder was a new coach for the Sockeye’s youth division. She was well known for her hockey success in college and the Olympics. She was also the younger sister of Jason Wilder, a current Sockeye star. She was a strong women and I enjoyed both her strength and her snark.

I also enjoyed the premise of the storyline. It was rooted from Jesse’s sassiness. I didn’t necessarily like her indecisiveness in regards to Banks, but I liked most everything else about her and what she represented. In the end, it was a quick and fun read. Although not mentioned much here, I’d like to have a book on Banks’ twin brother, Braden. Until then, Vick’s story is up next in Misconduct.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shootout, book nine in the Seattle Sockeyes Scoring series is a fantastic story! I loved the characters and the heated dynamics that moved Banks and Jessie’s relationship quickly from an enemies to lovers story that morphed into a fake relationship story and a younger sister trope. This book covers a lot!
Jessie is the new player development coach for the youth hockey program and Banks Slater is the arrogant, bad boy hockey player who has been traded to the Sockeyes. It is a trade he never expected and after the bad blood from the season prior his new teammates really don’t like him, especially Jessie’s brother.
These two are both new to the organization and are feeling like outsiders with Jessie trying to fit into a man’s world even with her amazing credentials and Banks being hated because of a hit and fight that happened at the end of the last season against the Sockeyes.
And as things heat up between these two, what may have started as a fake relationship has turned into so much more for both of them.

[Barbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As per normal, Jami Davenport gives us a great story with the newest book in The Scoring Series.

Banks arrives to Seattle fresh off his trade from Detroit, where he spent his entire career playing alongside his twin brother. The Sockeyes aren't quick to warm up to him, as his last play against them cost them one of their star players and the loss.

Jessie is new to the Sockeye organization, starting on the amateur coaching side where they teach young people about hockey. She is a woman in a man's world, but she is determined to get her due without any help from her brother, who is on the Sockeyes team.

Jessie and Banks have a bit of a crash introduction that leads into a fake relationship just to needle Jessie's brother. The longer they wait, the less fake things become.

Great story! 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a free ARC from the author and 1852 Media; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Jackie Forquer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Which way will it go?
As with nearly all romance novels, I expected Jessie and Banks to end up together, but I never knew which way things were going to turn for them to reach that point. Throughout the entire book, I kept trying to finish the story in my head, but Jami wrote in twists that would go against my thoughts. This book kept me on my toes.

You do not need to have read any of the other books in the Seattle Sockeyes series to enjoy this book, but I highly recommend going back and reading them at some point. It's a great series of intertwined characters that makes you want the series to never end. You will become an invested part of the Sockeye family.

[Elizabeth Clinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sockeye Hockey at its best. Book nine and we get an Olympic Gold Medalist in Jessie Wilder & Banks Slater traded to the Sockeyes and it’s exactly what we needed. A fake relationship with two people who have to prove to not only the team but themselves that they belong there.
You can’t help finding yourself falling for this couple, watching them slowly realize that maybe faking it isn’t going to work because the feelings are turning real.
So many obstacles they both will have to overcome but if they realize that they can have a HEA they all will be fantastic.

[Taz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banks is not happy with his transfer to the Seattle Sockeye hockey team. He thought he’d be a lifer at his former team with his twin brother. A chance encounter with Jessie leads to a prank of a fake relationship. Banks has never been a one-woman kind of guy, he’s quickly realizing the perks of it. Now if only this fake can go to real, it just needs a bit of work. Davenport gives us hockey and hot guys who are learning to get in touch with their feelings, along with bringing in past couples in their life together made for a great quick read. 

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great Hockey romance! I loved Banks and Jessie’s story! Banks has recently been traded to the Seattle Sockeyes and Jessie, a twice Olympic Gold Medalist and sister to one of the players on the team, has come to the Sockeyes as a coach to the jr. hockey program. When they join in on a fake relationship to help Banks fit in with the team and to get back at Jessie’s brother they embark on a journey that leads to something more. They keep resisting the pull between them until they no longer can. Shootout is a very entertaining journey that continued to put a smile on my face!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is #9 in the Seattle Sockeyes series of hockey romance. I like the Seattle hockey world Jami Davenport created. This is the story of Banks (traded to Sockeyes, and not well liked due to being a competitive opponent, who helped end the Sockeye's playoffs previous season) and Jessie (female former hockey player, and youth coach in the Sockeye academy system). I liked this dynamic, and the hockey was more part of the story. Felt like some of the scenes were rushed.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read that was fun and filled with heart. I really liked the story because I felt there were some fresh twists to it. Banks and Jesse gave me plenty of feels while keeping me highly entertained. The chemistry was solid, and the blend of drama, humor, emotion and heat was spot-on. I'm electing to post a candid review.

[Emily Utsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Male and Female hockey players, inequalities in sports, teammates sister, fake dating, immediate chemistry, and amazing spice!

This book can be read as a stand alone, you will just know more about the secondary characters if you have read the other books. But once you read this you will want to read the rest of the series!

[Karrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banks didn’t think that either him or his twin who he’s always been on the same team with would ever get traded. Banks gets traded to a team that he’s played against and they don’t like him. However he’s turned a new leaf. He’s no longer the bad guy abs his team mates are starting to like him with the exception of Wild, because Banks is fake dating his sister Jessie. She’s a new coach to the youth hockey program that the Sockeyes have. Jessie as a chip on her shoulder because she’s always proving that she not only know hockey she can play and she play it better then some of the guys. After all she did win two gold medals from she played. During their fake dating just so that Jessie could get back at her brother they both fall for each other. They get a happy ending.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved when Davenport writes from Banks' perspective. He is so grumpy and prickly with a less than warm welcome from his new team and a disaster first meeting with Jessica Wilder.
But Banks sees the struggle of being a woman in a male dominated world and is so awesome!

"Gender shouldn’t have any bearing. Demand your just due. Insist on being treated like any man in your position would be treated."

Great read - lots of fun with the team dynamics and the growth of both Jessica and Banks as they find their way together.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I binge read Jami Davenport's Seattle Sockeyes Hockey and Scoring hockey series and it took a little reviewing to remember all the things I loved about the books. Once I started I quickly dove back in only to figure out she has a new series, the Portland Icehawks that she's working on now. Damn you, Jami! (insert shaking fist here) I should have known better now that we here in Seattle have the Kraken taking the hockey world by storm.

Banks Slater has just been traded to the Seattle Sockeyes from Detroit, while his twin brother, who he has played with their entire hockey careers so far, has been sent to the new expansion team in Oregon. The trade has not been going well due to a hit that Banks made on a Sockeyes player the previous season that cost him his career and the Sockeyes' chances at the playoffs. A majority of the team don't like him and don't want him. He's been out of commission for almost a year due to a fractured wrist and has finally returned to play and prove himself to the team and try and fit in.

Jessica Wilder, sister of Jason Wilder, one of Banks teammates, and daughter of the team's coach, has been floundering with her life the past year after breaking up with the guy she thought she'd be spending the rest of her life with. A two time Olympian women's hockey champ, she's hired to coach on one of the team's hockey programs for kids, where she is still fighting the stigma of being a women in a "men's sport."

An unfortunate incident leads to a meet-cute between these two, and Banks reinjuring his wrist. And the story takes off from there.

I understand the frustration that Jessica is going through, and it's infuriating how much crap she has to deal with and she doesn't want to stir up trouble in fear of loosing her job. It's important for her to influence and encourage the young women and girls that want to play the sport but it's difficult when they have to witness the battles she has to fight for them.

It's interesting seeing a parallel to this in real life as well. I just met some parents of an up and coming young woman who have to drive back and forth from Seattle to Canada for their daughter to play on a team that gives her the challenges and support that she needs. Recently the local ice rink just north of Seattle, that was used by young athletes to train closed down, forcing them to use the new iceplex in north Seattle. However, the times available for the young women were recently changed or cut short making it hard to get in the time they needed on ice. Needless to say these parents are frustrated. Luckily the mother is a Canadian citizen making the commutes up every weekend for games and practices a little less complicated than it could be. Having this insight really made Jessie's story more valid to me.

Anyway, I love that even though, Banks and Jessie's relationship started out as a prank and the lies that they embellished to hide the fake relationship keep getting them in deeper, they still supported each other which allows for a real relationship to take form.

Through this book, I wanted to know more about the new expansion team, the Icehawks, but I also want to know where Vick's story will lead, and I hate that these books are spaced out slowly over the next year. Ugh.

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a story about two people who have just joined the Sockeyes Hockey Team in Seattle and actually have a lot in common when they first meet. They start out not liking each other and then things get even more complicated.

Banks Slater has a pretty bad rep in the hockey world and it's his first time playing on a different team from his twin brother. He is also on a new team that is not his biggest fan. So, he will have to work hard to fit in and get along with his new teammates.

Jesse Wilder is a female hockey player and has medals and trophies to reflect, plus she comes from a family of hockey players (Jason Wilder is her brother). When she joins the Sockeye Junior Hockey Youth League, she has a lot to prove as she is working with a bunch of men who don't think she should be there.

One aspect I loved about this story is we get to see Marina again. I read her book (Shot on Goal) a few years back and I totally loved her. I was so glad to see her in this book and how she welcomes Jesse to the team.

On the other hand, Geneva in this story who I liked when I read her book, Blocked, does something to Jessie and I really hated what she did. From that scene I hated her. I understand it was done for plot purposes but I thought it was totally uncool to do to another woman and was very disrespectful. Very mean girl in my opinion.

Jesse and Banks were so cute together. From their first kiss when she comes up with a prank on her brother, I fell hard for these two.

[Marea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Wild is not new to hockey at all, her father played it, her brother is playing for the Seattle Sockeyes, she was on a D1 championship team and even won an Olympic Gold Medal. So when given the opportunity to become a player development coach with the Sockeyes youth hockey program she grab at it. Even knowing from the start that she would have a hard road at proving herself to her coworkers, the parents and the youth. She didn’t dream she would run into the newest Sockeye who would help her prank her brother but also realize what love can be when a person supports you 110% which her ex definitely hadn’t done.

Banks Slater was having issues right from the start when he was sent to the Seattle Sockeyes. Partially because last season he made a hit on a Sockeye that took him out so he wasn’t well loved on the team and the other was because for the first time he was playing without his twin (who had been sent to Portland). What he wasn’t expecting was to run into this beautiful woman at the rink who not only put him in his place when it came to hockey but also blew his mind when they ran into each other in the locker room and would show him what a solid relationship could be. Even if it didn’t quite start the normal way.

Now the question is going to be if the two of them go from creating a fake love story to actually having a true one and if it can survive every block thrown their way. This is the next in the Sockeyes series and isn’t disappointing at all. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

[Kara Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banks Slater and his twin brother have been playing together since first putting their skates on until Banks is traded to Seattle and his brother is picked up by Portland. Banks is surrounded by a group of men who hate him for taking out their star player and causing another to be suspended during the playoffs. Jesses Wilder is the younger sister to Jason Wilder, a star player for the Sockeyes. Jesse has had great hockey success in college and the Olympics and now is a new coach with the Sockeyes youth program. Sparks fly between Jesse and Banks when Banks issues a challenge to Jesse. Banks is intrigued by Jesse, and Jesses finds herself attracted to the irritatingly handsome hockeye player. What happens when a rumor about Banks and Jesse gets back to her brother? WIll Jesse and Banks kiss have the desired effect Jesse wants to get her brother to back off? Will spending time together bring Jesse and Banks closer together? Will a fake relationship lead to something more permanent? What happens when Jesse's ex comes back into the picture? Will Jesse and Banks confess their true feelings for each other? I loved Shootout by Jami Davenport! Jesse and Banks are a great couple with amazing chemistry. I love the relationship between Jesse and her brother, Wild. I loved how Banks worked through his issues with Wild and his other teammates on the Sockeyes. I would highly recommend getting Shootout and the other books in the Seattle Sockeyes series by Jami Davenport. I received an ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

Action packed and filled with passion, heart and just enough strife to keep us on our toes until the end! The ninth book in The Scoring Series hockey series by Jami Davenport brings a familiar family to the forefront again when Jason Wilder's little sister moves to town and sparks fly with the new trade that the team isn't excited to see. The tension is high and the characters are fun to get to know. I wanted a bit more interaction with his fam, especially the twin that owns his heart ... but overall I loved their story and await more steamy goodness to come in this great series.

Banks is at a turning point in his life when he gets an unexpected trade and has to play without his twin by his side for the first time in his life. He's a sincere guy and wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to his bro. Watching him fall in love was heartwarming.

Jessie is accomplished and determined to succeed where no woman has before so she's quite the inspiration. Her attachment to the ex that broke her heart grounds her a bit and makes us dislike her just a smidge, but overall she's a great match for Banks and fun to get to know.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys hockey romance revolving around a great group of guys who have each other's backs and share in each others joy as love finds one after another.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shootout is the next addition to the Seattle Sockeyes hockey series. This fake relationship tale definitely drew me in and kept me entertained.

Banks Slater was traded to the Seattle Sockeyes in the offseason and it's the last place he wants to be, especially given the last time his former team played his new team. He's never played away from his family or on a different team from his twin brother, who happens to now be in Portland, so a lot of adjustments abound.

Jessie Wilder is a gold medal winning Olympic hockey player who has plenty of other hockey credentials on her resume. She's recently been hired by the Sockeyes organization to work with their youth programs, but she's having to work double time just to prove she knows her stuff just because she's a woman.

The first time Banks encounters Jessie, it is at the rink and he has no idea who she is. They end up sharing the ice and in the end they embark on a fake relationship to help both of their causes. Will it really be as easy as they think to just walk away? Or will there be real feelings involved?

This story ended up being a whole lot more than I expected it to be. It was more emotional than I was expecting, especially from Banks' perspective. I enjoyed the way it all unfolded. It was most definitely worth the read.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**

[Addictive_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shoots straight for the heart!

If you are a fan of Jami’s books, as I am, Shootout is the ninth book in the Scoring series centering around the Seattle Sockeyes and watch out because this one has all the feels and shoots straight for the heart!

What started off as a prank for Jesse Wilder and Banks Slater turned into something more with both characters having so much to prove. For Jesse it is being in a male-dominated profession, and constantly having to showcase for talent and for Banks it is having to redeem himself with his fellow team members due to past actions that no one can easily forget. Sparks erupt from the beginning even though this was never meant to be anything long term, but when it looks like their relationship can turn into something more, that is when things go to the next level. All the little twists and turns that were unexpected and made you root for these characters at every turn. Their chemistry was undeniable as was their uncertainty for each other and their circumstance of being together. It was a vey thought-provoking read that brought in some interesting and relevant social issues to the forefront.

Another absolutely fantastic read (as is the entire series) that should not be missed, but it should be noted that this can be read as a standalone. Eagerly anticipating for the next one in the series.

[Karen Boozer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in the Sockeyes series! Banks Slater was traded to the Sockeyes which separated him from his twin brother that he had played with since they were babies. He is lost without his brother and because of something that happened on his old team the Sockeyes were not fans of his. Banks had to learn to grow without his brother by his side and make some changes in his life.

In walks Jessie Wilder, Olympic Gold Medalist Hockey Goalie! She is the new coach to the youth program. Jessie also has to learn to grow and change to a point with the myogenic team that she works with on the youth program. She is an advocate for women in professional men's hockey and loves the game. Her brother is also on the Sockeyes team and is Jason Wilder.

Jessie and Banks meet by accident and hit it off, NOT! They end up fake dating because it ticks off Jessie's brother and lo and behold a real romance forms! They thought they were fooling Jason but in the end find out that he wasn't fooled at all!

This is a must read and I really would like to see a book on Bank's twin and maybe its already in the works!

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jami Davenport gets a win with SHOOTOUT (Scoring #9). In this story, Jessie Wilder just accepted a job as a player development coach for the Seattle Sockeyes youth program. Simultaneously, Banks Slater has been traded to the Seattle Sockeyes, a team whose players and fans despise him. To make matters worse, he is separated from his twin brother for the first time in his career. When Banks and Jessie initial meet, let’s just say they get off to a rocky start.

Oh and did I mention, Jessie’s brother is Seattle Sockeye defenseman, Jason Wilder; the person on the team that probably hates Banks the most. When Jason gets overprotective and growly about Jessie to Banks, her competitive streak comes out. The next thing you know, Jessie and Banks are in a fake relationship to tick her brother off.

Jami Davenport does a fantastic job with this story. It is entertaining and it covers some interesting issues, like Jessie’s battles in a male-dominated field. The story is skillfully written. I love the characters. It had me laughing and smiling. SHOOTOUT is an excellent addition to the Scoring series. I am looking forward to Vick’s story, MISCONDUCT. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.