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After a brief marriage to an unfaithful, gold-digging wife, Jared Roderick is looking for the perfect good girl, and he thinks he’s found her. Sweet, quiet, prim Stephanie Clarke is exactly the woman he wants and nothing like his cheating ex. Now to convince a reluctant Steph they were meant to be together.Steph has had enough of men controlling her life from her preacher father to her abusive boyfriend. She wants to regain the innocence she lost and ignore the ugliness of her recent past. She’s not the pure and sheltered virgin Jared desires and fends off his advances despite the sizzling chemistry between them.Jared is as determined to win Steph over as he is to win hockey games; but when he discovers his fantasy is tarnished, does he have the strength to skate the distance?

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2018

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About the author

Jami Davenport

83 books1,099 followers
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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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for Tpagirl Loves Romance.
1,663 reviews166 followers
May 21, 2018
Shutdown Player was the tenth book in the Game On series by Jami Davenport.

Jared. He was a gorgeous NHL player. He was recently divorced from a money hungry puck bunny. She was unfaithful any time she had the chance and drained Jared dry during the divorce. However, as bad a choice he made, he still believed in a forever love. He knew his one and only was out there but he had no idea how to find her. He turned to a matchmaking company that was highly recommended by his married teammates.

Stephanie. I wasn’t much of a fan of Stephanie at first but only because it was hard to get to know her. However, it was likely a realistic perspective from an abused relationship, so the sympathy was definitely there. Ultimately she needed to find herself and heal. She had no interest in a new man and ran every time she had the chance. She wanted her past and her secrets to remain a secret forever. I was pulling for her to be stronger and gain more confidence, but it took a little longer than I generally like to get her there.

Davenport took us on a journey through healing and friendship. A forever love wasn’t in the cards until healing took place. Once a friendship was firmly established, healing was the focus. Once done, then a relationship could be explored. It was a solid premise.

Davenport also provided a suspenseful multi-dimensional plot. Stephanie’s past came full circle but Jared’s past needed a better conclusion. No spoilers, but I felt it was unfinished and unrealistic. That said, it was still well written and enjoyable.

True to form, Davenport included our past Sockeye favorites as the supportive and fiercely loyal extended family to Jared and Stephanie. It was a treat to see their continued development.

All in all, it was a great addition to the series and a strong foundation for future books. Hopefully, after the enticing buildup, we’ll get Drew’s story next.
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,107 reviews124 followers
November 29, 2018

This was such an enjoyable read.
The romantic side of the story develops really slowly giving the tale more credibiliy.

Steph,our heroine, is getting off a very abusive relationship and she is trying to get her life back on track. She works two jobs and doesn't give men more than a thought until she meets Jared. He is an easygoing guy who still believes in love even after his marriage ended pretty badly.
I've liked to read about these two characters' journey,they have a special bond since the beginning and I've really appreciated how Jared didn't push himself into Steph's life giving her some time to get accustomed to their friendship first.

I didn't have read all the books in the series but I'm regretting my choices because Jami Davenport writing is great and I need to make up for lost time.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews349 followers
April 26, 2018
description
In Shutdown Player, Jami Davenport gives us two people who's past has now made them weary of trusting other people, especially when it comes to relationships. But the sparks and connection between Jared and Steph are hard to ignore. They each will have to work through their issues if they want to have any kind of future together.

I loved the way this author created the perfect scenario for these two emotionally damaged people to begin to work through the emotional and mental barriers their pasts created. I also really liked the characters. Jared had this vulnerability that had me attached to him almost instantly. But the fact that he also came across as kind, caring, patient, and still able to go after what he wanted definitely won me over. Steph, on the other hand, had the kind of past that I don't think anyone could blame her for deciding she's had enough of men. She was the character I most truly enjoyed reading their personal growth.

This was another really fantastic hockey romance. This author has become one that I don't have to hesitate to grab a book from because I am confident I'm going to enjoy what she gives me. I would certainly recommend this book and this author to other sports romance fans.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
7,542 reviews153 followers
April 24, 2018
Jami Davenport makes it hard to sit on the sidelines and not root her characters on. The blinders come off and the celebrity becomes human. Shutdown Player is the journey of two good people, who have suffered a bad break. A blow to the heart is not easy to bounce back from, especially when hateful words and violent episodes are part of the equation. Steph knows that first hand. As she rebuilds her life, she struggles to keep her heart intact. Jared is putting that resolve in danger. When it comes to love, will pride or trust win?
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,471 reviews247 followers
April 27, 2018
Shutdown Player was a sport romance and it was the perfect combination of sport and romance. It also had a really good storyline that had a slow burn romance throughout the story between the two main characters. I loved the way that the couple took time to be together. I also really loved the secondary characters in the story as well, especially the sisters. They made me laugh and smile every time they were in the story.



Stephanie was an amazingly strong female character that experienced a lot of pain and hardship in the last few years of her life. I found that she had a lot of courage for making some hard decisions in her life and trying to get her life back on track. She was incredible caring and sweet as well. I was cheering her on throughout the story to get her happy ending because she deserved it.



Jared was the sexy hockey player who experienced a lot of hurt when his marriage ended. I really felt for him in terms of the type of things that his ex-wife did to him during their marriage and during their divorce. Bit I liked the way that it didn’t stop him from wanting to find love again and fall for Stephanie.



Shutdown Player is the tenth book in the Game On In Seattle series and revolves around Jared who is still getting over the end of his short marriage that has left him devastated. But then he meets Stephanie who has experienced her own heartache from an abusive relationship. But the two characters are immediately drawn to each other, can they both help each other heal from the past?



I really enjoyed this story and the way that the author wrote the perfect balance between sport and romance. They characters were really good together and I really enjoyed how they got together. The writing was incredible well done and the story flowed all the way through the book. I can’t wait to read more form this author.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,259 reviews74 followers
April 27, 2018
4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Skating on Thin Ice: Seattle Sockeyes Hockey (Game On in Seattle, #1)
Crashing the Boards: Seattle Sockeyes Hockey (Game On in Seattle, #1.5)
Crashing the Net: Seattle Sockeyes Hockey (Game On in Seattle, #2)
Love at First Snow: Seattle Sockeyes Hockey (Game On in Seattle, #2.5)
Melting Ice: Seattle Sockeyes Hockey (Game On in Seattle, #3)
Hearts on Ice: Seattle Sockeyes Hockey (Game On in Seattle #3.5)
Blindsided: Seattle Steelheads Football (Game On in Seattle, #4)
Bodychecking: Seattle Sockeyes Hockey (Game On in Seattle, #5)
Bottom of the Ninth: Seattle Skookums Baseball (Game On in Seattle #6)
Game Changer: Seattle Steelheads Football (Game On in Seattle #7)
Goaltending (Game On in Seattle #8)
Penalty Play (Game On in Seattle #9)

This is Steph and Jared’s story. Steph is sick and tired of men trying to control everything in her life. From her father to her exs all about control. Now she is free and working on herself. Jared has a bad experience with a unfaithful and gold digging wife. Now he is looking for a good girl. He sees that in Steph and they have off the charts chemistry but she is fighting it. He is determined to have her no matter what. He is going to win her over. But when secrets come out will he feel the same way or will he want to move on with her?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Susan Trewick.
568 reviews16 followers
April 25, 2018
Although this is the tenth book in this series I do feel it could be read as a standalone though I do suggest you read the previous books as this series is fab. This story follows Jared and Stephanie, Jared is recovering from a bad divorce, even though she took all he had to give he still believes in love and is looking for the one. Stephanie is in hiding after leaving an abusive boyfriend, trying to get her life back she takes a job at a matchmaking agency, she meets Jared and sparks fly but she has signed an agreement not to date any of the men at the agency. A friendship blossoms between them and they are pushed together, can Stephanie get over her past and give Jared a chance? Can Jared see past Stephanie’s past and go for what he wants?
I really enjoyed this book, I was hooked from the start and read it in one sitting. I loved that we got to see Stephanie and Jared’s relationship blossom from friends and bloom to lovers, it is a bit of a slow burn romance but that just made the story believable for me as Stephanie was in no position to start a relationship. We get to see the characters overcome some awful situations, but together they overcome them. We get to catch up with past couples, which is always nice and meet a few new characters, I can’t wait for the next book in this series.


*** reviewed for sweet & spicy reads-ARC provided for honest review ***
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
4,793 reviews182 followers
April 26, 2018
5 star Review Shutdown Player: Seattle Sockeyes Hockey (Game On In Seattle #10) by Jami Davenport

This is book 10 in the series and another winner for Jami Davenport in my humble opinion. This is the story of Jared Roderick and Stephanie (Steph) Clarke.
 
This book had me hooked from the very first page. I absolutely loved Jared and Steph, two people hurt by their pasts yet equally determined to move on.

Whilst Jared is looking for love, Steph is bound and determined to ignore the sizzling chemistry between them.
 
All Jared wants is to find a woman who is the total opposite of his cheating ex wife. In Steph he believes he has finally found her.

Jared doesn’t count on the walls that Steph puts up to protect herself. It’s time for her to live the life she wants and deserves, away from her controlling father and her abusive ex boyfriend.

From the start of Shutdown Player I wanted these two to get together and remain that way. Can they each work through the troubles of their pasts and in doing so find a love that is strong enough to survive?

The chemistry between Jared and Steph is scorching and this was one of those books that I simply didn’t want to put down.
 
I love that Ms.Davenport’s characters are not perfect, they are flawed and the situations they find themselves in are easy to relate too, her characters are strong and her stories well written. Although it is book 10 in the series, it can easily be read as a stand alone.
 
 
April 27, 2018
Another enjoyable book in the Game On in Seattle series. This series has had me hooked. I get more invested with all the characters after reading each book and am always eagerly waiting for the next character's book. I was curious about Steph from a previous book and of course Jared since we saw the meltdown of his marriage before.

These two have been burned by relationships before. On one hand you have Jared who is eager to find someone but they have to be completely opposite of what his ex was. Then you have Steph who was burned something awful and is not looking for anything from a man. A friendship forms and while their is an attraction she is fighting it with all she has and he knows he has to be patient or she'll run.

He isn't sure about her past and once he finds out will he stick around? Will he understand? She doesn't have the "clean" past as he wants but will he see past all her mistakes? Will Steph's past end things before they have a chance to make a go of it?

I highly recommend this series. They are so addicting and I think you will love all of these guys as well. Jared isn't like most hockey players. He wants something serious and long term. He isn't into puck bunnies. Steph is so sweet and it broke my heart with everything she went through. I think you will be rooting for them to find their happy ending as well.
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,279 reviews62 followers
April 27, 2018
3.5 stars for me

I enjoyed this hockey romance. Jared is gun shy after his acrimonious divorce. Steph is a little broken and hiding secrets she's ashamed of. Add in some hilarious meddling matchmakers and plenty of hot hockey players and it's an easy sports read.

I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,419 reviews115 followers
April 23, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Author and L. Woods PR***

I struggled with this title. Separately, I thought Jared and Stephanie were interesting. They had interesting stories, her with her abusive ex and him with the gold digger he divorced who bled him dry.

However, the book took a really, really, long time to get past these things and to get to the point where they started a relationship. And, then it got twisty, and introduced the reason that he thinks maybe they won't work. And, there was not enough of them together for me to really be invested in the relationship. It was close to 60% in the book before the romance went from a slow burn attraction to anything substantial...and then to add in the drama at that point, it was tough for me to feel fully engaged.

That said, I did enjoy this book overall. I liked the resolution of the story, and I liked where the characters ended up at the end of the story. I just wanted a little more foundation to get them there.

I do recommend this title, as I did enjoy it, I just wanted a little more from this story.
April 27, 2018
4.5 Amazing Stars!
Sports Romance lovers rejoice! This romance is filled with Hat Tricks, both literally and figuratively; any true hockey fan who knows the jargon can tell you this is something great! Shutdown Player is filled with funny and tender moments along with some drama and turmoil mixed in to keep us riveted and holding our breath a little. This is the perfect book to settle down with for an afternoon read it’s fast paced and features some wonderful secondary characters; my favorite were the psychic Clarke sisters, the geriatric pair of eccentric and rich team owners kept me laughing at their antics. Don’t be deterred by the fact this is the tenth book of the Game On in Seattle series, featuring the Seattle Sockeyes hockey team. It’s a standalone and you can always go back and read all of them, starting at the beginning.

Stephanie Clarke has been living off the kindness of her friends, after getting out of an abusive relationship with her first and only love, Gino. Her father was a Pastor at the Christian church they attended and she hasn’t seen her family in over five years, when she took off with Gino, believing his lies. She hates talking about him, and the things he made her do, so no one really knows what she went through. How she wishes she could have a do-over. but now she’s just trying to get back on her feet. Izzy, one of her friends, is married to the Sockeyes’ team captain, Cooper, and offered Steph the studio apartment above their garage.

When Steph meets Agnes Clark, the older great aunt of one of the players on the Sockeyes hockey team she’s offered a job, on the spot, as a personal assistant. Agnes and her sister, Iona, run a matchmaking service called Forever Matched, as a hobby, for lonely millionaires and billionaires looking for their forever matches. They give Steph a paper to sign, stating she won’t ever date a potential client; it would be bad for business, as Agnes explains.

Poor Jared “Hot Rod” Roderick is living on the brink of poverty, despite having a contract with the Sockeyes, due to his divorce. He agreed to all of Candy’s demands in the divorce; he wanted out of the short marriage as soon as he found out she’d been cheating on him almost from day one. Even though he had a bad experience with Candy, he still believes in finding “the one” and wants it all: a home and loving wife and children. He liked being a couple and knows he needs to more careful finding the right one.

“I know what I want, and I won’t settle for less.”
“Sometimes what you think you want and what you need aren’t the same.”
“I did the need thing and got screwed over. I like being part of a couple, but I’m gunshy.”

 So when a team mate offers him a business card to help in his search he decides to take advantage of the offer.

“Good for one forever match.”
“The proverbial gift horse had just been plunked in his lap. Who was he to question his good luck? He had nothing to lose, and everything to gain.”

With the psychic sisters playing matchmakers, anything is bound to happen! These two had a gift they put to good use. Some would call it meddling, but I won’t split hairs. Or as they so beautifully explain:

“Love can’t be reduced to words on a form. Love is more magical than word on paper.”
“We’re successful because our matches are spiritual via psychic visions and intuitive perceptions, the average person doesn’t use the gifts they’ve been given. Don’t even acknowledge them. We know. We feel. We perceive.”

Be prepared to hold on to your seat when the drama starts! I teared up a few times when Steph finally revealed her deep, ugly and painful secrets. And Jared was exactly what she needed, the exact opposite of Gino, to handle her tender heart. These two were definitely a forever match!
April 27, 2018
Stephanie Clarke was ready to take control of her life. After a strict but loving childhood and a controlling and abusive boyfriend, Steph needs to regain control of what she wants out of life. She has new friends, her own apartment and two part time jobs she loves. What she doesn’t need is a romantic interest, no matter how sweet or handsome he may be.

Jared Roderick enjoys being in a relationship, but his ex-wife Candy took him for a real ride. Not only did she cheat on him their entire marriage, she also emptied his bank account. He shouldn’t be interested in a relationship for a long time, but he just can’t help himself . . . especially when he meets Steph. She’s kind, sweet and the complete opposite of his ex. Too bad she has him strictly friend zoned.

As their friendship grows, thanks to some scheming matchmakers, both Steph and Jared want more from one another. Can they both let go of the baggage they are carrying from their past relationships? Both have big secrets they are carrying around . . . Steph’s abusive ex has also not been left completely in the past.

It will be up to Jared to keep Steph safe while winning over her heart, neither of which will be an easy task. He’ll have to shut down their pasts so they can score the happy ever after they both deserve.

I love a hockey romance, and Jami Davenport never disappoints! Steph is such an amazingly strong woman. She’s escaped an extremely physically and emotionally abusive ex and is finding her own way. She is blossoming and gaining her independence. It’s easy to understand why she isn’t ready for love. Yet, she can’t seem to shut Jared out.

Jared is a sweet guy who was treated badly by his cheating ex. He’s gun shy about woman, but truly is one of those people that is happier when in a relationship. He just needs the right woman. He knows he has found her in Steph, but also sees how skittish she is. The more he learns, the more determined he becomes to erase her past and give her the future she deserves . . . he just needs to convince her of that.

Dealing with Steph’s ex makes for fantastic suspense. Steph is truly put to the test when dealing with him and watching her grow more courageous and independent was fantastic. There’s quite a showdown that will leave readers on the edge of their seats!

Matchmaking sisters Iona and Agnes also added some depth, comedic moments and a bit of ‘magic. to the story.’

Shutdown Player was a fantastic romance with plenty of suspense and hockey! 4.5 stars for this addition to the Seattle Sockeyes Series.
Profile Image for Marieke ~ Marieke's Books.
454 reviews25 followers
April 27, 2018
You would think that after a disastrous marriage to a gold-digger, an ice hockey player doesn’t want a happy relationship anymore. But that’s not the case with Jared. Shutdown Player tells his story, and how he wins the heart of a very reluctant/skittish Steph (who has her own secrets). I love this sweet story.
“I have a fondness for Hallmark movies, the sappier, the better.” She giggled, and the sound caressed his ears like the pleasant tinkling of a little bell. “I love them too.”

Jared and Stephanie are both in a bad place. Jared is licking his wounds caused by his cheating, gold-digging wife, and Steph is rebuilding her life after she has left her abusive boyfriend. A shitty past is what they have in common, but both have a different view of their future. Steph has sworn off men and relationships, but Jared still wants it all; finding the right woman and build a life and family with her. With some (not so subtle) meddling Jared and Steph get to know each other, and soon sparks fly.
“He touched his lips to hers, like a whisper in a summer breeze, but the effect hit her harder than a deep-tongue, all-body-parts-involved, full-on kiss.”

Jared, oh oh Jared… I feel sorry for him. His ex is a (financial) nightmare, but that doesn’t stop him from dreaming about a better future. He knows his life is a bit messy right now, but finding real love is what he wants, so he’s going after it. Poor Steph. Her ex-boyfriend was horrible, so I understand she doesn’t want to get involved with another man. Getting her life back on track is her priority, not finding love. I love their slow-burn romance, how their friendship slowly turns into love; they just belong together.

Shutdown Player is already the 10th book in de Game On in Seattle series, but I didn’t feel like I was information (confession: yes, this is my very first book by Jami Davenport). I love how the author has written the characters, and how she handles some rougher situations. Shutdown Player is mainly a sweet story, with a bit of drama (but not between our lovely couple). This is a perfect book for me when I just want to read a swoony story; about a great guy and a sweet woman who both deserve everything.
“I knew you were the one the moment I saw you.”


www.mariekesbooks.com
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,150 reviews6 followers
April 24, 2018
Jared Roderick has seen the bad side of marriage, he thought he had found his forever so he put a ring on her finger, but shortly there after he realized she wasn't in it for love like he was, she was only after his money and notoriety. Needless to say, once he discovered that little tidbit, and the fact that he wasn't the only man in her life, he decided it was time to move on and find someone who wanted him for the man he is and not what his fame on the ice brings affords him. So he turns to a matchmaking agency hoping to find love, and winds up getting that... and so much more!

Stephanie Clarke finally feels free for the first time in her life, mainly because she has finally found the courage to cut the cord on the controlling men in her life. First taking orders from her strict preacher father, and then the deadbeat who promised to take her away from that hell, only to find a whole new kind waiting for her. She has been abused, mistreated, and now she is ready to put that all behind her, and put herself first for a change, and of course avoid men at all costs for a while. But that becomes easier said then done, when a handsome hockey player wanders into her office wanting help in search of his future wife. She is supposed to help him find the one... but after spending some time with him she soon realizes that she may not have to look to far for that!

Between the pages of Shutdown Player you will meet a wonderfully crafted pair of characters that have been dealt a crappy hand at life and are both desperate to finally let their devastating pasts go and find happiness. Somewhere along the way their paths intersect and they find each other, and realize that their happiness reboot lies within one another... and boy what an entertaining journey it was to watch it all unfold. I thoroughly enjoyed this newest offering from Ms. Davenport, it was good for the heart, made me blush, and kept me captivated from start to finish! Highly recommend!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
Profile Image for Marea.
175 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2018
Stephanie Clarke was raised in a strong Christian family and rebelled against everything when she fell in love with Gino. Little did she realize that her dream man was really a nightmare. A controller who made her do things that she would have to live with forever. When she finally escaped him she tried to forget that life and hide it from everyone. Working 2 jobs to save money so she could go to school, she never imagined that one of them would cause her to fall in love with a client.

Jared “Hot Rod” Roderick married Candy, a woman he thought he could love forever. He did not know until it was too late that she was more of a player than he was. She just played with some of his teammates, other athletes and who knows who else. All she really wanted was his condo, his car and his money. She got it all in the divorce settlement and so now Jared knew it would take several years to rebuild everything from the ground up. It was not something he was proud of at all and hid from his family. Going to the match making sisters Agnes and Iona to find real love seemed like the perfect idea. What he wasn’t expecting was to fall in love with a shy, timid, lady who was hiding even more than him.

Can these two overcome everything in their past and realize that they were being placed together for a reason. That Stephanie could show Jared was love was really like and Jared could show her that not every man was a controlling nightmare. When Gino and Candy managed to come back into their lives and expose Stephanie’s past would Jared be willing to look beyond what it was and find the true reason why it happened. If he could then this was a romance that could easily make winning the Stanley Cup a walk in the park.

This is book 10 in the Game On In Seattle series and it didn’t disappoint me at all. Jami managed to take a story and capture your attention so much that you were not able to put it down until the end. The ups and downs, suspense, love and everything else was perfect. Can’t wait to see what the next one will bring us.
Profile Image for Susan.
122 reviews
April 25, 2018
I give Shutdown Player 5 stars for making my emotions sore so high and drop so low. The characters were incredible and the chemistry so intense. Horrible tragedies can sometimes help others to understand you better and build stronger relationships.

Jami Davenport is a spectacular author who has a knack for blending sports, romance and everyday issues into her writing. She creates strong characters who have lived some of life’s most unpleasant experiences and helps to get them through it and find their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Well done!

When Steph meets Jared she is relieved to know that her “no fraternization” clause will keep him at bay. He’s much too tempting so that clause will keep her in line if she wants to keep her job. But Jared is determined to win Steph over. While on a road trip with his team, his fantasy becomes tarnished. Does Jared have the strength to skate the distance?

Sweet, quiet, prim Stephanie Clarke has had enough of men controlling her life from her preacher father to her abusive ex-boyfriend. She wants her innocence back and to forget the recent past. She’s really enjoying her new jobs in the party-crashing business, and her position working in the matchmaking business. Has her life turned around and will the past remain in the past?

Jared Roderick is looking for the perfect good girl, and he thinks he’s found her. After a brief marriage to an unfaithful, gold-digging wife, you would think he’d be gun shy, but he’s not. Hockey may be his life, but he wants someone to share it with him. Can he convince a reluctant Steph they were meant to be together?

Shutdown Player is a contemporary romance novel that involves some of life’s awful tragedies, divorce, cheating ex’s, abuse, and controlling men. What becomes of these key characters is wonderful. Overcoming insecurities and letting go of the past is very prevalent in this novel. Excellent read.

I recommend this book, you won’t be able to put it down.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
723 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2018
Seattle Sockeyes Hockey player Jared Roderick has had a rough go of it. His recent divorce has left him pretty much broke but it was worth it to get rid of his gold digger and cheating wife. He doesn’t even mind being broke. What he minds is being alone. He wants what a lot of his team mates have. A loving wife, a home and even some kids. Jared is funny, sweet and attentive.

Marriage had changed Jared.
And not in a good way.
Up until a year or so ago, he’d lived a fucking charmed life. Then it all fell to shit.


Stephanie Clark (Steph) wants to run away from relationships. At least the type that she had fallen into. Steph was in a relationship with a controlling, abusive, awful man. She was young and naïve at the time. Thankfully, she escaped before even more damage could be done. But did she really escape? Will he really let her go?

Sometimes she wished she could turn back time and undue all the mistakes she made since her senior year. But she couldn’t.

This is my first Jami Davenport book. This book is #10, yes 10 in the Game on it in Seattle series. I did not realize that it was part of a series, let alone book #10. With that being said, it was easy to follow along. The story does flow from chapter to chapter. The characters are predictable but lovable. The story is a slow burn and has some drama that is also predictable. The advantage to reading the series from the beginning is getting to know all of the characters involved as I am sure that Jared was written about in previous books. But, as I said above, it was still easy to follow along. This was a quick, pleasant & predictable sports romance.

Be brave. Be focused. Be yourself.

I have a strong suspicion that book #11 will be Drew’s…..

3.75 stars
Profile Image for Heather.
1,393 reviews25 followers
April 24, 2018
We are back in the world of the Seattle Sockeyes, which is always a great place to be!

Jared "Hot Rod" Roderick has had a rough time lately. He's gone through a rough divorce and his now ex-wife has put him on the brink of financial ruin. He knows he has a couple of years before he can get back on his feet and so his focus is on hockey, yet he really wants to find that person that is meant for him. He's a relationship guy and while he learned his lesson with his ex, it makes him no less anxious to find his true soulmate.

Stephanie Clarke is trying to put her rough past behind her. She has finally escaped the horror that was a long-time abusive relationship and trying to figure out what to do with the rest of her life. She helps with the party crashing business, but she has also taken on a new role with the crazy aunts of Cooper Black's that have their own matchmaking business. The only problem is, she just has this feeling that her past isn't done coming for her.

When Jared enlists the help of Agnes and Iona and their matchmaking skills, he ends up working with Steph as she helps to get him set up in their system. Because of a couple of times where Jared's dates don't show, he and Steph spend more time together. While they are clearly attracted to one another, Steph can't get involved with him because he's a client and she gave her word. Will these two be able to resist their feelings? Or are there other things at work here?

I enjoyed this book immensely and while there are some delicate subjects that are touched upon, I felt like Jami did a great job in handling them. Another really solid offering in this series. I can't wait to see what is coming next!
Profile Image for Bobo's Book Bank.
550 reviews13 followers
April 27, 2018
SHUTDOWN PLAYER is book 10 in the Game On in Seattle series. There's several couples who are mentioned and play a part in the story but it can be read as a standalone.

Stephanie has just escaped an abusive relationship. She's got a whole lot of baggage and a lot to overcome but she's working every day to feel better about herself. Jared is a hockey player who's recently gone through a bad divorce and is trying to get back on his feet. But he's lonely and not looking for a hook up. He goes to a "matchmaking" pair of sisters for help where he meets Steph.

Steph has obviously gone through hell and back and I totally admired the strength and backbone it took to get out of her abusive relationship. Her bitter past made the slow burning romance with Jared not only understandable but believable. Jared was one of those very rare heroes...a man who actually WANTED a serious romance! He was sweet and yes, a little wary too but he was still remarkably READY to be committed to Steph which was a nice change of pace.

Honestly, I was looking forward to reading Jared's story but I ended up not completely loving this one. Don't get me wrong, it was GOOD, well written and all that but I was missing something, some little connection to Jared and Stephanie and I'm not quite sure why?? I LIKED it but didn't LOVE it. Yet, I'd still recommend it to anyone who's looking for a sweet romance with a bit of angst and apprehension! Told from dual POVs with a happy ending. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews37 followers
April 27, 2018
A realistic look at what is often the case for most, a love that isn’t instant, that needs not just work but patience and that when given time will grow into everything your heart hopes for and more.
The author gave the characters in this book the chance to just be normal, in a situation that should really be as far from normal as you could get, it isn’t every day that a girl gets as hulking heartthrob trying to win her over.
Hockey player Jared was a great guy, on and off the ice. Burnt badly by a wife that was after only what his money and position could give her, he is adamant that he will never be caught out that way again.
Steph on the other hand has been in a much tougher situation, she’s doing all she can to find her steady pace, an even keel that she can build a new life on after finally getting out of a relationship that was riddled with very little other than abuse. Love…well that was most certainly in very short supply, so when Jarod enters the frame, it is safe to say that she isn’t willing to accept anything at face value.
Their friendship was spectacular, they had a kindred spirit and I applaud the author for giving then time and space they needed to see the wood for the trees, it isn’t always easy to see what is right in front of you, but they had every opportunity and in book terms, it appeared as if they had all the time in world…. was it worth it?
Profile Image for Elizabeth Clinton.
775 reviews32 followers
April 23, 2018
Sockeye Hockey is back and Jami Davenport gives us our newest couple that have gone through enough struggles that you can’t help get wrapped up in their story.
Jared Roderick a player for The Seattle Sockeyes has been through a really rough time lately, finding out his wife has been cheating and doing all kinds of awful things and has taken him to the brink of losing it all financially. But what Jared is looking for is that one person who can have the kind of relationship that will bring happiness back into his life, never did he think he would meet Stephanie Clark.
Stephanie Clark is a young woman just trying to move ahead with her life after experiencing some horrific times with her ex. All she wants is to leave the past in the past and look to a brighter future and maybe once she gets to know Jared that can become a reality.
The two of them will have many obstacles to overcome but you can’t help cheering them on from the minute they meet. Their relationship will be tested but if they can overcome whatever is thrown there way they might have that HEA that they both truly deserve.
Secondary characters are usually just that but when you meet Agnes & Iona McIntyre you won’t help falling for these two older woman and the wisdom that they bring to Jared & Stephanie.
Profile Image for Marybeth.
1,555 reviews
April 24, 2018
Yay! The Sockeyes are back! This time we get Jared"Hot Rod" Roderick's story and poor guy is not having an easy time of things financially or emotionally during the aftermath of his divorce from his gold digging ex wife. Especially financially, she is bleeding him dry. Jared has not hardened his heart to finding love again though, in fact he craves that. He wants it more than anything. At the recommendation of a teammate he turns to Agnes & Iona, two quirky and amazing matchmaking sisters. He meets Stephanie Clark there when he goes for his interview.
Stephanie has been through absolute hell with her ex and is just trying to move on with her life since getting away from him but she is emotionally rattled. She and Jared decide to be friends and we all know how that story goes especially when there is crazy attraction. I just adore them! You know from moment one they are meant to be together, but can they get through their current struggles and find a real HEA together? Will they finally tell each other everything? You will find yourself wishing nothing but happiness for them as you see them each face the things that threaten to tear them apart, head on, but together, and with the help of friends and teammates. So sweet!!
Profile Image for Emily Utsch.
424 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2018
Hockey romance books are my jam, and this does not disappoint me at all. It is just the perfect mix of romance and sport. I love how Jared isnt a typical hockey player spreading his money around and being a horn-dog before finding his match. Oh Steph, my heart just breaks for her! I am so glad she had the happy ending she had. The epilogue was just the cherry on top of the sundae.
I am so glad the great-aunts were in this! They liven up what could be a sad depressing story if it chose to go that way. Their antics always make me smile
This book is a part of a larger series but can be read as a stand alone. I have read a few of this series but not all. It definitely adds more to this story if you have the background of the other players and how they interact. It also makes me want to go finish out the series to read about the other characters that I had missed, and wait anxiously for the next book (I hope it is Drew!)
I only gave it 4 stars cause I would have loved to have it fluffed out more and made it a longer book. I think that there were several points in which could have been made longer. But as a problem for a book, that isn't a bad one.
Profile Image for Downward dog.
1,886 reviews13 followers
April 27, 2018
This is the tenth book in The Game On in Seattle series and it revolves around Jared, a hockey player with the Seattle Sockeyes. It is a sweet, feel good hockey romance with some suspense.

From the moment Jared and Stephanie meet, they find it hard to fight their attraction to one another but are afraid to risk their hearts. They are perfect for each other, but they have been hurt in the past and they need time to learn to trust again. Jared is still nursing his wounds after marrying a manipulative, scheming woman who took advantage of him. Stephanie lost all her self confidence when her last boyfriend continually insulted her and she wonders how Jared, a good looking hockey player, could possibly be interested in her. Jared and Stephanie are vulnerable. They question their judgment and are afraid of making the same mistakes again. I liked Jared and Stephanie and found it easy to connect to them. Stephanie is shy and self conscious and Jared is a good guy who wants to settle down.

Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book vIa Bend and Snap. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Amy.
266 reviews
April 25, 2018
This book was soo good that I was able to finish in one day. This is the first book in a long time that has left me able to say that.

Jared is a unique character in that he is a professional Hockey player who is broke. He is divorced and has to give most of his paycheck to his ex. He wants a forever relationship and looks to a matchmaker service for help.

Stephanie is timid after having got out of an abusive relationship. She is not looking for a relationship but after meeting Jared she starts thinking about the possibility of one with him. She works for the matchmaker service he has hired to help him find is forever love. Little do they both know but the owners of the service know they are the perfect match and “trick” them into pending time getting to know one another.

They both have secrets that they are not ready to share but for Steph her secrets get out before she can share them with Jared. As they try to deal with deamons from their past they realize just how much they love one another and are the perfect match.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,456 reviews51 followers
April 28, 2018
After meeting Steph in Penalty Play, I immediately knew I had to read her story.

A good girl gone bad by force, Steph is recovering from being deep in the clutches of an abusive relationship. Avoiding romantic relationships has become her new motto, until Jared. Starting out as friends, Steph begins to get comfortable, though her attraction to him is nowhere near the friend zone.

Jared is fresh off a bad marriage and an even messier divorce. The last thing he should be looking for is a new relationship, especially with a woman as skittish as Steph, but they share a connection that only deepens the more they hang out with each other. Their friendship is quickly turning into something else, but will the past that Steph fears so much make life - and love - difficult

I liked the way the romance developed - it was like a slow burn, and it fit the plot of the story well. I really enjoyed this novel. I am so thrilled that Steph got her own slice of happiness.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,468 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2018
I could not put this book down.

Jared aka HotRod has gone through a messy divorce and lost basically everything. All he wants is to find a good woman that wants him for him and not the fact he is a hockey player. His friends suggest he uses a matchmaker. Agnes and Iona are hilarious with their matchmaking skills and their ability to know exactly what someone needs so he figures he will give it a chance

Steph is Vi's friend who has had one hell of a life. . She is just trying to get back on her feet and takes a job with Agnes and Iona to get additional money.. What she didn't expect was for a gorgeous man to need the services and for her to start liking him even though her contract states no fraternizing.

What do Agnes and Iona have up their sleeve though? Will they see Jared and Steph are a match made in heaven and try and get them together ?

this book made me laugh, made me cry and made me angry.. Not sure how many have done that..
Profile Image for Gladys.
12k reviews137 followers
April 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this cute story that offered plenty of feels. Jared is an athlete. A successful hockey player; he thought he had it all, fame, money, cars, and the perfect woman to share it all with. Well he was wrong. His ex- wife was a gold digger and a cheat. So now he must start over and this time he wants to be sure he ends up with a real "good girl". So he decides to use a matchmaking agency to find his Miss Right. This leads him to meet Stephanie. Stephanie is tired of being the "good girl" because all it has ever done is bring her misery, pain, and shame. Struggling to change and take control of her life, the last thing she wants is to get involved with another man. Jared's determined though in his pursuit. Can these two overcome their pasts to embrace a future together? Or will the ghosts of the past return to expose secrets that will destroy any chance of happiness? I'm posting a completely honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,515 reviews48 followers
April 26, 2018
I love that this is Jared's story. He deserves a happy ending with what he went through with his wife. You get a little bit of his story in previous books. Steph is strong and resilient. She may be looking over her shoulder and skittish. She needs someone sweet and not so controlling in her life. I love how the team wives take her under their wing. The sisters Agnes and Iona play a huge part in helping Steph trust men again. I love how they gently push Jared and Steph together in a way that doesn't seem pushy. Jared is caring and gentle once he slowly gets an understanding what Steph has gone through. Steph and Jared are a perfect match and I love how the friendship they build slowly blossoms to more. The men of the Sockeyes are amazing and supportive and that is why I love this Hockey series so much. Even when Stephs past finally comes to full light no one turns their back on her when she needs it the most. I love this book and I can't wait for more of this series.
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