Book Review: Light ’em Up by Kelly Jamieson
Light ’em Up, the fifth installment in the Bang Brothers Hockey series by Kelly Jamieson, is a must-read for anyone who loves sports romance, particularly when it comes with sizzling chemistry, deeply layered characters, and the perfect balance of tension and tenderness.
Annie Bang has always felt the weight of her last name in the hockey world, with a father who’s a former NHL player and five brothers currently on the ice. But Annie is carving her own path as a professional skating coach, and she’s determined to prove herself in a world dominated by men. When she takes on the role of skating coach for the New York Bears, she’s ready to make a difference—until she comes face to face with Logan Coates, the man who once sent her brother to the hospital.
Logan Coates is a tough guy, a fourth-liner with a lot to prove and even more to gain. But the last thing he wants is to be schooled by a pint-sized figure skater who seems to hate his guts. However, the more time Logan spends around Annie, the more he realizes there’s more to her than meets the eye—she’s fierce, talented, and undeniably sexy.
Jamieson has a gift for creating characters that resonate on a personal level, and both Annie and Logan are no exception. Annie’s struggle to step out of her family’s shadow and make her mark is portrayed with authenticity and depth. As a former figure skater myself, I particularly appreciated how Jamieson captured the sport’s nuances, portraying Annie as a strong, capable athlete.
Logan’s character development is another highlight. He starts as a seemingly rough-around-the-edges player but evolves into someone with a big heart, who learns the value of vulnerability and emotional honesty. His journey from guarded and tough to open and caring is beautifully written, showing Jamieson’s talent for encouraging her heroes to embrace their emotions.
The chemistry between Annie and Logan is off the charts. Their banter is sharp, and their sexual tension is electrifying. Jamieson writes steamy scenes like no other, and she doesn’t disappoint with this pairing. Their relationship is a perfect balance—Logan’s tough exterior hides a golden retriever heart, and he’s willing to sacrifice for Annie’s happiness, even if it means risking his own.
The Bang family dynamic continues to be a cornerstone of this series, with their protectiveness over Annie adding an extra layer of tension and warmth. Annie’s ability to stand up to her family while being honest about her vulnerabilities makes her even more endearing.
This book is full of memorable moments and quotes—so much so that I found myself highlighting passages throughout. It’s a story that’s not only entertaining but also deeply moving, especially if you have a personal connection to the sports world.
If you’re a fan of family-centric series with a lot of heart, humor, and hockey, Light ’em Up and the entire Bang Brothers series should be at the top of your reading list. Jamieson has outdone herself with this one, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
