The Rebound by Kelly Jamieson
There are certain authors whose books you pick up without ever reading the blurb. Kelly Jamieson is one of those authors for us.
Over the years, Kelly has consistently delivered romances that balance emotional depth with unforgettable characters, and The Rebound is a perfect example of why we keep coming back to her books.
This isn’t just a second-chance hockey romance. It’s a story about grief, healing, and learning how to move forward when life doesn’t look the way you thought it would. Carson and Ayla’s journey is heartbreaking at times, but it’s also incredibly hopeful.
What stood out most to us was how authentically Kelly portrays grief. Carson and Ayla still love each other, but loss has changed them both. Rather than taking the easy route, Kelly allows them the space to figure out who they are in this new version of their lives before finding their way back together.
We especially connected with Ayla. As the oldest daughter, she’s carrying the weight of family expectations while quietly managing her own pain. Her story is a powerful reminder of how often caregivers put everyone else’s needs ahead of their own and how rarely that sacrifice is acknowledged.
But what truly makes this book shine is the romance. The yearning between Carson and Ayla is palpable from the very first page. Every interaction is layered with history, love, hurt, and hope. Watching them slowly rediscover each other and create a safe place for one another was everything we love about romance.
This is why we’re such huge fans of Kelly Jamieson’s work. She understands that the best romances aren’t just about falling in love. They’re about vulnerability, healing, forgiveness, and finding the person who loves you exactly as you are.
The Rebound made us cry, made us root for this couple, and reminded us why stories of hope and second chances resonate so deeply.
If you’re looking for an emotional, beautifully written hockey romance that will tug at your heartstrings, we highly recommend adding The Rebound to your TBR.
Content Warning: Loss of an infant child due to a drunk driver.
