Hard Hitterby Sarina Bowen
Series: Brooklyn Bruisers #2
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Publication Date: January 3rd 2017 by Berkley Romance
Pages: 336
Format: ARC
Goodreads | Amazon
Source: Publisher via Mail
He s a fighter in the rink, but he's about to learn that playing nice can help you score...
As team captain and enforcer, Patrick O'Doul puts the bruise in the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of hard hits, O'Doul is feeling the burn, both physically and mentally. He conceals his pain from his coach and trainers, but when his chronic hip injury becomes too obvious to ignore, they send him for sessions with the team's massage therapist.
After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Ari Bettini is in need of peace of mind. For now, she s decided to focus on her work: rehabilitating the Bruisers MVP. O'Doul is easy on the eyes, but his reaction to her touch is ice cold. Ari is determined to help O'Doul heal, but as the tension between them turns red hot, they both learn that a little TLC does the body good...
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
For some reason, I was a little eh on reading Patrick’s story. Having met him on Rookie Move, I wasn’t too sold on the guy. I’m glad I gave him a chance because I totally loved him!
Patrick is a very grumpy hero. He has given so much of himself to hockey and because of it, he needs a therapist to help him with his body. But Patrick has a past with major baggage and he doesn’t want anyone touching him or getting close to him, not even Ari.
Wanting Ari wasn’t like any of those other wants. It was far more terrifying.
Ari also comes with major baggage. Her ex won’t leave her alone and is always putting her in danger. Because of him, she’s not ready to date. She wants to take a break from men and just focus on herself. But Patrick is completely different from her ex. He makes her feel alive again and the chemistry between them is unreal! Plus, Patrick is so very attentive and caring when it comes to Ari. Who knew a man with such tough exterior could be a gentle sweetheart?
“I’ve got it bad. It might take me years to convince you I’m a good guy, but I’ll never stop trying.”
Ari irritated me at times. It’s obvious Patrick won’t play her and I get she wants a break from dating, but she still sees Patrick. I didn’t like the back and forth she kept doing. I wished she had put on her big girl panties on and take Patrick from the beginning. Patrick treats her so beautifully, it had my heart melting. Hell, I would swoon every time he would call her “sweetheart”.
“You are priceless. I hope you know that.”
I totally loved the hockey team’s dynamic! They are a bunch of hilarious men that I totally adored. I love how they are there for one another, even when it comes to dating or gifting advice. Each player is different, but together they make a wonderful team and friendship.
Overall, Hard Hitter is another wonderful addition to the Brooklyn Bruisers series! It has strong characters, a swoony romance, and a grumpy hero with a heart of gold!
HAVE YOU READ/DO YOU PLAN ON READING THE BROOKLYN BRUISERS SERIES?
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Genesis
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Oooo, I know what you mean about initially being “meh” about Patrick’s story! When I saw that Hard Hitter was about, I was a smidgen disappointed. BUT Bowen proved me wrong! I love Patrick, probably more than I love Leo (and I adored college boy). 😉 “Gentle sweetheart” is a perfect descriptor for him!
Wonderful review, Genesis. Hopefully we get to read Pipe Dreams soon!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
I love Patrick more than Leo!!! Oh gosh I need Pipe Dreams in my life.
I really need to read this series! I love a grumpy hero 🙂 Great review!
You do!
I love this series so much! Sarina Bowen has become one of my favorite authors!
It’s a great series!
I loved Patrick too! He’s a complete sweetie, but Leo was better for me. I kinda wanted a little more from this romance but I loved the writing so much! I’m looking forward to the next one. The girl seems like a true ice queen and I love those! 😀
Yes yes yes to the new book! I’m very excited for it!
Sports and Romance! Love the combination. Always. Especially hockey. Those players have so much pent up violence and anger, I swear. Hahahah!
OMG yaaaas hahahaha You crack me up LOL
I loved Patrick!! I thought his book was another great one and I’m looking forward to meanie Lauren and Beacon’s book though to be completely honest, I’m really thirsty for Becca and Nate! This is such a fun series.
I can’t wait for Beacon’s book! But yes! Becca and Nate need their book!
Never read this series, I do need more hockey inspired books in my life. A little weary, not sure I would like Ari – I feel like she resembles the current girl I am awfully irritated with in a book
You should still give this series a try! Start with Rookie Move (first book). It’s great!
Oh yes, I’ve been seeing some really good review for this series! Glad to you see loved it! Patrick sounds awesome and I’m loving the sounds of the bromance! Will definitely start this series from the beginning. Great review, Genesis!
Patrick is AMAZING!!!
Ok, now I’m adding this series to my to my TBR list. Nice review. I want swoony!
You need to read it!
This series is new to me, but of course you have me all kinds of curious!
Eek! I hope you like it 🙂
Awesome review!! I am crazy waiting for Nate’s book and I can’t believe we have to wait! Grrrrrr… Oh I do love Sarina!!!!
Uggghhh yaaas! I need Nate and Becca’s book ASAP!