Hard Hitter

I really like these Bowen hockey books. They feel really contemporary and really Brooklyn to me (the latter of which I love). Yeah, the athletes are a little unrealistic to me -- I think these hockey players sound a bit above what actual hockey players are like. But never having met a real hockey player I may be relying on stereotypes. The plots, dialog and characters in these book bring the stories alive so I can rise above my doubts about the authenticity of the hockey athletes' true persona (e.g., would they really be accepting of a hockey player being gay?),

Well, that was quick. 3.5

It was a nice piece of fluffy romance without gobs of angst despite a fairly hefty plot line, a sweet heroine, a sweet and devoted hero. And a Minnesota boy to boot. I'm not completely sure how he went from foster/group home to excellent hockey player but details...(hockey is expensive-many middle-income families choose which kid will play hockey etc etc, just saying)

All likable characters, with a plot line that was enough to add tension but not too much to distract and a sweet story overall.

Sarina Bowen Hard Hitter is a smash. Team captain and enforcer, Patrick O'Doul, does not like to be touched. After suffering a hip injury, he has no choice but to seek help from the team’s massage therapist, Ariana (Ari) Bettini. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult and adult audiences.

When we were introduced to Patrick O'Doul in book one, Rookie Move, I was not a fan of his. However, the more I got to know him; I really began to like him. He had a trying childhood, being raised in a group home in Minnesota. It explains a lot about his personality. Ari is the perfect person to be assigned as Patrick’s message therapist. With Ari’s help, he grows a lot throughout this story. He is a good guy who owns up to his show more mistakes. I like that he begins to open-up to his team mates because of his relationship with Ari.

I really like Ari. She had a difficult breakup with her boyfriend of eight years, Vince. He got himself into some trouble, which unfortunately spills over into her life. Patrick finds himself trying to protect Ari from her Ex, whom he happens to know. It causes some fascinating controversy in the story.

I really enjoyed the plot. There were a lot of interesting details and twists. HARD HITTER is fast paced a and kept me focused from start to finish. I like how the chapters stared with the team’s standings. I also like that “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” by the Beastie Boys is the Bruisers’ theme song. Sarina Bowen does an amazing job with her second book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series. I cannot wait to read Mike Beacon’s and Lauren Williams’ story next in book three, PIPE DREAMS. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. show less

Another great book for Sarina Bowen. I really enjoy reading her books. The characters and dialogue are so well written and the story line sucks you in and leaves you wanting more when you are done.
Can't ask for a better combination. This series has been fun to read, I'm glad to see there is at least one more planned. In the meantime, I'm jumping over to you the last series of hers that I've yet to read. Pick up this author, you won't be disappointed.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

Sarina Bowen is one of those authors who writes books I cannot put down once I start reading them. Pipe Dreams was no exception to this rule. Even though I know nothing about hockey I find myself fascinated by the story because it is so well written. The whole Brooklyn Bruisers series is a must read.

I am reviewing this book based on an ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

I love this series so much!