Linda
Written on Jul 25, 2017
From the USA Today bestselling author of Rookie Move comes the second novel in the series that’s hot enough to melt the ice.
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...
- ISBN10 0399583459
- ISBN13 9780399583452
- Publish Date 3 January 2017
- Publish Status Out of Stock
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc
- Imprint Berkley Publishing Corporation,U.S.
- Format Paperback (US Mass Market)
- Pages 336
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780399583452
Reviews
Sam@WLABB
Written on Apr 23, 2017
In book 2 of the Brooklyn Bruisers series, we get to know team captain, Patrick O'Doul a little better. Patrick was haunted by his past, and left him with an aversion to relationships and being touched. Enter Ari, the team yoga instructor/massage therapists. She was also wounded by her recent past, but not as closed off as Patrick. Slowly, they each chipped away at the others walls and healed together.
I really enjoyed getting to know Patrick better. He was complicated and broken, therefore, the changes and growth in him were so much more meaningful for me. Since I listened to this in audio format, I do not have the exact quote, but Patrick said something to the effect of, you have my heart and I don't want it back. I swear, my heart skipped a beat. It was obvious early on that he was attracted to Ari and even that he had feelings for her, but when he actually revealed his feelings, it always seemed so monumental.
There was also a fantastic bro scene in the locker room, where he, as captain, required each player to suggest a way to show a girl he cared about them or pay $20. It was such fun to hear what all these Bruisers had to say, and there were some really sweet reveals too.
At the end, we get Leo and Georgia's wedding! Again, this is why I love companion and spin off books. Not only did we catch up with our prior Brooklyn Bruisers couple, but Leo's friends were at the wedding. We got small cameos of some of our friends from Harkness, including one of my faves - Corey.
I love me some sports romances filled with slightly damaged people, who are better together, than apart, and Bowen always delivers.
Rowena
Written on Jan 12, 2017
thebookdisciple
Written on Dec 25, 2016
stacey_is_sassy
Written on Dec 18, 2016
So sweet considering it's full of hard hitters and bruisers...
***4.5 stars***
Isn’t it funny that when the gloves are on for a boxer it means the fights on, but when the gloves come off in ice hockey, the fights on? You learn something new every day…
If anyone was to tell me a few years back that I would learn to love sports romance I would have laughed in their faces. I’m loving sports romance, especially ones with ice hockey in them. It could be the buff bodies, charisma and fierce determination of the players that changed my opinion or maybe it was just the authors' skills. Sarina Bowen writes heroes that appeal to my heart, mind and…Ummm, no it’s definitely not my soul making me blush.
The Brooklyn Bruisers series is really great. There’s just something about this team that makes them different from others. The leadership is led by Nate, a tech guru with a love for ice hockey. He owns the Brooklyn Bruisers but doesn’t just sit back leaving it to be controlled by his staff. He studies his players, plots and plans for success. He’s a little nerdy but I really like him. Under Nate, we have managers, coaches, trainers, therapists and a whole host of other workers. They're a good team and it's great to see them have each other's back.
Patrick, the captain and enforcer of the Brooklyn Bruisers, has been struggling with his role in the team. He’s not getting any younger and as the enforcer, his body is not bouncing back from the fights as well as it used to. Bits and pieces of his body are starting to show wear and tear but he thinks (hopes) it will get better. Eventually, the trainers force him to take a break and head to get a few massages. There’s a wee problem, though…Patrick doesn’t like to be touched.
Ariana is the team masseuse and yoga instructor. She believes that a clear mind and a strong body can make the players better. Luckily, she has the full support of Nate, especially considering he’s a fan of yoga. One of the players is avoiding her and she's not sure why. The first session Patrick attends is far from relaxing as he is tense and doesn’t let his guard down. Ari is going to have to work to gain his trust.
With time Patrick does start to trust Ari and even likes her. When he finds out that her ex is giving her grief his protecting instincts kick in and he goes out of his way to keep an eye on her. Unfortunately, Ari’s ex, Vince knows a secret about Patrick that could end his career.
Ariana regrets the years she had dedicated to her ex. Vince is mixed up with some bad people and it looks like he's involved Ari with his problems. Ariana hates that her private life has invaded her work life. They know of her issues with Vince and hire security to keep an eye on her. Considering the strong feelings developing between Ari and Patrick, he takes it upon himself to protect her as well.
The attraction between Patrick and Ari is sizzling. He is extremely strong and she’s extremely flexible…hubba hubba. Ari tries to push him away but when he's in touching distance she finds it hard...very hard. Before Ari, Patrick has not had a relationship. The feelings she brings out in him are foreign but welcome. He will do anything to make her happy.
I really enjoyed Hard Hitter. Patrick shows a vulnerable side when he puts his heart on the line knowing that Ari isn’t ready for a serious relationship. Ariana is struggling with shame for living with a man who ended up hurting her. She’s scared to start a new relationship but with Patrick being so sweet and tempting she just can’t help herself. I loved their love story.
I’m addicted to this series and I can’t wait to find out who’s up next. I really want to know more about Nate, Becca, Castro, Lauren and Beacon. They all need their own stories Ms Bowen…pretty please with sugar on the top.
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
whisperingchapters
Written on Dec 4, 2016
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!
I received an ARC from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.