Hard to Handle combines second chance romance with an emotional punch. Hunter is a hockey God, but he is cracking under all the pressure and responsibility. Dekker has been tasked with landing him as a client for her family's sports management firm, despite their steamy past. No problem, right?
Hunter's backstory is heartbreaking and every time he got a message from his family, I wanted to take the phone and smash it. He is 32 and so close to having all his dreams come true. But, they aren't really HIS dreams. He feels like he MUST be successful because it's his fault that his brother can't be. His survivor's guilt (even though his brother is alive) is profound and is starting to affect every aspect of his life. His current agent is a real douche canoe too.
Dekker walked away from Hunter years ago because she didn't want to risk her heart. She knew she was falling for him and that scared the crap out of her. It hurt her that he let her walk away though. She can see there is something major going on with Hunter and genuinely cares about him. He is determined to shut everyone out though, so she has a tough road ahead of her if she is going to save him from self destruction.
Readers will find themselves rooting for Dekker to be brave, for Hunter to accept her support, and for him to find joy in hockey again. Hard to Handle delivers an unexpected emotional punch in the best possible ways. Bromberg always writes such defining backstories for her characters you can't help but FEEL while reading.
- POV: dual 1st
- Tears: a few
- Trope: second chance romance, hockey
- Triggers: Hunter's brother is a paraplegic due to an accident for which Hunter feels responsible. His health is declining during the story.
- Series/Standalone: stand alone (but I am excited to get Dekker's sisters' books!)
- Cliffhanger: no
- HEA: yes
Sure Shot by Sarina Bowen, Hawke by Sawyer Bennett, Anatomy of a Player by Cindi Madsen, Shot on Gold Jaci Burton...then you will probably like Hard to Handle!
See full review on The Book Disciple