Hard Stick by L.P. Dover was a great read! This is a romantic suspense story and a good one. The two main characters are Kristen and Kellan. Kristen has a haunted past due to a stalking ex-boyfriend. She leaves her life behind to hide out and start over hoping that her past will not catch up with her. Kellan plays on the Charlotte Strikers hockey team as their captain. He wants Kristen to give him a chance but she is shell shocked about men. She finally gives in and finds out what a great guy he is. Does her past catch up to her and threaten their relationship? You have to read it and find out…it will grab you and not let you go until the end.

NetGalley provided me with an advanced copy of this book for my review.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book from LP Dover. From beginning to end, I couldnt put this book down. This book had the perfect mixture of romance and suspense, that I read the entire book in one sitting. Its a fairly easy read, however the author introduces the characters and really makes the reader feel and empathize with Kristen. When she meets Kellan, your heart goes out to Kristen with hope that she has found her forever.

There are some twists in the story that are unexpected, but make the story all that much better.

I highly recommend this book, and can't wait for the next!

This book was just okay for me. It was very drama heavy and felt unrealistic.

First off, the ex boyfriend who is so controlling and powerful that he can get away with murder?

She barely knows Kellen yet after their first date has opened up to him about her past? Granted she didn't tell him the ex's name but nearly everything else was discussed. I thought she would try to hide her past just a little better from someone she hardly knew. What if Kellen had been hired by her ex?

The slow burn between these characters has my toes curling every time. It hooks you from the beginning and you keeps you entertained the whole way through the book. I loved this story and can't wait for more from this author. Would recommend

Dover did it again! This is the second book by this amazing author I've had the pleasure of reading and I loved it. It also happened to b my first Hockey story. So, I wasn't sure what my feeling would be but she got it in the net. I love how this sports romance was more story then sports. I for one can't stand sports but I love when an author can make me like them for a story. This book and Author won't disappoint.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
This is not a hockey story in the way that I thought it would be. Kellan is a guy who plays hockey, granted he's good at it, but hockey doesn't really play a part in the main story plot.

The real story here is Kristen and her past. After laying low for a year, hiding from the man who killed her best friend and stalked her, she takes a chance and goes out with Kellan.

A lot happens once she starts dating Kellan and the plot moves quickly – a little too quickly – with her job and career.

A solid story, not sure where book two will take us, but I'm interested in reading it.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Kristen Robinson thought she had a good life. After losing her parents when she was in high school, she found a way to make it to college and finish and is now living her dream with her best friend, Cole, by her side. But the man she thought was the man of her dreams has turned into a nightmare. Mitchell Blackwell is controlling and doesn’t want anyone around Kristens especially Cole. Because he thinks any man wants to take Kristen away from him and he will do anything to keep what he thinks belongs to him. After a horrible accident, Kristen runs for her life, hoping that Mitchell will finally give up searching for her. After a year, she finds herself working in a pub in a hockey town where the local team hangs out and a few of the team members hit on her. But she doesn’t trust any man. She just wants to live from day to day and hopes to get her life back soon.

Kellan Carter is THE MAN on the ice and he is the captain of the Carolina Strikers. He doesn’t seem to be a manwhore in the pub, but what happens when he leaves? But he is tired of the groupies, only looking to add to their scorecards. He wants a real woman and he sees that in Kristen. So Kristen steers clear of him too. If he can get her to agree to one date, he can show her that he is not like his teammates.

Can Kristen agree to a date with Kellan and end it there? Will Mitchell ever leave her alone so she can be happy? Will she tell Kellan all about her past? Will Kellan stand by her when he learns the truth?

I loved this story, although it was more of a romantic suspense than a sports romance, it was not a problem for me. I love L.P. Dover and her writing style is great. She will draw you in and you can’t put the story down until the end. I can't wait for the next book in this series.


Rachael – ☆☆☆☆☆
I have to say that I initially picked this book up because it was a hockey book, but I kept reading because it was so much more. Sure, there is a bit of hockey, but not a ton, so if you are going in hoping for an overload of hockey scenes, you might be disappointed. However, that being said, if you are looking for an interesting plot with characters that experience growth, then you'll like it.

I liked the little twist that brought the story together... and boy I wasn't even expecting it!!

The characters were so much fun to get to know and watch as they grew close and got to know each other, even though at first Kristen wanted nothing to do with Kellan. The way these two came together was hilarious. I loved that it was partially just to get back at the other guys.

Oh and watch out, there is a horribly sad scene at the beginning of the book that just broke my stinking heart. So sad!!!

Overall, a great book with a lot of page turning tension as well some unique drama to keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.


Sarah – ☆☆☆
Sadly, despite the title and beautiful cover, there is very little hockey in this book. Instead, I found myself enjoying a tense stalker/organised crime story.

This is actually Kristen’s story more than it is Kellan’s. The story opens with her running from a crazed stalker and a corrupt police department with the help of her FBI friends. A year later, she has returned to her hometown and is working as a bartender.

I found the writing at the start choppy and I struggled with the frantic pacing and over-the-top melodrama. The writing does settle after the first few scenes, but the melodrama continues to the end. There is no realism in this story. I had to stop myself from poking holes in each new and completely unbelievable scene. This is fiction. Even though it is a crime drama to some extent, it is daytime soap opera style drama that doesn’t lend itself to scrutiny. Readers need to either enjoy the ride or put the book down.

The romance between Kellen and Kristen is the book’s strength. It is a little bit insta-love and a little bit fairytale, white knight stuff, but it is a sweet and sexy connection. The romance tropes are conventional – he’s a handsome, rich NHL star and she’s pretty and scared. The character development doesn’t go much beyond the surface.

So. When I allowed myself to turn off my brain and believe in Kristen and Kellan’s story, I quite enjoyed their sexy adventures.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

So, I would say that despite the cover and premise, this is more of a mystery/thriller book than a romance. Kristen is running and Kellan is trying to figure out if this is truly his life – does he want/deserve more?

Kristen had a horrible boyfriend. One who took advantage of her and stalked her. One who was so jealous that he had her best friend murdered, because he feared that Kristen might have feelings for her best friend. While she was able to run and find safety, she left a huge piece of herself behind.

Kellan is the captain of his hockey team and used to calling the shots. However, when he sees/meets Kristen, he is instantly attracted. What follows is almost like an insta-love.

This is somewhat truncated in the story telling and sometimes, the scenarios were strange and not very linear; however, when it all came together, the romance really saved the story. I also believe that the other characters really helped the story flow along.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I would just like to start by saying that one of the things that I loved about this book was catching up with Brooklyn – featured in Camden's Redemption. There is always something rather special about finding old friends in a new series, and she was so perfectly placed too!

This is a fast-paced book with a lot of FBI/danger issues which stem from a very bad previous boyfriend choice by the female lead, Kristen. She is now hiding in plain sight and hoping that he will be brought down. So when Kellan starts to express some interest in her, she is naturally wary, and certainly doesn't want the attention that would come with dating a famous hockey player. (Now I have to admit that this element didn't quite gel for me in the book, because she does hang around with the players and family and it seems highly unlikely that she would not be photographed at all – especially given the number of books which make a big thing about just how intrusive the paps can be – but I chose to run with it.) He certainly is a good guy, even if she finds it hard to believe.

There are some really lovely moments in this book; some where you would like to remind them to be a little more alert to the risks; and plenty of hot and steamy ones too. I wouldn't say there was all that much hockey, but that there was I enjoyed.

I am keen to see where the series goes next and would bet that it is much more sports-related than maybe this one was. I hope Ms. Dover is busy creating it for us to enjoy.

When I opened Hard Stick by Leslie P. Dover, I expected a hot hockey romance. What I got was so much MORE!!! Hard Stick is not a light hockey romance. It's a story of danger and desire meets strength and survival. Hard Stick is a fast-paced, heart-thrashing thriller meets hockey romance.



Beautiful bartender, Kristen, and hot hockey captain, Kellan, are MAGIC together!!! They have a combustible chemistry that is unstoppable and both are kind souls. I LOVED them! These two characters are connected, perhaps by fate, must battle for love in the ultimate test of strength and survival.

One night was all they had...

"You say this is our only night, but you're fooling yourself. I wasn't the only one who enjoyed that kiss."


But one night was not enough...

"I'm not rushing you, buttercup. I'll go at your pace."


Not when they had to fight for each other...

Time stood still as everything came crashing down.


An ADRENALINE RUSH of a read, Hard Stick is full of twists and turns I didn't see coming. CHILLS ran through me from a powerful plot that is pure SPINE-TINGLING SUSPENSE. Hard Stick is a drug of a movie that played in my head while reading.

More suspense-thriller than sports romance, Hard Stick is a fierce and fast-moving story I chased to the end. This romance is nail-biting, pulse-pounding pleasure! An EXPLOSION IN WORDS, this edge-of-your-seat adventure is one you must take.

💋💋💋💋 buttercup kisses

The cover of this book really drew me in so if I'm honest I was really disappointed when it turned out not to have much hockey in it at all.  I think the reason this book is only 3 charms for me was because I went into it thinking "Yes, Hockey Romance!" Honestly, the cover and blurb led me to believe that's what this book was about when it turns out I wouldn't really call this a sports romance. Yes the MC is a hockey player and there are a few token hockey scenes but most the book is about Kristen and her problems. It's about a woman who is hiding from her abusive but powerful ex-boyfriend who just happens to fall for a hockey player. I liked Kellan a lot and I liked Kristen once she got away from her ex. I'm not sure I loved Kellan and Kristen together but I didn't dislike them together either. I thought the book was rather obvious in where it was going and none of the "surprises" were very surprising to me. There was a lot of drama and although it was written well enough I just had trouble getting past the fact that it wasn't really a hockey sports romance.

This story isn't your average sports romance, hockey is not the main focus of the story the relationship is and learning how to love and trust another person when your past isn't so stellar.
I loved this story and watching the growth of these two characters was amazing. I couldn't put the book down and I look forward to reading more of this series.

Well I did not see that coming. I thought for sure this was going to be another sappy romance about a bad body hockey player turned into the good boy.

Nope not even close. This book had my emotions all over the flipping place. You'll cry, laugh and be devastated all in a few pages.

I have only read a few books by L.P. Dover, and I think it's safe to say I am hooked on this series and I cannot wait to get my claws on the next book Blocked.

I read this book for my blog Shakespeare's Wench Book Blog. I've read a lot of books by L.P. Dover and I loved this book too! It's very sexy, funny, and definitely tablet-melting hot! Readers who love romance, or who are curious about L.P. Dover and her work should read this book!

4 Stars

Hard Stick is the first title in the Breakaway series. This is not a sports romance, as the cover may suggest. Although the story line features a hockey player Kristen and Kellan's story is actually a romantic suspense. This story is a great blend of romance, intrigue, drama, danger, angst and heartache with some hockey thrown in as well.

Kristen has a past she is determined to keep hidden, and with her story comes a multitude of twists and turns that kept me completely enthralled.

I really enjoyed the side characters in this title, and the cameo appearance of characters from previous titles L.P. Dover has written. I look forward to reading more of the Breakaway series in the future.

This is my second book that I have read by L. P. Dover and once again she delivers. Totally surprised me! Lol. The cover nor the title have much to do with the actual story line but you are hooked from the first page. Poor Kristen, if only she knew what she was getting into she may have been able to escape sooner rather than losing her best friend to a wanted man by the FBI with Mafia ties. *sigh*. They say hindsight is 20/20 and Kristen barely escapes her crazy ex-boyfriend who happens to be married, after the murder of her best friend, Cole Harper. Kristen is able to change her identity with the help of the FBI and some well connected friends. She is now working as a bartender, a far cry from her career as an interior designer, but she prefers it rather than ever having to face Mitchell ever again. Then we meet Kellan, Captain of his hockey team, the Charlotte strikers. Kellan has a bit of crush on Kristen but she has been giving all men, the stay away from me vibes. Kellan, on a bet from his hockey teammates, gets a date from Kristen but realizes that Kristen is more than meets the eye. Kristen has not been involved with anyone after her best friend's death for fear that Mitchell will find her one day and try to kill anyone she becomes close with. This is book is filled with angst, danger, suspense and incredibly hot sex. Another great read for me. Loved it!

4 Stars

Copy provided for an honest review through NetGalley

Hockey Romance/Adult Romance

Kristen is a survivor. She finally made it away from her cunning and conniving ex, but is she truly safe? Now a bartender in a new place that she calls home, she is doing everything possible to lay low and live a quiet life. 

Kellan is the enforcer for the Charlotte Strikers, a hockey team. He has it all. Gorgeous looks, money and all the puck bunnies he could dream of but he doesn’t want them…someone else has intrigued him. A sassy and cute bartender.

Things are about to get sexy and dangerous.

I absolutely LOVE hockey romances! This book is a sexy and steamy hockey romance BUT it also has twists and turns that will keep you captivated! Honestly, I didn't expect much more that a fun, lighthearted story with a lot of great chemistry so when I dived in, I was so surprised! This book will take you for a ride.

The only issue I had was how fast the two main characters connected and "fell in love". I am not a big fan of "Insta Love" and this felt like that too me. I really enjoy seeing a relationship being built up from the beginning. I also really enjoy the funny and sometimes awkward moments characters go through to get to know each other - there is some of this in this book. Other than that, which by the way some people will love, this book was a quick and fun read!

Hard Stick released last week,  get your copy NOW. Available on Amazon HERE.

*** I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and chose to review it ***

I've been a fan of L.P. Dover's for quite some time so when I saw she was wrote the first book in her new hockey series, I immediately jumped on the chance to read it. It has all of Dover's wonderful hallmarks: suspense, danger, scorching hot sexy times and a beautiful love story. Of course, when I first saw the cover, the hot abs and hockey stick were calling to me. However, this is not your typical hockey story as it is less about the sport and more about healing and second chances. The story moves quickly and readers will completely fall for the main characters. It's a book that readers won't be able to put down. I can't wait to see what Dover comes up with next in the Breakaway series!

Hard Stick has romance, friendship, loss and suspense all rolled into it. Kristen is running from her past straight into Kellan her future not knowing both worlds will collide. She's someone everybody likes and gets along with. Kellan is a hockey player and sees Kristen as a challenge but stars explode when they get together. A lot of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes and characters will show up from past books but it is a standalone so enjoy!

3.75 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: June 13, 2017

He carries a big stick. And he’s not afraid to use it.

On the ice, I’m Kellan Carter, powerhouse enforcer for the Charlotte Strikers. Off the ice, I’m just a regular guy. The last thing I want is to get mobbed by a bunch of groupies who are only after me for my fame and money. My ideal woman knows how to enjoy a little good, clean fun—and maybe some not-so-clean fun too. That’s the kind of girl I’d never let go.

When Kristen Robinson, the gorgeous, down-to-earth bartender I’ve been crushing on, agrees to let me take her out, I’m thrilled. We have an amazing night together, culminating in the most electrifying kiss of my life—and that’s it. Kristen tells me we can’t see each other again, but I know that kiss meant as much to her as it did to me. What I don’t know is that Kristen has a dangerous secret. . . .

I’ve proved to Kristen that she can trust me with her body and her heart. But when her past comes back to haunt her, I need to prove that she can trust me with her life. And I might have to get my hands dirty after all.

••••••••••

REVIEW: 3.75 stars--HARD STICK is the first installment in L.P.Dover’s contemporary, adult BREAKAWAY sports, romance series focusing on the men and women of the professional hockey team The Charlotte Strikers. This is team captain Kellan Carter, and bartender/interior designer Kristen Robinson’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kristen and Kellan) HARD STOCK focuses on Kristen Robinson’s fight for her freedom from a controlling ex. On the run, following the murder of her best friend Cole, Kristen finds herself in Charlotte, North Carolina, falling for the team captain of the Charlotte Strikers. What ensues is the building relationship between Kristen and Kellan, and Kristen’s struggle to stay one step ahead of her past.

The relationship between Kristen and Kellan is one of immediate attraction but due to her past, Kristen keeps everyone at a distance fearing the possibility of retribution and revenge. In hiding, with a new identity, Kristen will come face to face with her past-a man who is determined to keep Kristen to himself. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to several members of the Charlotte Strikers- alternate captains Dallas Easton and Braeden Wallace, Coach Carlisle, and rookie Maddox Ledger, as well as Kristen’s friends Brooklyn, Brooklyn’s brother and FBI agents Jason Avery and his wife Aylee; Kellan’s mother Mary, and long suffering father Graham Carter. The requisite evil is all too familiar to our story line couple.

HARD STICK is first and foremost a story of suspense as the hockey trope takes a backseat to our heroine’s battle with her past. There is a twist in the story that I suspected early on but a twist, none the less. The premise is entertaining but there are definitely some over the top scenarios as it pertains to the suspense, mystery and take down; the characters are charismatic and colourful; the romance is seductive and provocative. HARD STICK is a dramatic, intense and enjoyable read.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Full disclosure... I read the second book in this series before the first on accident... That said, I went back to read this one because I loved the characters, and I wanted to see what "their" story was. I can promise this book does not disappoint. It was not at all what I was expecting... Kellan isn't afraid to take on the world for the woman he's fallen in love with, and Kristen has had so much heartache that she's willing to push others away to keep them safe from her past. Filled with more action off the ice than on, I devoured this title.

3.5 stars

Overall, Hard Stick by L.P. Dover was a good read.
The writing was well done, the storyline kept me turning the pages and the characters were entertaining.
My only issue was that the book blurb didn't quite match up to what the book delivered and I really was looking forward to a sports romance.
But having said that, it was still an enjoyable read and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

*Purchase Links*
Amazon ---> http://amzn.to/1XAQS36
B&N ---> http://bit.ly/1szQlDn
Kobo ---> http://bit.ly/1WEBwep
iBooks ---> http://apple.co/1W3gpCG
Google Play ---> http://bit.ly/1U0h5oM

*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy*

Review by Amber for Love Romance Book

Kristen is on the run from her psycho ex-boyfriend. She has managed to evade him for a year, and has managed to put together a semblance of a life in North Carolina. She knows her ex won't stop looking for her, though, and is tired of running.

Kellan is a professional hockey player, and captain of the Charlotte team. He has a reputation for being a playboy but when he sees Kristen, he knows she is different. He is a regular in the bar she works at, and he has been asking her out for almost a year. Every time, she has said no...until she decides she is tired of running and says yes. The connect from the beginning, and enjoys herself more than she anticipated. They start hanging out more and more, but Kristen is afraid to be with Kellan in the spotlight. Kristen doesn't want to keep secrets from Kellan, but she is still afraid of her ex, and has no idea what he will do if he finds her.

I would give this book 3.5 stars. It was well written, and I enjoyed both the characters and the story.
I was asked by the author for an honest review.

Reveiw by Amanda for Love Romance Books

I would have liked to give Hard Stick 3.5 stars.

I liked the characters and how strong Kristen was. The story was good, though predictable at times.

Hockey is my favorite sport and I grew up around amateur hockey players. While I don’t know any professional players personally, I was a little surprised at how quick all of Dover's players were to fight off the ice. It seemed more like a hockey stereotype than what I've experienced personally. That being said, hockey doesn't play a big part of the storyline.

I liked the book and I'm interested to read other stories by L P Dover.