Hard Stick by L.P. Dover was not what I expected, but nonetheless was a good read. Sometimes being surprised by a story is just what you need as a reader. This story was more of a romantic suspense story, similar to other books by L.P. Dover.

Kellan Carter is part of the Charlotte Strikers, a professional hockey team. He loves having a good time as much as the next guy, but he is also looking for more. When the bartender he has been hitting on finally says yes to going out with him, he is excited. But Kristen has secrets. Big ones.

Kristen is ready to start over and move forward with her life, but she needs to be cautious. After getting mixed up with the wrong man, she finds herself with a fresh start she never expected. But sexy hockey player Kellan is not what she needs. His life is too public and she wants to stay hidden. But after he breaks down her walls, she agrees to go out with him.

Kellan was determined to show Kristen he was the kind of guy she needed. He was an athlete, but he was also sweet and strong and willing to go for what he wants. But what secrets is Kristen hiding and can she trust Kellan?

The romance between Kellan and Kristen was sweet and he was so protective of her. He slowly convinces her she can trust him. Even as he begins to understand her background and what drove her to be there, he never faltered in being the man she needed.

Hard Stick was an angst filled story with drama and sit at the edge of your seat suspense and romance. It was a good read and I am excited to see where this series goes.

Happy reading!

I have chosen to DNF this title. There was something about the beginning of the story that really didn't engage me, the idea that she was being watched. I get that this is likely the issue that he will have to protect her from in the book, but it just seemed really fake and contrived, and I was not able to connect with the story or the characters.

I appreciate the opportunity to read the title and look forward to the next one through you.

Laura

Book Review
Title: Hard Stick
Series: Breakaway #1
Author: LP Dover
Genre: Sports Romance but read like Romantic Suspense
Publication Date: June 13, 2017
Cliff Hanger: No

4 Stars

*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+

Synopsis:
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.

My Thoughts:
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I enjoyed her writing style and I definitely will check out more of her work, however, I am torn about this book. Did I like it? Yes I did. So what’s the catch? I thought it was a sports romance, but it’s more like romantic suspense, so I was taken off guard and it wasn’t what I was expecting. It did have some hockey and about Kellen’s team, but a lot more going on than just a typical sports romance. So see, not really a bad thing.

The first four chapters were about Kristen and the set up for her meeting Kellen. The characters are developed and they have great chemistry. This book doesn’t rush their romance and there are twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, which is a good surprise. The story kept me involved until the end. I really did enjoy this book and look forward to more in this series. I don’t want to give you any more info as you really need to delve into this book for yourself.

If you want a great romance with a lot of drama, suspense and hot hockey players, then this is the book for you.

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

An amazing start to another awesome series by LP Dover!

Kellan, the star of the Carolina Strikers, has been asking Kristen out only to be turned down every time. Kristen moved back to North Carolina after running from her past. When the decision is made to finally move on, she decides to finally say yes to Kellan. What follows is an amazing relationship and tons of twists. There were so many surprises in this story and I don't want to give anything away. This book sucked me in and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. Kellan was so much more than what he seemed at the beginning. He's protective, loyal, and supportive. Once Kristen let him in, their relationship was near perfection. Kristen has been through a lot but was able to remain positive and happy. I loved the cameos by some of my favorite characters from other series. There were so many emotions felt in this book that was light on the sports and heavy on the drama. I can't wait to see what's next for this series!!

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

Wow! When I first picked this book up I thought it was just going to be another romance with a hot hockey player but this book was so much more. Yes, there is a hot hockey player but also a really good suspenseful romance. A super strong heroine who has ghosts from her past and a hero that is willing to do anything for the girl he wants to be with. I loved this story so much and can't wait to read more in this series!

Hard Stick by LP Dover was such an amazing read!

A guy named Kellan who also plays hockey???? Yup, that is a book that is instantly on my TBR! Add in the fact that it is written by LP, and I knew I would fall in love. Everything about this book, from the characters, to the plot had me wanting more!! I never wanted this novel to end.

I loved the steamy moments, that also had quite a bit of tension, but my favourite parts were the more sentimental, emotional aspects. Combine these elements together, and you will constantly be wondering what will happen next!!

Every book I have read by this author has been incredible, and this novel is no exception! I cannot wait to pick up even more books from LP in the future! Definitely a must read author!

4/5 Stars!

Good storyline with very likeable characters that pulled me right into their story and kept me totally engaged from the beginning to end!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

This is my first read by L.P. Dover and I was hooked from the beginning. What a roller-coaster ride she takes us on - I couldn’t put it down. Wow, this took my breath away. The romance, action, and suspense kept me awake until the wee hours of the morning when I turned the last page. If you’re not a huge sports romance fan, please don’t let the hockey aspect turn you away. Hockey is not heavily touted, it’s more of a secondary thing. To me, it was more romance, starting-over, and suspenseful. All in a perfect mix.

Dover does an exceptional job of getting us emotionally involved with the characters then throws in action and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The chemistry between Kirsten and Kellan is undeniable and intense. Their story pulls on every emotion. I was laughing, crying, angry, heart-broken, anxious, and loving right along with them.

Along with Kristen and Kellan, I loved the secondary characters and can’t wait to see what’s next in this series. I highly, highly recommend!

**I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley **

Really loved Dover's take on a hockey romance. Very unique and spellbinding. I found it had great character depth as well! Looking forward to more!

My favorite things about LP Dover's books is that she gets me attached and addicted to her characters before she throws their world into complete and utter chaos. The way her stories unfold I have no other option but to devour page after page to discover how things are going to turn out for characters I am consumed by.

Hard Stick was totally not the book I was expecting but I think I loved it even more because of that fact. It wasn't a light hearted sports drama, I think I would put it strongly into a romantic suspense genre if asked. 

Kristen has a crazy and dangerous past. One she desperately wants to escape but lives in terror of - she knows full well that eventually her ex-boyfriend work find her and hurt her. It's why - no matter how much she feels for him - Kristen cannot start anything with Kellan. His life is just to public and she refuses to lost another person she cares about.

The journey these two take together is intense. I was completely drawn into their drama and heartache.  I loved the moments that they surrender to their feelings and lust for one another.  I couldn't get enough of Kellan and how he wanted Kristen.  It was fierce and passionate.  I really enjoyed their romance!

Overall, my recommendation would be to definitely check Hard Stick out.  It's an excellent story and a hot hell romance!!  Get your copy today!

This is the first book in a new series, Breakaway, by L.P. Dover. L.P. Dover is a must read author for me.

This is a very good read. I don’t know anything about hockey, but there isn’t much of it in this book. It’s more of a suspense romance for me.

I really liked Kristen. Right from the start, I felt for her. Especially with everything that happened to Cole.

I loved Kellan, he’s a great guy.

Now I was a little surprised that Kristen told Kellan everything that was going on right away. If she’s basically in witness protection (not officially), she shouldn’t have said anything to Kellan, or to Cole’s parents.

There were some great suspenseful scenes and some twists I didn’t see coming.

This is a series I will continue to read.

After ogling over the cover and reading the book blurb, I just had to request Hard Stick from new to me author L.P. Dover. Much to my surprise, the story did not revolve around the sport of hockey. The hockey element took a backseat to the drama and angst surrounding the heroine of the story, interior designer Kristen Robinson. The hero is Kellan Carter, devoted boyfriend and team captain of the Charlotte Strikers.

After graduating from college, Kristen and her best friend Cole decide to stay in Boston and pursue their respective occupations. Kristen's career takes off after she successfully decorates Mitchell Blackwell's office building. Her love life flourishes as well, since she and Mitchell are in a relationship. Kristen has no idea that Mitchell is a mafioso type character, and that his power of influence is massive. Mitchell is an amazingly possessive individual and unfortunately, Kristen becomes his latest victim to control and manipulate.

Luckily, Kristen is able to escape Mitchell's clutches and start a new life, in a new place, under a new name. Her friends, who happen to be FBI agents, keep her safe while Mitchell continues to search for her. A year after her abrupt disappearance, Kristen is declared dead, and Mitchell stops his search. During this time Kristen is working as a bartender, which is where she meets Kellan. Kellan has tried for a year to get Kristen to go out with him, but she keeps turning him down. Feeling safe for the first time in a long time, Kristen goes out with Kellan, and they become exclusive. Kristen is happy and so is Kellan, that is until Mitchell shows up and almost destroys them.

Whew, what a rush. This book is a continuous roller-coaster ride from beginning to end. I liked how Ms. Dover evolved Kristen's character; making her stronger both inside and out through physical workouts and sparring. Kristen's resolve while dealing with so much tragedy and loneliness is beyond admirable. Her relationship with Kellan is hot and Ms. Dover does an excellent job of creating their passion for each other. Overall, this is exciting story that twists and turns in all the right places. This is the first book in the author's brand new series Breakaway, and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

I mainly skimmed through this book. I didn't like Kristen, she was a ninny. She has no backbone and no common sense. I couldn't stand her! And she "gasped" more than a dying fish. I found the whole story to be a little rediculous. Just not for me.

i'm such a sucker for a sports romance, but hard stick is more than that. it's got a surprising suspense/thriller element to it given the lead character's circumstances. kristin robinson has to escape a bad ex-boyfriend. she knows she's in a bad situation but there's no way to escape. the only way is to fake her death and take on a new identity.

when she meets kellan carter she thinks he's just another playboy athlete. but the more she gets to know him, the more she realizes that first impressions aren't always accurate. but trusting someone new is hard. and even though she hopes her past is dead and buried, she can't stop looking over her shoulder.

the thing is her past and kellan's present aren't all that far from each other. given his position as a public figure and who his family is, there's simply no way to plan for the kind of danger she is in. but the relationship that they have built, the strong bonds and connection that exists between them can carry them through this. all they need to do is keep faith.

this is the first book in the breakaway series, and i'm sure we'll get to spend more time with kellan's teammates in the future. i'm definitely intrigued and can't wait to see where the series goes next.

Ok, so there's a good story here but it just moved way too fast for me. I was hooked right away. I thought the first few chapters really set the stage for a good story but then it started to move too fast. Our heroine is basically put into witness protection, refuses to date the hero for over a year but then as soon as she gives in she sleeps with him and tells him everything. I liked the characters and the sexy times were hot-probably the best part of the story. I just wish the author had slowed down and developed the story a little more, made me work for it. It all was just too easy for me.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

4 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed the start of a new series from Ms. Dover. I think that she has the ability to add just enough suspense to a book to keep you on edge while you’re swooning over the hero and only wanting the very best to come about for the heroine.

Kristen’s past is really bad - like she’s hiding from it, it’s so bad. Kellen is a famous hockey star who doesn’t really act all that famous at all. They’ve known each other for quite some time, but Kristen sees him as a cocky sports star while Kellen would love to know more about the hot bartender.

I feel like the book had some really good character development. Both Kellen and Kristen go through some changes as they get to know each other a little better. The “extra” characters really bring a new level to the story as well.

There was also a good level of suspense that led to the solution which felt like it came at the right time and pace in the story.

I enjoyed this book very much and can’t wait to read more about the Charlotte Strikers!

Kristen learned a few lessons the hard way. Kellan is one determined person. Mitchell is a scumbag. Cole is a loving loyal friend. Read this in a day. Had to know where the story would go. Love the connection Kristen and Kellan have. They make for one loyal fun loving couple.

I devour everything written by L.P. Dover. I love her writing and always look forward to curling up with her stories!

Kellan is the Captain of the Carolina Strikers. He is a patron at a bar where Kristen works. He has an interest in her, but she seems hesitant and he can't understand why.

Kristen has a past she is hiding from and a fear of trusting anyone. She is very hesitant to get involved with a man for several reasons including trusting her judgment.

This is a romantic suspense story. I don't want to ruin the story and say too much. I will say one click for a great story that oozes hot athletes, suspense, drama, angst and love!

I've read almost all this author's books, and I've read all her contemporary books and loved them, so I'm always looking forward to a new release from her! I was really looking forward to read this book after I saw the cover and read the synopsis! The cover is hot and the synopsis really intrigued me! I then received an ARC for the Release Day Blitz and I made it my next read as soon as I did! I loved this book! The characters, especially the main female character, intrigued me very early on and the plot also developed at the perfect pace to keep me wanting to read on! The plot also had plenty of romance in it along with hot scenes and some sexual tension too! The plot had a bit of an action and suspense side to it too! The action and suspense did come to a big scene near the end and it did have me desperately flicking through the pages to find out what was going to happen next! There were also some twist and turns, and there was one particular twist that I really didn't see coming! It really shook things up! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Kristen was the main female character, and as I said above, she really intrigued me in this book! She did have a bit of a hard time in this book and she was looking over her shoulder and watching who she got involved with! This did make me feel sorry for her, but Kristen also came a long way in this book and she learned how to kick ass and become more confident and stand up for herself! I also connected with her all the way through this book and I loved the way she was with her love interest! She supported him with his career and she was always there cheering him on! Kellan was the main male character and love interest of Kristen! I loved Kellan a lot in this book! He was seriously hot and was a normal guy that just happened to be dragged into the action/suspense side of this book lol! I also admired him a lot for sticking by Kristen's side and supporting her! He was exactly what she needed and they both gave each other something that they were missing! It was also easy to see how deep Kellan's feelings for Kristen were in this book and he was very, very protective of her, which was understandable! I just loved Kellan and he was definitely book boyfriend material! I wasn't sure of this book was going to be written from both Kristen and Kellan's point of views after I read the synopsis! The synopsis sounded like it was going to be written from Kellan's point of view, but this author's other contemporary books are written from dual point of view, so I 'm really happy that this book was too! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot and it helped me connect more with both characters! I also can't wait to read the next book in this series! I already have an ARC of it, so I'm definitely going to be reading it soon! I know it's going to focus on new characters, but this has me even more excited to read it! I also love the cover for this book! It's seriously hot and definitely suits the book! The model is pretty damn hot too lol! Big thank you to L.P. Dover, Netgalley, and Loveswept for an ARC of Hard Stick!

Kristen is on the run from her crazy ex, and is working in a pub. Kellan’s team frequent the bar, and since he first set eyes on Kristen he has been persistent in trying to get her to date him. Will her ex appear back on the scene? No spoilers from me though, you will not be disappointed in reading this one for yourself!
This story is filled with angst, twists, humour, with complex and unique characters. This author has written a beautiful storyline which flows seamlessly. I recommend this author for all readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book!