** spoiler alert ** Patrick is the team captain and he loves doing it however, as the enforcer he's taken a lot of hits and he's starting to feel it. Enter the team massage therapist/yoga instructor Ari. I enjoyed reading the story of their relationship as it's a major slow build so we really get to know them. Ari and Patrick are both dealing with some issues but when push comes to shove they really come through for the other. I liked that when the going got tough they both put aside their inhibitions and were ready to go. I also really enjoyed the interactions with the other members of the team as well as Ari building a great friendship with the girls. While the romance is a main point of the story, I don't think it's the one driving point of the plot. We did spend a lot of time on Patrick's thought on the future. He's just not taking hits like they used to but, it felt it weighed down the plot at points. Of course, there's some major clues as to who is coming next in the series and I can't wait!

<strong>Rowena</strong>: Hard Hitter is the second book in Sarina Bowen's Brooklyn Bruisers series and it features Captain Patrick O'Doul. We first meet Patrick O'Doul in the first book, Rookie Move. He was one of Leo's new teammates and he hit on Georgia, Leo's girl. I don't remember much else about Patrick, aside from he helped make Leo feel more comfortable transitioning to a new team.

Patrick is the team enforcer and over the years, his body has taken some beatings. He's coming off a wrist injury and his hip is acting up but every night, he goes out on that rink and he fights whoever needs fighting.

I'll admit that when I first heard that Patrick was getting his story told next, I wasn't all that excited. I'm not sure why that was since I didn't hate Patrick, I just didn't really think much about him.

Well...I love him now. Ha!

What about you? What did you think of Patrick and the rest of his book?

<strong>Holly</strong>: I really liked Patrick. He was quiet and intense and private. I kind of expected some deep dark secret or tortured past after the way he acted about being touched.

I'm kind of on the fence about the heroine.i didn't dislike her, but she isn't my favorite Bowen heroine.

<strong>Rowena</strong>: Something more than the deep, dark secret about his parents? I liked the way that Bowen handled Patrick's issues in this book. He's had a pretty rough childhood and he had some hangups about them but he wasn't saddled with those issues. He was an adult. He wasn't this angsty hot head who lashed out at every turn or anything like that. He ignored them for as long as he can and then he fixed them. I dug it.

Ari isn't my favorite heroine either and she got on my nerves throughout the book but not nearly as much as Georgia did in Rookie Move. My thing with Ari was that she taught all not judging and how to listen with your heart in her yoga classes but holy cow did she turn into the biggest judger of all judges when Patrick lands himself in trouble. That annoyed the snot out of me...even if she did buy him a coffee maker.

<strong>Holly</strong>: No, I just meant that I expected there to be something, and I was right. I dug the way his issues were handled, too. I thought there might be more angst over it, but he just handled his business.

I didn't like how she turned her back on him either. I get being angry, but her reaction was over the top.

<strong>Rowena</strong>: Yeah, I liked that his issues didn't define him. That he didn't make them take over his life. He was a man about that stuff and far too often, these big bad ass heroes are bogged down by their horrible childhoods and they turn into little babies because of it. So this was a nice change.

I'm not all that into yoga so I didn't think that I would care much about Ari and what she did for a living but damn...can you imagine working as a masseuse to all of those hot guys? Getting paid to rub down all of those yummy hockey players every day? I'm low key jealous. Ha!

What did you think about all of the crap that Ari went through with her ex-boyfriend?

<strong>Holly</strong>: Omg, girl. I need some of that in my life. Haha

I don't know how I felt about Ari's boyfriend troubles. It didn't seem like she made very good choices when it came to him. Not calling the cops on him, agreeing to meet him alone, etc. I wasn't impressed.

Spoilers: You know what's been bugging the crap out of me? There was video of Patrick buying. Yet that was never addressed. As we all know, once a video or picture exists it doesn't go away. So how can he deny the charges and that never be a concern to anyone?

<strong>Rowena</strong>: I would have married all of them if they asked me...and I would start every appointment with a foot rub so those marriage proposals would keep rolling in. LOL!

I think that was part of my gripe with Ari. How dumb she was where Vince was. Why did she wait so long to tell the Security guys at the Bruisers about everything that was going on? For someone so smart, she sure was dumb a lot.

Yeah, but the video was never released, right? So it didn't really need to be addressed. At least that's what I remember. There was the picture of Patrick buying but the photo was too grainy to tell if it was really Patrick or not and Vince only threatened to release the video so maybe that's why it wasn't a big deal or maybe the Bruisers made it go away?

Overall, I enjoyed the story and the romance between Patrick and Ari. At least, when Ari wasn't being a dumbass and I really liked Patrick. He was a complete dreamboat.

My grade for this one is 4 out of 5.

Are you looking forward to Beacon and Lauren's story?

<strong>Holly</strong>: Even if the video was never released, it was there. There was no guarantee it wouldn't be released in the future...it was never addressed. I think that's careless on the part of Patrick, Ari and the team. I would think they, at least, would want to be sure it wouldn't come out at some point in the future.

I am looking forward to Beacon and Lauren's story. I like this world and I'm definitely glad we'll see more.

I liked the romance, too, as well as the additional time with the team. I didn't love Ari on her own, but I did like her with Patrick.

I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 as well.

Loved this book to pieces! Patrick O'Doul is definitely relationship goals.

There is something truly special in Sarina Bowen’s writing. I swear every book that I have read by her lately has been excellent. Hard Hitter is absolutely no different… book #2 in the Brooklyn Bruisers series and it is definitely a must read. Whether you have read Rookie Move or not, Hard Hitter will captivate you. I love a good sports romance and I love a hot sports hero so Patrick and Ari’s story is right up my alley.

From the moment these two grace the pages I just knew they were going to be explosive together. She is coming off a long term relationship and well he doesn’t really do relationships. His dark and sad past broke my heart as well as made me love him even more. Together they bring out the best of each other and with the sparks that fly every time they are together, the slow burn romance turns into full fledged fire within.

I enjoyed the push and pull, I loved that Patrick never gave up on Ari, and I really liked that Ari was able to heal Patrick both body and soul. If you are a fan of hockey romances, or really, all romance stories, then give Hard Hitter a chance. I promise that you won’t be disappointed. Plus that killer teaser at the end has me on pins and needles for the next installment. Well done Ms. Bowen, well done.

There's no denying what a force Patrick O'Doul is on the ice, setting an example of excellence for his fellow Brooklyn Bruisers. When it comes to yoga, however, Doulie can't seem to let go as much as the rest of those taking the class. Naturally, the one who notices is none other than Ariana Bettini, the Bruisers' yoga instructor. Ari also happens to be the team's massage therapist, and hasn't slipped her notice that the team captain doesn't show up for his scheduled appointments. When he does finally make it, it's clear that he doesn't like being touched, which piques Ari's curiosity about the guy even more. The last thing she needs, however, is to start noticing things about the man she knows prefers calling "Patrick" over his more popular nickname. The last time she was single was eight years ago, so dating Patrick isn't part of her plans. But he's there whenever she needs him, especially when it involves her ex. Patrick is prepared to do whatever it takes to get Ari to date him, even ask his teammates for suggestions, but it could take more than he's capable of to convince the woman he's falling for he's worth the risk.

The awaited second Brooklyn Bruisers series AND appearances from my two most favorite couples in the Ivy Years series?! Yes, please! Hard Hitter was my second Sarina Bowen read in a matter of days, having read a co-written series starter on Christmas Eve and then this Brooklyn Bruisers novel on New Year's Eve. No one pens a hockey romance quite like Sarina Bowen, and with thirty-two-year-old Brooklyn Bruisers captain Patrick O'Doul's story with twenty-nine-year-old team yoga instructor and massage therapist Ariana Bettini, there's some suspense thrown in to keep readers on their toes. There's a lot of push and pull between Patrick and Ari, especially since she's trying her damnedest to keep him at arm's length or, at the very least, keep things casual between them. For such a quiet and gruff guy, Patrick surprised me with how far he was willing to go for Ari and the man proved to be quite the romantic. I felt for him when his past was revealed, but I love how Ari was gentle and encouraging even before she knew about what happened to him as a child in foster care. There's a bit of angst but not a lot of drama.

I admit that series starter Rookie Move is still my favorite between the two, but I can't deny that Patrick and Ari's story along with a smidgen of Ivy Years nostalgia made Hard Hitter the perfect way to end last year. I'm tempted to say which among the Ivy Years couples show up here, but I think part of the thrill was coming across them as you read the book, at least that was my own personal experience, so I'm going to encourage you to read the book and "stumble" upon them like I did. I know that Mike Beacon and Lauren Williams are up next in Pipe Dreams, but I've got my fingers and toes crossed that the couple I'm most curious about--team owner Nathan Kattenberger and office manager Rebecca Rowley, aka Nate and Becca--also get their story told later on, whether as a novella or a full-length novel. I'm not picky. Really, I'm not. There are also a number of other hockey players that I couldn't help but notice, but I know that asking for every single one of them to have a book would be unrealistic, so I'm just sticking with Nate and Becca. So far, the Brooklyn Bruisers books have left me sated. Hard Hitter receives five stars. ♥

Hockey romance fans… let yourselves be lured in by the hot man chest covers! The stories inside are just as delicious. In just two books I’ve come to care about this whole team, from the players to the people behind the scenes. I love how we get such a full glimpse of this Brooklyn Bruisers organization in each book and it makes it a great reading experience.

But of course, there’s also the romance! I made the mistake of reading the teaser at the back of Rookie Move and I was dying to read this book. There’s something very appealing to me about the combo between the hard edged team captain Patrick and the team’s massage therapist and yoga teacher Ariana. The chemistry was there from the very beginning and it was a delight to see him, especially, slowly opening up to her. He carries some emotional baggage that he needs to work through, but I was happy that it wasn’t dragged out to be something so difficult to overcome. They complemented each other perfectly while being polar opposites otherwise.

I also loved both characters separately. Patrick came off as this big brute of a man, and it was nice to peel back those layers and find the insecurities and feelings behind why he did what he did at times. I think Ariana was key in getting under his skin with her bubbling attitude and open mind.

I found HARD HITTER to be a fun and surprisingly quick read. It’s very light and without overdone complications and had the right balance for me between team, sport, friendships, conflict and romance. The girls bonded more and there’s an overall feeling of friendship that I really enjoy in these types of stories. And let’s face it…there’s nothing better this time of year than a good hockey story and this series seems to capture not just the romance but the atmosphere of the game as well. It really is so much fun to read for that. And while I enjoyed the first book, HARD HITTER was even better than I was expecting.

Now, I know that Pipe Dreams isn’t about team owner Nate and Becca… Sooooo are we getting more than three books? Because I’m dying for that story. Like I need it NOW!

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 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.

Loving this series and have to say I was excited to get Patrick O’Doul’s book! He’s the team captain and has been playing hockey for a long time. He plays a position that puts him in the line of fire. After many injuries his body has taken a beaten and needs a break. Taking the coaches advice he goes to see the team massage therapist.

Ari has just come out of a break up from a long-term relationship. She want’s nothing to do with men right now, just do her job and go home. After spending time with Patrick feelings start to form. They are both fighting the attraction they have towards each other. Both of them have things keeping them from getting close to another person.

Who knew a big burly hockey player could have a soft side. Ari is slowly bringing it out of him. Patrick is showing her that not all men are like her ex. They have this chemistry but are afraid to act on it. I really liked the characters in this story. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. If you haven’t read Rookie Move and Hard Hitter you need to. You will love this series!

I loved being back in the hockey world of the Brooklyn Bruisers. Sarina Bowen created a group of characters that I want to learn more about and hang out with at the same time. In this book, we got the prickly, and kind of anti-social captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers, Patrick O'Doul, whom we met back in Rookie Move and the team's massage therapist and yoga instructor, Ari Bettini.

I loved seeing these two come together and slowly learned about the other. I loved seeing how they got under each other skin as they realized how good they were together, even though Ari was trying to lie to herself about it. Ari and Patrick are two completely different people but they compliment each other so well and I'm glad that Ari was able to see that Patrick is the right guy for her.

I'm super excited about the next book in the series, Pipe Dreams, Lauren has scared me several times now so I'm curious to learn her story. I am sad though because I really wanted Becca' and Nate's story.

I am pretty much obsessed with every word Sarina Bowen writes and the first book in this series, Rookie Move, was sooooooo good. I was so excited to get back into the world of the Brooklyn Bruisers and watch another girl fall in love with an irresistible hockey player.

Team captain and one of the oldest members on the team, Patrick O'Doul is feeling the beatings his body has taken throughout the years. With a particularly bothersome injury, O'Doul is being pushed to put in more time with the team masseuse, Ari Bettini. O'Doul does not like being touched and is used to his life alone in his studio apartment, but when he finds himself wrapped up in Ari's life as she is dealing with a crazy ex-boyfriend, O'Doul realizes what he's been missing out on and how much he doesn't actually mind waking up with a beautiful woman by his side. But Ari isn't ready for a relationship after being involved with a man for ten years, a man who will not leave her alone. Still, Ari is determined to help heal O'Doul's wounds while O'Doul is determined to help heal Ari's heart.

I absolutely adored Leo Trevi from the first book of this series. Sadly, I was not as in love with O'Doul, but I still appreciated his character and his past that led him to becoming a hockey player. It was fun seeing him realize that maybe he didn't want to be alone anymore and how much he really enjoyed being around Ari. Also, I really enjoyed how much hockey we got in this book (and the last book) and how important sports really are to our characters. As a sports romance, these books have the perfect amount of sports in them. We get to see O'Doul during games and how affected he is by being the enforcer (the guy responsible for the physical fights) for his team.

As for Ari's character, I really enjoyed her character and her storyline not only with the hockey team but also with her crazy ex-boyfriend. It was so cute how O'Doul helped protect her and made her feel safe when she was scared of living in her own home. There was also a little bit of tension regarding how O'Doul was actually connected to Ari's ex-boyfriend, and you were just waiting for that bomb to drop and create drama in Ari and O'Doul's relationship. There was a little bit of mystery and thrill added to Ari's storyline, which kept you on the edge of your seat. You didn't know when Ari's ex would show up or what he was hiding, which definitely kept things interesting.

Overall, I still really enjoyed this addition to the Brooklyn Bruisers series, even if it wasn't as adorable and addicting as the first book. I still loved how much hockey we got in here and the added mystery and danger revolving around Ari's personal life. If you want an AMAZING sports romance series with some hot hockey players, you have to pick up Sarina Bowen's Brooklyn Bruisers series!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is turning into another fantastic series by Sarina Bowen. In book two, Patrick completely stole my heart. The team captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers, an enforcer whose body can’t take much more of being a goon, Patrick is the survivor of an awful childhood that has left him with emotional scars that make relationships almost impossible for him.

Ari, the team’s therapist, is still running from an abusive relationship and an ex-boyfriend who won’t let her go. Ari needs to be able to touch Patrick if she is going to be able to help him heal, but Patrick’s past has made it difficult for him to trust her touch.

This is a darker book than the first with two slightly older leads. By the end, this becomes romantic suspense as Ari’s past catches up with both her and Patrick. The result is a more exciting story with slightly less hockey than the first one.

I really love the world the author has created for this series. Only in Brooklyn would an NHL franchise be owned by a young, eccentric tech billionaire who provides his team with matching smartphones and mandatory yoga sessions. In addition to some brilliant moments between teammates, we see more of the women involved with the team. I love Becca, Nate’s slightly eccentric PA, and I was glad to see more of Georgia from the first book.

This is a fantastic book, but while it might work as a standalone, I would definitely start with the first book in the series and read the books in order.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I just love a good hockey romance and this one does not fail to deliver.

Patrick O'Doul is the team captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers. His role as the team leader and enforcer means that his responsibility to the team doesn't begin and end on the ice, and it’s a role that he doesn't take lightly. Playing through injuries is just part of the job, after all it is hockey.

Ariana Bettini is a massage therapist and yoga instructor for the Bruisers and it’s her job to help keep the players healthy. She has a good working relationship with most of the players, except O'Doul. So far, he's avoided her table and she's beginning to believe that it’s the therapist, not the therapy he's avoiding. Until the coach forces him to her table.

Ari is feeling the pressure at work, but she just broke up with her boyfriend of eight years for not only being a douche, but also for causing her to break her ankle. She's not ready for another relationship, which is why she only wants to be friends with Patrick, even though the sparks between them burn hot.

Patrick is uncertain of what he feels for Ari, but he can't get seem to forget about her. Her courage and determination are two of the many things he appreciates about her and he can't seem to stop thinking about her, which is weird because he doesn't do relationships.

Ari is determined to keep her fling with Patrick on the down low, not wanting to cause an uproar at work or to jeopardize her job. O'Doul is one of the star players, his position in the organization is solid, unlike hers.

When trouble appears at her door, it brings fallout to the entire team, Patrick included. Ari is scared and troubled, but Patrick doesn't seem to mind. He finds himself wanting to protect Ari, even to his own detriment.

This book has it all, hockey, intrigue, and romance. I love the Bruisers and can't wait to see who's next to fall.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆☆
I really loved this sweet sports romance!

Patrick O’Doul is the enforcer for the Brooklyn Bruisers. He learned to fight when he was a kid in a group home and needed to defend himself; now he’s made it his quite successful career. Patrick doesn’t handle people in his personal space well, no one is ever allowed to enter his apartment and he doesn’t like to be touched. Having been the enforcer for his team for many years. it’s starting to take its toll on his body. and the team decides he needs to have regular massage appointments with the team’s massage therapist/yoga instructor, Ari. Ariana Bettini just broke up with her long-time boyfriend Vince, who was becoming more unhinged as the days go on. When Patrick begins to show up regularly to his appointments with Ari, the attraction is immediate and Patrick quickly learns to enjoy her touch. Ari isn’t looking for a relationship, and even though the two wind up in bed together, she still pushes for it not to continue happening. Patrick is determined to win her over, and with the help of his teammates, sets out to “woo her.”

I love all the supporting characters in this book, I seriously can’t wait for the next installment, I so hope it’s Becca and Nate! This is a fast-pace romance that will have you on the edge of your seat – I love all the mystery added in. It’s one I didn’t want to end, I can’t wait to read more from this series!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5* for Doulie determination!

This is the second book in the series – and whilst it is not essential to have read Rookie Move first, I would recommend it, as it is a great story. It also gets the reader up to speed about the team, players, and staff.

Ari is the hockey team's massage therapist, and runs the yoga classes. She loves her new job, her new friends, and the short commute from home... until home becomes unsafe due to a stalker ex. Things get ugly fast, but Patrick O'Doul is in the right place at the right time. He has an injury which needs her treatment. Before they know it, there is something between them.

I've read a lot of sports romances, which have given me lots of insights into team behaviours – but with this one, we get a fascinating view of the role of the fighter, and what it takes to fulfil that role on a week in, week out basis. It would be easy to assume the fighter is hot tempered, but this will make you think again.

The developing relationship and the problems with Ari's ex lead to some unexpected twists and turns, which make for a fast moving story. The friendship groups ensure that we get to see how both react to the events and give us some wonderful humour too. There is a good amount of progress in other 'friendships' which will hopefully lead to more stories soon – we get a taster of the next book at the end.

Very enjoyable read, with some new twists to keep the reader guessing.

DNF @ 39%. For some reason this couple didn't grab at me. I rarely felt their connection and I had a hard time feeling their sexual tension. Both characters failed to jump off the pages and the overall pace forced my attention span to wander. After a few weeks of trying, I'm going to have to give up. I'll still continue on in the series since I loved the first book and I hope that it was just this couple that affected the book.

Who knew I would fall for the jerk from book one of the Sarina Bowen’s Brooklyn Bruisers series? Seriously, I thought Patrick O’Doul (known to his friends as “O’Doul”) was a big, grouchy, veteran hockey player on his way out the door. I wasn’t a fan of how he treated Leo (from book one) so to say I was surprised his story was next is an understatement.

I’m a girl, I was born changing my mind!!

Turns out O’Doul has a reason for being so cranky and it has a lot to do with being the team’s enforcer. For those who don’t know much about the game of hockey, there’s usually one or two players on a team who are the brutes of the team, the guys who will fight the fights during a hockey game. Someone on your team takes a dirty hit from the other team? The enforcer goes out on the ice looking for revenge, and a fight, with the other team’s enforcer or the guy who made the hit, who ever is closest usually. The enforcer is usually the team’s captain but not always. But he’s a leader, a guy who looks out for his team mates.

The pressure of being an enforcer and staying healthy for the game has put a lot of stress on O’Doul and his body. It’s time for him to make some changes to his usual recovery routine. For someone not used to being touched, getting therapy massages for his injuries is going to be tough.

Ari Bettini has worked hard to get where she is and she loves her job. So she takes it somewhat personally if a client doesn’t show up for his sessions. She feels like it will reflect badly on her to the bosses up in the Brooklyn Bruisers’ offices. On top of that stress, she has a troublesome ex-boyfriend making trouble for her at home.

Despite all this mess, these two are actually perfect each other. Their romance winds and weaves itself around both O’Doul and Ari so they both get the help they need… from each other! I think I adored O’Doul more and more as the story went along. He absolutely treasured Ari by the end. And he needed her with what he had to deal with… silly boy making dumb mistakes 😉

If you like your romance with strong emotions, a solid and exciting storyline, and good, smart characters, this series and this book are for you! Ms. Brown’s books (at least all the ones I’ve read) are all well written and all of them have had great stories. And crazily enough, I keep learning more and more from her books. In fact, I knew about enforcers in hockey before reading this story because I watch quite a bit of hockey. But Ms. Brown went beyond what I see on TV and showed the reader a very unique angle to being the guy who has fight every game night.

I guess you could say that by the time the book ended, O’Doul was a lover AND a fighter… ∗cue lame music∗

I've got a new book boyfriend folks!

I loved pretty much everything about this story but I want to take a minute to appreciate all thing Patrick O'Doul, aka Doulie. The man is just.... ahhhh. He's got a past which we know isn't pretty so he's a little mysterious. He can be a jerk but you can also see that deep down, he's a good guy who is keeping people at a distance for a reason. And oh my, he's sexy. If you aren't in love with him halfway through this book, you need to have your head examined.

Ari is a cool heroine. She's trying to be fiercely independent after coming out of an abusive relationship. She's not looking for love or even a hook-up but she's drawn to Patrick in a way she can't ignore. I loved her professionalism and even when her hesitation about a new relationship drove me nuts, I could understand where she was coming from.

I love all of Sarina's NA hockey romance and this spin-off is a perfect compliment to her previous Ivy Years series. She gives us enough of the side characters to get invested in their future stories without taking away from the main storyline. Plus she writes some great sexy times. Yoga, massages, and Patrick O'Doul= where do I sign up?

Seriously though, this really is a sweet book about two people reluctant to love until they realize they have no choice and the risk is worth it. When Patrick decides he's in, he is ALL in and there is something incredibly sexy about that. I can't recommend this enough! If you want to read the whole series, start with book one. Otherwise, this can be a stand alone.

Somehow I missed the release of the first book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series, but my blogging pal at Delighted Reader left a fantastic review for it and brought it to my attention. Naturally, when Hard Hitter came along, I was all over it. Hockey and romance with solid in-depth characters was not to be missed.

I didn’t read this in order, but found it quite easy to pick it up as a standalone or out of order.

The story opens with Bruisers’ team captain, Patrick O’Doul, near the end of the season and his team in the play-off picture. Patrick is the hardened veteran enforcer of the team meaning it’s his job to deal with the side-ring fights that are all part of the hockey game experience. Secretly, Patrick dreads the moment when the gloves come off and he must go a round with the other team’s enforcer. He’s just not into it and his aging body is taking a pounding, but he does what he has to do. And this means that if the training staff insist on yoga and massage, then he must comply.

Ari loves her job as the yoga teacher and massage therapist for the Bruisers even if she only has a general idea about the sport of hockey. The camaraderie of the team and the mood of the organization under the leadership of Nate, the owner is perfect. If only her private life were the same. Eight years with a guy before she finally did something about her mistake when he gives her a scary wake up call. And he’s still not gone.

Ari and Patrick get to know each other better as she works to get him to relax on her massage table and he comes to her rescue from her abusive and dangerous ex. Ari hates relying on others now that she has wrested control back of her life and is still bruised from being a victim. Patrick has a past and a secret that may get in the way of anything with Ari just as much as her own fears and need to hold him at a distance.

Alright, yes, I was eager to try this series after seeing all the love for book one and I found that the early enthusiasm did not lead to disappointment. I found the author balanced the world of pro hockey and the large cast of characters associated with the club well with her story of Patrick and Ari. There’s a good build to the conflict and resolution with a nice blend of humor, drama, and spicy passion (hey, fit hockey player and limber yogi, need I say more).

There was actually a lot going on in this story behind the main romance including the character’s individual stories. I liked seeing that the romance is not told in isolation. The surrounding cast of characters have smaller storylines going on. I was actually pretty intrigued by the characters from the front office as much as the hockey players surrounding Patrick. There is a love interest between the owner and his assistant that is cute because he’s crushing on her and she’s oblivious. Then there is this fun moment in the story when Patrick asks his team for advice about courtship and gets several ideas with the youngest guy having some good instinct about the ladies.

A suspense element is dropped in due to Ari’s stalker ex who keeps trying to get back into her apartment building and is making threats to her and Patrick. It was interesting, but I preferred the romance and the time spent around the hockey team to this plot thread.

But, for all the other things going on, the romance was the central focus and it was a good one. It’s a daring rebound romance for Ari and a first time for Patrick. They were great together as they worked into a cautious friendship and then he starts to openly court her with the ideas he got from the other guys. He didn’t let her push him away and he was upfront with her while respecting her boundaries. Patrick was shaped by his past, but he was also keeping a big secret that I just knew was going to spring into the open at the worst time- and it did. Ari is healing from a bad relationship and the timing of meeting Patrick leaves her wary of trying again. Her fears and reluctance made sense even if I was silently begging her to stop holding a really good guy at arm’s length and just say yes.

All in all, I had a great outing with this book and can’t wait to get ice queen Lauren’s story in the next book. I definitely want to go back for Leo and Georgia’s book. Those who enjoy spicy sports romance need look no further. Give this book/series a go.

My thanks to Penguin-Random House for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen is a solid Sports Romance set in the world of hockey. Patrick is the team captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers, and more of a loner than the rest of his teammates. On the surface he acts like everything is great, but he has some personal issues. He grew up in the foster system, and always has to be on guard against bullies. He doesn’t like to be touched, and hasn’t had many personal relationships with women. His family is his team. But lately things are coming to ahead for him. He’s fearful he may get traded, and he’s having some back pain. He’s forced to go to the team’s physical therapist, Ari who he’s attracted to. But he feels if he goes to her for help, he’s weak.
Ari loves her job, but her personal life is in shambles. She threw out her long time boyfriend who may or may not be mixed up with drugs, and perhaps even in the mob. He’s causes her big problems, and is practically stalking her. She escapes in her work, which involves teaching yoga to the players, and massage therapy. Patrick is the only one who seems to have issues with her, but eventually she figures out why when she gets him on her massage table and helps him relax. From that he turns to her for more help, but then lines are crossed because he wants her touch in an entirely different manner.
These two end up having an affair that Ari wants to keep quiet for many reasons which involves her unstable ex-boyfriend, and her fear of getting fired for being romantically involved with Patrick. He tries to convince Ari that everything will be okay, but then he’s the target of blackmail from her ex because of some business he did with the man in regards to illegal pain medication that could get him thrown out of the hockey league forever. These two have to work together to fix their problems in the hopes of still being employed, and possibly have a future together.
Hard Hitter is an enjoyable romance with a nice main couple. The love scenes here are well written and steamy, and both Patrick and Ari are engaging. I really like the secondary cast, especially Patrick’s teammates who are all great guys and worthy romantic heroes who will surely have their own books in the future.
Fans of hockey romance with lovable characters, and an undercurrent of drama and tension will want to check this one out.

It's been a bit of a tough week and I wanted to throw myself into something that's familiar, so that would be a world of hot hockey players who are aggressive on the ice and surprisingly sensitive off the ice.

Patrick has always put himself through the wringer during all their games. That's his role - to take the hits without complaints. But after years of being roughed up, his body needs some tlc. In comes, Ari, the team's well-respected yoga instructor and massage therapist. Patrick is forced to see her as part of his rehabilitation but it unnerves him to have anyone touch him. It confuses Ari but she's willing to work patiently with him to help him get better. Spending time with each other is what they need. He's not used to companionship and she could use a friend after a disastrous break up with her shady boyfriend. Unfortunately, things get complicated between them thanks to the ex-boyfriend whose interference could unravel their relationship and careers.

What can I say? I'd be hard-pressed to come across a Sarina Bowen book I didn't like. In Hard Hitter, I enjoyed seeing Ari work to reclaim herself after being in a long-term relationship, and an unhealthy one at that. She faltered a bit but I had to admire her for the courage it took to stand up for herself. Once again, kudos to Bowen for addressing a sensitive issue with such finesse. And Patrick? It's different to see someone who's such an alpha morph in to this sensitive, wannabe boyfriend seeking out romantic advice from his teammates. Really! They're funny! And of course, the sexy times are as scorching-hot as ever which include some fun props ...ahem...massage table.

Hard Hitter is an excellent follow-up to Rookie Move. Aside from Ari and Patrick, there are a couple other subplots of interest in the background that I got excited about. This sports romance has it all - the good guy, the bad guy, the tough girl, best friends, laughs and lots of heat.

Hard Hitter is the second book in Sarina Bowen’s Brooklyn Bruiser series, featuring the elusive enforcer Patrick O’Doul and the team’s massage therapist, Ari Bettini. Patrick has been used to living with the pain, and when he grudgingly has to see Ari he’s expecting nothing to change. Ari is looking to get over her bad breakup, and doesn’t need to deal with the moody enforcer.

This was an interesting romance with a sports backdrop. Ari is one of the last people you’d expect to work for a sports team, but it works. Ari and Patrick are an unlikely pairing, but they seem to fit together rather well. The one thing that I didn’t understand was Ari’s reaction to her ex-boyfriend’s actions, because she seemed to be a pushover and allows him to take advantage of her in a way that makes her appear weak. Despite this it was a sweet book that I enjoyed reading. Ari is able to get the help and healing that she needs, being with a man that knows how to take care of her while Patrick is a great hero. He takes care of her while also fighting his own demons.

4 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

This was a solid followup book in this series!! I'm still anxious to find out what's going on with Nate and Becca, but I actually really loved Ari and Patrick's love story. I probably would have enjoyed it even more if I had more dedicated time to read it, and wasn't constantly interrupted...a bookworm's nightmare, am I right?

I think I'd read a teaser for this one at the end of the first book, and for some reason I thought there would be something more specifically devastating in O'Doul's past, particularly with his dislike of being touched. So often that screams of abuse that's more than just physical. So I kind of kept waiting for that to be revealed at the beginning, but then I figured out it wasn't quite that. But in the end his dislike of being touched wasn't really explored in any great detail, and while I was a bit disappointed to not delve into his past, it was kind of interesting that it wasn't given specifics, b/c sometimes people can't explain why they feel like that, just that that's the way life has shaped them, you know? It's not always sexual abuse or something like that. And sometimes sexual abuse trumps the horrors of just plain physical abuse. Not sure if I'm making sense. Basically I was conflicted about the amount of background we got on Patrick. I'm a background kind of girl, so I can always dive in for more. :)

I really enjoyed the depth we did get on how Patrick felt being the enforcer. I'm not sure if Ms. Bowen interviewed some enforcers to get their thoughts on their role, but I was fascinated to see the dread he felt, but also how he felt it was so important to his career. I'm not big into the hockey fights myself, and must say I agree with Nate: I sincerely hope they are going out of style. There's just too much danger in them for the benefits we get out of them.

Ari was an intriguing heroine for me. I loved how she was a bit of a contradiction with her yogi lifestyle, but her inability to give herself a break for some of the mistakes she made in the past. But I thought she grew over the course of the book, and it was believable for me. I loved seeing her friendships develop with Becca and Georgia as well.

For those who are a fan of the Ivy Years series, there were some awesome glimpses of past characters in this one...some just tiny, but it was nice all the same.

Patrick and Ari had some great chemistry as well, I was definitely enjoying both the steamy moments, and Patrick's sweet attempts to woo her. That moment when he enlists the help of his fellow players had me just laughing. Loved it.

My one complaint would be with how what could have been a major obstacle in their relationship was sort of left to the epilogue and then just resolved super quickly. It was almost like the author forgot about it, and had to do something with it at the end. Not super impressed with that. Also, what happened in the playoffs?? You can't just have a count down for the chapter headers for the whole book and then bam, 3 months later...bit cheesed.

All in all really enjoying this series, and the romance in this one was top notch. And I totally called Beacon having the next book! But his heroine surprised me, even though it shouldn't! Can't wait for more in this series.

Sarina Bowen has been consistently delivering heartfelt romances with really strong characters, and Hard Hitter is another Bowen book that I enjoyed thoroughly.

Patrick O'Doul is one of NHL's top enforcer for years. But now age is catching up to him. I have to say that Patrick is probably Sarina's most self-contained hero. I found it very hard to get a feel for what he's all about. But I love me some grumpy, taciturn heroes so it came as no surprise that I fell hard for his character, especially his backstory.

Ari is the same thing. I started the book not quite sure what she's all about. At first, I thought that Ari was very much like the hero which worried me a bit because I like it a lot more when there's contrast between the hero's personality and the heroine. Chemistry, opposites attract and all that jazz. But again, Sarina's writing, the way she crafted these characters made a believer out of me.

I absolutely enjoyed reading how they both started to change their perception about each other and their feelings start to grow. The pace of their romance was just right. And like Rookie Move, there are plenty of interaction between Patrick and his teammates. And more Nick and Becca!! Yay!!

I absolutely adored the Nick and Becca dynamics, so much so that I would be bitterly disappointed if Sarina won't write their book!!

Anyway, Hard Hitter is another great addition to the Brooklyn Bruisers series. And despite my misgivings, I'm looking forward to Pipe Dreams. I'm curious about why Queen Lauren is the way she is. Bring it on!

ARC provided by the publisher