***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog

Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen
Book Two of the Brooklyn Bruisers series
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Publication Date: January 3, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

From the USA Today bestselling author of Rookie Move comes the second novel in the series that s hot enough to melt the ice.

He s a fighter in the rink, but he s about to learn that playing nice can help you score...

As team captain and enforcer, Patrick O'Doul puts the bruise in the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of hard hits, O'Doul is feeling the burn, both physically and mentally. He conceals his pain from his coach and trainers, but when his chronic hip injury becomes too obvious to ignore, they send him for sessions with the team's massage therapist.

After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Ari Bettini is in need of peace of mind. For now, she s decided to focus on her work: rehabilitating the Bruisers MVP. O'Doul is easy on the eyes, but his reaction to her touch is ice cold. Ari is determined to help O'Doul heal, but as the tension between them turns red hot, they both learn that a little TLC does the body good...

What I Liked:

I haaaaate writing three-star reviews! Especially a review for a book like this one! I didn't dislike this book. Heck, I think I liked it overall. But I didn't love it, and I just didn't care, by the end of the book. It could be my mood? It could be distractions, like the holidays? Who knows. I should have loved this book, but I didn't. Nor did I hate it though. Hence, three stars!

Hard Hitter is Patrick's story - Patrick and Ari's. Patrick is the captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers, and the enforcer. He's thirty-two and just not feeling all the fighting anymore, but as an enforcer, that's what he does. But it's hard on his body, and his latest injuries force him to finally see the team's massage therapist, Ari. Ari is a peaceful and fun person... who just broke up with her poisonous boyfriend of eight years. The problem is, Vince (the ex) won't leave her, or her home (formerly where he lived too) alone. A little romance between Patrick and Ari might be starting from the massage table, but they have bigger problems than a player-employee relationship.

Best part of this book: Patrick O'Doul. Oh my heart. I thought I liked Leo, in Rookie Move? I definitely like Patrick more. He's older than many of his teammates (though thirty-two isn't old), and he's single. He doesn't like people touching him, and he's often alone. He's a loner, and that suits him, except that he's been lonely recently. No parents, no siblings, no family, and no one leaving in his big, beautiful apartment. Patrick is a quiet guy of few words, who handles his pain internally and doesn't complain. And yet, he's as macho as they come, and deservedly the leader of the team. I. Adored. Patrick. He's such a good guy, under the confident swagger.

So I really enjoyed seeing the progression of his character development. We know he doesn't like being touched from the start, but we don't know why. I like that we discover bits and pieces of him and his past, and then everything comes together. I also love seeing him get romantic! He is the sweetest possible man, as he tries to woo Ari and convince her that he is boyfriend material and that they'd be good together.

Ari... I'll discuss her in the next section. Don't get me wrong, I didn't totally dislike her. In the first half of the book, I thought she was really cool and fun and sweet. She didn't deserve a single bad thing, in terms of Vince and the bad breakup, and my heart hurt for her. It seemed like she hadn't been in love with Vince in a long time. Being with him since age twenty-one meant that there was plenty of time to fall out of love - which is what happened.

I liked the chemistry between Patrick and Ari! At first you don't really get much chemistry because everything is professional in terms of Ari's massages for Patrick. But then those massages start to feel like something else, between the both of them. Patrick intrigues Ari, and Ari intrigues Patrick, and then there is dynamite and fireworks. The chemistry and passion between these two were pretty off the charts!

The romance - well, I liked the romance for the most part, but less so in the second half of the book (and I'll talk about that next). Patrick's romancing was so sweet and thoughtful! I liked watching the pair fall for each other, though I wish Ari would get a clue. I had issues with the romance towards the end, but I liked it overall.

In general, Hard Hitter is a good addition to the series. I liked but didn't love Rookie Move, mostly because I often struggle with second-chance romances. With Hard Hitter, I liked it but was frustrated by the female protagonist at times.

What I Did Not Like:

The first half of the book went perfectly well for me! I was enjoying the dynamic between Patrick and Ari. I was loving how much hockey played into the story - how important it was to every part of the story. I was loving seeing Patrick open up slowly, and seeing him and Ari get their hands on each other.

But something in the second half of the book just didn't go well with me. I sort of stopped caring? Or maybe I starting going through the motions? I remember rolling my eyes quite a bit. This could be a mood thing but... the second half of the book just didn't do much for me.

I also couldn't really stand Ari, in the second half of the book. She refused professional help with her ex-boyfriend left and right, because she didn't want the GM to know her "business". You mean to tell me that you have a stalker, drug lord, and abuser harassing you, and you don't want to accept help because you don't want people to know your "business"? What kind of mentality is that? And believe me, I know this mentality - Trinidadians are like that (I'm Trinidadian). It infuriates me to no end. Logically it made no sense for Ari to be so confident that she had a handle on things (she didn't).

What's more, she started to push away Patrick, because she hadn't been single for so long and wanted to "find herself" (or some similar BS). What???? At first, I sort of understood this. But then I kept thinking to myself, you love this man, and this man clearly loves you and treats you like a queen, and you're seriously pushing him because you need to "be single for a while"? Again, logical? I think not.

And that attitude, of course, put a damper on the romance, in the second half of the book. I know, I know. Every romance novel has some sort of "break-up" around the climax of the book, and then the couple reunites and makes up and rides off into the sunset. That's a stupid plot that literally almost all adult romance novels follow and I'm sick of it.

What's more, I couldn't stand Ari's high and mighty attitude, at the very tip of the conflict, when she jumps to serious conclusions and shuts down and refuses to talk to Patrick or let him justify himself. Ladies! This is SO, SO stupid. I feel like after the amount of times I've seen this massively idiotic plot device in romance novels, I should never do this in real life. Communicate! Be mad! But communicate! *tears out hair*

And in general, this book seriously could have done with all that drama at the end, with Patrick. That really did not feel necessary.

Would I Recommend It:

Meh. I'm feeling a little disillusioned, with Bowen's books. I don't see the "OMG OMG OMG OMG" appeal. I mean, this is only my second book of hers, but dang. They're not that good?

Again, this could just be me/my mood. But I did not love this book, and I really don't recommend it. I liked it, and I adore Patrick, and the first half of the book was great. But Hard Hitter is pretty forgettable, unfortunately.

Rating:

3 stars. I might pass on Pipe Dreams. It features a rather rude female (we see her being rude in the previous two books) and a hockey player with a thirteen-year-old daughter (dead wife). Oh, and it's a second-chance romance. I think I'm good. We'll see though.

As the rough-around-the-edges team captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers, I was looking forward to Patrick O’Doul’s story, and I thoroughly fell for the man! Under all that gruffness, Patrick has a soft center! The romance started off strong with Ari and Patrick’s sexual chemistry sizzling and sparking off the page! The massage table scene had me melting and overheated! Along the way, though, I was a little frustrated with Ari pushing Patrick away with the excuse that she was just coming off a long-term relationship. I would get that if not for the fact that things seemed over with Vince, her previous beau, long before they officially split.

Still, I’m loving the series; who wouldn’t want a bunch of romances with hot and sexy hockey players?! The recurring characters definitely have me intrigued: Leo and Georgia are going strong, and I’m very interested in Becca and Nate’s interactions! I can’t wait for their story (what happened to Becca in the end?) but I guess I’ll have to because Lauren, the ice queen, is up next in Pipe Dreams. It does sound like she has some reasons for emitting a chill…

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar

The world of hockey and ice is filled with bruises, sore muscles, and a couple of loose teeth, but the problem that Patrick O’Doul has is that he is one of the oldest players for the Brooklyn Bruisers, and has started to have pain in his lower back, something that he doesn’t want his teammates and coach to worry about. The problem is that his couch does find out and decides to set him with a daily appointment for the next week with the team’s massage therapies, Ari Bettini, in hopes of alleviating the pain without further medical intervention. The games are hard, and the Brooklyn Bruisers need to be on the third place if they want to compete on the finals, and for that Patrick needs to let Ari do her job.

What starts as a very awkward first session and later mistaken phone switch, makes the two of them get to know each other more and cause a flame of passion to ignite between them, the only problem is Ari’s constant fear that she will lose her job is somebody finds out that she is dating the team captain, and he criminal ex-boyfriend who has got himself in trouble, and even possibly Ari also.

Hard Hitter was a very fun and romantic book to read. It seems that every time I read a book about hockey, I learn a little bit more about the sport. While the book is a romance, it still has different moments that catch the reader’s attention and continues to hold the suspense until the end.

While Hard Hitter is the second book of the series, if you read it stand alone, it won’t feel difficult to follow the story. But after reading it, you want to learn more about the other characters and their own stories. Even after finishing the book, you get the feel about what the next book will be about and you want to know what is happening between the next couple.

I like the writing style of author Sarina Bowen, and Hard Hitter doesn’t let me down. This is the third book that I read by the author and I still liked how she present normal daily problems to her characters and see them solve them, but at the same time making it look real and romantic.

It was fun to read the scenes between the team players and how they interact while talking about their relationship and how to win over a girl with their own ideas, and plans. Most of all was fun the scenes where they had to pay to the jar of infractions.

I was a little surprise regarding the problem that Ari’s ex-boyfriend and the outcome of it all. But at the same time, I liked how the author was able to link one of Patrick’s mistakes to Ari’s ex-boyfriend.

At the end, Hard Hitter is a story about love, passion, second chances, and a lot of baby oil for massages.

If you are a fan of Sarina Bowen or the Brooklyn Bruisers series, then I recommend you Hard Hitter. In this story, two individuals give a passion a chance for a relationship, learn to be what the other needs to be happy in a world of ice and bruises.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

**4.5 Stars**

Where do I begin with this book!? There is something about Sarina’s work that just draws me in each and every time. It is no secret that I have a love for hockey books, add in that Sarina wrote said hockey book and it is a one click every time.

Patrick O’Doul is the hot captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers, he also has attitude. I loved Patrick’s character. There just something about him that made him my favorite, don’t get me wrong I love the banter between the team that we get to see, but there is something about him that just made me love him. The connection he fought with Ari was so much fun to read about. I’m glad he finally gave in and started to feel for her by protecting her.

Ari, oh how I love her character! She is strong. She might not think it, but that is exactly what I thought when I read her story. I love how she helped not only Patrick but also herself when she opened up. She wasn’t had it easy, but she never let it stop her. I think my favorite part of her story is knowing she falls in love with Patrick, the last person she ever expected.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I love the Bruisers and I’m excited to see who Sarina brings us next.

Stellar. Simply stellar. Right from the beginning everything clicked for me and I was all in. I'm am completely in love with this story and these characters. Loved all the details and the build. Seriously entertaining and sexy read!

There was such a great start and by 20% I was completely in love with Patrick O'Doul. I loved Ariana, don't get me wrong, she was such a strong woman and I loved her personality and openness but Patrick, oh my! He had such a sweetness and vulnerability to him that made me melt! Who knew he was such a romantic?! They were both great and I adored their connection.

There was a fantastic build to Patrick and Ari’s chemistry and I loved watching it grow. There were so many playful moments and it made me smile. They were so sweet and hot all rolled into one. I loved the openness and trust that was happening. I thought there was really great character development as we learn about their past and the timing in which it was presented. In the midst of the entertaining and sexy, there was a really good amount emotion too. I also really liked the conflict that was happening for both of the main characters and how that played into their growing relationship. Patrick and Ariana were just awesome characters that I felt were really rich, dealing with complicated situations and coming together. It all had a really perfect balance.

The friendships that are involved were just so freaking entertaining, Ari with the girls and O'Doul with guys from the team. There were some really fun interactions and they were highly entertaining. I also ate up all the Nate and Rebecca foreshadowing, I’m so excited to find out what happens with them.

Fantastic story and writing. Loved all the details, friendships, drama, entertaining moments, and heat. So incredibly entertaining! If you’re in the mood for something romantic, swoony, with a nice bit of hotness, this is it!

I said earlier this year that 2016 was the year of the Sarina Bowen and I wasn’t lying. This lady is a boss who has had five releases (three of which was a part of the same series) and even though Hard Hitter doesn’t release until the first week of the new year, Sarina Bowen is still a boss. She’s slaying the game and I can’t wait to read more from her.

Hard Hitter was a book I couldn’t put down. One that I inhaled within hours of picking it up. Sarina Bowen has an effortless style of writing that always grabs my attention and immerses me into the story from the first chapter.

This book follows the Brooklyn Bruiser’s team captain, Patrick O’Doul, and Ari, the team’s massage therapist/yoga instructor. Now, if you’ve ready Rookie Move (which, you totally should if you haven’t because this series should be read in order to understand everything), then you know them both, but you don’t get to know a lot about O’Doul. And in this book, we find out why.

O’Doul has had a rough life, and that’s putting it mildly, so he doesn’t get close to people and prefers to spend time alone than with other people. He also doesn’t like to be touched which makes his physical therapy hard when he has to get his muscles worked on by Ari. He avoids his meetings as much as he can, from not showing up to cutting them short. But somehow, Ari convinces him to stay and let her help him.

Soon from there they form a friendship turned more. They have this chemistry, a mutual understanding of the other, that makes their connection explosive when they come together. Sarina Bowen is the master of writing sexy times. Also, O’Doul is one of the most romantic man ever, WHO KNEW!

One of my favorite parts of this book is the supporting characters. Nate, Becca, Leo, Georgia, Castro, they all are such great characters! Especially, Nate and Becca. Because that is a ship I am fully boarding. Well, I’ve been aboard this ship since book one but a jealous Nate gives me life. I need them to get a book. Asap. Right now.

This series is perfect romance and sport fans alike. GET READY FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF SARINA BOWEN BLOWING YOU AWAY WITH HER WORDS!

Sarina Bowen does it again! She delivers yet another swoony, sexy as sin, sports romance. Every single one of her books that I’ve read is highly addictive and Patrick and Ari’s story isn’t any different.

Patrick O’Doul is the captain and main enforcer of the Brooklyn Bruisers. Considering he is captain of the team you would expect him to be friendly, outgoing and sociable yet for some reason he has these high walls built around him. Literally, no one could touch him. This changes, however, when he is mandated to visit the team’s yogi and masseuse – Ari Bettini.

Ari Bettini absolutely loves her job. Being a part of the Brooklyn Bruisers couldn’t have been a better fit for her. The appreciation that she receives from every single one of the players has been overwhelming except when dealing with Patrick.

What was interesting about this story was figuring out what was it that made Patrick this way and how someone like Ali would get him over his predicament. I didn’t expect for things to get any more complicated than that but Sarina surprises us with so much more than a great romance.

Between the romance, suspense, and hockey technicalities she provided such a well-balanced story. Seeing how the camaraderie evolves not only among the players but also between the couples and the rest of the staff is what will have me coming back for more.

Hard Hitter is the second book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series by Sarina Bowen. I am a huge fan of hers and I couldn't wait to read the next installment in this series after loving the first one so much. Hard Hitter was a great addition to this series and I really enjoyed Patrick and Ari's story. Leo is still my favorite so far, but I think that readers will love this one, especially if they enjoyed the first in the series.

Patrick O'Doul is used to being the one who takes the hard hits as the enforcer and captain for the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of playing, he is starting to show the signs of the pain both physically and mentally. So when the team trainers and coaches send him to the team massage therapist and yoga instructor Ari, he wants nothing to do with it even if he is attracted to her. But as he starts to spend more time with her, his feelings begin to change and soon he is ready for more. Ari has just gotten out of a bad relationship and the last thing she needs is to start a new one. But O'Doul is willing to wait for her to be ready and is determined to protect her from her crazy ex at all costs. Can Ari risk her heart once more and give him a shot?

I liked both Ari and Patrick a lot. While I did enjoy their story, I didn't feel quite the same connection to them that I did with Georgia and Leo though. Ari was sweet and caring, and genuinely interested in the health and well being of not only Patrick but the whole team. She really frustrated me at times though, even if I did see why she acted the way she did. Patrick was amazing though. I loved his patience and persistence when it came to Ari. He knew what he was facing with her and he looked for ways to show her he really cared. I absolutely adored him, especially seeing him with his teammates and the way they came up with ideas for what to do for Ari! Trust me you will love it! The chemistry between these two was strong, and their connection continued to grow over the course of this book. It was real and genuine, and they were great together.

I really did enjoy this book, and I loved these two and the way their relationship built. I wasn't the biggest fan of Ari's actions at times, and the stuff with Ari's ex wasn't my favorite. But honestly I still really enjoyed the book on the whole and I think that this series is one of Sarina's best. Her writing seems to just get better and better, and I think fans of hers will really love this one. If you like sports romance stories, I definitely recommend this series. Even if you don't love sports romance though, I think that this is one worth reading and has something for everyone. I am really looking forward to more in this series as I love the characters and the world that Sarina has built. I am really hoping that we get stories for all of these characters as they are so much fun to read about!

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen is finally available for everyone to read at their leisure. And in my opinion, this is a great book to start off your reading for 2017.

Hard Hitter follows Brooklyn Bruisers massage therapist, Ari, and the Brooklyn Bruisers hockey captain himself, Patrick O’Doul. I was very intrigued by Patrick in the first Brooklyn Bruisers book (Rookie Move) so I was very excited to read Patrick and Ari’s story. And for me, this book was thoroughly addictive.

Ari has just gotten out of a bad relationship. A long, eight year relationship and she is not ready by any means to meet a man. She’s ready to be by herself, enjoy her job, and hopefully get Vince out of her life permanently. Unfortunately, Ari’s ex, Vince, is not a great guy. He hurt Ari and even though she has kicked him out of her house, he is lurking around causing trouble. Ari is scared but trying to brazen her way through things. But when an accidental phone swap with Patrick causes him to see what is going on in her home life, he becomes drawn in.

Patrick does not believe he needs anyone. He certainly doesn’t need a relationship, heck he doesn’t really even need friends in his mind. He finds himself attracted to Ari but has no plans to act on it. But when he sees what is going on in her personal life, this hockey enforcer wants to help. Soon, these two are falling fast for each other. But is it the right time for either of them?

I really liked Ari, a lot. She has a friendly, cheerful and kind vibe to her character that really drew me into her struggles. All she wants is to be successful at her job, someday have kids, and basically make a life for herself. I related to her on a lot of levels. Though she definitely has some bad drama in her life courtesy of Vince, I could not fault her at all for trying to make such a long term relationship work. I was glad she got out when she did however because Vince definitely is no Prince Charming.

That’s not to say Patrick is perfect either but come on, he’s a Sarina Bowen character! He’s a hockey player! He’s protective and taciturn and though he doesn’t want to show it, he’s very sweet on Ari. One of the main character traits of Patrick is that he really doesn’t like being touched. Ari comments on how weird it is in the book but honestly, I really, really empathized with Patrick here because I hate being touched. Just, I hate it. You basically have to be uber best friends or family with me to get a hug from me. And massages?? Forget about them. No one is touching my body like that. So for me, this was not an odd angle to the story at all. I truly think it takes a special person sometimes for that deep connection fueled by touch to be wanted. For Patrick, Ari proves to be that person.

I also really liked that both these characters respected each other’s careers. Ari saw day in and out how much stress and pressure Patrick put on his body and his mind through hockey. She truly understands and appreciates the work the Brooklyn Bruisers put in. Likewise, once Patrick is over his initial discomfort, he really comes to appreciate and truly respect the work Ari does for the team. At one point, he makes a smart remark about massage therapists and she is quick to correct him. He doesn’t do it again because he learned the hard way that Ari isn’t going to take crap from him about stereotypes about her profession.

The secondary characters create some great tension and lighthearted moments throughout the course of the book. Sarina Bowen has a swift touch in knowing just the right amount of story to give the periphery characters.

There is a lot to like in Hard Hitter. I’m going to be completely honest and say I liked it more than Rookie Move. Something about Ari and Patrick’s romance really connected for me as a reader. This title also stands alone fairly well. I’m excited for the next book in the series because I love a heroine that is a bit bitchy (Lauren) versus the more… artsy heroines (Becca) sometimes. Pipe Dreams comes out in May 2017 so get these books on your reading shelf now.

Patrick O'Doul is the team captain and enforcer for the Brooklyn Bruisers and after 10 years, he's feeling the pain, even if he's tried to hide it. When it's obvious he's not in top form, his coach and trainers book him for massages with the team's massage therapist. He's not all that fond of being touched or showing weakness, though, so for him it's like a fate worse than death, until it isn't.

Ari Bettini is fresh out of a toxic 8-year relationship and while she wants to try being single for a while, Patrick O'Doul is making it very hard for her to resist him. However, Ari's ex is not completely out of the picture and he's threatening both her and Patrick.

Let me start by saying I'm a huge Sarina Bowen fan. Ever since I read The Understatement of the Year, I fell hard for Rikker and Graham and Sarina's writing. Since then, I've read just about every book of hers I've gotten my grubby paws on, no matter if it's MM or MF I know she will deliver and boy if she didn't live up to my expectations with Hard Hitter.

I wasn't a fan of Patrick in Rookie Move and I was a bit wary about how much I'd like a book where he'd be the main lead. I shouldn't have worried. Patrick had won me over by the end of the first chapter. Yes, he was gruff and closed-off, but it was awesome to see him open up, not only to Ari, but to others, the more I read. He wasn't perfect, he had flaws he was well aware of, but he was also driven and managed to make something out of himself through his hard work. He was also reliable and sweet and god if I didn't melt every time he called Ari 'Sweetheart'. Gah!

I liked Ari, actually loved her most of the book. She was quite nice and her chemistry with Patrick was explosive! My only qualm with her was that she didn't quite apply in her life what she preached, at least not until others pointed it all out to her. Still, she was a kickass female lead and considering how few MF books I read, I always appreciate that.

I loved to see all the familiar faces from the first book and from the Ivy Years series, too! That was awesome!

Hard Hitter was definitely a hit for me! It was fast-paced and I was completely enthralled in the story, the romance, the secondary plotline with Ari's ex and following the team's way towards the Play-offs! While I'm not much of a hockey fan, Sarina Bowen makes it relatable and easy to follow and after the little tidbit at the end, I can't wait to read what else she has in store when Pipe Dreams, the third book in the series is released. One thing, though, please, please, please, Sarina, give us Nate and Becca's story? I'll beg all I need to.

Rating: 5 Stars!!!

*** Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

Nobody writes hockey romance like Sarina Bowen! Her first hockey series, The Ivy Years, was my introduction to her, and I fell in love with her writing style and characters and devoured all 5 books and well as a novella she wrote for the series. When I heard she was doing a spin off from the college hockey series to a professional hockey series called The Brooklyn Bruisers, I knew I would love it too! The first book, Rookie Move, earned 5 stars from me, and I am giving Hard Hitter 5+ stars because I was just that amazing.

What Bowen does amazingly well, without fail, is write sexy, sweet, considerate, dreamy men who just so happen to play hockey. She can write an emotional scene that grips you as well as hilarious witty scenes that have you laughing out loud- and does she ever know how to write a love scene- holy hot hockey players!

Dare I say that Bruisers Captain Patrick O'Doul may be my favorite Bowen leading man yet? He certainly gave my other favorite, Adam Hartley from The Year We Fell Down, a run for the money. At any rate, if you are a sport romance fan, I think you'll find any of Sarina Bowen's novel to be first-rate and worth at least 5 stars! All can be read as standalones, but are interconnected and characters and storylines from past novels are often featured.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book**

I've really enjoyed this series so far and I can't wait to get more of the player's stories. Hard Hitter can absolutely be read as a standalone. However, I think you'd be missing out if you don't read Rookie Move as well. Just for the simple fact that both books have been a joy to read.

Patrick O'Doul is not only the Captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers but he is also the enforcer for the team, which means a lot of hard hits. When his recent hip injury lands himself in the hands of Ari Bettini, the team's message therapist, O'Doul has to face a lot things he's been pushing to the side for years.

Ari's work has been going fantastically but her personal life is the complete opposite. She is dead set on focusing on her work and not her dating life. That is until O'Doul ends up on her table. There's something about him beyond his looks that attracts him to her. He seems to have a problem with allowing her to touch him and that only sparks a deep desire for her to help him overcome whatever it is that could cause him to react that way.
As the two work together to make O'Doul healthy again, tension and emotion flies. They start to become attracted to each other. Will they strictly remain professional or will their attraction be too much for them to deny?

I don't think I could have pulled for two people from the start any more than I did O'Doul and Ari. He's the team captain with a lot of weight on his shoulders. You know he's a good guy and just overall likable. Ari is the sweet girl who you just want to be friends with. She has a big heart and just has a natural caring instinct about her.

When O'Doul decides that he really wants to pursue a relationship with Ari, he makes it known and doesn't give up. I loved how patient he was and at times how clueless he was. It makes him more personable and relatable. It also gave me some great laughs when he has to use the team to get information. The way he went out it was absolutely hilarious.

The thing about Sarina Bowen books is that her writing is so fluid and each character is developed enough that no matter what, I'm always wanting more. This book is exactly that. If you are looking for some hot hockey players, humor, sweet girls and supporting characters that make up a never-ending list of "must get their" story, then this book and this series is for you! I've really enjoyed it so far and can't wait for more.

HARD HITTER is the second installment in Sarina Bowen’s contemporary, adult BROOKLYN BRUISERS erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the men and women of the Brooklyn Bruisers professional hockey team. This is team captain and enforcer Patrick O’Doul, and Bruisers’s massage therapist and yoga instructor Ariana (Ari) Bettini’s story line. HARD HITTER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Patrick and Ari) HARD HITTER follows the building relationship between the Brooklyn Bruisers’s hard-hitting captain Patrick O’Doul, and the team’s massage therapist Ari Bettini. Years of hard hits including his earlier life in the foster care system have caught up with Patrick O’Doul. Fight after fight our hero struggles with the pain and the emotional drain of the never-ending one on one of professional hockey. No longer able to hide the injuries and recurring hip injury Patrick is ordered to the team’s massage therapist Ari Bettini wherein our hero will fall in love with a woman who is unable to promise much more than the present. What ensues is the push and pull of attraction between Ari and Patrick, and the revelation of a secreted past that will catch up with our story line couple.

Patrick O’Doul is a fighter who struggles with the guilt and on-going grind of the team’s leading enforcer. Falling in love with Ariana Bettini was never in the cards. Patrick has always been a loaner whose recent battle with his demons has finally caught up and threatens his career and the team’s reputation. Ari Bettini’s long term relationship with her last boyfriend has ended and our heroine is in need of some time alone without worrying about a man in her life. But a threat from her past finds Patrick her guardian and protector, and the man with whom she will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and steamy; provocative and seductive.

We are re-introduced to a number of the Brooklyn Bruisers’s players, as well as Georgia Worthington and Leo Trevi (Rookie Move #1), and team owner Nate Kattenberger who may or may not have a thing for Georgia’s best friend Rebecca. Nate’s Manhattan assistant Lauren Williams and goalie Mike Beacon’s story will be told next in Pipe Dreams.

The world building continues to look at the game of hockey: on the ice and behind the scenes, and the battle for playoff positions. Patrick’s years as an enforcer have finally caught up as he struggles with the pain and guilt; and Ari’s past finds our heroine face to face with a dangerous outcome. Trust is an issue for our leading couple and Patrick’s secret will place a wedge between himself and the woman he loves.

HARD HITTER is an emotional storyline; a tale about romance and love; the struggles to stay on top; and leaving behind a past that shaped a future. The premise is moving; the characters are dynamic and colorful; the romance is dramatic, fun and sensual. HARD HITTER is a passionate look at hockey, romance and falling in love.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Patrick O'Doul swept me off my feet. The Brooklyn Bruisers team captain and enforcer is simply the right combination of hard and soft (in all the right places -->I'm thinking of his soft heart of course). When he utters the word "sweetheart" to team masseuse and yoga instructor Ari Bettini, I simply melt. With Doulie, Sarina Bowen has created a distinctly contradictory romance hero and paired him perfectly with a heroine who challenges his sensibilities and manages to give him hope.

The focus of the story is on Ari desperately trying to rid herself of Vince, the ex-boyfriend that won't stay away. Ari is vulnerable but intuitive which helps her cope with the drama surrounding Vince and his nefarious lifestyle. She's also sassy and brave, taking chances that bring her closer to danger and closer to Patrick. Patrick himself is simply closed off. He's well aware of his good fortune but all that grace also leaves him isolated and afraid to be touched. His developing relationship with Ari shakes all that up though and gives us an amazing story of friendship and romance.

As always, Sarina's dialogue made me giggle and swoon. The banter between the teammates, the front office personnel and Patrick and Ari is thoughtful, witty and off the charts sexy. I was so drawn into the story and I found myself wanting to interject my own thoughts into their conversations on sports:

“You know who are a bunch of pussies?”
He hefted the weight, and Castro moved in behind him to spot. “Who?”
O’Doul hefted the weight three times before he answered. “Football. Players,” he huffed, guiding the bar back into its restraints. It fell with a clang, and then he could speak again. “One game a week,” he said, sweat pouring off him. “And average time on the field is eleven minutes. You believe that shit?”
“No, I do not,” Castro agreed. “Let’em try to skate forty minutes in a game, three and a half nights a week. They’d curl up in a little fucking ball.”

about friendship & romance:

“When I told him I needed a friend, he hugged me. And he smelled so freaking good I just wanted to climb into the collar of his shirt and stay there forever.”
“That would get weird eventually,” Becca said, draining her cup."


and finally, that internal dialogue that gives us something to mull over:

"Ari’s eyes felt suddenly hot. “Be kind to yourself” was something she taught her yoga students, too. Why was it so hard to do?"


Sarina Bowen ushers in the new year with a sports romance story that manages to bring two very deserving souls to a unique understanding about themselves and each other. The Brooklyn Bruisers series is solidified as a favorite carryover from 2016. Pipe Dreams is already on my most anticipated list for the late spring and I've already started envisioning Becca (& Nates) story for a summer read (please, please, please). HH is my first 5++ star read of 2017.

Why do grumpy heroes turn out to be the sweetest heroes? I totally adored Patrick and his grumpy, protective, loving ways. He and Ari made the perfect couple! Their romance was slow and utterly sweet. This is another wonderful hockey romance from one of my favorite authors – if the Brooklyn Bruisers series isn’t on your TBR list, you need to add it there asap!

As captain and enforcer of the Brooklyn Bruisers, Patrick O’Doul has been through a lot on the ice, and his body is not happy about it. So in comes the team’s massage therapist, Ari Bettini, though Patrick is more than reluctant to let her do her job and help soothe his muscles. He’s got a ton of baggage from his past that prevents him from getting close to anyone, mentally and physically. But Ari has magic hands and a few tricks up her sleeves, and she’s determined to get him back into fighting shape.

Ari has baggage as well, in the form of an annoying ex who just won’t stay away and seems to be putting her in danger. He’s the reason why she’s not looking for a relationship soon – if ever – but the chemistry she feels with Patrick can’t be ignored. Patrick himself, after he’s warmed up to Ari, wants to explore what they have even more. He’s gruff, yet gentle and sweet with her. He is the PERFECT man trying to win her heart and make her swoon. He even enlisted the help of his teammates to get some tips on how to woo a woman – how freaking adorable is that!?

Hard Hitter is a heartfelt romance between two people with pasts that they try to overcome together. It’s a feel-good story with tons of sexy times, so what more could I ask for? Sarina Bowen totally nailed Ari and Patrick’s story and I grew to love them so much. The series keeps getting better and better, and I’m dying to read the third (and hopefully not last) book!

This is also an open plea to Sarina Bowen to please, please give us Nate and Becca’s book!!! Nate’s longing and the tension between them is torture – I will take them in any way Sarina can give them!

After reading Rookie Move in the summer, I was quite excited for the continuation of the Brooklyn Bruisers series by Sarina Bowen. I really liked this second installment, though I have to say that it didn’t come close to the feelings I had for the first book.

Once again, Sarina’s writing was on point. By now this is a non-issue, because she always delivers. But I have to say that I can’t connect to her books as much when she writes in the third person… I’m a 1st person kind of girl, *sigh*. Still, the writing is amazing, and it definitly wasn’t an issue with this book.

While I really liked both characters, I wasn’t able to connect 100% with Ari. She was a great girl, and I understood how her previous relationship left her a bit skittish, but her hot and cold reaction to Patrick didn’t quite sit well with me. I got it, I just didn’t really liked it. O’Doul on the other hand really surprised me, because I thought he was gonna be cold and detached like he was in the beginning of the book, but he grew up a lot during the story and allowed himself to be more open, while at the same time showing himself as a super romantic and patient guy. Ari was a lucky girl, when she allowed herself to be.

I liked the progression of the romance and how it didn’t just happen. Ari and Patrick actually got to know each other and became friendly before they got involved and I appreciated that. I did think that for all the talking they did, they didn’t talk about some pretty big issues, and I kind of needed them to?! I felt like that little thing was missing.

I wasn’t expecting the kind of plot that this book turned out to have, but I did enjoy it. While some things were sort of predictable, others weren’t even on my radar, and I liked the “surprise”.

Overall this was yet another strong Sarina Bowen romance and a great continuation to the Brooklyn Bruisers series. I can’t wait for the next book, Pipe Dreams, and I still want something from Nathan and Becca, because those two…arghhh!

ou would think with all the hockey books I have read, I would be better versed or even watch more games on TV, but thanks to Sarina Bowen, I feel like I’m at a live game anyway. I’m more of a baseball fan anyway, so I get all my hockey information just reading her books.

Hard Hitter is the second book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series. I have to say, I did not read the first book in the series, Rookie Moves, but have added to my TBR. All the books in this series are stand alones. This is Ariana (Ari) Bettini’s and Patrick O’Doul’s story. Ari is the team’s massage therapist and yoga instructor, when she is assigned to help Patrick’s hip problems, she notices his aversion to touch. Besides O’Doul’s hip problems, his anxiety level is high thinking about the “fights” he may have to encounter during the games couple that with his getting up there in age, he doesn’t want to taken off the team for any injuries.

This couple have some interesting pasts. Ari broke up with her douche of a boyfriend whom she has been with for over 8 years until he started becoming overly possessive, jealous and some point, violent. Patrick’s past was a bit sad too, especially his upbringing. After several appointments with Ari, he begins to relax to touch, while at the same token wanting to protect her from her ex. But sometimes things from the past can bite you in the ass, which is the case for Patrick.

While I really enjoyed this book, what I wasn’t a fan of was the fighting so much. The drama with Ari’s ex was a little anti-climatic, but glad he was gone. I think this was my first time reading this author writing in third person, and not that I didn’t like it, I just had to get use to the different style. The chemistry and sexy times between the characters, as always, is well written by this author.

So if you’re looking for that hockey book, then add Hard Hitter to your sports romance TBR list.

*An ARC was provided for an honest review.

I loved this story! This was fun and sexy, I loved the underlining wit and the angst, The story was very well written. The character development was near flawless.

In this second book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series from Sarina Bowen, team captain Patrick O'Doul has the usual aches and pains of a pro athlete. He's the team enforcer -- which means he's usually involved in any on-ice brawling. It's all taking its toll on him and when the team doctor lines him up for a massage, he's not exactly eager to spend time with the team's yoga instructor and massage therapist.

Ari has worked hard at her job with the Bruisers, and she's got a lot of patience with Patrick, which he really needs. As Patrick spends more time with Ari, he starts falling for her. She likes him too, but she's worried about keeping her job.

I really liked Patrick and the way he was sensitive to Ari's needs. He wasn't pushy but there's only so much sexiness a girl can resist, and it isn't long before Ari and Patrick are trying to make it work under the radar. But when an ex starts giving them both trouble, there's no way to keep their relationship a secret anymore. Other secrets are spilled that could not only damage Ari and Patrick's budding relationship, but could have an impact on the entire team.

There's plenty of good "team" scenes in Hard Hitter that I loved and also appearances from Georgia and Leo from the first book in the series. I'm also eager to see whether the owner will get his own happily-ever-after!

I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish Hard Hitter. It's got a great romance, a suspenseful plot that kept me turning the pages, and realistic hockey (and yoga!) details that I've come to expect from Sarina Bowen. Hard Hitter is another winner in this series and I can't wait for Pipe Dreams!

This is my unbiased review. An ARC was provided for review.