Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse

There’s no doubt whatsoever that Ms Bowen is the queen of hockey novels. Her knowledge of this game never ceases to amaze me, her detailed account is as such that for someone like me who would love to see a live game felt as if she were there. It was actually like having a lesson in this sport’s ethics, too. I had a vague idea why there’s so much aggression on the pitch; however, I didn’t realise the importance team's supporters give it. It seemed to me that more provoked violence there was, the more crowds were drawn in. I could quite understand how the female protagonist whose profession is tightly knit to the players felt while watching them get a good bashing!

I have to admit that I hadn’t read the first book in this series, but this didn’t affect my reading enjoyment at all. There wasn’t one moment when I felt out of my depth in the storyline's fast moving pace and I easily became invested in all the characters. Ms Bowen also refreshed my memory regarding the sport’s vocabulary by explaining certain definitions to me. The importance of an Enforcer; a hard reputation to live up to and difficult to imagine. No wonder there are so many injuries in this sport since it is their job to impede or react to overly aggressive players. The high-pressure coming from all angles added angst to Hard Hitter and helped me comprehend how stressful it must be living up to this title. One thing is for sure, it’s only fitting for someone capable of taking on such a demanding responsibility. This person has to be built like a wall and take as much as he is given. This person is Patrick O’Doul.

"He has an ego the size of the stadium. If you have any trouble with him, I'm happy to play the bad cop."

My heart went out to the captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers for more than one reason. Patrick is a lovely soul. A tad moody and quite the loner when it comes to his personal life, what I liked about him is he’s not at all full of himself! In fact, his concern for the game and attitude towards his teammates’ well-being I found humbling. Yet his handling of an unacceptable deed which was of his own doing, and his gullibility to trust those he shouldn’t have, really got me mad. In my eyes, it was the route of all evil. Nonetheless, how it panned out became a much-wanted twist and a half in the story. Although I tried to put myself in his shoes, for me, the whole situation was the be-all and end-all. I yearned for him to find a solution. In a nutshell, I was just as disappointed in him as he was in himself. Time is ticking away and he's terrified that sooner or later the cat will be let out of the bag.

"He puts up an asshole front, and he's kind of an egomaniac. But he's got that whole macho honor code thing working. "

Henry, the team’s head trainer rubs salt in Patrick’s wound by ordering him to go to physio-sessions which he has no time or like for. How cool can a trainer be when all he wants is the best for his players! I really connected to this guy’s togetherness and had no option but to agree with him. He could do no wrong for me. And the press breathing down the captain’s neck helped little and added to my anxiousness. The new young owner of the hockey team who I might add, is gorgeous, appears to be the only one who has little to say in the matter but obviously wants results. Results. Always results. Companions will back him up without knowing the whys and wherefores because they have faith in him. And the plot thickens!

"Why, Patrick O'Doul." "I'd almost think you liked this."

"It's tolerable."

To my delight, Ari Bettini saunters into the scenario like a breath of fresh air. This is her moment. Her chance to do something she loves and show them what stuff she’s made of. She also needs a break from her past and no way wants to mess it up. So, this change in her life couldn’t have come at a better time as you will see. Now it’s not going to be a bed of roses. She’s not only got to convince one of the players that he needs her expertise, but put to use her mental skills on the whole hockey team. After much cajoling, Patrick goes to her appointments and is grateful that she respects his personal space. I loved how Ari trod carefully and tended to his needs with utter professionalism and no favouritism. Once he realises that she could help him with his injury and fears, he’ll try his hardest not to miss his hour with her. There's much more to Patrick than meets the eye though. On occasion, both he and I were confused by some of his out of character actions. Certainly, the likes of breaking rules weren't on their agendas—thus, how they'd deal with them side by side makes for an heart-warming read.

"I wouldn't ever touch a client inappropriately. It would violate the trust that you give me when you climb onto my table."

The banter between Ari and Patrick is fabulous. Texts go back and forth as they feel their way in a relationship which boils down to trust. They made me cry, smile and brought out all my emotions. If it were ever possible, I could have given them a good talking to. At times, I had my doubts! Ari doesn’t want to let on about her past and O’Doul’s not forthcoming about his, either. What is plainly obvious is the sizzling hot chemistry between them. Ah, but if it wasn’t for her! The saying — ‘Behind every great man is a great woman,’ couldn’t be more fitting in this story. Because she is great. Can he be great by her side?

"Humor me. I've never had anyone to spoil before now."

The author's character development is as always, par excellent. Her storytelling technique in this book is unusual since dates mark a timeline above and beyond pucks, goals, love or sorrow. It is a story that melds perfectly into her concept of happenings and can't wait for PIPE DREAMS coming in May. Bravo Ms Bowen!

Sarina Bowen returns readers to the world of the Brooklyn Bruisers with Hard Hitter, Patrick and Ari’s sweet and captivating hockey romance. From the very beginning I fell hard and fast for this phenomenal couple. While they seemed worlds apart in some ways, they shared an underlying need to be loved that sparked something powerful between them. As much as I adored Ari and Patrick’s obvious chemistry, it was this deeper, undeniable connection that intrigued me so much with these two. Filled with explosive interludes, breathtaking moments of raw emotion and plenty of surprises, Hard Hitter was hard to put down and impossible not to love. I was easily enchanted by the sarcastic exchanges, witty banter and emotional upheaval of Patrick and Ari’s story and I wasted no time in allowing myself to be totally consumed by their beautiful journey.

Ari was such a fun heroine to explore. I absolutely adored how original and full of heart this character was. From her profession to her passions in life she was an individual through and through and that made her someone I just had to get to know better. Ari’s intelligence, loyalty, kind heart and delightful sass kept me grinning and I found myself rooting for her in no time at all. Sarina Bowen didn’t pull any punches, putting Ari through the emotional wringer more than once while carefully unraveling her for readers to explore. Ari’s heartache and fear rang loud and clear and I truly felt for all that this character was being forced to endure. Her confusion and insecurities were easy to relate to while her hesitancy to start a relationship and strong need to be independent left me wholly invested in Ari and Patrick’s happily ever after.

Although he definitely took me by surprise, I loved the kind of man Patrick revealed himself to be in this book. At first he was very much the strong, silent and brooding type so I was shocked by his fierce feelings and unexpected tenderness when it came to Ari. Patrick quickly proved himself to be every bit the ideal book boyfriend with his protective nature and unexpected thoughtfulness. Throw in his incredible loyalty, delicious good looks and stick handling skills and I was a total goner. Not only did Sarina Bowen write such an impressive hero, but she also expertly utilized Patrick’s relationship with Ari to give his character substantial emotional depth. As much as it broke my heart, I enjoyed delving into Patrick’s past and solving the mystery of the man who didn’t like to be touched and kept everyone at arm’s length. There was a strength inherent in Patrick’s vulnerability that made me fall even harder for this character before all was said and done.

Sarina Bowen writes with a palpable passion, her love of hockey and devotion to her characters shines through ensuring that this novel absolutely sparkles. Hard Hitter is polished, well paced and teeming with emotion – the kind of book that is all too easy to get lost in. While I’m generally not a big fan of third person narration, the author had me firmly hooked with a voice that was absolutely enthralling and utterly addictive. I loved how different Hard Hitter felt from the first book in the series and yet, that overall team spirit, easy camaraderie and comforting sense of family was just as potent. Hard Hitter stood out and on its own while also managing to fit seamlessly within the series as a whole. Sarina Bowen has really done a phenomenal job at delivering a story that is uniquely Ari and Patrick while also continuing to develop the Brooklyn Bruisers franchise. Hard Hitter left me eager for more of this unforgettable couple and anxious for the next novel in this must-read series!

Ari Bettini loves her job as massage therapist and yoga instructor to the Brooklyn Bruisers. Now that she has rid herself of her ex, who turned out to be less than she thought he was, she is enjoying finding herself and giving her energy to keeping the team loose and limber.

Patrick O’Doul intrigues her like none of the other players. He is the only one who actively avoids her table and she wants to know why. He is a veteran player with his own problems on and off the ice.

I liked both of these characters a lot. Ari is both relatable and genuine. She is goal oriented and focused, and though she doesn’t have everything in her life figured out, she knows what she wants. Patrick is gruff and stubborn, but his experiences have shaped that persona and as he lets Ari in, the rough exterior is softened, at least for her.

I loved the spark between these two. Patrick doesn’t like to feel vulnerable, not with his background, but slowly lets his guard down. His changes were the most pronounced as he let Ari in. The reactions of the people who had known him for years was priceless as they watched him let someone in for the first time in their memories.

I had fun reading Ari and Patrick’s story. There was plenty of drama with all the issues they were each dealing with, but it kept me entertained and interested throughout. This team has a fun camaraderie, led by the quirky billionaire tech mogul. The cameos by the full Bruisers team as well as a few special Ivy Leaguers give a fun touch to series fans and round out the story for those new to the Bruisers.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ari is the Brooklyn Bruisers massage therapist and yoga instructor, which all the players thought was pointless until she got her hands on them. Especially Patrick who ducked as many appointments with the easy-on-the-eyes masseuse. But once he gets on her table he never wants to leave, and he definitely doesn't want her to stop touching him.

I actually wasn't sure how I felt about Patrick O'Doul when we were first introduced to him in Rookie Move but after getting to know him more in his own story I am definitely Team Patrick. I really liked him and Ari together since she, in a way, calmed him down some. He could come off as a little abrasive but with her he wasn't like that. It made me love his character so much more.

Ari was a great character to read about also and I liked that she always had a free-spirited attitude. Even when she was stressed or worrying about something you could still tell that she was a very easy going person. I liked that the author could take those two conflicting emotions and have them work well within one character.

Bottom line, this is a book that needs to be read if you're a sports romance lover like myself. I'm already bouncing up and down with excitement for the next installment so I hope it comes soon.

I love Sarina Bowen and her books, so I was really excited for Hard Hitter. Unfortunately I didn’t love it as much I had hoped I would have. It felt drawn out at times and it took me days to finish when normally I would have finished in a day or two. It didn’t hold my attention I got bored or was so over certain things that I just wanted to move forward.

Ari was a real big issue for me throughout the entire book; I honestly wanted to take a hockey stick to her more than once. She came across to me as annoying and weak and I just couldn’t connect with her or find the ability to do more than just tolerate her throughout the book. I understand why she was hesitant but if I had to read one more time about her causing the team drama or saying they will frown upon a relationship when in reality her friend who is the PR spokesperson is in a relationship with a player. The entire book is like a sound clip when it comes to that and after a while I just wanted her to go away.

Patrick surprised me and it was a very pleasant surprise at that. The more you get to know him; you slowly get to see who he really is as well as why he is so closed off at times. He was tenacious, hardworking and trying to be the best captain for the team even if at times he made mistakes. He tried so hard with Ari and while at times it was like hitting a brick wall he knew she was it for him, now only to convince her of that. He had some issues but even then I respected him and understood his choices, even the bad ones.

While I wasn’t in love with Hard Hitter I plan on continuing on with the series because I have a feeling the next book is going to be filled with drama, angst and of course sexy times. Sarina Bowen is still an author that is a must read, even if every once in a while a book didn’t work for me.

This was my first read of the year and let me tell you something, my friends. If this is any indication as to what my reading life is going to be like, I am thrilled to get on with 2017! I almost didn’t pick this book up. I am a huge fan of this author, but I wasn’t crazy about the first book in the series. I’d decided maybe it wasn’t for me. But then I got real – was I really going to let a Sarina Bowen book go by without at least trying it? The answer to that was a resounding no. And I am so glad I picked this one up. Ari and Patrick’s story captured me from the very first page; I could hardly put it down to deal with life. It was Patrick I was most drawn to. His past was mysterious. Not in the way that it was some big secret – just that it hadn’t come up yet. And it hadn’t come up in a way that made the reader very curious. There were little personality quirks he had that you knew were shaped from something terrible in his past, you just didn’t know what yet. Of-course it came out at just the perfect time and made me feel for him. And bonus – it drew him closer to Ari. I always say that I love heroes who are romantic with their actions without meaning to be, but Patrick was the exact opposite of that. He was very purposeful with his intentions – sweet and thoughtful – and he had some creative ways of coming up with ideas that had me hooting with laughter. I also loved the ways he fined the team and where the money goes – when you finally find out his past, it just pulls things together and makes you realize how he’s overcome the odds to become such a good guy. And I love that this is a man who learns from his mistakes.

I really liked Ari, too, and her friendships with Becca and Georgia were one of the highlights of the story for me. I wish she had been more forgiving with herself. I could see where she was coming from; I just hate that she kept beating herself up over something she couldn’t change. I will say that I thought her issues for not wanting a relationship were flimsy to me, and that could have been a huge issue for me. EXCEPT that the author recognized this, Ari’s friends recognized this, and they addressed it:

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Ari insisted. “I can’t have one of those right now. I think I need to remember how to be alone.”

“I remember!” Becca cried, raising her hand. “And it blows. So forgive me if I don’t think your argument holds any water.”

I loved the sexual chemistry in this one, and Ari being adamant about keeping things serious and private at work. She was serious about her career, and I love how she was able to maintain a level head at work. The pacing of this story was perfect, and I’m happy with how the author has made the entire hockey team and administration prominent players. They’re in the story a lot, but I don’t feel like they overtake the bigger picture of what’s going on between our main couple. If anything, it’s made me want more of these people – especially Becca and Nate. I fear if we don’t get their story, fans of SB will band together and take action of Misery proportions. (But with all the new-fangled dungeon stuff, I don’t think any ankles will need to be broken, so that’s a positive.)

I really loved Hard Hitter, and I am anxiously awaiting the next installment of the Brooklyn Bruisers, Pipe Dreams! Bring on the hot hockey players!

5 Hard Hitting Crowns
Sarina Bowen delivers another hockey romance that will sweep readers right off their feet! With her beautiful writing, suspense filled plot, and endearing characters, Hard Hitter is guaranteed to be a reader favorite.
Patrick O’Doul will steal everyone’s heart. The brusque and often rude captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers is so much more than meets the eye. With a troubled past, he has lived most of his life in isolation, until one yoga instructions starts to break down his walls. Watching him fall for Ari makes the reader enamored with O’Doul. Being able to witness his walls crumble and his protective nature come out showcases the heart he has been hiding behind his churlish demeanor. With the secondary conflict that arises for Patrick, readers also get to see that he is honorable and truly cares for his teammates and the organization. Watching his development as a character, going from closed off to open to relationships of all types is completely endearing and wonderful.
Ari, she was more than I expected. Dealing with her past boyfriend and resulting issues is the impetus that pushes Patrick and her together, and even though her past won’t leave her alone, readers will admire her for her courage to walk away and for her refusal to continue down a dangerous path. She is in war for most the book between what her heart wants and what her head says she should want, but her hesitation based on her past is completely understandable. Even with her past, her heart remains incredibly open, showcasing her kindness and compassion. She is very much considerate of Patrick and how he feels physically and emotionally, making her the perfect fit for this grumpy yet lovable man.
The plot of this story will engage readers from page one. There is the expected romance plot line, but Sarina Bowen adds this parallel story line that not only serves to help develop the relationship between Patrick and Ari but it also serves to develop Patrick’s character, making him that much more appealing to the readers. This secondary plot line also serves to add some intensity to the story. With the added element of danger, readers will be anxious to see how it is all going to play out. And, let me tell you, Sarina Bowen delivers in all aspects, especially with the conclusion of the story and the epilogue. Swoon!
Sarina Bowen’s words are pure magic. I fell in love with her writing during the Ivy Years series, and with each passing book, my adoration of her writing only increases. She has this uncanny ability to lace her words with emotion and passion, and I can’t help but to become enamored with every story she creates. Hard Hitter is just another phenomenal example of this writer’s incredible talent.
Side note: The cameos are fantastic! I loved seeing my Ivy Years favorites! That excerpt from Pipe Dreams has me all sorts of excited. I need it!! I am also desperately hoping for a Nate and Becca’s story. I need them, too! This series is completely addicting, just like her others.

Link will be added when review posts

Awwww, yes. I ended my year in the perfect way… with a Sarina Bowen book. This author and her many, many awesome releases helped get me through 2016. Which means I held on to Hard Hitter for as long as possible before I finally cracked it open.

Hard Hitter features Patrick O’Doul, the Brooklyn Bruisers team captain and enforcer, and Ari Bettini, team masseuse and yoga instructor. Patrick is an old-timer in the league at aged 32. His mental game is taking a big hit lately as his body starts to give in to all the aches, pains and injuries of a long time athlete. His stress is only magnified by the fact that he’s expected to fight on the ice every game night. Showing weakness isn’t an option, so when his team doctor orders massage as another way to keep him healthy, he is not enthused.

Ari loves her job with the Bruisers, loves everything about it in fact.  Her personal life, however, is a mess. After finally kicking her long time boyfriend to the curb, she’s ready to start fresh. Only said boyfriend just won’t leave her alone and she’s starting to worry about when the next shoe will drop. Then there is her newest massage client, Patrick O’Doul. Sexy as sin, a bit closed off and cold Doulie. He’s an enigma she wants to figure out. She wants to help him stay healthy and in top shape on and off the ice, which means she just needs to figure out a way to give him what he needs despite his distaste at being touched.

Patrick and Ari’s romance starts out tentatively. He doesn’t really want to be stuck on her massage table, and she knows it. But she loves what she does and is determined to figure out a way to make it work. Ari is patient with him and Patrick responds by trying to loosen up. A friendship is born. Then he comes to her rescue one evening and that friendship morphs into a hot and heavy, super sexy night in bed where Patrick proves his dislike for touch does not extend to sexy times.

Which is when our tortured hero turns into a sweet, slightly clueless, make you sigh romantic who will do whatever it takes to win over his lover. Which I loooooved.

I’m not a huge hockey fan, I mean for real, I’m from Texas. Football, yes, hockey, not so much. So everything I know about hockey I pretty much learned from reading Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. Which means I was kind of surprised by Patrick’s worries over his role as an enforcer and what that entailed exactly. I had no idea. Patrick has all this stress, as well as a backstory that helps readers understand why he is so standoffish with everyone, including his teammates. Ari is really the first person he has ever let into his life, into his private and safe spaces. Which made their romance so much more romantic to me. Add in her desire to not get caught up in another relationship so soon after her break up (which I completely understood)  and his playful and sweet desire to woo her and I was a goner.

Hard Hitter hit all my happy places. I loved Patrick, and pretty much all the players, on and off the ice. I loved Ari and her passion for her work. I loved Becca and Georgia and their wonderfully supportive friendship with Ari and each other.  I loved the little bit of suspense thrown in which made me wonder toward the end what this couple’s HEA would look like. This book left me with a smile on my face. Then I read the teaser for book three, Pipe Dreams, and all of a sudden I have yet another Sarina Bowen book on my must have asap list. Final Grade- B+

Favorite Quote:

“You and I aren’t on the traditional plan. We’ve both had some troubles, and now we know how to spot something good. We make our own luck, you and me.”

The moment after I finished the first book in this series, Rookie Move, my first thought was - I hope the next book is about O’doul. Patrick O’doul, the keep to himself team captain and enforcer of the Brooklyn Bruisers made quite an impression on me. I was excited to jump into this book and it did not disappoint. I love Sarina Bowen’s writing style and hockey books are my favorite type of sports romance so this was a big win for me.

Patrick O’Doul has been in hockey for a long time. He’s an enforcer, which is essentially the fighter of the team. He’s good at what he does, but it’s taken a toll on his body and he’s not exactly a spring chicken anymore. With much encouragement from his coaching staff, he goes to see the team’s massage therapist, Ariana. Ari is great and O’Doul has always liked her, but he doesn't like anyone touching him. He doesn’t let anyone get close. Period.

Ari has just spent the last 8 years of her life with a man she feels like she didn’t even know. She is off men for a while and focused only on her job. When Patric O’Doul becomes a regular on her massage table, she can’t help but to feel for him. The more time they spend together, it becomes apparent that they both are developing feelings. With Patrick not getting close to anyone and Ari not wanting to take a chance on love… we are left wondering how things will work for this couple.

I loved seeing the soft side of O’Doul. Ari brought that out in him. He became more open, more vulnerable with her. And that transitioned into making him a better captain, teammate, friend and all around man. Ari was a little wishy washy for me, but it didn’t bother me as much as it normally would due to her situation. I loved the bond she had with some of the other girls in the series and the friendship she developed with them. What I really loved the most about O’Doul and Ari’s relationship is that it showed that the right person really can open you up and change your heart.

Hard Hitter is a wonderful addition to this series. A sweet and sexy slow-burn romance you don’t want to miss out on. After finishing this book, you will see why once again- I’m desperate for the next book in this series! I have a feeling Beacon and Lauren’s book is going to be just as amazing as the first two in this series! I’m also really hoping for a Becca and Nate book in the future. I know neither of them are actual hockey players, but I know that book would be epic!

Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen

Patrick O'Doul's book and what a book it was! Doulie is the team captain and enforcer for the Brooklyn Bruisers. He's extremely reserved in that he likes his own space and place and aside from mingling with his teammates, he's very much a loner who prefers to keep to himself rather than let other people in. Given his position as enforcer, he obviously gets into many fights on the ice and is required to see the team masseuse slash yoga instructor, Ari for some therapy. Ari is a freaking delight! She knows Patrick doesn't like being touched and just helps him in the best way she can. She's an incredibly warm and generous person and given her recent past relationship, she's understandably hesitant to start something new with Patrick.

Both of these characters have a past that they're dealing with the only way they know how and watching them come together was really enjoyable. They had some rocky moments and the ending was all the more satisfying for it. I loved Ari's patience with Patrick and unexpectedly, Patrick's patience with Ari. I love reading Bowen's sports romances because they always seem so authentic and true to the sport and Hard Hitter fits that to a tee. This book was thoroughly enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book of the series.

*arc received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

Hard Hitter is the story of Patrick O'Doul, the team captain/enforcer. O'Doul has always been perceived as grumpy and standoffish, but in this book, we get to see a whole new vulnerable and softer side to him. Honestly, I didn't even really feel as if he was that grumpy, to me he seemed simply like a quiet loner. He was just waiting for the right person to come into his life and bring some sunshine into his drab world and Ari was just the woman to deliver.

Ari Bettini is the team massage therapist and yoga instructor. At a quick glance, I think just about anyone would say that her personality is the polar opposite of Patrick. She's bright, outgoing, and people are almost drawn to her. While he's friendly enough with the team, he doesn't go out of his way to be sociable or allow others into his personal space. It goes beyond aversion, it causes him real anxiety and he avoids it at all costs.

His problem with people touching him stems from a violent childhood in the group home he lived in. Being forced to fight for food and defend himself against constant, unprovoked attacks was a double-edged sword. On one hand, his struggle made him stronger, and eventually learned the skills to make a successful career for himself on the team. On the other, the lack of love and a real family pushed him away from making close connections with people. This causes a real problem when he's ordered to see Ari for therapeutic massages for his injured hip.

Their sessions start out awkward, but her patience and sensitivity to his anxiety have him slowly giving her his trust. He's a little rough around the edges, but after you get him to open up a little, under the surface he's one of the most protective and loyal guys you'll ever find. Once he discovers that Ari's ex is harassing her, he does everything he can to make sure she's safe and protected. And when his sights are finally set on making her his? Nothing can deter him.

Ari was a little more difficult to love. I didn't dislike her, but I just didn't love her either. She had a massive amount of baggage from her recent breakup, and she wasn't in the best place to even consider seeing anyone new. I did understand her need to keep her distance, yet it stretched on too long for my personal taste. I felt like he was pushing for her to let him in over and over, and she refused to give him an inch. She kept coming up with reasons why they would never work instead of taking that leap of faith-even after he proved himself over and beyond.

This book was difficult for me to get into initially, but once I did, I enjoyed spending time with the team again. I'm hoping the Bruisers' owner Nate could eventually get his own book, maybe a standalone separate from the series. He intrigued me so much and his story would be amazing to read.

Book three, Pipe Dreams is Beacon's book and will be out in May.

"I only want you, Ari. For this, and all things."
After reading Rookie Move, if you told me that I would spend 300 + pages swooning over Patrick O'Doul, I would have called you a liar. I often looking forward to secondary characters getting their stories told, but O'Doul was different. He didn't have a lot of redeeming qualities, and I wasn't sure I would care all that much about him.
Leave it to Bowen to prove me very wrong.
Opening the book with Patrick's point of view helped me to get inside his head instantly, and what a complex place that was to be. As captain of the Bruisers, veteran, and enforcer, Patrick was still an enigma to his teammates. Heck, no one had ever been in his apartment. He's moody and grumpy (my favorite!), and just a big ball of fun. Little did he know the teams masseuse was about to blow a hole in his master plan to spend his life alone.
Ari was my kind of girl, and Patrick's polar opposite. She's bouncing ball of happiness and serenity Ari was strong when she needed to be, and willing to ask for help when her situation became extreme. I loved her vulnerable side. Ari had her hands on seriously hot, hockey players every day, but none of them got to her the way Patrick did. She wanted to crack his rough exterior, but hadn't yet figured out how. You could tell right away she was really into him, but after a disastrous relationship, she felt it necessary to stay single for a bit. You'll see how well that works out.
Holy heck! Hard Hitter is Bowen's hottest book to date.
Two words: Massage Table.
I was fanning myself for a week! The chemistry was absolutely electric. Patrick and Ari burned up the pages, and all they had to do was look at each other. It didn't take Patrick long to realize what he had in Ari, if only he could get her to see it. He was like a dog with a bone. He found his game changer, but he also found a way to be patient. I loved how long it took their relationship to evolve, and the lengths Patrick went to prove how he felt about Ari.
Here is what you need to know about Bowen, if you don't already. The woman can write the hell out of a book. She manages to mix humor, with scorching sex scenes, a little bit of drama, and a supporting cast you just love and want stories for (Beacon! Beacon! Beacon!). I have not yet found a single flaw in any of her books, and I have read them all, multiple times. There is little better than losing yourself inside one of her books. I am counting down the weeks until I can get lost in her next one.
5 STARS!

By now a lot of you might know how much I love Sarina Bowen's books and after reading and loving Rookie Move (which was one of my favorite books of 2016) I was really excited to read Hard Hitter and see where the book would take O'Doul and Ari. Unfortunately I didn't love this book as much as Rookie Move but I still loved it anyway... it just took a direction I wasn't expecting.

As I expected, I really loved Patrick O'Doul. In Rookie Move he had some kind of mystery around him so I was excited to learn more about him and why he became the way he was. I loved him and I loved almost everything about him. At one point I thought something really bad had happened to him in his past and while something did happen it was nothing of what I was expecting, thankfully. I really loved O'Doul's passion for hockey and how he would do anything for it but what I loved the most was how much he cared for Ari and how he showed it right from the beginning and how he would fight for her anyway. There were a few moments where he did stupid things but come on, everyone makes mistakes. Basically I loved O'Doul. He wasn't Leo but anyone can be Leo to be honest. In the other hand, I didn't like Ari as much. I could see where she was coming from but that girl frustrated me a lot of times with all that fighting against her feels and follow her head. It's important to think before doing some things but that girl took way too much time. I did like Ari and how she knew what she wanted with her life but there are a few things that could have been changed. I did love her relationship with O'Doul and they had an amazing chemistry. I also liked their moments together but there was something missing between them and I think there were a few things that should have been talked about that weren't.

Once again I really loved the writing style in this book. I already kind of know Sarina Bowen’s writing style and I love it. I love how it’s a fast pacing read but with a lot of deep and I love that she used a dual POV. This why I want to read more of her books in 2017. I know I'll love it.

Overall, this was a good book. While it wasn't as good as the first book in the series I still liked it and I can't wait to able to read Pipe Dreams... I'm really excited for that one. If you like romances you should definitely give this one a try. And if you never read any of Sarina Bowen’s other books what are you waiting for?