Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen
Series: Brooklyn Bruisers, #2
Romance Contemporary/Sports
January 3, 2017
Berkley

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “Wherever you lead, I’m following.”

Move over College Boy-the Brooklyn Bruisers have a new heartthrob for fans to cheer and swoon over in Bowen’s bestselling hockey series.

Patrick O’Doul.

The second installment in Sarina Bowen’s hockey series-Hard Hitter-reintroduces us to Patrick O’Doul-the Brooklyn Bruisers’ Captain and enforcer. Though each book can stand firmly on their own, book one builds and sets the world and main characters. We first met Patrick in Rookie Moves. Leo Trevi (College Boy) took exception to a remark Patrick made about his true love Georgia and Leo’s reply is broadcasted over a mic for the world to hear. Of course, Leo forgives Pat for being a judgemental jerk and they are besties by the end of the book.

Like many of Bowen’s heroes, Patrick is an intelligent, hard-working, quiet man who’s alpha tendencies are often kept hidden until needed. 32 years old and feeling every day of those years, he’s scared his career is coming to an end. Having blown off all his previous massage appointments, his coach lays down the law and commands he take keep a mandatory series of appointments. He obliges but reluctantly.

Patrick O’Doul had some serious issues with having hands on his body. His reluctance probably stemmed from his refusal to make himself vulnerable.

Ariana (Ari) Bettani has just ended a long and very turbulent relationship that became abusive towards the end. As her career started taking off, his jealousy and anger grew. Guilt and shame surround her as she struggles to get her life back on track.. Once she cleans house (so to speak) she decides that she is taking a break from relationships to focus on herself and her business. Intelligent and good natured, Ari eludes a sense of peacefulness that stems from her holistic tendencies and for the first time in a long time, she feels hopeful for her future.

Patrick and Ari click instantly though neither is ready to admit to their attraction. Slow and steady works best for this couple whose desire for privacy and independence is paramount. As this couple works out their kinks in and out of the bedroom, issues from their collective pasts rear their ugly heads and they are forced to deal with a shared connection that may end them before they get started.

Hard Hitter is an emotionally flush romance with light action, suspense, smoldering chemistry, witty dialogue, and humor.  A cast of familiar faces helps to ramp up the anticipation and laughter as the author leads her couple toward the winning goal of love.

I simply adore Bowen’s writing. Fast, fun, and oh so sexy, her characters draw me in like a moth to a flame. Realistic and appealing, they aren’t perfect and while we do see conflict, it’s not eye rolling dramatics used to create unnecessary angst and misdirection. Bowen builds smart, industrious characters whose actions are genuine in reaction to the circumstances and their age.

Rebound romances are fun-especially when one actively seeks to avoid any real commitment. The beginning bloom of attraction and subsequent falling in love engages the reader as Bowen seeks to convince us and them that they belong together.

“He’d been a loner for so long that the condition was probably permanent.”

I liked Patrick and Ari individually and together. They compliment each other perfectly. Ari’s strong sense of self, intuitive nature, and amusing wit works well with Patrick’s quiet, stoic protective side. Ari drags Patrick out of the shadows and helps him to make connections while Patrick shows Ari that love can be perfect with the right person.

Though Patrick has some darkness in his past, it’s not overwhelming or a deterrent in his pursuit of Ari. And pursue her he does. Their chemistry is a slow smolder that grows brighter as the story evolves. Sexually, this couple explodes and the sexual tension nips at the reader as these two struggle to find some common ground.

“…there was nothing on this earth she wanted more than his hands and his mouth on her body. There was no doubt in her mind that they’d be naked and soon her bed before she could say impulsive much?

Not that impulses were bad.”

Ari’s stubbornness in handling her own problems and denying her feelings for Patrick got a little old at times though I could understand her fear. Her only other relationship ended in pain and heartbreak, making her extremely reluctant to try again. Patrick gives her the space she asks for though he gets appeals to his teammates for help romancing his girl.

“Get out the parking tickets. Every player gets one.”

“What? Why?” Castro griped.

“Everyone here owes me an idea. You all have five minutes to write down the best way to romance a woman. If your idea is decent, you don’t own anything to the kitty. If your idea is shite, it’s a twenty dollar fine.”

 

The main conflict blends well with the subplots. Dual POVs ensures readers get both sides of the story with no question as to their feelings. Bowen uses her trademark humor to help soften the seriousness of the subject matter while opening the door to future storylines and couples. Bowen digs deeper into the logistics of a sports team, addressing the concerns of older players as they deal with younger players, slow/non-healing injuries, and the fear of being traded. Bowen addresses Patrick and Ari’s issues one by one as our couple faces them head on with honesty, courage, and some help from some friends.

Sarina Bowen once again scores a winner in her sport based professional hockey league series; continuing to write entertainingly sexy stories that offer readers the perfect balance of romance and sports. A brief peek at book three-Pipe Dreams-has me ridiculously excited to see what Bowen has in store for the cantankerous Lauren whose worst nightmare has been made a reality. Pipe Dreams is slated to release May 2, 2017.

RATING: B

Prior Sarina Bowen Reviews

Recent Reviews:
All About Romance
Cocktails and Books
Heroes and Heartbreakers
Goodreads I Author Website I Series List
Kindle I Nook