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Audiobooked this....I honestly have to say I like how the conflict in these books is not blown out of portion and not always an epic fail on the male leads part. These are written with adult themes and issues. The way the game of hockey is portrayed in these books, is legit. High five to Sarina for that. Nothing like reading a book about hockey, when the author obviously doesn't know the game.
I really enjoyed this book....and would definitely listen to them again.
This is a good read, and you don't necessarily need to read Rookie Move before you read Hard Hitter. I recommend that you do, but it's not necessary.
I really enjoyed this book....and would definitely listen to them again.
This is a good read, and you don't necessarily need to read Rookie Move before you read Hard Hitter. I recommend that you do, but it's not necessary.
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not my favorite of the hockey series, but good. I stopped reading these in “order,” but it doesn’t hurt the story line at all for any of the books. The book focuses on a lot of self reflection and awareness as well.
Three stars might be a little generous for this one. It's pretty forgettable, and I never really felt that the threat was real. Also, I wasn't quite sure why Bowen introduced a secondary obstacle to the hero and heroine getting together, especially one as weak as the one she used.
Although this novel tried to present fighting in the way those old-school proponents of the "code" would like, I found it disconcerting and bizarre that Bowen seemed to believe that there'd be a fight every game. (Although it does seem true that if a fight occurred it would likely be between two fighters.) I also thought Bowen strained credulity by having the hero use drugs (even just the once) at the advice of another fighter when the NHL's drug testing policy has lately been highly publicized. I'm not saying it wouldn't happen, (see the multitude of examples where it did and has), but I would have believe prescription medication addiction before this.
Although this novel tried to present fighting in the way those old-school proponents of the "code" would like, I found it disconcerting and bizarre that Bowen seemed to believe that there'd be a fight every game. (Although it does seem true that if a fight occurred it would likely be between two fighters.) I also thought Bowen strained credulity by having the hero use drugs (even just the once) at the advice of another fighter when the NHL's drug testing policy has lately been highly publicized. I'm not saying it wouldn't happen, (see the multitude of examples where it did and has), but I would have believe prescription medication addiction before this.
Hockey, yoga... Win.
I enjoyed these two main characters. Both with their own struggles and hardships but adults that communicate with each other to make things work. The tie-in of Ari being the team massage therapist and yoga instructor was a lovely way to keep the book focused on the Bruisers. Getting more behind the scenes with the team was the best part of this story. The interactions between the Captain and his team were amusing, like a pack of rowdy brothers. I can't wait to see who the next book is about.
I enjoyed these two main characters. Both with their own struggles and hardships but adults that communicate with each other to make things work. The tie-in of Ari being the team massage therapist and yoga instructor was a lovely way to keep the book focused on the Bruisers. Getting more behind the scenes with the team was the best part of this story. The interactions between the Captain and his team were amusing, like a pack of rowdy brothers. I can't wait to see who the next book is about.
Good not great. I wanted Ari's personality to be more distinct.
Okay, this reread of the Brooklyn Bruisers series is already taking me on a roller coaster ride of All The Feels. I legit had forgotten how much I love Patrick and Ari's story - there's just so much to unpack with both of them that when we all finally get what we want, it's just such a relief. I mean, even when they get into their own heads and sabotage themselves - and that happens a lot - you are still rooting for them to get past this while they pull their heads out of their asses.

A lot of this book has to do with communication, or lack thereof. All types of communication. Verbal, naturally, but also the non-verbal communication relayed in looks and touch. Patrick has issues with being touched and Ari recognizes it when he's finally been bullied by the team trainer to get on her massage table. She doesn't try to tell him that it'll be okay and he just needs to ignore the feelings, but she tells him to lean into it and works with him on a level that he's okay with, showing him that touch is pretty synonymous with trust. Once he trusts her, he opens up... both on the table and in life. When Patrick opens up to Ari about his past because he trusts her that much, we all understand why he's built the walls he has and just why it's important for him to let himself go and just open himself to the world. Patrick is absolutely one of my very favorite damaged heroes. (Yes, I understand that it's rather fucked up to have that list, but... yeah. Whatever.)
Ari's own damage from her previous relationship has given her her own trust issues, but those are more internal. She can't trust her heart or her judgment, based on her 8-year relationship with her ex. She says that she's learning to be on her own which is not a bad thing, but it's a convenient excuse to not let herself feel all the things she does for Patrick. Luckily, she's got some solid friends in Becca and Georgia, who don't let her get away with it for long and who are there for her when she needs that shoulder to cry on and remind her that perhaps she needs to actually *talk* to him, rather than making decisions for them both. Honestly, everyone should have friends like that in their lives: ones to call them out on their bullshit and who will be there with margaritas and nail polish when you need a shoulder to cry on.
Sarina Bowen just knows how to take your heart and mangle it and then put it back together - I know that I'm always going to run through the gamut of emotions and I. Am. Here. For. It. Give me a Sarina Bowen book and I'm all:

Next week, it's Lauren's book. I remember when I first read it and needed encouragement to get through it. Now? I'm looking forward to it.

A lot of this book has to do with communication, or lack thereof. All types of communication. Verbal, naturally, but also the non-verbal communication relayed in looks and touch. Patrick has issues with being touched and Ari recognizes it when he's finally been bullied by the team trainer to get on her massage table. She doesn't try to tell him that it'll be okay and he just needs to ignore the feelings, but she tells him to lean into it and works with him on a level that he's okay with, showing him that touch is pretty synonymous with trust. Once he trusts her, he opens up... both on the table and in life. When Patrick opens up to Ari about his past because he trusts her that much, we all understand why he's built the walls he has and just why it's important for him to let himself go and just open himself to the world. Patrick is absolutely one of my very favorite damaged heroes. (Yes, I understand that it's rather fucked up to have that list, but... yeah. Whatever.)
Ari's own damage from her previous relationship has given her her own trust issues, but those are more internal. She can't trust her heart or her judgment, based on her 8-year relationship with her ex. She says that she's learning to be on her own which is not a bad thing, but it's a convenient excuse to not let herself feel all the things she does for Patrick. Luckily, she's got some solid friends in Becca and Georgia, who don't let her get away with it for long and who are there for her when she needs that shoulder to cry on and remind her that perhaps she needs to actually *talk* to him, rather than making decisions for them both. Honestly, everyone should have friends like that in their lives: ones to call them out on their bullshit and who will be there with margaritas and nail polish when you need a shoulder to cry on.
Sarina Bowen just knows how to take your heart and mangle it and then put it back together - I know that I'm always going to run through the gamut of emotions and I. Am. Here. For. It. Give me a Sarina Bowen book and I'm all:

Next week, it's Lauren's book. I remember when I first read it and needed encouragement to get through it. Now? I'm looking forward to it.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Ari and Patrick had a lot to overcome as their love story was twisted and interconnected to her past. Chapter 15, the team coming up with ideas on making women fall in love with men was the absolute best chapter I've ever read. The storyline was well thought out and well written. I love how the author interweaves other characters storylines into whatever story she is writing.
Intense, but really fun read, always love a hockey read. So fun and good chemistry