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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
5 stars for the romance, 6 stars for the , 2 stars for the dumbass ridiculous DRAMA in the book. Like, it was just Too Much.
But, I was very into O'Doul and I LOVE Ari and I adore the lady friendships in this, so four stars overall seems about right.
Can't wait for the next book, and then hopefully Nate and Becca because they need their own story.
Spoiler
hot as fuck massage table sexBut, I was very into O'Doul and I LOVE Ari and I adore the lady friendships in this, so four stars overall seems about right.
Can't wait for the next book, and then hopefully Nate and Becca because they need their own story.
At this point I'm putting Sarina Bowen's kids through college.
I give this book 4 stars! I love a great hockey book and when it's a series that's even better because you see the growth of all the characters! Patrick is Mr. Team captain and he is used to being the enforcer! Ari is the massage/yoga instructor and she rolls out all of their kinks! Patrick is the quiet brooding type and Ari brings out a softer side in him! I was excited to see if their romance would score a goal or would Ari's ex body check Patrick? This book had everything I love in a good sports book, entertaining, romance, sweet, and keeps you reading! The romance slowly simmers to boiling point! Trust me you won't be dissapointed! Cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Great story!
I really enjoyed this story! It was a lot of fun to read and I loved the characters! We had gotten to meet both characters in the previous book in the series so I was very excited to get their story but you can pick this one up as your first in the series with no problem whatsoever. I adored Ari and Patrick. They have both been having some issues but once they are forced together they just can't deny the connection, though they do try, Ari more than Patrick. I loved the way that Patrick warmed up to Ari and once he did, he knew it was special and wasn't just going to quit or give up. I loved the way that he wanted to make an effort to prove that he wanted more from her. He was in it for the full relationship. I really had fun with this one. I loved that it picked up very shortly after the last one ended so bonus but if you have read that one. We definitely get more of the surrounding characters and I can't wait for a few specific stories! I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the rest of the series!
I listened to the audio book and the narrators did a fantastic job with the voices, emotions, and accents. It really brought the story to life and I highly enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed this story! It was a lot of fun to read and I loved the characters! We had gotten to meet both characters in the previous book in the series so I was very excited to get their story but you can pick this one up as your first in the series with no problem whatsoever. I adored Ari and Patrick. They have both been having some issues but once they are forced together they just can't deny the connection, though they do try, Ari more than Patrick. I loved the way that Patrick warmed up to Ari and once he did, he knew it was special and wasn't just going to quit or give up. I loved the way that he wanted to make an effort to prove that he wanted more from her. He was in it for the full relationship. I really had fun with this one. I loved that it picked up very shortly after the last one ended so bonus but if you have read that one. We definitely get more of the surrounding characters and I can't wait for a few specific stories! I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the rest of the series!
I listened to the audio book and the narrators did a fantastic job with the voices, emotions, and accents. It really brought the story to life and I highly enjoyed it!
100% honest I didn’t enjoy this book. En libro en el cual no conectas con nadie y los personajes son meh. Yo lo termine porque pude, si yo hubiese parado de leer por varios días y hubiese comenzado otro libro ni cuenta me daría de que este libro nunca lo termine. Me encontré la historia aburrida, la relación no me gusto y yo siento que esta es unas de las parejas de libros que desde que el libro lo terminas ellos rompen. No les veo futuro juntos y no pienso volver a leer este libro otra vez. La pobre tipa principal no me le daban breaks cosas detrás de cosas, mil problemas la pobre tuvo y el ex le acuso. Y enserio el libro 1 de esta serie me gusto tanto y este libro no me gusto para nada así que ni voy a gastar mi tiempo en esta reseña pero solo voy a decir que el libro es repetitivo lo mismo una y otra vez, la historia es súper aburrida bye ❤️
I really enjoyed Patrick and Ari’s story! I loved the character development in this one and the plot itself. There are points where I’m just not a fan of the writing—not for me—but it didn’t take me away from the story too often.
Also on Romances Ever After.
I wasn’t quite sold on Patrick O’Doul at first because he was a bit of a jerk in Rookie Move, but Hard Hitter ended up being my most favourite book in this series. Patrick was a bit mysterious to me; aside from his rough and prickly façade, we didn’t really get anything about him in the first book. I think the reason why this book appealed so much to me is because Patrick is described as a jaded old dude with a boatload of issues.
Oh, why can’t I fall in love with less complicated men?
I love Ari, the Brooklyn Bruiser’s yoga instructor slash massage therapist, just fine but the star of the show for me is truly Patrick, so this is a Patrick O’Doul Appreciation Paragraph. As the story progressed, we learned more about Patrick’s backstory which explained his gruff attitude and his dislike about being touched by strangers. I was legit surprised that he turned out to be the sweetest guy. He was so caring and protective of Ari. I just about melted every time he called Ari sweetheart and texted her just to see how she was doing, and I especially loved the part where he asked the help of his team members for ideas on how to woo a woman. I love Patrick and Ari’s easy relationship, although Ari annoyed me at times when she kept pushing Patrick away.
Favourite quote: “I’m so gone for you. I’ve got it bad. It might take me years to convince you I’m a good guy, but I’ll never stop trying.” [Patrick to Ari]
The Nate x Becca build-up is even more pronounced in this book. Why is book 3 not their story?
I wasn’t quite sold on Patrick O’Doul at first because he was a bit of a jerk in Rookie Move, but Hard Hitter ended up being my most favourite book in this series. Patrick was a bit mysterious to me; aside from his rough and prickly façade, we didn’t really get anything about him in the first book. I think the reason why this book appealed so much to me is because Patrick is described as a jaded old dude with a boatload of issues.
Oh, why can’t I fall in love with less complicated men?
I love Ari, the Brooklyn Bruiser’s yoga instructor slash massage therapist, just fine but the star of the show for me is truly Patrick, so this is a Patrick O’Doul Appreciation Paragraph. As the story progressed, we learned more about Patrick’s backstory which explained his gruff attitude and his dislike about being touched by strangers. I was legit surprised that he turned out to be the sweetest guy. He was so caring and protective of Ari. I just about melted every time he called Ari sweetheart and texted her just to see how she was doing, and I especially loved the part where he asked the help of his team members for ideas on how to woo a woman. I love Patrick and Ari’s easy relationship, although Ari annoyed me at times when she kept pushing Patrick away.
Favourite quote: “I’m so gone for you. I’ve got it bad. It might take me years to convince you I’m a good guy, but I’ll never stop trying.” [Patrick to Ari]
The Nate x Becca build-up is even more pronounced in this book. Why is book 3 not their story?
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
Hard Hitter is the second book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series by Sarina Bowen and after having a blast with book one “Rookie Move” I just knew that I had to have book two in my life. I just couldn’t resist. And as a plus this series can be found in the Audible Romance Package, so if you are a subscriber I can’t recommend these books enough for you. They are superb and the second book succeeded my expectations. I wasn’t sure how this author could make anything better than book one but she did it….somehow much to my great delight
In Hard Hitter, we are introduced to Patrick O’Doul and Ari Bettini. Now Patrick O’Doul is the team captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers and one of the more experienced players. He is also the one in charge of fighting in the rink. But Patrick is getting older, and is starting to feel his injuries more and his energy levels are going down and he can’t afford that. So when a friend hands him some drugs to help him he makes some mistakes but then he realizes he can’t afford to be doing drugs no matter how much they seem to help. When his coach orders him to see Ari, the team’s massage therapist, he is resistant. He can’t stand the touch of others and he is dreading going to see Ari even if he is attracted to her.
Ari has recently gotten out of a long term relationship where her ex became abusive and unhinged and is still causing her problems. But Ari is a glass half full type of personality and hardly anything gets her down. She is a message therapist and yoga instructor. She loves her job with the Brooklyn Bruisers and being able to help the players with their bodies. She is determined to help Patrick, even if he seems to abhor human touch. She knows it is something involved in his past, but she wants to help him and while she assists him in his therapy sessions and aids in his injuries, a relationship begins to slowly form between them especially when he is there for in when she is in danger. But will their careers come between the relationship and will they find the balance that they need?
I simple had a blast with Hard Hitter and its O’Doul’s book. Now in the first book, we are introduced to the team captain and yeah he can put the reader off to be honest. He is a bit too cocky but he has this confidence that is addictive and a bit endearing. Now in the beginning when we see him start on the drugs, I was really nervous because I wasn’t sure how Sarina Bowen would handle this situation. But it isn’t as bad as it sounds, because Patrick doesn’t get addicted to drugs but we do see him have a moment of weakness and lack of judgement but not everyone can be perfect right? I liked that he has some weak spots and vulnerabilities and makes some mistakes and this one will bite him in the booty eventually. Even though Patrick does have a dark past, the book doesn’t focus on that. He isn’t a brooding type of character that is typical of this which I really enjoyed. Patrick has overcome his past for the most part and moved on and become someone that others look up to and admire and respect. I loved seeing more in his character and seeing all that he has overcome.
“Fuck no. You’re the only one who gets to touch me.” “Okay,” she said, pressing on his shoulder, asking him to lie flat again. “It was only a suggestion. I was trying to make you more comfortable.” “Not possible,” he muttered. “I only want you, Ari. For this and all things.”
Now on Ari’s side of things we do see the strength that she has. I loved her determination to forge a fresh start for herself away from her ex although he is becoming a nuisance. We see how even though she has a career she craves a family….a husband and children. She wants to have someone to come home to. I really connected with her character because she knows what she wants and isn’t ashamed of it. She is older though in her thirties, so she has learned through trial and error what is worth searching and fighting for. But she makes her own mistakes and even though she could be a bit judgmental at times, she learns and becomes a better person in this book which I really enjoyed seeing.
You are priceless…I hope you know that.
The romance that develops between these two is so heartfelt. I really liked the whole message therapist and player set up because it brings forth a level of trust and intimacy from the very beginning, before things get hot and heavy between them which I really admired from Sarina Bowen. But there is also the level of dependence they have on each other….in a healthy way though. Patrick struggles with touch and he has to trust in Ari to help him overcome his fears. Ari has her ex acting crazy and violent at times, and Patrick is there when she needs help. I wouldn’t call this a damsel in distress scenario to be honest. Because she is a fighter, and isn’t afraid of doing what is necessary. But he helps her when she needs it and I liked that she didn’t spurn his help. I know in some books the woman has to do everything and be the strongest and fight her own battles which is all well and good but in this book it shows that we all need help sometime and its not a bad thing to accept it when its the right time and place and situation for it.
I found Hard Hitter to be a phenomenal story that swept me up in this story and I just never wanted it to end! A fabulous addition to a great series that is guaranteed to capture the heart of the reader and is a true jewel to enchant!
In Hard Hitter, we are introduced to Patrick O’Doul and Ari Bettini. Now Patrick O’Doul is the team captain of the Brooklyn Bruisers and one of the more experienced players. He is also the one in charge of fighting in the rink. But Patrick is getting older, and is starting to feel his injuries more and his energy levels are going down and he can’t afford that. So when a friend hands him some drugs to help him he makes some mistakes but then he realizes he can’t afford to be doing drugs no matter how much they seem to help. When his coach orders him to see Ari, the team’s massage therapist, he is resistant. He can’t stand the touch of others and he is dreading going to see Ari even if he is attracted to her.
Ari has recently gotten out of a long term relationship where her ex became abusive and unhinged and is still causing her problems. But Ari is a glass half full type of personality and hardly anything gets her down. She is a message therapist and yoga instructor. She loves her job with the Brooklyn Bruisers and being able to help the players with their bodies. She is determined to help Patrick, even if he seems to abhor human touch. She knows it is something involved in his past, but she wants to help him and while she assists him in his therapy sessions and aids in his injuries, a relationship begins to slowly form between them especially when he is there for in when she is in danger. But will their careers come between the relationship and will they find the balance that they need?
I simple had a blast with Hard Hitter and its O’Doul’s book. Now in the first book, we are introduced to the team captain and yeah he can put the reader off to be honest. He is a bit too cocky but he has this confidence that is addictive and a bit endearing. Now in the beginning when we see him start on the drugs, I was really nervous because I wasn’t sure how Sarina Bowen would handle this situation. But it isn’t as bad as it sounds, because Patrick doesn’t get addicted to drugs but we do see him have a moment of weakness and lack of judgement but not everyone can be perfect right? I liked that he has some weak spots and vulnerabilities and makes some mistakes and this one will bite him in the booty eventually. Even though Patrick does have a dark past, the book doesn’t focus on that. He isn’t a brooding type of character that is typical of this which I really enjoyed. Patrick has overcome his past for the most part and moved on and become someone that others look up to and admire and respect. I loved seeing more in his character and seeing all that he has overcome.
“Fuck no. You’re the only one who gets to touch me.” “Okay,” she said, pressing on his shoulder, asking him to lie flat again. “It was only a suggestion. I was trying to make you more comfortable.” “Not possible,” he muttered. “I only want you, Ari. For this and all things.”
Now on Ari’s side of things we do see the strength that she has. I loved her determination to forge a fresh start for herself away from her ex although he is becoming a nuisance. We see how even though she has a career she craves a family….a husband and children. She wants to have someone to come home to. I really connected with her character because she knows what she wants and isn’t ashamed of it. She is older though in her thirties, so she has learned through trial and error what is worth searching and fighting for. But she makes her own mistakes and even though she could be a bit judgmental at times, she learns and becomes a better person in this book which I really enjoyed seeing.
You are priceless…I hope you know that.
The romance that develops between these two is so heartfelt. I really liked the whole message therapist and player set up because it brings forth a level of trust and intimacy from the very beginning, before things get hot and heavy between them which I really admired from Sarina Bowen. But there is also the level of dependence they have on each other….in a healthy way though. Patrick struggles with touch and he has to trust in Ari to help him overcome his fears. Ari has her ex acting crazy and violent at times, and Patrick is there when she needs help. I wouldn’t call this a damsel in distress scenario to be honest. Because she is a fighter, and isn’t afraid of doing what is necessary. But he helps her when she needs it and I liked that she didn’t spurn his help. I know in some books the woman has to do everything and be the strongest and fight her own battles which is all well and good but in this book it shows that we all need help sometime and its not a bad thing to accept it when its the right time and place and situation for it.
I found Hard Hitter to be a phenomenal story that swept me up in this story and I just never wanted it to end! A fabulous addition to a great series that is guaranteed to capture the heart of the reader and is a true jewel to enchant!
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Buch für Zwischendurch! Ari hat mich teilweise genervt, weil sie Patrick die ganze Zeit zurückgewiesen hat. Obwohl er wirklich eine tolle Entwicklung durchgemacht hat. Er war ein Schatz 🫠
Ansonsten mochte ich wie schon den Band davor die ganze Atmosphäre (inkl. Personen aus Ivy Years 😊)
Ansonsten mochte ich wie schon den Band davor die ganze Atmosphäre (inkl. Personen aus Ivy Years 😊)