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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
I was with the story until near the end when it went sideways with stalking, drugs, guns, etc. But it all came together in the end. On to the next one!
That was AWESOME!!!!! I love Ms. Bowen and her hockey stories. Need I say more?!?!
medium-paced
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked the book, but the character backstory was literally the same as the hockey romance story I just finished so recency bias.
<|spoiler alert|> the marriage was a GREAT twist to the story. The reactions, so realistic <|spoiler alert|>
<|spoiler alert|> the marriage was a GREAT twist to the story. The reactions, so realistic <|spoiler alert|>
Every time Patrick called Ari sweetheart my heart melted!
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
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.
-----------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
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.
-----------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
Reviewed 11/14/16
Hard Hitter is the second book in an exciting new series by Sarina Bowen. Even though this is the second book in the series, it can totally be read as a stand-alone novel.
Hard Hitter is one of those books that I think is going to be hit for some and miss for others. For me, I thought it was an overall ok read. I thought the story was well written and the characters were entertaining. I liked the slow build of the relationship between Ari and Patrick. I enjoyed watching the two of them get to know one another and navigate their way through their new relationship.
Ari and Patrick's story was not without drama. Ari's ex-boyfriend stirred up a lot of trouble for Ari and certainly tried to make everyones life miserable. And Patrick had some personal drama of his own that helped stir things up and keep the story-line interesting.
Overall, I think Hard Hitter was an ok read and that this series has a ton of potential. I look forward to checking out more from this series in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Hard Hitter is the second book in an exciting new series by Sarina Bowen. Even though this is the second book in the series, it can totally be read as a stand-alone novel.
Hard Hitter is one of those books that I think is going to be hit for some and miss for others. For me, I thought it was an overall ok read. I thought the story was well written and the characters were entertaining. I liked the slow build of the relationship between Ari and Patrick. I enjoyed watching the two of them get to know one another and navigate their way through their new relationship.
Ari and Patrick's story was not without drama. Ari's ex-boyfriend stirred up a lot of trouble for Ari and certainly tried to make everyones life miserable. And Patrick had some personal drama of his own that helped stir things up and keep the story-line interesting.
Overall, I think Hard Hitter was an ok read and that this series has a ton of potential. I look forward to checking out more from this series in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
I quite enjoyed this standalone book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series.
Ari is the professional hockey team’s massage therapist/yoga instructor. Patrick O’Doul is the aging (for hockey), brooding, introverted team captain. Both of them have trust issues, so it was interesting seeing how they navigated those barriers brick by brick. I would have liked more exploration of how Patrick’s past influenced his current mentality. I still enjoyed the contrast between their personalities, though, as well as O’Doul and Ari’s somewhat reluctant, surprising romance.
There is an added mystery and conflict between Ari and her vicious ex boyfriend that adds some appealing intrigue to the story. I was quite fond of Patrick’s goofy teammates. Ari’s budding friendship with Becca and Georgia is also fun.
I’m fascinated by Nate, the team’s owner, and I love what I’ve seen so far from Becca, his personal assistant. I’ve heard they have their own story, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Recommended for fans of:
Hockey
Yoga
Margaritas
Light suspense
Ari is the professional hockey team’s massage therapist/yoga instructor. Patrick O’Doul is the aging (for hockey), brooding, introverted team captain. Both of them have trust issues, so it was interesting seeing how they navigated those barriers brick by brick. I would have liked more exploration of how Patrick’s past influenced his current mentality. I still enjoyed the contrast between their personalities, though, as well as O’Doul and Ari’s somewhat reluctant, surprising romance.
There is an added mystery and conflict between Ari and her vicious ex boyfriend that adds some appealing intrigue to the story. I was quite fond of Patrick’s goofy teammates. Ari’s budding friendship with Becca and Georgia is also fun.
I’m fascinated by Nate, the team’s owner, and I love what I’ve seen so far from Becca, his personal assistant. I’ve heard they have their own story, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Recommended for fans of:
Hockey
Yoga
Margaritas
Light suspense