Hard Hit on the feels

I love the Brooklyn Bruisers in audio so much. Nicol Zanzarella and Rock Engle did an amazing job portraying Ariana and Patrick. Their voices are perfect for the characters. I have listened to this audiobook multiple times, it’s seriously good. I can’t recommend it enough.

Hard Hitter is the second book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series. It is a complete standalone, so it can be enjoyed completely on its own. And it is certainly enjoyable.

Patrick O’Doul is the Bruisers captain and enforcer. He’s the tough guy who fights to protect his teammates. He’s also really hot and a bit of a loner. Ok, more than a bit. He’s been having some issues with injuries lately, so he’s been forced to get treatment from the team’s sweet yoga instructor/massage therapist. For a guy who’s not comfortable being touched by others, it’s hell on earth. Except for the fact that Ari has captured his attention, and he finds her really attractive.

Ariana Bettini loves her job as the yoga instructor and massage therapist at the Brooklyn Bruisers hockey team. Recently single, she’s not looking for a relationship right now. When Patrick first shows up for their sessions she can tell he’s closed-off and doesn’t like to be touched. She’s intrigued by the guy and also finds him really attractive. She’s determined to help him heal, but the proximity makes them get to know each other better. And their attraction to each other grows exponentially.

Ariana doesn’t want to date anyone right now, but Patrick is not the giving-up kind of guy. There are a few complications along the way to make things more fun: A violent and desperate ex-boyfriend to whom Patrick has a connection that could jeopardize his whole career, and a boss who might not approve of office relationships.

I love the Brooklyn Bruisers series. It’s hockey romance at its best. Sarina Bowen is one of the best writers I’ve ever read, and she excels in hockey romance. She writes great characters you want to hang up with and call your friends. They feel like real people with real problems and emotions. She will play with your emotions in the best possible way, making you laugh through your tears, as she always does. It’s her super power. Hard Hitter is compelling and will make you want to keep reading until the end without stopping.

Hard Hitter is an excellent story that everyone should read. It’s Sarina Bowen at the top of her game. She’s truly a gifted storyteller, and one of the things that make her so very special is the way she has of including difficult but important topics in her books. And she does it flawlessly and in a way that doesn’t work against the story. And I really appreciate her sense of humor. It comes through loud and clear, but in a very understated way that makes it shine. If you love well written, emotional and witty stories, you should give this book—and series—a shot. Because you will end up asking for more Bruisers. And I can promise you won’t be sorry.

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