Professional hockey player Sergei Petrov has had a rough time after the tragic loss of his beloved wife. Playing hockey and taking care of his son are all he has time for; getting traded was not on the agenda. Neither was a sexy, hockey-playing nanny to further complicate things. Star college athlete Danielle Cloutier may dominate the rink, but off the ice, she’s an amateur. She’s been trying to … trying to get rid of her virginity for years, but guys are always intimidated by her strength. That changes when she meets her new boss. Chemistry between them sizzles, hot enough to melt the most frozen of hearts, but Danielle can’t afford to get attached.
Sergei doesn’t know what to do with the beautiful, stubborn woman, but watching her turn his new house into a home gives him a few ideas. Can he come to terms with his feelings before she skates out of his life for good?
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Loved It!
A steamy and well written romance
Defending Dani is the first book in a new ice hockey series by Kat Mizera. Although many of the characters have appeared in previous books, this can easily be read as a stand alone since all the relevant information was included. I really liked both the blurb for this book AND the cover, they really made me want to read this. I was expecting quite an angst filled read and this book certainly played on my emotions.
Sergei has been traded to Alaska and needs to find somewhere for him and his son to live, as well as a Nanny for little Niko. Dani has just finished college and needs a job until she heads off to play for the US in the Winter Olympics. Niko already really likes Dani, so she agrees to spend a few months sharing Sergei’s home and working as Niko’s nanny. Sergei and Dani share a chemistry that they find impossible to resist but will it burn them?
In some ways this quite a slow burn romance, even though the steam level rises around the 30% mark. Whilst they weren’t in a romantic relationship, Dani and Sergei had known each other for several weeks back in Las Vegas, spent 10 days together on a road trip and lived in the same house for over a month. For me this made the intensity of their attraction, and speed with which they became very intimate, much more believable.
Even though Sergei was a total idiot for a fair chunk of this book, I totally understood his reasoning. It was stupid, but so very human. I’m not sure that I really got to know Sergei, even though we have plenty of scenes written from his point of view. I would have liked some more interactions with him and Niko too. EVERY time he called Dani ‘babe’ or ‘baby’, it threw me out the book because, sorry to be really nit-picky, the guy is meant to be Russian! This is really my only criticism of the book, but the two terms were used frequently and it just didn’t sound/feel natural.
Dani was a wonderful character, she had her insecurities but nevertheless she stayed true to herself. She is only 23 and that was really well portrayed, she felt young without coming across as immature. Whilst the age gap between her and Sergei was (briefly) mentioned the author didn’t make it a large part of the story line and on balance I much preferred this to it having been a major cause of angst.
Whilst the book is fairly steamy at times, this is balanced with plenty of plot and it doesn’t feel excessive. The pace held my attention and the writing flows really well, making this a book that is easy to read and enjoy.
Sergei is a professional hockey player, but there’s more to him than that. His entire focus, aside from what he gives to his job, is on his son. Those are the only two things he lets in his life, wants in his life, following the death of his wife. He’s still grieving. Still adjusting. A trade is not something he wants to add to the mix. But, he has no choice. And the hockey playing nanny is far from what he expected following the start of his new life.
Danielle may know exactly what she’s doing on the ice, in fact, she dominates while playing. The rest of her life, especially the personal aspect, she’s lost and a virgin…still. Ugh. She’s tried to give it up before, but the guy always finds her intimidating. Her new boss though not only matches her strength in an athletic sense, but exceeds it. And the chemistry? Off the charts…and dangerous. Danielle can not let herself get attached.
Sergei is torn between the attraction, the pull, and doing what he thinks is the right thing. However, Danielle is changing not only his life, but also his son’s. Unfortunately, both Sergei and Danielle know their relationship is temporary since she’ll be leaving soon to train for the Olympics.
But can Sergei let her go? Can he and his son live without the love and joy she brings into their lives? Will Danielle have to give up her dream in order to stay? Or can a compromise be made so they can both win?
One-click now and follow along as one man realizes what he dreaded the most, a trade, will actually be the best thing to ever happen to him. I like that the heroine never seemed as if she was second best. Yes, we know Sergei loved his wife, but it didn’t feel as Danielle was a runner-up. He loved her with his whole heart and didn’t compare the two. The relationship between Sergei and his son, Niko, and Danielle and Niko were so sweet to read. It was great experiencing them falling for her and vice versa. Also, I love that both Sergei and Danielle were high caliber hockey players. – By Elizabeth
Defending Dani was a book that I was most looking forward getting in my hands and I was not disappointed! Sergei’s story was one I enjoyed so much. The Love, trust, sacrifice, longing, and tears that came pouring out of me are what made this book so amazing. Elizabeth @ White Hot Reads
Sergei Petrov has not had a great love life. Two marriages, one when he was too young that ended in divorce and his second wife was ripped from him right in front of his eyes. Why would he take that chance again? His son and playing hockey professionally are all that he needs.
Danielle Cloutier is a beautiful, talented, smart and athletic woman. She is living her dream and is hoping to have the gold on her wall when she starts her dream job. She never banks on Sergei and the way he makes her feel, this man looks and treats her like a woman, not the born athlete that she is.
Can Sergei open his heart up again? Can Dani get the Gold and the man with the heart of Gold?
This was a fantastic start to Kat Mizera’s new series, I just loved how we already knew Sergei from the Sidewinder Series and Dani is Zekk’s little sister also from the Sidewinder Series. Due to this the book felt comfortable from the get go and enjoy getting to know more of the family. Sergei is broken and worn down by everything that has happened in his life, 2 marriages where the last one ended in the tragic death of his wife which left him as a single Dad also trying to deal with being traded to a new team in Alaska away from his friends and family. Dani has been stay with Zakk while studying and making one of the biggest decisions of her life, in order to make up for staying she has been looking after their kids which includes Sergei’s son Niko. Things get off to a rocky start when they first meet but Dani ends up moving to Alaska with him to get him and Niko settled in while she earns money looking after Niko and helping Sergei look for a nanny … yeah so that was the plan anyway.
Seeing not only Sergei fight with his emotions about Dani while dealing with everything is sad and also frustrating and you have to feel for Dani as she has never really had a relationship and struggles with what to do going forward even trying to get Sergei to see her side of things but he blocks her. Will Sergei realise you are allowed more than one go at finding love and sometimes it takes time and hard work or will his pigheadedness ruin it all. Ugh and when we get a visitor from Sergei’s home I literally gasped and my tears welled, damn you Kat Mizera for throwing that surprise in!!
Kat Mizera is top of my instant one click list for a reason. Another great story and brilliant start to a new series. Although not essential for the story, I would recommend reading the Las Vegas Sidewinders series as it is closely related – the male lead in this book is the brother of 1 of the lead males in the Sidewinders series
Sergie has been through a lot and thinks he is broken and unable to love again. Dani has always been the tomboy and so is still a virgin as the men she has met see her as 1 of the boys. Sparks fly from the beginning and they are thrown together by Sergie’s brother Toli when Sergie needs a nanny to help as he and his son settle into life in Alaska and Dani needs a job before going off to the Olympics. Looking forward to more of this series
I love hockey romance books and this one did not disappoint.
Dani is headed for the Olympics in a few months. Not the time to fall in love with her brothers best friends brother. Sergei is an NHL player looking for help with his young son. It’s wrong to fall for his friends sister but the attraction is there.
These two have a great connection. Even when things get tough the connection is still there. Overall this was a good read and I look forward to more.
Another phenomenal book by Kat Mizera! Defending Dani was so much fun to read, it was the perfect start to a new series! This book drew me in from the moment I started reading, it was engaging, charming, and sexy. I have come to love hockey through Mizera, this book was the perfect sports romance.
Sergie is a single parent fighting a battle within himself. He loves playing professional hockey, but after being traded to the Alaska Blizzards struggles with settling into a new place and more importantly finding someone he can trust to care for his son. Up until now his son Niko had been living with his brother Toli, a player for the Las Vegas Sidewinders.
Dani is a college student, who lives and breathes hockey. After being selected to play for the US olympics hockey team, she is battling with the idea of whether she should play or not. Having spent all her time with her brother, also a player for the Las Vegas Sidewinders, and his team mates has her second guessing her future.
They say first impressions are important, Sergie makes the worst first impression when he goes off on Dani seconds after meeting her. When arriving at Toli’s, Sergie didn’t expect to find that Niko had become so attached to someone he barely knew. Little did he know, Dani had been spending a lot of time taking care of Niko. When Toli suggests that Dani make the move to Alaska with Sergie and Niko, what begins as a temporary job quickly becomes a journey towards finding themselves and learning to trust one another. What unfolds is a heartwarming romance and a second chance to build a family.
I was so excited about this book, I loved it so much. Can’t wait for the next installment! Definitely a 5 star read!
4.5
This friends to lovers to soulmates romance hit me with all the feels!
Sergei and Dani don’t know their true worth and think they aren’t good enough for love, but their chemistry was just too amazing to pass by.
This was one of those books that I just couldn’t put down, staying up late into the night to find out what happens! I absolutely adored these characters and can’t wait to see where this series goes.
I definitely recommend this book!
*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This book has what I’m craving right now for romance books. It’s a single dad and sports romance. This is the first book in the new Alaska Blizzard series. I’m hooked already! I did like that the first book intertwines with the Sidewinders because that way we get to see some of the characters from that series. I love that Dani plays hockey as well. She’s such a strong character and she’s perfect for Sergei. The only thing will Sergei open his heart once again because he feels broken. This book delivers on the heat and heart. I’m super satisfied with the way this book went because my heart was happy sighing at the end. The characters had me so invested in their story I felt like part of the group. I can’t wait for more from this series.
I read through Dani & Sergei’s book rather quickly. I loved that so many of the characters were ones from other Kat Mizera books. I’m excited to see what’s next for these hockey playing, family oriented group.
The first book in a spin off of the Las Vegas Sidewinders world. It continues the story that began in Toli & Tessa, so you might want to read that one first. Even if you are not a ice hockey ( like me) it is a great read. The focus of the story is with the main characters and their relationship.
Sergei has a lot a baggage. The death of his wife has hit him hard and being a single dad and a hockey player isn’t easy. he vows never to marry or love again, but then there is Dani. Dani is the sister of Zakk and a amazing hockey player in her own right. She has hopes and dreams, but then there is Sergei and Niko.
I loved how Sergio made Dani feel beautiful and desired. I did want to smack him on the head a few times.
It is a beautiful, well written book, with funny, sweet, tender and sexy moments.
Always on the hunt for a good Hockey Romance, I was introduced to the words of Kat Mizera in the Sirens of SaSS Anthology. Upon reading Defending Dani, I had found that I had found more than just the sport I love. Defending Dani is the story of Love at a Crossroads in life. Dani was unsure where her life was leading her. She had been chosen to be a part of the Women’s Olympic Team and to also use her masters degree afterwards working with an NHL team as a trainer. As luck would have it, Dani meets Sergei and his son Niko. Sergei is older and his life has been littered with tragedy. When the lives of these become intertwined they must decide what road to choose and if they are each willing to live with these decisions. The emotions in this book run high and it kept you guessing until the end. I am now looking for more words from Kat Mizera to fill my kindle.
Always on the hunt for a good Hockey Romance, I was introduced to the words of Kat Mizera in the Sirens of SaSS Anthology. Upon reading Defending Dani, I had found that I had found more than just the sport I love. Defending Dani is the story of Love at a Crossroads in life. Dani was unsure where her life was leading her. She had been chosen to be a part of the Women’s Olympic Team and to also use her masters degree afterwards working with an NHL team as a trainer. As luck would have it, Dani meets Sergei and his son Niko. Sergei is older and his life has been littered with tragedy. When the lives of these become intertwined they must decide what road to choose and if they are each willing to live with these decisions. The emotions in this book run high and it kept you guessing until the end. I am now looking for more words from Kat Mizera to fill my kindle.
Kat Mizera’s DEFENDING DANI is an amazing start to the Alaska Blizzard series. It is a spin-off of Las Vegas Sidewinders series. The main characters are both siblings to players on the Sidewinders. Sergei Petrov is the brother of Toli and half-brother of Vlad. Danielle Cloutier is the sister of Zakk.
Sergei has not had luck in the relationship department. He is divorced from his first wife, and his second wife was murdered. He is now a single dad who has been traded to Anchorage, Alaska. Enter Dani. She has been helping Tessa and Toli take care of Sergei’s three-year-old son, Niko, while he settles things in Anchorage. Toli thinks Dani would make an amazing nanny for Sergei. Dani is finishing her master’s degree in athletic training from North Dakota. She was selected to play with the women’s US Olympic team and has time before she needs to move to Colorado for training.
The couple have a rocky start. Sergei has a lot of personal issues he is dealing with. To top it off, he is now playing on a struggling NHL expansion team, that doesn’t seem to gel. Dani loves hockey but knows her career is at an end because women in the NWHL barely make any money so that is not a viable career option. Sergei, Dani, and Niko settle into a wonderful life in Alaska, but several issues arise causing problems.
Kat Mizera does a fantastic job with this novel. The characters are multidimensional and grow throughout the story. The plot is realistic and believable. DEFENDING DANI is skillfully written. I was captivated from beginning to end. I enjoyed the conclusion. I’m looking forward to book two, HOLDING HAILEY. Hailey is one of Dani’s Olympic teammates, and Kane is a teammate of Sergei. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Nobody puts Dani in a corner. Whether on or off the ice, Danielle Cloutier makes her prescence known. She’s a tough shell with a soft heart and a fighting spirit. When that soft heart lands her in big trouble is when the sparks hit the fan. Sergei is infuriatingly sexy, but it’s his three year old son that steals her heart. Little Niko is the catalyst that changes the course of her life, showing her what love really means? Defending Dani dares to be sensitive even as it never loses it’s sex appeal. Kat Mizera turns a tragic loss into a second chance for a heartbroken hockey player, his loss little boy and a young upstart named Dani.
Sergei’s struggled for the past 18 months after the death of his wife and his trade to the Blizzards in Alaska. He needs a house and a nanny for his three year old. He doesn’t need a relationship or complications because he’s done with anythings serious after two marriages.
Dani’s whole life has been hockey. A college star, she’s been chosen for the Olympic team because of her dominating skills on the ice. Off the ice, however, Dani lacks experience. Guys just aren’t interested in someone as athletic as she is. She’s never really felt beautiful or sexy until Sergei enters the picture.
Sergei needs a nanny and someone to help him set up a household and Dani needs a job and a training partner before heading to the Olympics. It’s the perfect solution for both of them until their chemistry explodes and feelings get involved. Sergei refuses to keep Dani from her Olympic or professional dreams no matter how much he wants her to stay . . . but what if Dani’s dreams include the widowed hockey player and his adorable son Nico? Can they both come to terms emotionally before distance ends their chance for a home together for good?
I was super excited to know that Kat Mizera was starting a new hockey series with ties to the Sidewinders characters readers know and love. Sergei really has had a rough go of life and he’s completely destroyed emotionally. He shoulders all the blame for both of his marriages, one that ended in divorce and the other in death. He’s struggling with acclimating to a new team and being a single father to a demanding toddler. And, he’s made a vow to never marry again. Emotionally he has shut down and won’t admit his feelings because he’s terrified of holding Dani back.
Dani is amazing athlete and easily makes his house into a home. She’s also completely inexperienced with men. With the Olympics on the horizon and a job as an assistant trainer for the Sidewinders locked in place, she has her whole future waiting . . . but what she really wants is to know that she has a home with Sergei and Nico after the Olympics. She didn’t mean to fall for him . . .she just wanted to feel sexy and attractive and finally have a relationship. But, she’s found herself all in with a man determined to push her away for her own good, which destroys her emotionally.
Defending Dani was a fantastic read. There’s lots of hockey, romance, humor and a great plot. I loved Dani and Sergei as a couple and wanted them to find their happy ever after desperately. I also loved how much emphasis Kat placed on female athletes as well as seeing some of my favorite Sidewinders characters while getting to know the Blizzards team. 5 stars for this emotional romance!