He carries a big stick. And he’s not afraid to use it. On the ice, I’m Kellan Carter, powerhouse enforcer for the Charlotte Strikers. Off the ice, I’m just a regular guy. The last thing I want is to get mobbed by a bunch of groupies who are only after me for my fame and money. My ideal woman knows how to enjoy a little good, clean fun—and maybe some not-so-clean fun too. That’s the kind of girl … the kind of girl I’d never let go.
When Kristen Robinson, the gorgeous, down-to-earth bartender I’ve been crushing on, agrees to let me take her out, I’m thrilled. We have an amazing night together, culminating in the most electrifying kiss of my life—and that’s it. Kristen tells me we can’t see each other again, but I know that kiss meant as much to her as it did to me. What I don’t know is that Kristen has a dangerous secret. . . .
I’ve proved to Kristen that she can trust me with her body and her heart. But when her past comes back to haunt her, I need to prove that she can trust me with her life. And I might have to get my hands dirty after all.
Don’t miss any of New York Times bestselling author L. P. Dover’s red-hot Breakaway novels:
HARD STICK | BLOCKED
Or these heartwarming Second Chances romances:
CATCHING SUMMER | DEFENDING HAYDEN | INTENDED FOR BRISTOL
“L. P. Dover knows how to create the men who make us swoon, the book boyfriends we all want.”—New York Times bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin
Praise for Hard Stick
“Hard Stick is a sexy hockey romance that heats up the ice, and the bedroom!”—Sarah Robinson, bestselling author of the Kavanagh Legends series
“Hard Stick is the action-packed hockey romance you’ll never forget.”—Addicted2Books
“Loved the storyline, the plot was very developed with some suspense, drama and of course romance, the exact amount to make this book good and interesting.”—Collectors of Book Boyfriends & Girlfriends
“I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who loves a story that has a little bit of everything in it. If you’re looking for a storyline that will suck you in and characters you will fall in love with and want more of, then this is the book to read! . . . Hard Stick is truly a book that is a case of ‘Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover,’ but in the best way possible.”—Book Bitches Blog
“I loved everything about this book. I highly recommend this author.”—Jack of All Trades, Master of None Book Reviews
“You’ll be sucked in from the start and will feel the book hangover before you’re done.”—Seraphim Book Reviews (five stars)
“L. P. Dover did a great job with this book and if you know going into that it has more of a suspenseful love story, you might not be so surprised. I recommend this book. I couldn’t put it down.”—Wicked Love of Books
This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
more
‘Hard Stick’ is the first book I’ve read by L.P. Dover and I can assure you, it won’t be my last. I really liked L.P. Dover’s writing style. I received an ARC by NetGalley and when I was requesting this book, I was expecting a classic hockey romance but it was totally not what I expected at all. While I was reading the book in some parts, I could guess what is coming but still I needed the validation. I was totally drawn into the story and couldn’t put it down until I was done with the book.
So back to the story, Kellan Carter is the captain and the enforcer for the Charlotte Strikers. He does not fit hockey player stereotype. He is not a player. He is focused on his career. He is sweet, sexy, loyal, supportive and understanding. He is looking for a relationship with someone who doesn’t care about his hockey player status and money. Once he meets with gorgeous bartender Kristen, who makes him work really hard for a date, he knows he found his match.
Kristen Robinson works at the bar where Charlotte Strikers hockey players frequently visit. She is beautiful, smart, and down to earth. But after dating with the wrong guy, her whole life changes. She’s forced to leave everything behind and change her identity. She even fakes her own death. After faking her own death, she thinks that she can stop worrying and start living her life again. So she decides to give Kellan a chance. Their chemistry is off the charts and they are perfect for each other. Kristen really likes Kellan and wants to be honest with him so she reveals some parts of her past with him. Even though, Kellan knows that there is more than what Kristen is sharing, he never pushes her to share more because he knows that when she starts to trust him totally, she will reveal everything. However, everything crumbles down when Kristen past, meaning psycho ex re-appears. If you want to know what happens after the psycho ex re-appears and how Kellan reacts when he learns the whole truth, you need to read the book
‘Hard Stick’ is a sad, thrilling, sweet and hopeful sports romance that is filled with action. If you are looking for a thrilling action packed hockey romance, this book is totally for you.
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Yes
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
P.S. The side characters were great too. I was curious if Kellan’s teammates Dallas and Braeden will get their stories and I just saw that Dallas story ‘Blocked’ will be published on October 31st, 2017. Cannot wait to read it and hoping Breaden will be next
If you think this is all about hockey you are wrong. This book does have sexy hockey players but so much more. You have a crazy man obsessed too the point where he will do anything to keep Kristen. Kristen realized she had to move away before it’s too late. Kristen had to start over and that’s when she meets Kellen but Kristen’s guard is up but Kellen wears her down and giving him a chance was the best decision she could ever make. Kristen & Kellen were amazing together and loved every minute they were together. Once I started reading I was hooked. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series
With the help of her friends, Kristen Robinson is on the run to save her life and the lives of her loved ones. While living undercover she meets the handsome captain of the Charlotte Strikers, Kellan Carter.
Kellan could be the man that Kristen has always dreamed of, but she must keep him at a distance to protect him from her past. Getting involved with him could ruin his hockey career and draw unwanted attention to herself.
Will Kristen be able to avoid Kellan in order to protect him? Or will she decide that her past is no longer worth hiding from and have her chance at true love?
Hard Stick is filled with drama and romance, but there was a lot going on in the story. Between Kristen being on the run, her trying to pursue a career as a interior designer, family drama, her love of skating, and Kellan’s hockey career, it was too much for my taste. With this being a hockey romance, I wish there would have been more of an appearance of Kellan playing with his team. Overall, I did enjoy the characters and the story line, but I felt it was a little too busy.
I enjoyed this book lots of love and romance as well as angst and drama
He carries a big stick. And he’s not afraid to use it.
Ain’t that the truth!!!! Oh boy, absolute best use of a hockey stick ever. It really got my blood pumping. But enough about my blood… let’s talk about Hard Stick.
I didn’t read the blurb because I saw who the author was. I said “gimme, gimme, gimme” and Naughty Book Blog complied. (Thanks Heather!) I have a huge love for L.P.’s MMA fighters which transitioned into a love for Jason and Aylee and well…next thing you know, I’m Armed and Dangerous. It’s safe to say, I’m a fan. But I was confused in the first few chapters because I didn’t read the blurb. FYI, reading the blurb will alleviate any forehead lines and unnecessary eye brow scrunching. Meh, too late for me.
Back to the task at hand, as a connoisseur of L.P. Dover books, I had no trouble offering up my time to lick covers and read pages. (Don’t tell me you wouldn’t consider licking the cover. You, my friend, are lying.) So I was pleasantly surprised by the twist of the tale but equally heartbroken by the catalyst. Yes, I cried. No, I am not ashamed. Maybe I’m still upset.
Heartbreak aside it moved quickly. I swear I just started when I finished it but then I noticed the clock. It keeps moving. Hard Stick’s a great way to start the series off with a bang. I am leaning towards B being the next story. But if he isn’t, don’t tell me- I will leave it a surprise by not reading the blurb. My only complaint and it’s teeny tiny is I didn’t get my chance with the stick. L.P. I really think writing me in and giving me the quirky weirdo neighbor will work. Just make sure I get stick time! (smirking gleefully)
So here’s what you missed in my rambling:
– drama and an exit
– working in a bar surrounded by hot horny hockey players
– possible attraction but, yeah, honey ain’t interested…
– well not really interested…
– no, not at all
– what time is our date?
You had to know. The book end right there. No date, nothing…
Okay, I’m teasing. But you knew I don’t give spoilers so what are you waiting for, one click it now. While we wait for L.P. to write me in, you have plenty of time to catch up on her other reads. Please promise to message me what you think of the twins. I will be waiting.
reviewed for Naughty Book Blog
I liked this book alot
When Kristen met Mitchell she thought she had found the perfect man, but little by little he started to show his true colors, and they weren’t very pretty. He was borderline obsessive, very controlling, and Kristen knew if she didn’t dump him soon things were only going to get worse. So, she turned to a friend and he helped her get rid of Mitchell, but she knew dumping him wasn’t going to be enough, she needed to flee town fast. So she packed her bags and left him behind, but for how long? With her friends help she is able to begin to start a new life, and with time has even started to let her guard down, and consider letting love back in again… but can she find a way to trust again?
The moment Kellan walks into his favorite hangout and spots the beauty behind the counter he is taken with her, she on the other hand doesn’t seem to be interested in anything he has to offer. But he isn’t willing to give up so easily, he figures he’ll take his time with her, and slowly work his way into her good graces. His friends have another plan though, and push him to ask her out, and throw down a bet, one that he hopes he will come out on the winning end of… that is if he can get her to finally say yes!
Once again Ms. Dover has provided me with a delightful little literary escape and left me in awe of her literary talents, I love her stories so much!! The moment I read the synopsis for this one I was intrigued, and ready to dive in and meet these two. And the moment I got started there was no stopping me, I was hooked by Chapter one, and didn’t intend to walk away until I had devoured every last word… and boy was it deliciously satisfying!! It is one of those reads that will take you on a bit of emotional roller coaster, giving you moments of happiness, fear, heartbreak, excitement and even a few blush worthy moments too! Highly recommend you give this one a try, Ms. Dover’s heartfelt tale is sure to keep you captivated from start to finish!!