Hard Stick by LP Dover was such an amazing read!

A guy named Kellan who also plays hockey???? Yup, that is a book that is instantly on my TBR! Add in the fact that it is written by LP, and I knew I would fall in love. Everything about this book, from the characters, to the plot had me wanting more!! I never wanted this novel to end.

I loved the steamy moments, that also had quite a bit of tension, but my favourite parts were the more sentimental, emotional aspects. Combine these elements together, and you will constantly be wondering what will happen next!!

Every book I have read by this author has been incredible, and this novel is no exception! I cannot wait to pick up even more books from LP in the future! Definitely a must read author!

4/5 Stars!

Good storyline with very likeable characters that pulled me right into their story and kept me totally engaged from the beginning to end!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

This is my first read by L.P. Dover and I was hooked from the beginning. What a roller-coaster ride she takes us on - I couldn’t put it down. Wow, this took my breath away. The romance, action, and suspense kept me awake until the wee hours of the morning when I turned the last page. If you’re not a huge sports romance fan, please don’t let the hockey aspect turn you away. Hockey is not heavily touted, it’s more of a secondary thing. To me, it was more romance, starting-over, and suspenseful. All in a perfect mix.

Dover does an exceptional job of getting us emotionally involved with the characters then throws in action and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The chemistry between Kirsten and Kellan is undeniable and intense. Their story pulls on every emotion. I was laughing, crying, angry, heart-broken, anxious, and loving right along with them.

Along with Kristen and Kellan, I loved the secondary characters and can’t wait to see what’s next in this series. I highly, highly recommend!

**I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley **

Really loved Dover's take on a hockey romance. Very unique and spellbinding. I found it had great character depth as well! Looking forward to more!

My favorite things about LP Dover's books is that she gets me attached and addicted to her characters before she throws their world into complete and utter chaos. The way her stories unfold I have no other option but to devour page after page to discover how things are going to turn out for characters I am consumed by.

Hard Stick was totally not the book I was expecting but I think I loved it even more because of that fact. It wasn't a light hearted sports drama, I think I would put it strongly into a romantic suspense genre if asked. 

Kristen has a crazy and dangerous past. One she desperately wants to escape but lives in terror of - she knows full well that eventually her ex-boyfriend work find her and hurt her. It's why - no matter how much she feels for him - Kristen cannot start anything with Kellan. His life is just to public and she refuses to lost another person she cares about.

The journey these two take together is intense. I was completely drawn into their drama and heartache.  I loved the moments that they surrender to their feelings and lust for one another.  I couldn't get enough of Kellan and how he wanted Kristen.  It was fierce and passionate.  I really enjoyed their romance!

Overall, my recommendation would be to definitely check Hard Stick out.  It's an excellent story and a hot hell romance!!  Get your copy today!

This is the first book in a new series, Breakaway, by L.P. Dover. L.P. Dover is a must read author for me.

This is a very good read. I don’t know anything about hockey, but there isn’t much of it in this book. It’s more of a suspense romance for me.

I really liked Kristen. Right from the start, I felt for her. Especially with everything that happened to Cole.

I loved Kellan, he’s a great guy.

Now I was a little surprised that Kristen told Kellan everything that was going on right away. If she’s basically in witness protection (not officially), she shouldn’t have said anything to Kellan, or to Cole’s parents.

There were some great suspenseful scenes and some twists I didn’t see coming.

This is a series I will continue to read.

After ogling over the cover and reading the book blurb, I just had to request Hard Stick from new to me author L.P. Dover. Much to my surprise, the story did not revolve around the sport of hockey. The hockey element took a backseat to the drama and angst surrounding the heroine of the story, interior designer Kristen Robinson. The hero is Kellan Carter, devoted boyfriend and team captain of the Charlotte Strikers.

After graduating from college, Kristen and her best friend Cole decide to stay in Boston and pursue their respective occupations. Kristen's career takes off after she successfully decorates Mitchell Blackwell's office building. Her love life flourishes as well, since she and Mitchell are in a relationship. Kristen has no idea that Mitchell is a mafioso type character, and that his power of influence is massive. Mitchell is an amazingly possessive individual and unfortunately, Kristen becomes his latest victim to control and manipulate.

Luckily, Kristen is able to escape Mitchell's clutches and start a new life, in a new place, under a new name. Her friends, who happen to be FBI agents, keep her safe while Mitchell continues to search for her. A year after her abrupt disappearance, Kristen is declared dead, and Mitchell stops his search. During this time Kristen is working as a bartender, which is where she meets Kellan. Kellan has tried for a year to get Kristen to go out with him, but she keeps turning him down. Feeling safe for the first time in a long time, Kristen goes out with Kellan, and they become exclusive. Kristen is happy and so is Kellan, that is until Mitchell shows up and almost destroys them.

Whew, what a rush. This book is a continuous roller-coaster ride from beginning to end. I liked how Ms. Dover evolved Kristen's character; making her stronger both inside and out through physical workouts and sparring. Kristen's resolve while dealing with so much tragedy and loneliness is beyond admirable. Her relationship with Kellan is hot and Ms. Dover does an excellent job of creating their passion for each other. Overall, this is exciting story that twists and turns in all the right places. This is the first book in the author's brand new series Breakaway, and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

I mainly skimmed through this book. I didn't like Kristen, she was a ninny. She has no backbone and no common sense. I couldn't stand her! And she "gasped" more than a dying fish. I found the whole story to be a little rediculous. Just not for me.

i'm such a sucker for a sports romance, but hard stick is more than that. it's got a surprising suspense/thriller element to it given the lead character's circumstances. kristin robinson has to escape a bad ex-boyfriend. she knows she's in a bad situation but there's no way to escape. the only way is to fake her death and take on a new identity.

when she meets kellan carter she thinks he's just another playboy athlete. but the more she gets to know him, the more she realizes that first impressions aren't always accurate. but trusting someone new is hard. and even though she hopes her past is dead and buried, she can't stop looking over her shoulder.

the thing is her past and kellan's present aren't all that far from each other. given his position as a public figure and who his family is, there's simply no way to plan for the kind of danger she is in. but the relationship that they have built, the strong bonds and connection that exists between them can carry them through this. all they need to do is keep faith.

this is the first book in the breakaway series, and i'm sure we'll get to spend more time with kellan's teammates in the future. i'm definitely intrigued and can't wait to see where the series goes next.

Ok, so there's a good story here but it just moved way too fast for me. I was hooked right away. I thought the first few chapters really set the stage for a good story but then it started to move too fast. Our heroine is basically put into witness protection, refuses to date the hero for over a year but then as soon as she gives in she sleeps with him and tells him everything. I liked the characters and the sexy times were hot-probably the best part of the story. I just wish the author had slowed down and developed the story a little more, made me work for it. It all was just too easy for me.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

4 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed the start of a new series from Ms. Dover. I think that she has the ability to add just enough suspense to a book to keep you on edge while you’re swooning over the hero and only wanting the very best to come about for the heroine.

Kristen’s past is really bad - like she’s hiding from it, it’s so bad. Kellen is a famous hockey star who doesn’t really act all that famous at all. They’ve known each other for quite some time, but Kristen sees him as a cocky sports star while Kellen would love to know more about the hot bartender.

I feel like the book had some really good character development. Both Kellen and Kristen go through some changes as they get to know each other a little better. The “extra” characters really bring a new level to the story as well.

There was also a good level of suspense that led to the solution which felt like it came at the right time and pace in the story.

I enjoyed this book very much and can’t wait to read more about the Charlotte Strikers!

Kristen learned a few lessons the hard way. Kellan is one determined person. Mitchell is a scumbag. Cole is a loving loyal friend. Read this in a day. Had to know where the story would go. Love the connection Kristen and Kellan have. They make for one loyal fun loving couple.

I devour everything written by L.P. Dover. I love her writing and always look forward to curling up with her stories!

Kellan is the Captain of the Carolina Strikers. He is a patron at a bar where Kristen works. He has an interest in her, but she seems hesitant and he can't understand why.

Kristen has a past she is hiding from and a fear of trusting anyone. She is very hesitant to get involved with a man for several reasons including trusting her judgment.

This is a romantic suspense story. I don't want to ruin the story and say too much. I will say one click for a great story that oozes hot athletes, suspense, drama, angst and love!

I've read almost all this author's books, and I've read all her contemporary books and loved them, so I'm always looking forward to a new release from her! I was really looking forward to read this book after I saw the cover and read the synopsis! The cover is hot and the synopsis really intrigued me! I then received an ARC for the Release Day Blitz and I made it my next read as soon as I did! I loved this book! The characters, especially the main female character, intrigued me very early on and the plot also developed at the perfect pace to keep me wanting to read on! The plot also had plenty of romance in it along with hot scenes and some sexual tension too! The plot had a bit of an action and suspense side to it too! The action and suspense did come to a big scene near the end and it did have me desperately flicking through the pages to find out what was going to happen next! There were also some twist and turns, and there was one particular twist that I really didn't see coming! It really shook things up! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Kristen was the main female character, and as I said above, she really intrigued me in this book! She did have a bit of a hard time in this book and she was looking over her shoulder and watching who she got involved with! This did make me feel sorry for her, but Kristen also came a long way in this book and she learned how to kick ass and become more confident and stand up for herself! I also connected with her all the way through this book and I loved the way she was with her love interest! She supported him with his career and she was always there cheering him on! Kellan was the main male character and love interest of Kristen! I loved Kellan a lot in this book! He was seriously hot and was a normal guy that just happened to be dragged into the action/suspense side of this book lol! I also admired him a lot for sticking by Kristen's side and supporting her! He was exactly what she needed and they both gave each other something that they were missing! It was also easy to see how deep Kellan's feelings for Kristen were in this book and he was very, very protective of her, which was understandable! I just loved Kellan and he was definitely book boyfriend material! I wasn't sure of this book was going to be written from both Kristen and Kellan's point of views after I read the synopsis! The synopsis sounded like it was going to be written from Kellan's point of view, but this author's other contemporary books are written from dual point of view, so I 'm really happy that this book was too! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot and it helped me connect more with both characters! I also can't wait to read the next book in this series! I already have an ARC of it, so I'm definitely going to be reading it soon! I know it's going to focus on new characters, but this has me even more excited to read it! I also love the cover for this book! It's seriously hot and definitely suits the book! The model is pretty damn hot too lol! Big thank you to L.P. Dover, Netgalley, and Loveswept for an ARC of Hard Stick!

Kristen is on the run from her crazy ex, and is working in a pub. Kellan’s team frequent the bar, and since he first set eyes on Kristen he has been persistent in trying to get her to date him. Will her ex appear back on the scene? No spoilers from me though, you will not be disappointed in reading this one for yourself!
This story is filled with angst, twists, humour, with complex and unique characters. This author has written a beautiful storyline which flows seamlessly. I recommend this author for all readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book!

Romance and Danger! This was definitely not what I thought it was going to be. With a hot hockey player on the front I didn't expect all the dangerous twists and turns. But it was a great story that pulled me into the drama and kept me on the edge of my seat till the ending. I thought that Kristen and Keelan had great chemistry together and there were some super hot sex scenes. The writing was great. It had a great pace and build. Good drama and tension throughout. Great ending. Great combination of Hotness and emotion.

Received a ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

4.5 Stars!!! Hard Stick was so good and I definitely was not expecting that storyline. Thinking it would be a sport romance but turned in to so much more! There was so many twists in the plot that made you not want to stop reading. I could not put this book down it was suspenseful. Kellan was a swoon worthy hockey player instantly attracted to Kristen. Their chemistry was so hot! I would love to read about Dallas next! I would recommend this book!

L. P. Dover scores with HARD STICK the first book in the Breakaway series. Charlotte Strikers’ enforcer, Kellan Carter, falls for bartender, Kristen Robinson. Kristen is reluctant to get involved with Kellan due to her daunting past. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences. It takes place in Boston and North Carolina.

HARD STICK was amazing. The plot had a little of everything: mystery, drama, conspiracy, romance, hockey, tragedy, humor, and hope.

The characters are well-developed and believable. Kristen was a compelling heroine who had a misfortunate past. She is strong and brave. My heart went out to her. She has some loyal and amazing friends. I love Kellan. He is the captain of the Charlotte Striker NHL team. He is hardworking and determined. He is protective and reliable. He is creative when setting up his dates with Kristen. The two have wonderful chemistry and make an outstanding couple.

Mitchell Blackwell makes a fascinating advisory. He is power hungry and controlling. He is a dangerous man who cannot be trusted.

I enjoyed the story line. It had a lot of substance and felt meaningful. There were excellent twists. HARD STICK is skillfully written. It had a great pace that is tough to put down. I enjoyed the epilogue. It felt well concluded. I am looking forward to Dallas Easton’s story in the next book in the series, BLOCKED. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Oh my, this is going to be painful. Let me start by saying this was a very engaging book by a new-to-me author that sucked me in from the very beginning. Truly, it starts out with a bang and made me want to know what would happen with our heroine, Kristen.

As for the hero, Kellan…loved him. Hot, sexy, caring, funny. He’s the whole package and a professional hockey player to boot! Therein lies most of my problems with this book. It is painfully obvious the author is not a big hockey fan and it disappoints me that she wouldn’t do a bit more research to make sure the hockey part of her storyline at least rang a bit true. I understand suspending disbelief in a fiction story, but it was just too many times. I could pretend that it was okay that Kellan only seemed to have games on weekends and always back to back. I cringed but ignored it when some of the characters talked about The Stanley Cup finals as if it was one game…like the Super Bowl. But to say an NHL team was undefeated at the end of February just shows the author has no clue about the NHL. My beloved Detroit Red Wings hold the record for the best NHL record for their 95-96 season and they even had 20 games they didn’t win! That being said, if you know nothing about hockey or professional sports you will most likely love this story.

It really does pain me to give this book 3 stars. In so many ways it was spectacular. Engaging, fast paced, suspenseful, sexy, and fun. I really was only going to knock it down to a 4 star or 3.5 at the lowest due to the hockey stuff. Then some things came to light that made me think Kristen’s friends are either lackadaisical in their protection of her or the stupidest cops/FBI agents in the world. I was truly pissed off that such a great story was being ruined by insufficient research into not only hockey, but how law enforcement works. Again, it didn’t have to be totally true and factual. It did have to be at least somewhat believable though.

So let me recap here. Wonderful concept, fun and exciting story, great connection between Kristen and Kellan. Too many inaccuracies and too much suspension of disbelief for me to really lose myself in the story like I wanted. I will try more from this author with the hopes that if she’s not writing about hockey I’ll love her stories. Or that she learns more about hockey before the next book in this series. Honestly, it is a huge testament to this story that is getting 3 stars when it had so many things that drove me crazy.

5 HARD STICK STARS!!! Wow, is all I can say while I am trying to catch my breath. This book kept me on the edge of my seat with all the action, hot steamy sex, sexy hockey players and awesome characters. Kellan is every girls dream man, hockey player, sweet, fun and super sexy. Kristen is beautiful, sweet, fun and got messed up with the wrong guy. These two come from messed up lives and I loved watching them work through their problems together. L.P. Dover is one of my favorite authors with her fantastic storytelling. I highly recommend this book to all readers. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book from publisher via NetGalley.