The Defender

Boston Hawks Hockey #5

by Gina Azzi, Allyson Voller (Narrator), Connor Brown (Narrator)

As Boston's most eligible nanny, I'm nurturing, trustworthy, and professional. Until my one-night stand turns out to be my new boss.

Hawks defenseman James Ryan is Boston's most eligible single-dad. He's solemn, gorgeous, and an incredible father. But I'm drawn to him for other reasons.

James' eyes reflect the same grief and hurt I'm drowning in. His twins struggle with the same pain that once destroyed me. Living with the Ryan family and caring for James' twins are both a salve and a curse.

Soon, what made us click one summer night over whiskey is wreaking havoc on our commitment to remain professional. Our friendship blossoms into something more. Something searching, healing, and unbelievably complicated.

Falling in love with Milly and Mason Ryan is easy. Falling in love with their father is something I never saw coming.

If I give my heart to James, will he put it back together? Or will I end up more shattered than I already am?

Note: The Defender is a deeply emotional single-dad romance, with sensitive subject matter.

Genres: Hockey, Sports, Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Hockey Romance, Audiobook

8 pages, Audible Audio

Published January 24, 2022

About the author

Hi! I'm Gina and I write realistic, relatable, sweet New Adult and Contemporary Romance books. A NJ native, I have lived and worked abroad before settling in Canada with my husband and Littles. Although I can't iron (at all), I am a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and aspiring baker (recipes appreciated!). I love hearing from fellow readers so please connect!

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Reviews

[My Own Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance at love

I have been on a roll picking some great single dad trope romances. This one didn't only bring the sweet dad moments, it brought a lot of thought dealing with self-doubts and trusting someone with your pain.

Bella and James have a pro hockey rink full of issues, pain and grief. Although they connect on one level as a broken heart recognizes each other, it is also a huge barrier to overcome to their HEA.

Things I Loved:
- great storytelling
- heavy topics told artfully not to burden the reader's journey

Things to consider:
- spousal and child loss are heavy topics tackled.

I have loved this series. Although each story focuses on a single couple, I recommend the series is read in order as each stories features cameo that enhance the next book.

Recommendation: Read it

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review The Defender (Boston Hawks Hockey #3) by Gina Azzi
I loved this latest addition to the Boston Hawks Hockey series. The Defender is James Ryan and Bella Matthews’s story and I absolutely loved it. I have been intrigued with James since I learnt he was a single dad to twins Milly and Mason. The Defender is a second chance at love story and was a great addition to the series.

I was hooked on the story Ms. Azzi wove from the first chapter to the last. Being nanny to James’s children is bittersweet for Bella. When she learns that her recent one night stand is in fact her new boss she knows that life is about to become complicated. Can James and Bella keep the obvious attraction they have for one another at bay?

Both have emotional baggage, loss and grief to contend with. Will that bring them together or tear them apart? There were times my heart broke for all that James, Bella, Milly and Mason have been through and I was brought to tears.

The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore and I loved the development of their relationship and the support they gave to one another as they brought light and life back into one another’s life.

I fell hard and fast for James, in fact I have a new book boyfriend, he has a heart of gold and is totally swoon worthy; Bella is a wonderful woman who deserves to find love and happiness.

This is an emotional story that ticked all the boxes for me and one I have no hesitation in recommending.

Merged review:

5 Star Review The Defender (Boston Hawks Hockey #3) by Gina Azzi
 
I loved this latest addition to the Boston Hawks Hockey series. The Defender is James Ryan and Bella Matthews’s story and I absolutely loved it. I have been intrigued with James since I learnt he was a single dad to twins Milly and Mason. The Defender is a second chance at love story and was a great addition to the series.

I was hooked on the story Ms. Azzi wove from the first chapter to the last. Being nanny to James’s children is bittersweet for Bella. When she learns that her recent one night stand is in fact her new boss she knows that life is about to become complicated. Can James and Bella keep the obvious attraction they have for one another at bay?

Both have emotional baggage, loss and grief to contend with. Will that bring them together or tear them apart? There were times my heart broke for all that James, Bella, Milly and Mason have been through and I was brought to tears.

The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore and I loved the development of their relationship and the support they gave to one another as they brought light and life back into one another’s life.

I fell hard and fast for James, in fact I have a new book boyfriend, he has a heart of gold and is totally swoon worthy; Bella is a wonderful woman who deserves to find love and happiness.

This is an emotional story that ticked all the boxes for me and one I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Shyla S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Defender is a well written story by Gina Azzi that has developed characters and a storyline that will have your heart twisting. She delievers a heart felt & emotional sports romance performance like no other. This was a story of life, its ok to move on and that things can get better, even when you feel like you are going to be stuck in this painful, numb moment forever.

𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = James Ryan & Bella Matthews
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = Nope
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = This is book 5 of a series. Each book involves different character but you do see/meet others from past books.
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Hockey. Single dad / Nanny. Second chance. New Beginnings. ♥ HEA, Dual POV. Highly emotional story- dealing with loss from cancer, stillborn and the effects of emotional abuse.
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥🔥🔥
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

James Ryan lost his wife 2 years ago and he is a single dad to his twin kids, Milly and Mason. When he hires a highly sought after nanny (Bella) in the sports world, little did he know it would be the woman who ghosted him after one amazing night together. With both in need of each other, Bella needing the job & James needs someone for his kids since the season is starting back up... they put aside the feelings to remain professional. With Bella connecting immediately with & the kids absolutley adoring her.. James must fight off these feelings that he hasnt felt in a long time. As time passes, they grow closer & began to open up more. Their love for each other is making them realise that it may be the sign for them to finally resolve and move on.

I loved reading James and Bella’s story and how it evolved as the two of them slowly let go of their pasts. It’s truly a story about losing loved ones and learning to overcome that pain in order to have a new beginning.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, emotional read!

Another awesome, emotional read by Gina Azzi! I'm always amazed at how much she can pack into her short reads. Well written, well developed characters, and a storyline that will have your heart twisting. Bella and James both have a tremendous amount of emotional baggage they need to work through in order the make their relationship work. Throw James' two small kids in the mix and the challenge almost seems insurmountable. Despite that, what they feel for each other is real and they may just be able to save each other ❤.

Story:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: single dad/nanny
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Triggers: loss of a child, loss from cancer

[Jackie (Jackie's Book World) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***

Gina Azzi delivers a deeply emotional sports romance in The Defender, the fifth book in the Boston Hawks Hockey Series. Not having read any other books by the author before, I didn’t know what to expect before reading The Defender. Needless to say, I was impressed with writing and storyline. This second chances at love and new beginnings should definitely make the top of your must-read list!

At the beginning we are introduced to James Ryan, defenseman for the Boston Hawks. It’s been a while since he has gone out with his teammates and he finds himself going to Taps, a local bar with their significant others. It wasn’t long ago that he was that guy, the one with the happy and healthy relationship. Yet, it’s been over a year since his wife passed away and it’s still hard to visit places that they used to frequent together. It’s even more excruciating to raise his twins, Milly and Mason, in the same place she made into a home and not have her there.

Then she meets, Bella, the gorgeous bartender who looks at him and he is able to recognize the pain and emptiness in her eyes. He is drawn to her, but feels guilty that he might be betraying what he once had with his wife. But when it’s time to head home, he finds himself unable to deny the attraction and pull that he has towards her that they end up spending the night together. It would be months until he sees her again, this time at his doorstep as the nanny for his kids. They agree to keep things professional, but the more time they spend together the more James realizes that he might just met his match. It’s just when he is starting to let Bella into their lives that he finds out that there are things that he still doesn’t know about her, things that could prevent them from having a future together.

Isabella Andrews is one of the most sought-after nannies in the Boston Professional Athlete circles, who also happens to occasionally bartend at Taps. She has seen his teammates before, but never James. When she sees him for the first time they click and she can tell that he is in pain. James tells her that his wife passed away and she tells him that she got a divorced that messed her up. It’s for the first time since her divorce that Isabella feels like isn’t broken beyond repair. She never expected to see James again, until she is hired to be the nanny for his kids. Having studied children’s psychology, she loves being around kids and wants to have a family of her own. But there are things that she still needs to work on that keep her up at night and she won’t be able to have a relationship with James if she doesn’t fully let go of her past.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Defender, I was completely hooked from beginning to end. I loved reading James and Bella’s story and how it evolved as the two of them slowly let go of their pasts. It’s truly a story about losing loved ones and learning to overcome that pain in order to have a new beginning. The story felt realistic and emotional. The interactions with Bella and the kids is sweet and caring. She loves to care for them and they slowly grow on her. The chemistry between her and James is explosive, they understand each other and they are able to relate to one another. The ending was perfect for them and their story. I cannot recommend it enough, if you love a second chance sports romance with all the feels than I would highly recommend checking out this book. I cannot to read what the author comes up with next! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sad one. My heart was breaking for both James and Bella ☹

James just lost his wife about a year ago and now he is a single dad to his twin kids. Milly and Mason. So he goes out with his fellow hockey players to let down some steam. This is where he meets Bella. From the moment their eyes met, they seem to have a connection. A connection forming from both having lost people in their lives. After walking Bella to her car they end up spending the night together. But the next morning when James wakes up Bella is gone.

Now a few months later James is desperately looking for a nanny while he is away for his hockey games. He cant keep depending on his sister in law to help him out. And who walks into his home that his one night stand. Bella Matthews.

Bella has had her own heartbreak and she is still dealing with it so being around children helps her cope. And she would really love to have her own family too. So when she meets James again after their one night stand, they both decide to be just friends and put the past behind them. But when you have so much chemistry and attraction things are bound to be get out of hand?

Both of these characters had so much heartbreak that all you want to do is hug them and wish them to have a happily ever after. And the support they gave each other is so amazing. Watching them come out of the darkness and find some happiness and moving on was just sweet. Loved the story and loved the characters. Emotional but good 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella and James were just perfect for each other. Even when they didn’t want to admit it, or act on it, or believe and trust it, they just were. It didn’t matter how they’d met, or their circumstances now. All that mattered was that they had a chance at love again, as long as they communicated. And therein lies the one thing that could derail everything. If one is afraid to communicate or share alllllll of the insecurities and fears, do they have a shot at forever?

I was surprised by the depths of Bella’s pain, but I think it worked perfectly. She had so much to work past, survive, and move on from that she needed the time to just be her for a while. And if that meant she and James both had some misery, then they could chalk it up to growing pains or a test of their love. Because they both had a few old fears and new issues to get through, and the fact that they stumbled made them feel utterly human and real. I adored how they got back up, dusted themselves off, and moved forward. It’s couples like Bella and James that keep me wanting more of this series. Always more!

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure if I actually loved this story or loved the idea of it!! I am a complete sucker for a good single dad romance. I loved James and how he put his kids first. Bella was nice and all, but I am not even gonna lie when I’m telling you that she came off a little off in parts. And while I understood her trauma, I just felt like she was latching on to James and his kids as a replacement for what she lost and for what she wanted out of life. Their relationship started strong, but then there wasn’t much development, so when they hit a couple of rough patches, I thought their emotions were a little too all over the place for where their relationship actually stood. It all felt a little disjointed and like it was missing parts.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been curious about James' story since he appeared in Austin's book. His and Bella's story is pretty emotional and heartfelt and has all the feels. These two have their own stories, griefs and issues to work through. But their love for each other is making them realise that it may be the sign for them to finally resolve it and move on.

Then there are James' kids. They were just amazing themselves. I couldn’t put this book down because I needed to know how they were going to overcome life. There are some hard-hitting subjects in this story that makes it all the more real and raw. As much as I love this, I can't wait for the next books too.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~~

James and Bella's story is simply heart breaking, they both have had such a great loss. Then you have Milla and Mason, they are so sweet. I loved this story but it brought me to tears. I love this series so much and can't wait for more about these characters.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m falling for you, James.” She shifts slightly, just so our eyes can meet. “Don’t let me hit the ground, okay?”

What an emotional whirlwind! After losing his wife Layla, James Ryan is raising his young twins as a single dad as they all try to heal. He devotes himself to his family and avoids dating and relationships completely. When he meets Bella Andrews, they see the same sadness mirrored in each other's eyes as both have experienced great loss. After an unexpected one night stand, Bella ghosts James despite their connection, each going separate ways. Months later, he needs help with the kids and decides to hire a nanny, unknowingly crossing paths with Bella once again.

As James and Bella establish a friendship and professional relationship with Bella taking care of his kids as if they were her own, they begin to fall for each other yet initially hold back from anything more. Brought together by an overwhelming sense of loss and grief, they really see each other in a way no one else truly can. Individually, they are trying to work through painful memories, learning how to trust and become whole again. But when they finally surrender to their feelings and explore the pull between them, the intensity of their connection burns through.

This story speaks to how differently everyone heals and moves forward in the face of tragedy and deep loss with the hope of possibilities for the future. My heart broke as I watched these two broken souls expose their vulnerabilities and break free from denying themselves the happiness they both clearly deserved. I'm usually frustrated by a lack of open and honest communication between two people, but here it only made me feel for them more strongly. A deeply moving story, themes of pain and hurt, loneliness and longing were accompanied by struggles with guilt, shame and self doubt. But, in the end, after a highly emotional journey which repeatedly brought me to tears, all of this sadness and grief was overcome by an incredible joy in seeing these two find their way together towards a spectacular HEA. Absolutely beautiful!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have the tissues handy!

I knew going in that this story would be emotional because I've "seen" little snippets of James's story being shared in the previous books. But that didn't prepare me for what was about to happen. While I briefly mentioned the fact that James is a widower, I didn't touch on what Bella has been through. I knew it had to be something pretty major considering that she has her therapist on speed dial, and the fact that she is running (literally and metaphorically). Trigger warning: There was divorce, there was abuse, there was the birth and death of Mason, her baby. And that my friends, is where I lost it. (and I feel the tears welling up as I type.) It's no wonder that Bella is running and that she has her therapist on stand by. This woman has been through so much, and that loss is still so fresh. The way her story was handled felt right. You could feel the pain, the heartache, and see her grieving. You could see how she longed for a family, and how she wanted to be a mom. Oh my heart. So when she and James started their friendship/companionship/relationship/what-have-you, it felt right. You could see these two bonding over the losses they've both experienced. You could see the compassion and the empathy that they have for each other. While their story made me cry, I absolutely loved it. From the way things began, to how Bella cared for Mason and Milly, to the way James reacted about Mason, to the big dramatic moment, to the reconciliation, it was all so good. I think the only thing I would have liked more is if the other characters had more of an appearance in the book. Yes we saw James and Austin talking occasionally, and we saw Noah and Easton a little, but I guess I just expected a bit more. That is such a minor thing though that it doesn't even impact my opinion on the book.

I loved it. I recommend it.

[MNHockeymomreads (Heather) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please check the trigger warnings before reading this book.

This latest book in the Boston Hawks series is the story of James Ryan and Bella Andrews. We have gotten snippets of James' situation and state of mind in previous books, and I was anxious for his story to be told. James lost his wife after a battle with cancer leaving him the single father to twins, Milly and Mason. To say he has been consumed by grief after his loss is an understatement. His grief was not only palpable in this book but in the previous books, and my heart broke for James. With the season starting again, James is in desperate need of a nanny for his twins. Bella Andrews comes highly recommended by a friend. Bella has experienced her own loss that has emotionally gutted her. Bella is hoping she is able to help the James family move through their grief all while healing herself and protecting her heart.

It has been a long time since a book has stuck with me in the way that this one has. It was raw, emotional, and so beautiful. Love after loss is hard, but Gina had a beautiful way of telling James and Bella’s story. This pair comes to each other with their own set of loss, hurts, and ways of protecting themselves against further loss and hurt. This is a story of finding your person, creating trust and building the life that you’ve longed for. Their love was beautiful, hard fought, and so well deserved.

This was an emotional read that was 100% worth it….just make sure that you have tissues handy because you will need them! Well done, Gina!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this one! Finally I get James. Well his story but that’s good enough for me (I suppose). James has intrigued me from the first mention of him so I couldn’t wait to get started with this. This is by far the most emotional book in this series so far and I absolutely loved it.

James has been trying to juggle his career playing hockey while looking after his kids as a single dad but the time has come for him to get some outside help. Enter Bella. Neither of them are expecting to see the other when Bella turns up for the interview for the nanny position. Who would’ve thought the one woman he’s shown an interest in, the woman who ghosted him after they spent the night together, would be the perfect woman for the job? Definitely not James that’s for sure but they’re both determined to make this nannying thing work and keep things strictly professional. That’s a lot easier said than done especially when they’re living in the same house and the chemistry between them is hard to ignore.

I adored both these characters. They’re both hurting, Bella probably more so than James, and both have a lot of baggage to work through. It’s hard not to feel bad for them, neither has had the easiest past few years but there’s this spark between them that had me desperate for them work things out and to get their hea.
This is another brilliant book in this series and I know I say this with nearly every book but this one is definitely my favourite. It gave me all the feels and I couldn’t put it down.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is sad in places and so happy in others. I felt bad for James since his wife died and he is raising boy and girl twins while trying to get past his pain. I was so glad he was attracted to Bella after all he went through. He sure gets a surprise when the nanny shows up for her interview. Bella has her own problems from her past that she is trying to deal with. Bella is so good with James’ twins and they lover her. James and Bella have their ups and downs. The two understand each other’s pain. This book touched my heart. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a cooy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Nancy Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bawled my eyes out at one point. Azzi really knows how to make me wrangle with my emotions. James Ryan is just going through the motions since his wife died. He plays hockey and takes care of his twins. Bella had a horrible divorce and is trying to recover from it. When her one night stand becomes her new boss, they decide to keep it professional. Bella, a nanny, falls in love with James’ twins. This book was fun, funny, heartfelt, and steamy. Bella and James are the sweetest couple. You don’t want to miss this one! 4 stars

[diann bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Ryan’s story will have you completely captured by how he meets Bella and how their unconventional start brings on all the emotional issues they both have with loss and dealing with raising his twins.

All of the boxes in the relationship list are checked but not in the usual order and that is the fun part in this story. It’s a good addition to this series and I’m thrilled James got his second chance and that there’s more stories to come in Gina Azzi’s wonderful series!

[Becca Stanfield Vernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story in this series! I was so excited, yet apprehensive for James’s story. I wasn’t ready for the sadness I knew would be within the story. Although saying that the single dad angle had me falling for him fast. Bella had me loving her from the start. These two have such sad stories that made my heart ache for them & so happy for their hea. A sweet read full of chemistry & a set of twins that make the story even more likable!!
I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a wonderful read, i loved the character building , first off can we just talk about how awesome the name Bella is lol i love that name and than throw in James with his two little adorable kids it was so incredibly cute. they definitely have a few things to iron out with one another and tad emotional but they definitely get there. all in all i loved this story so much.

[Dotti Elrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
The Defender
James and Bella
Single dad and the nanny
*contains subjects that might be difficult for some readers (loss of a spouse and pregnancy loss)*
This story was a heart wrenching, roller coaster of emotions, with a long over due happy ever after. It was great.

Both James and Bella are dealing with horrific losses. But are dealing with those losses in decidedly different ways.
James has two things that keep him getting up in the morning, his twins and hockey. He’s closed off, moody and not truly living. He spends time with his team when forced, but prefers to be left alone with the memories of his whole family.
Bella is better hiding her hurt. At least on the outside. She’s friendly, loves her job as a nanny, fills in as a bartender when needed. On the inside she’s a mess. Dealing with the end of her toxic marriage, doubts about finishing her degree and ultimately the loss of her son, has left her with anxiety, restlessness and self doubt.
On one of his forced nights out, James meets Bella. When they first look at each other he immediately sees the hurt and loss in her eyes. It’s the same look he sees in his own eyes. Something about her has him opening up for the first time. The morning after, she’s ghosted him. And he’s really not happy about that.
But surprise! She’s the new nanny who shows up to care for his kids. Now she’s his employee, and they can never cross that line again. Even if she’s the one who’s started bringing him back to life.
James was a great dad, his kids were his first priority, always. But with Bella he’s finally seeing the sunlight at the end of a dark time.
Bella was a bit of a mess. Desperately wanting a family of her own. She can see herself becoming part of James’ family. But can’t completely open herself up to him. She was great with his kids, happy and engaging.
The twins, Mason and Millie. They added a lot to the overall story. They were funny, and at times too smart for their own good. Not sure how old they were, we’re never told. My guess would be 7 or 8?
There were a ton of emotions in this book. But it was well written taking care with sensitive content.
I would recommend reading them in order, being a team, a lot of the past characters cross over into other books.
Dual points of view
No cheating
HEA

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

A big change is entering James’ life. Bella is trying to deal with some pain – heart pain. Something she has in common with James. When we first meet her, I feel like she’s holding back. As if her pain is more than we can see. But then I find that as she starts to feel comfortable, that’s when she starts to open up about things.

In this latest in the Boston Hawks Hockey series there’s a lot of emotions that we get to see and feel. Some of them may be happy but there’s also a lot of sadness here. Having a box of tissue somewhere nearby may be a good idea. It wasn’t hard to get addicted to this one.

We become a part of James inner circle. We get to see first hand how much he loves those around him. How he will defend those he feels needs it. He’s passionate about what he believes in. Both Bella and James try to fight the forces that want them in each other’s world and that became one of my addictions. I had to know how things were going to work out in the end.

The author made it very easy, even through the sad times, to care about the people she’s writing about. It’s possible that you’re not a fan of sports romance. The sport is James job but this book is more than that. He’s more then a pair of skates. There’s no denying our author knows how and when to create steam. The steam was great but for me it was more about the connection that our main characters can’t stop. The connection was greatest when they were just talking to each other. And based on the story I read, she gives her main characters the perfect ending.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Laura R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: the Defender
Author: Gina Azzi
Page Count: 266
Time Length: 7hr 8m
Dates Read: 10/10
Format: audio
Rating: 4
Review: Bella is one of the most highly recommended nannies, and her new boss happens to be James Ryan, a defenseman for the Boston Hawks. James is a single father, trying his best to take care of his twins and balance his career, but when he hires Bella, he does so not realizing she's a one night stand that he had in the past. As the two of them do their best to work through their own griefs, and Bella grows close with the kids, it becomes clear that the chemistry they had back then is still there. But can they open up enough and allow themselves to have a chance to heal and have a second chance at love?

This was so emotional, and I definitely didn't expect it. You have James -- our single father to twins who is working through the grief of losing his wife, and you have Bella -- our nanny who is working through the grief of losing her baby at birth and, soon afterwards, her husband to divorce. The two of them have so much to work through, and it was heartbreaking watching them struggle with navigating this new relationship while still healing from their pasts. There was some great spice between them, dont get me wrong, but this focused more on the emotional side of things and what it means to grieve and heal and allowing yourself that second chance at being happy despite everything you've gone through. Both characters had that strength, but it was amazing seeing them come together and help lift each other as they worked towards healing. This was heartbreaking, emotional, and absolutely fantastic.

[Christi Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Defender
Author: Gina Azzi
Format: Ebook
Genre: Romance, one night stand, single dad, nanny, sports (hockey), second chance
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Book 5 of Boston Hawks Hockey
POV: James, Bella
Steam Level: Toasty
4/5

The Defender is the fifth book in the Boston Hawks Hockey series. While each is a standalone you catch a brief hint of a precursor to the events in the prologue in book 4. James has also been a secondary character throughout this series so if you've read any other book in this series you are familiar with his and his backstory leading to him giving some sage advice. Bella's story slowly unfolds throughout the book and when each detail get a little darker. However, Gina Azzi does a great job keeping the story from going darker as we. I like how Bella is trying to work on her issues throughout but that she struggles. It made the story more real, seeing the setbacks and the wins. The Defender is a great addition to this series and I look forward to seeing the other guys fall in love in future books.

I received an advanced copy of this book for free. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Red Panda Reads]

Emotional whiplash. I love it. Now I must work this phrase into casual conversation.

"I grip the collar of my tank top..." said no one ever, since tank tops don't have collars. A nice sleeveless button down, yes, but a tank top, nope. Never seen or heard of this in my too many years to be reading this book.

I do not believe that someone runs up to 20 miles a day when this is not their career, a professional, sponsored, runner. Despite the inability to quiet her thoughts, I just think it's too unrealistic, too much.

"I’m building a toolbox with methods to use when the anxiety swells. I’m learning how to cope and discovering more about the life I’d like to lead." After three years? Shouldn't these things be a part of one's initial healing? From the start?

How old are James's kids? And where is Leyla's family from? An Arabic speaking country is all readers are given. I finished the book and cannot answer these simple questions.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

**heads up: Kindle applications may not open the book to the trigger warning, instead taking you straight to the first chapter- I’d highly suggest checking the disclaimer in the book before beginning**

This book absolutely destroyed me. The raw emotion and depth from the characters will suck you in- your heart will be broken then healed as James and Bella. Be prepared to cry and laugh and fall in love yourself. This is quite possibly my favourite in the series so far, as the vulnerability of the characters and realistic descriptions of grief/loss are so powerful.

If you’ve never personally experienced the types of loss Bella and James have, I can see where it would be difficult to relate; as someone who has, I think this was very well handled and written. Recovering from trauma (like a loss) isn’t meant to be an easy or linear process, and reviews that say this is a ‘pity party’ clearly have not experienced the depths of grief.

[Katie Wilks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Defender by Gina Azzi
Overall Score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Level 🔥🔥🔥

This book is my favorite of the series!!! Just from the small glimpses that we have received of James, from past books, you can't help but love him. I just want to hug him and cuddle him and put him in bubble wrap to keep him safe forever. He is a mid 30s hockey player who knows he only has a small amount of time left doing what he loves. He's a widower who lost the love of his life. He is a single dad to twins, just trying to keep his head above water. He's broken. Who better to help him heal than another broken person, also trying to keep her head above water. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. It deserves a BAZILLION stars.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD! JAMES GOT HIS OWN FREAKING BOOK?! Yes, you can probably tell that I wanted and needed this book ever since I read the first introduction to James in book one and ladies.... here he is. I am so freaking happy right now. This was exactly as emotional and heartwrenching as I expected - and that was before I read the trigger warning and yes. I cried.

This was a story of so much heartbreak and sorrow that I couldn't help but be emotionally involved with James and Bella. Their grief were so all consuming and I honestly don't think I've truly read a book that touch me so deep - or at the very least it's in top five. This was such good read and while I knew it was going to be good, I didn't expect it to be this good. Loved it!

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I think so far this is one of my favorite books of this series.

I love how serious topics are handled. They mention grieve and child loss in a way that doesn't get too much to handle for the reader.

The relationship between James Ryan and Bella. Both of them have very serious things to get over but help each other to heal and move on. I loved how she respected the fact that he puts his children first and adds to helping instead of making things difficult.

Despite all their issues they talk and fix everything by communicating.

[Macayla Gilpin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Single Dad x Nanny + Second Chance

It was cute, I really liked James and his efforts to be a good father post losing his wife and mother of his two children. He seemed to be acutely aware of all things that may affect his children and it was refreshing versus the typical main characters in single dad romances.

I really wanted to like Bella, but she was just so insufferable. James was there an wanted to love her and build a family with her and she continued to create fake issue after fake issue that resulted in more issues and hurt for everyone involved.

[Christina Montminy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was definitely an emotional read, with so much loss. The drama & angst was heartbreaking but the sexual tension between James & Bella was off the charts. Loss is the connection between them but when Bella becomes James’s children’s nanny everything shifts. They grow closer as they deal with the changes in their lives & friendship. The past isn’t buried far enough for Bella & it takes a toll on her when the children realize that she’s more than their nanny. So much pain all around but also so much love. Definitely recommend.