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Alaska Blizzard #1
Defending Dani
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 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?
212 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2018
886 people are currently reading
1330 people want to read
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June 22, 2018
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.
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.
June 7, 2018
Defending Dani (Alaska Blizzard, Book 1) by Kat Mizera 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.
November 28, 2022
I really liked what we've seen of Sergei in the Sidewinder's series and he totally got shafted in Toli's book. It was interesting seeing him trying to rebuild his life. At the start it seems like he is just existing, there is hockey and his son, nothing else in his life. Dani going to Alaska to help him set up a house and take care of Niko, until she heads off to the Olympics seems like a great choice for them both.
Watching both of them get close without all of their friends and family around was fun. They were great together, it's just too bad Sergei had his head stuck up his ass. He knew Dani was the best thing that happened to him, yet he pushed her away. He couldn't allow himself to be happy. It took so much until he clued in and went after his girl, but when he did, he did it in a spectacular way. Such a great ending!
On a side note, I loved how all the hockey guys in Dani's life were so excited for her to play in the Olympics and helped where they could to train her. I also liked when quite a few of them realized how shitty Dani's aspects were playing pro compared to theirs.
Watching both of them get close without all of their friends and family around was fun. They were great together, it's just too bad Sergei had his head stuck up his ass. He knew Dani was the best thing that happened to him, yet he pushed her away. He couldn't allow himself to be happy. It took so much until he clued in and went after his girl, but when he did, he did it in a spectacular way. Such a great ending!
On a side note, I loved how all the hockey guys in Dani's life were so excited for her to play in the Olympics and helped where they could to train her. I also liked when quite a few of them realized how shitty Dani's aspects were playing pro compared to theirs.
August 10, 2020
Dnf 10%
New author to me.
I've started reading it and I didn't like a bunch of things.
Didn't like the writing style, it's told in a third person pov so there's no need to elaborate.
I also didn't like the tempo of the speaking.
Speedy and rush.
And a couple of things Clarie Giselle Mercado said:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Maybe, because sports romance are my ultimate, I'll try it again another time.
New author to me.
I've started reading it and I didn't like a bunch of things.
Didn't like the writing style, it's told in a third person pov so there's no need to elaborate.
I also didn't like the tempo of the speaking.
Speedy and rush.
And a couple of things Clarie Giselle Mercado said:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Maybe, because sports romance are my ultimate, I'll try it again another time.
June 13, 2018
When it comes to writing hockey/sports theme novels, I enjoy coming back to Kat Mizera. Her books are beautifully written in a way that it makes me sigh in happiness and always more curious about what her topics will be.
Knowing that Defending Dani was the first of a new series, I wondered how it would connect to her previous series, the Las Vegas Sidewinders, and whether or not we’d get to see any of those characters again. I can happily and easily say that yes!! We do get to revisit many of the previous characters. Now, what did I like about this book?
The single hockey player dad. The single Olympic hockey player. A backstory to both characters that will leave you tugging at your heartstrings because it shows that life can be mightily cruel when you least expect it. But the best part? Was seeing these two struggle (yes yes, I’m evil, i know), but find that place in themselves to fight for what they want!
I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the crossings of characters I had read their stories beforehand, but I also enjoyed seeing these players rally together as family should do when they need help and support.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
Contact Us Today: smallgirlandherbooks@gmail.com
June 7, 2018
Emotionally charged hockey romance…
This author knows how to do hockey romance right! This is the first in a new series and overlaps with the Las Vegas Sidewinders characters. Sergei has already had more than his share of heartbreak but he has a new start in Anchorage and it’s time he moved his son up and get serious about his new life… Thank goodness Dani, a good friend to both of them, was there to help. Dani, in the meantime, is happy to help her guys as she finishes school and mulls her future. Everything is temporary until their hearts had other ideas…
I loved everything about this emotion-packed romance! Dani and Sergei are equals. They respect each other’s careers and their devotion to family. It helps that they also can’t keep their hands off each other! It’s a balance of heat, hockey and family with a lot of angst thrown in to make it feel not only relatable but sobering real. Sergei has a boatload of issues, not surprising given his past, and that causes most – if not all the problems they have. Dani is supportive through it all, loving Sergei and Niko, his adorable son. I cry with them, I laugh with them and, honestly, wanted to crawl in the pages and help them along.
It’s love, laughter, tears and HOCKEY! I’m in reading heaven!
*5 MaryAnne/Wayne Stars*
June 9, 2018
Reviewed on behalf http://bookaddict.live,
Defending Dani is the first in a spin off series from the Las Vegas Sidewinders. So we meet quite a few characters from previous books in the Series.
So the Dani in the title is Zakk’s little sister, so when Sergei gets traded to The Alaska Blizzards which is based in Anchorage. Sergei is a widower with a small son Nico, and Dani agrees to go to help Sergei and Nico set up home, and help look after Nico.
Dani plays hockey, and is training for the Olympics team. So Dani is a sportswoman in her own right. For the first time since his wife was killed Sergei feels like his at home, as they live play house Sergei has fallen hard, but won’t stand in Dani’s way.
I really enjoyed this couple Dani and Sergei were wonderful together, but what happens when you let the person you love go because you think you would hold them back? Get this book and find out, all those buff bodies playing hockey, Sorry I must I’m still dreaming.
There is plenty going on in this book, it was like visiting family with all the friends and families there. I can’t wait for book two in this new series.
This is told by dual pov and can be read as a standalone, I can’t get enough of Kat’s Hockey Romances.
Defending Dani is the first in a spin off series from the Las Vegas Sidewinders. So we meet quite a few characters from previous books in the Series.
So the Dani in the title is Zakk’s little sister, so when Sergei gets traded to The Alaska Blizzards which is based in Anchorage. Sergei is a widower with a small son Nico, and Dani agrees to go to help Sergei and Nico set up home, and help look after Nico.
Dani plays hockey, and is training for the Olympics team. So Dani is a sportswoman in her own right. For the first time since his wife was killed Sergei feels like his at home, as they live play house Sergei has fallen hard, but won’t stand in Dani’s way.
I really enjoyed this couple Dani and Sergei were wonderful together, but what happens when you let the person you love go because you think you would hold them back? Get this book and find out, all those buff bodies playing hockey, Sorry I must I’m still dreaming.
There is plenty going on in this book, it was like visiting family with all the friends and families there. I can’t wait for book two in this new series.
This is told by dual pov and can be read as a standalone, I can’t get enough of Kat’s Hockey Romances.
October 7, 2019
This was a really good storyline. The first time that I ever read this author but would gladly read her again. Bedroom scenes for days but the storyline around it and the characters were on the money.
You have a close-knit Russian community that plays for the Las Vegas hockey team, yet everyone has a home with the two main players on the team Toli and Zakk who lives across the street from each other in a gated community.
To say the families are tight is an understatement. Toli has several bother’s but the one most interesting in this book is Sergei who had been playing for Boston but is now been traded to Alaska. Being traded had never been a problem before but each time he had a wife now he didn’t and now he is also having a toddler, son, Niko to care for.
He had to leave him for six weeks to go check on housing with no luck which made him even more unhappy. Now summer so he was home to bring his son back with him. But Niko’s mom had only passed away sixteen months ago.
Niko being just three latched on to his Auntie’s friend and helper Dani. Calling her Mama D. So, when she walks into the house Niko goes running to her yelling Mama D. Sergei already under pressure goes off on Dani hearing his son calling another woman mama.
The Russian grouch starts flying Dani never backs down. She held her ground. What he didn’t know is that she too is a world-class hockey player who was just finishing her masters. Not only that she had gotten picked for the USA hockey woman’s team in the Olympics. She played as hard and was trained by her brother.
The chemistry of these two is off the charts. They are cute and sweet too. Niko keeps them tied no matter what and so nothing’s ever final.
I give this: 5 stars. Free on Amazon. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
You have a close-knit Russian community that plays for the Las Vegas hockey team, yet everyone has a home with the two main players on the team Toli and Zakk who lives across the street from each other in a gated community.
To say the families are tight is an understatement. Toli has several bother’s but the one most interesting in this book is Sergei who had been playing for Boston but is now been traded to Alaska. Being traded had never been a problem before but each time he had a wife now he didn’t and now he is also having a toddler, son, Niko to care for.
He had to leave him for six weeks to go check on housing with no luck which made him even more unhappy. Now summer so he was home to bring his son back with him. But Niko’s mom had only passed away sixteen months ago.
Niko being just three latched on to his Auntie’s friend and helper Dani. Calling her Mama D. So, when she walks into the house Niko goes running to her yelling Mama D. Sergei already under pressure goes off on Dani hearing his son calling another woman mama.
The Russian grouch starts flying Dani never backs down. She held her ground. What he didn’t know is that she too is a world-class hockey player who was just finishing her masters. Not only that she had gotten picked for the USA hockey woman’s team in the Olympics. She played as hard and was trained by her brother.
The chemistry of these two is off the charts. They are cute and sweet too. Niko keeps them tied no matter what and so nothing’s ever final.
I give this: 5 stars. Free on Amazon. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
October 2, 2019
Dani and Sergei
If you want a book that will build you up, tear you down, and fill you with a ridiculous amount of emotion—look no further. These hockey stars are amazing on the rink but not so much with interpersonal relationships. This was an amazing addictive book. A definite must-read.
If you want a book that will build you up, tear you down, and fill you with a ridiculous amount of emotion—look no further. These hockey stars are amazing on the rink but not so much with interpersonal relationships. This was an amazing addictive book. A definite must-read.
August 2, 2020
Good one time read.
I am usually not interested in sport romance ( I am not interested in sport at all....) but this book has a very strong point in its main (and secondary) characters: they are relatable with good realism on their feelings and motivations.
Not just a nanny- widowed employer romance.
I am usually not interested in sport romance ( I am not interested in sport at all....) but this book has a very strong point in its main (and secondary) characters: they are relatable with good realism on their feelings and motivations.
Not just a nanny- widowed employer romance.
July 9, 2021
Cute read!
Definitely enjoyed the story! Great storyline and well written, but did slow down in spots, which was weird just because it wasn't a long read to begin with. Liked the hero and the heroine, but it was a little more angsty than I think it needed to be. Will definitely try this author again.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: nanny/boss
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
Definitely enjoyed the story! Great storyline and well written, but did slow down in spots, which was weird just because it wasn't a long read to begin with. Liked the hero and the heroine, but it was a little more angsty than I think it needed to be. Will definitely try this author again.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: nanny/boss
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
September 15, 2019
This book left me with mixed feelings. I liked the idea of it and I loved the actual characters. I loved the relationship between Dani and Sergei as well as the relationship between Dani and Niko. To me it could have been a really good story, but there were some things that just felt off to me. The pacing didn't sit well with me. Also, the reasoning on why Dani and Sergei couldn't be together (according to Sergei) seemed to pop up over and over. Sometimes it felt like I was reading the same conversation multiple times. The reference to the mafia didn't mash up well with it being a sports romance, those 2 I didn't imagine would be in the same book. And it was just a reference to what I am assuming is a previous book, but it still seemed out of place IMO. The final thing that bothered me are the 2 references to Dani drinking a beer and then a glass of wine while not being 100% sure she isn't pregnant. Sure she took a test that came back negative, but she then said she would retest in a week if she still had a late period. Then it mentioned she needed a beer in the next sentence and a few pages later she had a glass of wine out at a restaurant. And the page after the dinner gave us that confirmation that she was relieved she had finally started her period. To me that seemed like maybe she should have held off on alcohol until she was completely certain she wasn't pregnant, especially with how much emphasis was placed on using condoms throughout the book. If you are gonna promote safe sex then maybe cut out the alcohol comments for possible pregnancies as well.
The book had potential for me but it just fell short in the end.
The book had potential for me but it just fell short in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2019
“Constant barrage of questions...” as quoted in this book
That’s all I asked myself a constant barrage of questions. Why is he talking about his ex wife and dead wife again? Why is she telling anyone who isn’t a girl that he was her first everything? Why is there another sex scene? Why is he constantly pushing her away and she keeps coming back ? Why is she such a doormat ? Why is this author so body obsessed ? We get it Dani has muscles and not a lot of guys like that but I don’t need it repeated twelve times. What is he defending Dani from except from himself ?! Why did the author not space the paragraph so I knew who was who? And why oh why did at least no less than three people were mention to have been murdered and why is everyone together either from their spouse dying or some form of dysfunction? And at last but not least why do I need to know when you’re eating or going out to eat? Or exactly what you’re eating. This book could have been good but was lowered to two stars due to the constant whiplash of emotions and repetition just took away from me liking this story. Its a okay story just not great because we the readers are constantly bombarded with the woe is me situation.
That’s all I asked myself a constant barrage of questions. Why is he talking about his ex wife and dead wife again? Why is she telling anyone who isn’t a girl that he was her first everything? Why is there another sex scene? Why is he constantly pushing her away and she keeps coming back ? Why is she such a doormat ? Why is this author so body obsessed ? We get it Dani has muscles and not a lot of guys like that but I don’t need it repeated twelve times. What is he defending Dani from except from himself ?! Why did the author not space the paragraph so I knew who was who? And why oh why did at least no less than three people were mention to have been murdered and why is everyone together either from their spouse dying or some form of dysfunction? And at last but not least why do I need to know when you’re eating or going out to eat? Or exactly what you’re eating. This book could have been good but was lowered to two stars due to the constant whiplash of emotions and repetition just took away from me liking this story. Its a okay story just not great because we the readers are constantly bombarded with the woe is me situation.
June 7, 2018
Defending Dani is a story that I have been super excited to read. Sergei's story is one that I have been dying to read ever since reading about him and the tragedy that touched his life in his brother’s Toli’s book :: Las Vegas Sidewinders: Toli & Tessa (Book 7). I really wanted to read more about him and see him find love again. And Ms. Mizera has done it and given me a super sensational 2nd chance at love story. Sergei Petrov has not had such great chances with love. Two marriages, one when he was too young to know better which ended in divorce and his second wife was torn from his life forever right in front of his eyes and left a single father with a young child to care for. So why would Sergei ever risk his heart again for love? Sergei’s struggled for the past 18 months since his wife’s death and he seems to be getting deeper into the mire of pain and loss. Now he has been traded to the Blizzards in Alaska. He needs tons of things done but most importantly, but what he needs the most are a house and a nanny for his three year old.
Danielle “Dani” Cloutier is a college student who is at the top of her game and getting ready to embark on her life. She has a tough outer shell but her inside is all soft and sweet. She is super kind, intelligent and sweet. She has dreams of living her dreams, hoping she will get the chance at Gold when she has a chance at a dream job. Dani is offered the chance to work for Sergei for the summer before she heads off the Olympics. There is an immediate connection between Dani and Sergei. Its sizzling, erotic and intense. They have this push/pull type of relationship going until their chemistry explodes and feelings come into the picture. Will Sergei let himself fall for Dani? Will they get the chance at a relationship or will Sergei pull back and push Dani away? Their time is limited before she heads to the Olympics- can both of them come to terms with the feelings they have for one another or will distance end their explosive relationship? I truly enjoyed reading Sergei and Dani’s story. It was great to watch how they met, felt that pull and resist only to fall yet not completely give in. I was rooting for their love to win and the ending was so awesome. Ms. Mizera has a new series hit on her hands and I look forward to reading the next book in this new series.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
Danielle “Dani” Cloutier is a college student who is at the top of her game and getting ready to embark on her life. She has a tough outer shell but her inside is all soft and sweet. She is super kind, intelligent and sweet. She has dreams of living her dreams, hoping she will get the chance at Gold when she has a chance at a dream job. Dani is offered the chance to work for Sergei for the summer before she heads off the Olympics. There is an immediate connection between Dani and Sergei. Its sizzling, erotic and intense. They have this push/pull type of relationship going until their chemistry explodes and feelings come into the picture. Will Sergei let himself fall for Dani? Will they get the chance at a relationship or will Sergei pull back and push Dani away? Their time is limited before she heads to the Olympics- can both of them come to terms with the feelings they have for one another or will distance end their explosive relationship? I truly enjoyed reading Sergei and Dani’s story. It was great to watch how they met, felt that pull and resist only to fall yet not completely give in. I was rooting for their love to win and the ending was so awesome. Ms. Mizera has a new series hit on her hands and I look forward to reading the next book in this new series.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
June 5, 2018
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?
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?
January 1, 2019
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.
June 8, 2018
Great start to series
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
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
May 25, 2021
I jumped over to this series as I've been dying to read Toli Petrov's younger brother, Sergei's, story. Having been traded from Boston to Alaska, and a widowed single father now, raising his son, Nickolai has been a challenge. Toli and his wife, Tessa, have been stepping up but it's Zakk Cloutier's sister, Danielle who has been the greatest help. Their introduction to each other doesn't go well and the two have fiery tempers that clash. However, his son is greatly attached to Dani and she agrees to help him by being his temporary nanny for the summer until she leaves to play for the USA women's hockey team in the Olympics.
Throw in a friends with benefits, summer fling, and Sergei fighting his feelings for Dani made for a good read. Kind of funny how EVERY ONE of their friends and teammates both in Las Vegas and in Anchorage can see they belong together but the two of them.
Throw in a friends with benefits, summer fling, and Sergei fighting his feelings for Dani made for a good read. Kind of funny how EVERY ONE of their friends and teammates both in Las Vegas and in Anchorage can see they belong together but the two of them.
June 5, 2018
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.
June 3, 2018
Sergei Petrov is a single dad who has been traded to Alaska and is in desperate need of a nanny to help during the hockey season. Dani agrees to leave Vegas to help him out while she is waiting to go train for the women's US hockey olympic team.
Sergei and Dani end up starting a relationship that has an expiration date. The heart wants the other and can they get past all the issues that life is throwing at their relationship.
My first book by Mizera and I enjoyed that she had a strong female who had a life outside of the hero. It is the hero who has to adjust to her life.
Sergei and Dani end up starting a relationship that has an expiration date. The heart wants the other and can they get past all the issues that life is throwing at their relationship.
My first book by Mizera and I enjoyed that she had a strong female who had a life outside of the hero. It is the hero who has to adjust to her life.
September 14, 2018
As a kick off book to a new series, this once nailed it! We get the layout of the team, the setting and most important, the athletes! This hockey team is set in Alaska so lots of logistical issues for players moving there.
This is Sergei's story. He knows about Dani but hasn't spent a great deal of time with her until this story starts. It has all the check boxes for me: single dad, sports romance, friends younger sister, humor and some great romantic moments.
Loved the story! Looking forward to reading about Sergei's teammates in the near future!
This is Sergei's story. He knows about Dani but hasn't spent a great deal of time with her until this story starts. It has all the check boxes for me: single dad, sports romance, friends younger sister, humor and some great romantic moments.
Loved the story! Looking forward to reading about Sergei's teammates in the near future!
June 2, 2018
Sergei is not a bashful man, "she turned bright red and he cocked his head curiously. “Why are you blushing? Am I the first guy to go down on you?” There are times Sergei gets shocked by his woman, “you want to try anal?” He looked surprised. “We just figured out missionary, babe.” I liked this book, I fell in love with Sergei and his little boy.
December 13, 2018
New to me author. This is a contemporary MF story set around the ice hockey world. There was a lot of characters from previous stories. I’ll read more from this author.
May 31, 2019
Little Hockey
I loved the story.
With both male and female characters being hockey players, I expected there to be a lot more hockey action. This is why I gave a rating of four.
I loved the story.
With both male and female characters being hockey players, I expected there to be a lot more hockey action. This is why I gave a rating of four.
February 6, 2024
This book was incredible. I love Sergei. He is somewhat broken, not believing in himself or his future as far as romance goes. Then he meets Dani. All bets are off. But he desperately wants to do what is right for her, no matter how bad it hurts. The chemistry is off the charts hot. Let's just say they are adventurous. Keep a fan handy!!
June 21, 2018
Don’t understand high reviews. Awkward writing. Made it 20%
Want to read
June 11, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (8/31/2019)! 🎁
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March 2, 2024Purch Amz Nov 8, 2020
June 7, 2018
It’s a romance full of heart and soul found amongst the pages of this book. It’s also a tale of second chances and finding love when you least expect it in this charming series starter.
Sergei Petrov’s been unlucky in love with a disastrous first marriage when he was too young to becoming a widow with the death of his wife right before his eyes. He carries guilt over it all and is determined not to make the same mistake again when it comes to love and marriage. He’s closed off his heart, focusing instead on his new team and his adorable son. Meeting the strong-willed Dani reawakens his heart in a romance both sweet and sexy that endeared him to me. With a time limit on their relationship though he soon finds himself on the cusp of heartbreak yet again in a conclusion that balanced dreams with a romantic HEA. Sergei’s super sexy and supportive. He encourages Dani in her quest for Olympic gold while dealing with his growing feelings for her. He doesn’t want to hold her back but it’s clear how much he wants her in a romance that pulled at my heartstrings. I adored Sergei with Niko and the softer side their interactions brought out in him. Along with a sweet side is a sensual one that made his interludes with Dani combustible. Their interludes were hot yet playful and all these various views of Sergei made me fall for him completely.
Dani Cloutier’s an immensely appealing heroine and I applaud Ms. Mizera for creating such a compelling female athlete. She’s tough, focused, yet easy to relate to. She’s smart, knows what she wants, and goes after it wholeheartedly. Not only does she desire a hockey career but she also desires to get rid of her virginity...and Sergei seems perfect for both jobs. They have much in common, both on and off the ice, and I enjoyed their slow burn that let them build their connection one page at a time. Theirs is a crackling connection, and with Niko by their side, there’s a strong familial vibe that will pull at reader’s hearts as Dani struggles with deciding where HEA truly lies.
This was a delightful series starter introducing us to a new hockey team in Ms. Mizera’s world. It’s a group of appealing teammates that left me with all sorts of temptations that have me eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Alaska Blizzard series. Dani and Sergei definitely left their mark though and I loved the support they gave to each other. Their connection was scorching yet playful, both on and off the ice, and it was a good balance that kept me turning the pages in rapt anticipation. I don’t normally care for children in romances but Niko won me over and brought a smile to my face in interactions that brought out an endearing side to both Sergei and Dani. On a whole this was an entertaining read that fans of sports romances will thoroughly enjoy. Ms. Mizera gave center stage to the female athlete too and it made this story even stronger as Dani showed that you can be both feminine and athletic and it’s just the message we need right now.
Sergei Petrov’s been unlucky in love with a disastrous first marriage when he was too young to becoming a widow with the death of his wife right before his eyes. He carries guilt over it all and is determined not to make the same mistake again when it comes to love and marriage. He’s closed off his heart, focusing instead on his new team and his adorable son. Meeting the strong-willed Dani reawakens his heart in a romance both sweet and sexy that endeared him to me. With a time limit on their relationship though he soon finds himself on the cusp of heartbreak yet again in a conclusion that balanced dreams with a romantic HEA. Sergei’s super sexy and supportive. He encourages Dani in her quest for Olympic gold while dealing with his growing feelings for her. He doesn’t want to hold her back but it’s clear how much he wants her in a romance that pulled at my heartstrings. I adored Sergei with Niko and the softer side their interactions brought out in him. Along with a sweet side is a sensual one that made his interludes with Dani combustible. Their interludes were hot yet playful and all these various views of Sergei made me fall for him completely.
Dani Cloutier’s an immensely appealing heroine and I applaud Ms. Mizera for creating such a compelling female athlete. She’s tough, focused, yet easy to relate to. She’s smart, knows what she wants, and goes after it wholeheartedly. Not only does she desire a hockey career but she also desires to get rid of her virginity...and Sergei seems perfect for both jobs. They have much in common, both on and off the ice, and I enjoyed their slow burn that let them build their connection one page at a time. Theirs is a crackling connection, and with Niko by their side, there’s a strong familial vibe that will pull at reader’s hearts as Dani struggles with deciding where HEA truly lies.
This was a delightful series starter introducing us to a new hockey team in Ms. Mizera’s world. It’s a group of appealing teammates that left me with all sorts of temptations that have me eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Alaska Blizzard series. Dani and Sergei definitely left their mark though and I loved the support they gave to each other. Their connection was scorching yet playful, both on and off the ice, and it was a good balance that kept me turning the pages in rapt anticipation. I don’t normally care for children in romances but Niko won me over and brought a smile to my face in interactions that brought out an endearing side to both Sergei and Dani. On a whole this was an entertaining read that fans of sports romances will thoroughly enjoy. Ms. Mizera gave center stage to the female athlete too and it made this story even stronger as Dani showed that you can be both feminine and athletic and it’s just the message we need right now.
June 5, 2018
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!
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!
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