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Players on Ice #4
The Hard Hitter
Zander:
In the NHL, I’m known as the Hard Hitter but my puck-handling skill isn’t my greatest accomplishment. That would be my four-year-old daughter Daisy and I’ll do anything to protect her. I’m careful who I let into our lives, but the more I’m around Samantha, my daughter’s speech pathologist, the more I’m reminded of how long I’ve been functioning solely as a dad. I don’t want to trust her, don’t want to get close. I don’t want to fall in love with her or her big, welcoming family but sometimes, don’ts have a way of becoming dos, no matter how hard you fight it.
Samantha:
Getting involved with a client’s father is a strict “no,” but when Zander shows me how good he is at talking bad, it sets off a firestorm of need hot enough to melt the ice in the rink he plays on. I’m not good at relationships and have basically given up on men, but a brief fling with a dirty talking hockey player sounds pretty good at the moment. I didn’t expect to actually fall for him and his daughter, or that it would be so good, but leave it to me to do the one and only thing that taps into his darkest fears and incinerate the fragile trust that’s built between us.
In the NHL, I’m known as the Hard Hitter but my puck-handling skill isn’t my greatest accomplishment. That would be my four-year-old daughter Daisy and I’ll do anything to protect her. I’m careful who I let into our lives, but the more I’m around Samantha, my daughter’s speech pathologist, the more I’m reminded of how long I’ve been functioning solely as a dad. I don’t want to trust her, don’t want to get close. I don’t want to fall in love with her or her big, welcoming family but sometimes, don’ts have a way of becoming dos, no matter how hard you fight it.
Samantha:
Getting involved with a client’s father is a strict “no,” but when Zander shows me how good he is at talking bad, it sets off a firestorm of need hot enough to melt the ice in the rink he plays on. I’m not good at relationships and have basically given up on men, but a brief fling with a dirty talking hockey player sounds pretty good at the moment. I didn’t expect to actually fall for him and his daughter, or that it would be so good, but leave it to me to do the one and only thing that taps into his darkest fears and incinerate the fragile trust that’s built between us.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2019
187 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Fox
254 books1,377 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. Cathryn lives in beautiful Nova Scotia with her husband, who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. When not writing, Cathryn can be found Skyping with her son living in Seattle (could he have moved any farther away?) shopping with her daughter in the city, watching a big action flick with her husband, or hanging out and laughing with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 5, 2019
Zander and Samantha were a cute couple with sizzling mojo! Their relationship began as instant lust, but developed into that something more I liked. I also loved Zander’s daughter Daisy! She was cute and had such sweet nature I couldn’t resist her charm. Seeing how Zander interacted with her was adorably sweet. There are a few spelling errors that bugged me, but not enough to pull me out of the story.
December 31, 2018
When Zander found out he was a father everything in his life shifted, his wild nights on the town were no more, and the steady string of one night stands came to and end. It was all about changing diapers, feeding schedules, potty training, play dates, and being a good father. Now everything in his life is about balance, he maintains his busy hockey schedule, and when he is not on the ice, his time is spent with his daughter. He doesn't really have time for love, dating, or anything of the like... but then again he never planned on meeting a woman quite like Samantha! The moment she wanders into their lives things start to take on a whole new meaning, one that resembles something like a perfect little family. But is he really willing to risk his heart again, and put his daughters happiness at risk too, if there's a chance love will fail him again?
The Hard Hitter is guaranteed to hit you straight in the heart, as soon as you meet these characters you will fall head over heels for them and their touching story! I must say nothing speaks to your heart quite like a single father finding the courage to let love in again, Zander and his sweet little girl totally stole my heart! As soon as I read the synopsis for this one I was sure it was going to wreck my heart, and boy did it ever, Ms. Fox's characters dealt out a special kind of torture, their love story had my feelings all over the place. This series has been a wonderful discovery this year, each story has brought me so much joy, and of course the hockey stick wielding heroes that grace the pages have given me many moments to swoon over and treasure long after the last page was swiped! Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, Zander is certain to score a special spot in your heart, and permanently weaken your knees!
The Hard Hitter is guaranteed to hit you straight in the heart, as soon as you meet these characters you will fall head over heels for them and their touching story! I must say nothing speaks to your heart quite like a single father finding the courage to let love in again, Zander and his sweet little girl totally stole my heart! As soon as I read the synopsis for this one I was sure it was going to wreck my heart, and boy did it ever, Ms. Fox's characters dealt out a special kind of torture, their love story had my feelings all over the place. This series has been a wonderful discovery this year, each story has brought me so much joy, and of course the hockey stick wielding heroes that grace the pages have given me many moments to swoon over and treasure long after the last page was swiped! Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, Zander is certain to score a special spot in your heart, and permanently weaken your knees!
January 26, 2019
Holy freaking hotness! This book goes from cold to completely off the charts steamy in a matter of a few pages! Zander has one thing on his mind, to make life the best for his little daughter Daisy. It’s just the two of them in their happy home, until Sam comes into the picture. Daisy needs speech therapy, so Quinn refers Zander to a friend who’s just starting out in the business. It’s hot sorching chemistry as soon as the two meet, the sex between these two is not for the faint hearted, but man is it electrifying. I enjoyed the fast pace of this book, the author wasted no time in getting down to business with these two, and loved the ending. Well worth the read, great addition to the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
June 4, 2023
What a total disappointment of a book!
I read a few others in this series and was looking forward to reading about Zander, but I just can't finish it. Believe me, I've tried, but it's just not holding my interest, and that rarely happens with books I start. I like a slow burn book. Build up the interest and attraction between the characters and slowly progress the relationship. That certainly did not happen in this book. Met one day, that night she's bringing him over cherry pie and the door is barely closed and they're all over each other. Seriously??? A STORY sells, people! Not. Just. Sex! If I wanted just sex on the page I'd go for a porn book or erotica. I thought this author had more depth. Very disappointing.
I read a few others in this series and was looking forward to reading about Zander, but I just can't finish it. Believe me, I've tried, but it's just not holding my interest, and that rarely happens with books I start. I like a slow burn book. Build up the interest and attraction between the characters and slowly progress the relationship. That certainly did not happen in this book. Met one day, that night she's bringing him over cherry pie and the door is barely closed and they're all over each other. Seriously??? A STORY sells, people! Not. Just. Sex! If I wanted just sex on the page I'd go for a porn book or erotica. I thought this author had more depth. Very disappointing.
January 29, 2019
Zander finds love!
Hockey player and single father Zander Reed has always been the only parent for his daughter Daisy when she needs speech therapist to help her. His sister, Quinn recommended Samantha and when Zander met her he was very attracted to her.
Thankfully Zander saw the light and realized what he would miss if Sam was not in either his or Daisy’s lives. Hard Hitter is a fun, quick read that I really liked and if you want to read more about his sister Quinn, read The Body Checker in the same series in which Zander calls himself a lover not a fighter.
Hockey player and single father Zander Reed has always been the only parent for his daughter Daisy when she needs speech therapist to help her. His sister, Quinn recommended Samantha and when Zander met her he was very attracted to her.
Thankfully Zander saw the light and realized what he would miss if Sam was not in either his or Daisy’s lives. Hard Hitter is a fun, quick read that I really liked and if you want to read more about his sister Quinn, read The Body Checker in the same series in which Zander calls himself a lover not a fighter.
April 1, 2019
Zander found out in book 3 that he wasn't the uncle but actually the father of baby Daisy. Four years later, he's managing single fatherhood and an NHL career. But when Daisy needs a little help, in steps Sam. Almost immediately these two have a connection that is hot and full-filling for both. Although communication between the two is good, when emotions and past hurts get in the way, they might just lose the best thing to happen to them. I really enjoyed this story and the connection between these two.
December 22, 2018
This was such a good story. I really like separate POVs and this one started with Zander. How can anyone resist a hot daddy especially one that professes his love of his daughter in the fist sentence it was an AWWWW moment and it goes up hill from here...
There are so many AWWWW moments, super funny ones (OH shit she is saying something to me...), sad ones and of course sexy ones. So many interesting set ups in this book including the never have I ever game, the aforementioned hot daddy, wonderful and sweet Sam and of course Daisy. The supporting characters added so much to the storyline.
Can't wait fore more
There are so many AWWWW moments, super funny ones (OH shit she is saying something to me...), sad ones and of course sexy ones. So many interesting set ups in this book including the never have I ever game, the aforementioned hot daddy, wonderful and sweet Sam and of course Daisy. The supporting characters added so much to the storyline.
Can't wait fore more
October 11, 2021
The erotic scenes. That's what haves me hooked on this series. It is definitely not because of the story line. [SPOILER] Zander and Sam meet, have hot encounters and talk to themselves a lot. What was really bad was how fast Sam was able to forgive Zander after their fight. I was literally shaking my head. Cathryn could have made this better by ending this book with just on more erotic scene. Disappointing is what I was feeling after reading this book. But I just can't stop.
May 19, 2022
trust
Relationships are hard especially when you're a professional hockey player. When you have a young daughter it's even more so. As you don't want just anyone in your life. Having someone who cares for you and not what your status is. Opening your heart to someone and trusting when you've been burned too many times.
Fall in love with this series you will want to keep reading.
Relationships are hard especially when you're a professional hockey player. When you have a young daughter it's even more so. As you don't want just anyone in your life. Having someone who cares for you and not what your status is. Opening your heart to someone and trusting when you've been burned too many times.
Fall in love with this series you will want to keep reading.
November 3, 2019
This might have gotten a higher rating, but it needs serious editing. The storyline is good and entertaining, but there are grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. And too many times the POV changes for a few paragraphs before fixing itself. This is a major thing that needs to be fixed and checked for before publishing.
April 12, 2019
I'm a complete sucker for single dads (and moms) in books. Plus, there's hockey and yeah, I totally loved this book! Great story, great couple, and extra great kid! Can't wait for more from this great series!
May 21, 2019
Definitely hockey oriented. The Hard Hitter is a player but never really plays hockey in the book except for a pick up game. No off season training. If you want a romance novel with a bit of sizzle, this one is pretty good.
September 7, 2020
I loved it
I love hockey romance series and this was a great addition to this one. I had not read this author befor this series but now I'm hooked, I'm going to look up all her book and binge read I can't wait for her next book
I love hockey romance series and this was a great addition to this one. I had not read this author befor this series but now I'm hooked, I'm going to look up all her book and binge read I can't wait for her next book
April 28, 2021
This was such a great read. I am loving this series and trying to catch up on the backlist by this author. I loved he characters and the storyline in this book. A hockey player slash single dad does it for me every time.
June 28, 2019
Daisy had her daddy wrapped around her little fingers.
Read
January 5, 2020Not for me. DNF 30%
Read
February 3, 2022Never made it past preview
August 7, 2023
The Hard Hitter by Cathryn Fox was an entertaining spicey hockey romance. A great escape for a few hours. I look forward to reading others in this series.
May 17, 2020
The hard hitter is book 4 on the series players on ice.
It was cool to follow up Zander and his little girl Daisy as they develop as characters.
Sam and Zanders love story has hot and steamy and I enjoyed “watching “ their feelings evolve from fling and lust to love.
The plot twist by the end to creat drama before the eminent happily ever after was (in my opinion) unnecessary and too much. In real life that would have happened. The pill is effective.
It was cool to follow up Zander and his little girl Daisy as they develop as characters.
Sam and Zanders love story has hot and steamy and I enjoyed “watching “ their feelings evolve from fling and lust to love.
The plot twist by the end to creat drama before the eminent happily ever after was (in my opinion) unnecessary and too much. In real life that would have happened. The pill is effective.
September 24, 2019
5 stars for The Hard Hitter by Cathryn Fox
Another great read. I love this series. Hot and sexy read. Wanted more. Loved Sam and Zander's openness and sexiness. Can't wait for the next instalment.
Another great read. I love this series. Hot and sexy read. Wanted more. Loved Sam and Zander's openness and sexiness. Can't wait for the next instalment.
June 9, 2019
Good
It's a very funny and emotional book with interesting characters who will make you laugh and smile. You won't want to put the book down. I have read 3 of the 4 books in this series.
It's a very funny and emotional book with interesting characters who will make you laugh and smile. You won't want to put the book down. I have read 3 of the 4 books in this series.
January 30, 2022
wish this one had of been longer and more in depth
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews