Hard Checked

Ice Kings #4

by Stacey Lynn

Getting served divorce papers was not how I planned spending New Year’s Day.

I probably shouldn’t have gone to my favorite bar and gotten wasted trying to drown my sorrows.
I definitely shouldn’t have spent the night passed out in the bed of the bartender’s daughter, Gigi.

And the absolute last thing I should have done was let my guard down and start having fun. Now I’m thinking of her all the time… fantasizing about the things I want to do to Gigi.

I’m in the middle of the best hockey season of my life. I need my head in the game and my focus on the playoffs – not play house with the gorgeous bartender who makes me feel more alive than I have in years.

Finding someone new so soon after a failed marriage isn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done.

But it just might be too late. I’ve been checked hard into the boards, right off my skates, and I’m not only spinning out of control…

I might just be falling in love all over again.

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Romance, Hockey Romance, Hockey, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2020

About the author

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Reviews

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 She Lit His Life Up Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free- A Quick Review
We all have read about the woman who fell in love with her high school sweetheart, married him, thought everything was sort of ok, and then bam, is served with divorce papers.

She all of a sudden doesn't know who the heck she is...was everything a lie...

Well, Stacey Lynn, smart, savvy author that she is, has turned that concept on its heel. Our sexy, sort of grump from past books gets smacked with the hard realities of a broken marriage and divorce papers served.

What the hell has happened and how does Sebastian, tough guy, figure out how to deal with this...and still keep his man-card. Going to the bar that has been the go-to for all of the guys, he plants himself there, looking to drown his sorrows.

The joke of Sebastian being at this bar while Gigi is there is just Gigi's luck. She has had a crush on the big lug for a while now but he was taken. Now he is drunk as a skunk and available. Instead of taking advantage, Gigi makes sure he has the room upstairs to sleep it off.

Gigi gets how hard divorce is, she has been there, done that. Did the necessary work to move on and understand there is more life out there for her. Sebastian is not doing as well, he's lost and can't seem to find his center....and let's not forget there are hockey games to be won.

This worked on many levels and I liked how all of it came together. Score

Playing to Win (Ice Kings, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Scoring Off the Ice (Ice Kings, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hooked on Her (Ice Kings, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hard Checked (Ice Kings, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~~
I Should Write a Manual...
Of What Not To Do After
Getting Served My Divorce Papers...

I Shouldn't Have Drowned...
My Sorrows Getting Wasted...
Going to My Favorite Bar...
Caused My Next Huge Mistake...

This Allowed The Other Thing...
I Shouldn't Have Done...
Pass Out in Gorgeous Bartender Gigi's Bed...

Now I Cannot Think Of Anything Else...
Which Is A Huge Problem...
Because This Hockey Season
Is The Best In My Career...

But My Interest In This Woman...
No Matter The Bad Timing...
Feels Like I Have Been...

Hard Checked (Ice Kings, #4)-September 15, 2020

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[zahraa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 ✰
+ includes surprise/accidental pregnancy trope

my favourite by far in this series!

sebastian’s wife just served divorce papers and he’s reeling with anger, sadness & confusion, when he quite LITERALLY, falls into gigi’s bed (only to sleep ofc) , after a night of drinking. from there, sebastian and gigi’s relationship develop into so much more 🫶

some could say that sebastian fell way too quickly after his divorce, but genuinely, i feel like the saying “when you know, you know” fits PERFECTLY here. despite the BIG differences in their divorces, both gigi & sebastian had failed marriages, and i believe that that commonality bonded them.

stacey lynn created two AMAZING characters. i loved gigi, and how she was unapologetically, herself! and sebastian…you sir i love you but you gotta learn to THINK before you SPEAK. still love you tho 🫶

what i’ve learned from the few books i’ve read of stacey lynn’s is that her writing will suck you in and entertain you, and this book was absolutely NO exception.

we’re often shown the women’s side of a divorce in the media so i really enjoyed seeing sebastian’s perspective! i did feel bad for madison, but gigi and sebastian were truly meant for each other, and the pregnancy was perfectly written; it didn’t interfere with the beginning of their connection nor did it cement a mandatory relationship!

reading the next book ASAP!

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebastian and Madison’s marriage has been falling apart for a while, unfortunately he didn’t see it that way. But you know what they say, “When one door closes another one opens” and lucky for him Gigi is the person in other side of the door because she is perfect for him!

Read my full review and an excerpt here: https://bit.ly/NBReviewHC





**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Stacey for a lot of years and every time I think she’s written her best work, she gets better! I love her voice and style! Her stories are the perfect blend of sexy and romance building that I like to read in a romance journey.

Hard Checked is Sebastian’s second chance to get it right and hopefully keep it right this time ;) Gigi was his perfect match and it just made me giddy reading them. Their story is very real and relatable and top-notch realistic in every way. Every choice that Stacey made for this story was spot on, imo, so it gets a glorious 5++ star rating!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Provided by the Author***

I do enjoy a good, slightly taboo, romance.

And in this one, Sebastian isn't quite divorced. He's heading that way, although it's not his choice, and Gigi is his unwitting confidant as he spills his story one night in a bar.

So, no, it's not really taboo...but technically Gigi is interested in a married man.

Don't panic, (for those who are about to panic) there's no cheating...but there is a pretty fantastic exploration of what it means to not only cheat but also what it means to be committed to a marriage and how many things can happen to mean that a marriage isn't meant to be.

I also really liked the pacing of this. I really believed Sebastian was ready to move forward Gigi and that their relationship had a future.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

[Jenn Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

Hard Checked is the 4th book in Stacey Lynn’s Ice Kings hockey series. It features a romance between Sebastian and Gigi. This is most definitely my top favourite of the series thus far. Stacey Lynn writes with passion for the sport of hockey and has a knack for creating beautifully flawed characters that feel real and relatable. Sebastian has been through a lot. He has just been served divorce papers which was unexpected by him and he is not handling it too well. He is focused and driven when it comes to his hockey career. Gigi is the daughter of the bar owner that is the hockey teams local hangout. Sebastian’s relationship with Gigi was beautiful. A friendship first, and a deep love second. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship. Gigi might just be the one to put Sebastian back together again. She had a quiet strength about her I loved. She is beautiful and smart. She is adventurous and has just returned home from travelling for the last few years. She doesn’t know quite how she fits in back home except to bartend at her dads bar where the gorgeous Sebastian stumbles into the bar, drinks away his sorrows after being served with divorce papers and she is just the one to lend a listening ear. The two have undeniable chemistry and the emotional connection they form is just as beautiful. I’m looking forward to the next hockey hero to fall in the Ice Kings family.

*I received an advanced reader copy by Social Butterfly PR in exchange of an honest review.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon / Apple Books / Amazon Worldwide / Nook / Kobo / Google Play: Coming Soon!



Gigi's long lusted after Sebastian, but he's always been married. Well, tonight, he's apparently not so married. Alas, he's so drunk at her bar that she has to haul him up to her apartment and let him sleep it off in her bed while she takes the couch. And then the next morning, he's no more open than he was the night before. Oh well, she'll dust the slight hurt off, let go of her crush, because Sebastian wouldn't look twice at a free spirited bartender like her, would he?



The last thing Sebastian expected when his ex suddenly divorced him, was to develop feelings for the gorgeous bartender with the free spirit and colorful hair. He knows he's not ready for anything serious, though. So what should he do when the most serious of all things to happen, happens? Can he and Gigi make it work or are they still just having fun?



Sebastian and Gigi are a pair of opposites, definitely. But opposites attract in sexy, zingy ways, and that's apparent whenever Sebastian and Gigi are near each other. I love how easily they fit with each other, and how Sebastian does not do the whole putting Gigi in second priority to his ex, even though it had only been a short time that they'd been divorced. Hard Checked is a sweet, seriously sexy opposites attract hockey romance. It's a bit light on the hockey, but heavy on the heat and the heart - just about perfect!

ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.

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[Maggie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book for a number of reasons - which you know full well I will list out below. It’s what I do.

I originally picked up this book as it’s a hockey based sports romance which is a favorite of mine. I was looking for a book to sink into and escape a little. This one wasn’t quite the fluffy feel good hockey star story I thought it would be. To sort of quote Rowan Atkinson in “Love Actually” - This is soooo much more than a hockey romance.

Hard Checked is a new series to me and Ms. Lynn is a new author to me. Although Hard Checked falls in the middle of the series it is utterly enjoyable as a stand alone. You may get curious about the other players stories, but this story is intact all on its own.

This book is the 4th book in the Ice King series. It’s the story of Sebastian and Gigi.

Sebastian is a star defensemen for the Carolina Ice Kings. Playing one of the most successful seasons of his professional career, the story opens with some concern over his childhood sweetheart wife. Apparently Sebastian hasn’t heard from her since the holidays after some martial strain. The anxiety is low at first. We start to see a picture of a married man who is struggling through infertility issues with his wife who desperately wants a child. It’s a silent struggle that many couples deal with. In some cases it can be overcome. In others, it can be devastating.

Sebastian’s marriage is one that is devastated by this issue. Upon finally reaching his home, he finds that not only has his wife not returned home, but he’s served with divorce papers shortly after this discovery.

This is when we meet Gigi. Gigi is a vivacious, exuberant personality who helps her dad run, manage and tend his bar. Tucked into a less traveled street, the bar is a welcome favorite of the Ice Kings players. Gigi isn’t a stranger to Sebastian, but this evening is a bit odd. As last call comes around Sebastian has done his best to kill his liver and his brain. Afraid to send him home Gigi somehow manages to get him up to her apartment to sleep it off.

The morning after does NOT go well. Sebastian is a surly confused mess. Gigi is a hurt, insulted, pixie of a firecracker. This animosity continues for a few weeks until the other players call Sebastian on it.

Sebastian heads over to Gigi’s to apologize and it turns into a day spent together. Which leads to an rocky friendship which eventually leads to an explosive affair with long lasting consequences.

I loved this plot line for a lot of reasons. Mostly because it’s a story that often goes untold and unshared in a couples life. Infertility and pregnancy loss are devastating. Both partners can feel betrayed by their own bodies, let down by their life expectations, deep wells of grief...it can rip a person and or a relationship up. Additionally when it is written about, it’s typically handled from the female POV. In this novel, we hear it from Sebastian’s POV. While he and his wife both had physical fertility issues, she’s left him and her POV is mostly removed from the main story.
Ms. Lynn treats Sebastian with care and empathy. She paints a character of loyalty and respect for those he loves. He feels betrayed that his wife would leave him because they can’t have a child that is biologically theirs. He sees options not a closed door. He is baffled and deeply hurt by this woman he has loved since high school walking away and never talking to him about it.

Gigi has a slightly more conventional back story. An only child, widowed father, art major, married and divorced an accountant. Peacefully. He came home one day, said something about the house, she asked him if they’d made a mistake in getting married. A week later after soul searching, he agrees that they did.

Gigi reveals to Sebastian that while the divorce was the right decision, it still shook her. She had a night of drinking her regrets, got a tattoo to remind her, and then decided to follow her heart. Her dad encouraged her to do so. Gigi went off to travel the world. Until she became homesick. Right around the time her aunt finally caught up to her and let her know that her Dad was ill. Gigi rushed home...right in time to be welcomed back and meet the Ice Kings.

Over the course of sharing their hurts and their learnings from these pains, Sebastian and Gigi form a friendship. And finally become lovers.

Gigi encourages Sebastian to seek out his wife for a conversation before finalizing their divorce. This was another theme that is usually not touched on a lot. The book is sprinkled with hints and examples of Madison (the ex) spiraling down into a deep depression. Sebastian is very concerned about her and begs her to get help. She continues to refuse to. I actually was a bit afraid that Sebastian would find her in a failed or successful suicide attempt.
When Sebastian finally confronts Madison at her parent’s house, she has continued the downward spiral. Refusing to budge on the seeking treatment or walking back from the divorce, Sebastian agrees to sign the papers. On his way out though he has a harsh and hard conversation with Madison’s father regarding the reason for the marriage failing and telling him to get his daughter to treatment.

Sebastian also finally opens up to his teammates about his off ice issues and what he’s been struggling with. Now with the support of his coach and team, the beginnings of falling in love with Gigi, and a run for the Stanley Cup...Gigi .... (nah. That would be a spoiler) 😉

Ms. Lynn gives Sebastian and Gigi a good road to travel. Yes, they have bumps before their HEA and epilogue. Yes, their faith in love and their faith in trust is SEVERELY tempted. Madison does seek and receive help. She comes back into Sebastian’s life on her way to health, but it proves to be a wake up call for Sebastian himself.

The absolute best thing about this book is the unfailing, perfectly written, untraditional themes and mainly male character POV driven plot. Sebastian is the utter alpha male and imperfectly human. He questions and explores his flaws. He has emotions. He allows the reader and Gigi to see him at his most rock bottom and vulnerable.

It is an incredible story. You WILL cry by the way.

I loved this read into the Ice Kings world. I actually went back and downloaded the earlier books so I could catch up.

I hope you fall in love with Sebastian and Gigi. I did.

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebastian's marriage is over. After being served divorce papers on New Year's Day he ended up at the Ice Kings' favorite bar and got so drunk the bartender gave him her bed in the apartment upstairs. The bartender, and bar owners daughter, is Gigi and she slept on the couch after helping Sebastian.

What starts from there is a friendship and attraction that blossom into romance. There are some bumps along the way as Sebastian falls for her so quickly and they navigate a lot of changes together. I liked that Sebastian really cared about the end of his marriage. I think if that hadn't been the case it would have been more difficult to like him as the hero. Instead he's a good guy who has been hurt but finds a second chance where he doesn't expect it.

I have really enjoyed the whole Ice Kings series. Stacey Lynn has created a great group of characters and stories with humor, romance, and fun.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Jodi Bird (Ruby Red Romance Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Stacey Lynn and her love for hockey romance. I love getting lost in her words. I loved the idea behind this story. Sebastian has been served a bad hand. It seems like he’s had his run of bad luck. Sebastian and his first wife weren’t meant to be. They tried to give it a go. They tried for babies. But it just wasn’t meant to be. No Sebastian has let his guard down. He’s fallen for Gigi. Gigi is the daughter of the bar owner where Sebastian and his team go after games. Gigi is sweet and kind. She has the ear for listening that Sebastian needs. I loved how this love story evolved. Sebastian and Gigi started as friends and grew from there. It was amazing to watch their relationship.

This book was everything I could have asked for and so much more. I loved that was were able to see a few of our Ice Kings. I love it when we get to see what’s been going on. I loved this book. I hope we get more from this series.

[gretareadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The boys of the Ice Kings keep getting better and better! Hard Checked was an excellent sports romance!

Sebastian is a swooney hockey player who finds himself surprised by a divorce. It seemed a long time coming with all their problems however in walks Gigi and totally flips his world upside down. Gigi is a bit of a free spirit who has been crushing on Sebastian for quite a while.

Sebastian is an excellent leading man with a heart of gold. So worried about falling for a new woman so soon after a divorce he didn't exactly want. Sometimes when horrible events take place you are better for it! Gigi was so good about trying to stay true to who she is and protect her heart knowing that his divorce was so recent. I loved the two of them together. They were like a breath of fresh air when a past relationship gets to heavy to handle.

Love this series and look forward to more from Stacey Lynn!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian is having the best hockey season of his career but while everything seems to be going well for him professionally, his personal life is a completely different story. When his wife serves him with divorce papers it throws him and he ends up drinking his sorrows away in his favourite bar. My heart broke for Sebastian. If I’m honest it broke a little for his wife aswell. Going from childhood sweethearts to divorce is a bitter pill to swallow and Sebastian opening up to bartenders daughter Gigi seems to be his first step in moving on.

I loved Gigi. She’s got this amazing personality that draws you to her. What starts off as Gigi trying to be a friend turns into more when her pesky feelings get involved. She knows better than to get close to a man in Sebastians situation but knowing and doing are two different things.

I’ve read all the books in the Ice Kings series and this is without a doubt my favourite so far. I definitely recommend reading this book.

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacey Lynn is on a winning streak with book four in the Ice Kings series, HARD CHECKED. In this story, Carolina Ice Kings defenseman Sabastian Hendrix is devastated when his wife, Madison, asks him for a divorce. He begins to spend time with and confide to bartender Gigi Barnes, who makes him laugh and feel alive again. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult readers.

Stacey Lynn does a great job with this novel. Gigi was also divorced being able to relate to Sebastian. They had a different outlook. Sebastian is a great guy. I felt horrible for what he, and Madison endured. I appreciated that Gigi was there for him, and their friendship grew. They are quite different individual. They were both what the other person needed. I like how they handled things with Madison.

HARD CHECKED is a wonderful addition to the Ice Kings series. I love how the characters from the other books played a significant part in this story. Stacey Lynn continues to write entertaining and worthwhile novels. I recommend this book to people who enjoy sports romances. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Gigi and Sebastian. I liked how author made the experience seem real. I did like how Gigi thought things through and waited for a chance to communicate. Most of this genre fails on the female leads in this and has them misunderstand something and RUN away. Not here and I loved it!!!

No mention of puck bunnies but they covered some of that question of why Sebastian hasn't been sexually active and it's because her dad's bar has been a privacy place for the team (for some reason they are left alone).

A fair amount of hockey dates and some games are built in this story. It's a lot of travel and a lot of brutal games. Whew.

[abi. · Rating 3 out of 5]

── ✦✦✦:

“But Gigi? She’s the best chance I’ve ever taken.”

A cute little book that hit me in all the feels. There was a few plot points I didn’t like about this book hence the three star rating, but other than that I wasn’t expecting anything ground breaking so I was very happy reading this.

Gigi and Sebastian were cute. Nothing spectacular though. I think it’s because I never like the divorce / unexpected pregnancy plot points used in books. It feels very fickle and rushed to me but it didn’t play out as bad as I was expecting which made me breathe a sigh of relief.

Other than that, a cute, adorable read with this found family. I’m actually sad to read the last book and say goodbye to this small world.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this amazing series and is Sebastian and Gigi’s story. Sebastian is been left reeling after just receiving divorce papers and goes into a pub to drown his sorrows. Gigi is the bartender who has just come through an amicable divorce, and she is a willing ear for Seb. Gigi is the calm to his storm, and their friendship grows as well as having an undeniable attraction between them. This is a well written story which is pulls at the heartstrings, and is filled with drama, heartbreak, emotions, humour, and unconditional love.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a book worth sinking your heart into. There's more drama off the ice than on. Hard Checked is a chance to begin again for a hero that's down on love, but not out of the game. Lynn make sure there are plenty of reasons to laugh through the pain of life, love and the whole shebang. Gigi and Sebastian are as intoxicating together as they are frustrating apart. An addiction that refuses to be denied.

[B-Books Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest and say that this is my favorite book from the series. Stacey created an emotional, inspirational and yet fun story with Gigi and Sebastian. They are so different from each other, but when together they compliment perfectly.

When her divorce was finalized, Gigi decided to travel abroad alone and find new adventure and herself again. She has a free spirit, with her colored hair and tattoos, but when her dad fall sick she decides to be comeback and work at her dad’s bar. For the past year working there she met the whole Ice Kings hockey team and got attracted to Sebastian or hotshot as she calls him. But she would never go there because is married.

Hotshot is having the worse year ever, his wife just served him the divorce papers on New Year’s Eve and is not talking to him anymore. They’ve been through hell with a lot of fertility problems which brought mental health issues on her. I loved that he tried to help her at all costs and tried to fight for her. Once their divorce is finalized, he finally have the help from his team but most important, from Gigi.

They created an amazing bond of friendship that grow towards love. She helped him heal in more ways then one and it was super fun to read they navigating the road of love thinking it was just a fling when in reality from the beginning they were so much more.

She once again change his world when she got pregnant of him when he thought he couldn’t have kids at all. It was so good their banter and how they worked their differences and insecurities. I loved the twist and drama at the end, but also made everything so much worthy. I love them together, they are so perfect. This is a must read sports romance!

[watty_04]

Honestly hated this book….it was rushed and their relationship was kinda forced. I don’t know how to explain it but I feel like he should have waited a while before he started a thing with Gigi cuz the whole time I was reading it I felt like he was only with her to forget about Maddison and even in the end I felt like he chose to stay with Gigi because he knew if he went back to Madison it wouldn’t be the same and bro I understand that he went through a lot but he was always thinking about Madison and I don’t know I felt like that ruined it for me. I feel like if there wasn’t an epilogue they definitely would have broken up. I can’t even give it any stars. So this was definitely not what I was expecting but ya that’s my opinion. (Also no hate to the author I just didn’t really like the book and wanted to give my true opinion love your other books though)

[Irem · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I was reading this book, I was like cool, fun to read. But then there is this section about Turkey, Ankara. Honestly I’m shocked that you even couldn’t try to search the city. I’m living in Ankara there is no camels or terrorism. Incase you are wondering I’m leaving link so you can see for yourself. Sure there is some people wearing long sleeves, body covered. But you can see those people in US or Europe. And the way you describe its just insulting.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/im...

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many feels!! Stacey Lynn writes big, bad sports players with these huge hearts and broken souls who need their hopes and dreams rebuilt like no other. Sebastian completely tore me apart and Gigi helped put him and me back together!!

I love love. It's no secret. It's one of the reasons why I love reading so much, but most certainly one of the reasons why I read the genre I do. In real life when I meet people I adore hearing their own personal love story just as much as I love reading new ones every day. In Hard Checked you get two and a half stories in one book, but just like life you aren't one person living life all by yourself. People come into your life affecting how you live your life, your moods, the direction you may want to take, so on and so forth. In Hard Checked we begin with Sebastian facing changes which include the end of his marriage and we meet Gigi who is home from traveling abroad after she has come out of an amblicle divorce herself.

These two have very different experiences when it comes to marriage, family, life in general, but Sebastian and Gigi are drawn together at first by an underlying chemistry, but the attraction grows in their continued friendship.

While Sebastian is struggling with the dissolution of his marriage he seeks out answers, friendship, honestly he doesn't really know, but Gigi gives him a sense of peace while he is truly downhearted at losing the one woman he's ever loved. Sebastian has only ever dated his wife. He's only ever been with one woman, so the thoughts of his wife leaving him have truly left his heart broken and his mind reeling. This is the one story that weaves in and out throughout the book and while you are rooting for Sebastian and Gigi your heart is also completely breaking for Sebastian over what he's lost in his marriage. He's completely torn in two even spending time with Gigi, but I promise you there is no cheating in this book and their friendship and ultimately relationship grows organically. Stacey Lynn is a masterful genius at pulling heartstrings over every emotion when it comes to this big strong hockey player.

We get glimpses into Gigi's history and what her marriage was like, which is the half story I was alluding to, but her experience jumping into the commitment world was completely different than Seb's. Gigi is much more of a free spirit who has a huge open heart, making her a great bartender who's never met a stranger. She's there to listen and offer up advice if Sebastian is looking for it, but more than anything she enjoys spending time with him which she will take over nothing at all. When things progress pass the friendship zone, she knows it could never be something serious, as they are just friends but maybe destiny has other plans for them. 

Hard Checked is a touching, very emotional story that by the end will warm your heart and bring a huge smile to your face.

[Danielle Cordsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Checked (Ice Kings Book 4)
By: Stacey Lynn

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Grouchy Hotshot?

In yet another perfect book From Stacey Lynn we finally get Sebastian and all that is his life. He is beautiful broken, definitely loyal, fiercely private and absolutely unsure what his future looks like. His marriage failed and he isn’t sure what to do next...

The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. She writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.




Authors Blurb: Getting served divorce papers was not how I planned spending New Year’s Day.

I probably shouldn’t have gone to my favorite bar and gotten wasted trying to drown my sorrows.
I definitely shouldn’t have spent the night passed out in the bed of the bartender’s daughter, Gigi.

And the absolute last thing I should have done was let my guard down and start having fun. Now I’m thinking of her all the time… fantasizing about the things I want to do to Gigi.

I’m in the middle of the best hockey season of my life. I need my head in the game and my focus on the playoffs – not playing house with the gorgeous bartender who makes me feel more alive than I have in years.

Finding someone new so soon after a failed marriage isn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done.

But it just might be too late. I’ve been checked hard into the boards, right off my skates, and I’m not only spinning out of control…

I might just be falling in love all over again.


This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment that Gigi sees Sebastian wander through the door of the bar she knows something is off with him, there is no usual smile, she just sees the look of a man that is completely lost. She doesn't want to pry, but she also doesn't want to ignore the fact that he obviously needs a friend right now. Then he proceeds to tell her he's fine and asks for some alcohol to ease his pain, and suddenly one drink becomes many, and Gigi no longer trusts putting him in a cab and sending him home alone. So she has him stay the night with her where she can keep an eye on him.

Not realizing this one nice gesture is about to change the course of both their lives...

Hard Checked is a story of second chances, finding love after loss, and taking chances. Sebastian lost everything in the blink of an eye, the woman he'd spent the majority of his life with divorced him, with option of reconciliation. He wasn't sure really where things went that wrong, but he also knew that it was a life he'd never get back, so he walked away and gave his ex-wife the peace she asked for.

But then Gigi comes crashing into his life and it's as if he's been given a second chance at love again, but he has some serious doubts about venturing down that road again so soon. But Gigi is a completely different woman and she makes him feel things he's never experienced before, and he doesn't want to let her go, even though his head keeps telling him to. This pairing had a lot hurdles to overcome, but once they found their footing and realized what they had before them it became smooth sailing from there on out.

This was such a beautifully written second chance story, the emotions were raw and touching, and the characters were so easy to love and connect to... it was perfect from beginning to end! I loved watching another one of the Ice Kings find their happily ever after, as with all the other installments, this one gave the heartstrings a nice little tug and had me blushing more than a few times too. I have to say this series just keeps getting better, I cannot wait to see who graces the pages of the next installment!! Highly recommend this one, it's characters are bound to leave an impression on your heart!

[Soly's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depuis que j'ai découvert la série "Ice Kings" de Stacey Lynn, je me régale à chaque nouvelle sortie et je l'avoue, j'attendais ce tome 4 "Hard Checked" avec impatience car il met en scène Sebastian, un des joueurs qui semblaient les plus posés dans les tomes précédents mais surtout qui n'était pas heureux. On ne savait pas ce qui se passait mais juste que sa femme semblait être une garce, peu appréciée des autres compagnes des autres joueurs de hockey.
On va donc découvrir donc dans ce roman ce qu'il en est et force est de constater que c'est un nouvel homme qui va faire son apparition, lorsque forcé au divorce par son amour de jeunesse, devenue son épouse, il va s'ouvrir aux autres et notamment à Gigi, la barwoman du bar que tous fréquentent régulièrement depuis plus d'un an et qui va le soutenir dans cette épreuve.. Lui qui était malheureux va retrouver la joie de vivre et bien sûr, vous l'imaginer l'amour...

Mais rien n'est simple : pourquoi Sebastian et Madison, ensemble depuis le lycée et mariés depuis plusieurs années, vont-ils en arriver à divorcer? Qu'est-ce qui pousse Madison à le quitter? Quant à Gigi, elle est revenue de son voyage autour du monde, après un divorce, là encore avec son amour de lycée, pour soutenir son père, propriétaire du bar mais dont la santé décline : elle va recueillir tout d'abord Sebastian après une nuit de beuverie chez elle (il s'enivre pour oublier la demande de divorce inattendue et le fait que sa femme ne veuille plus lui parler) mais le jeune homme le lendemain est limite odieux, il ne se souvient de rien et rien ne s'est passé : pourtant, elle le pousse à se confier et progressivement, ils vont se rapprocher.. Mais Sebastian demeure un homme marié tant que le divorce n'est pas prononcé ! La jeune femme qui craque pour lui depuis un an ne veut pas être juste un bouche-trou en attendant qu'il se reprenne... leur histoire a-t-elle donc un avenir? et bien vous le saurez en lisant cette belle romance et ce beau roman touchant qui ne vous fera qu'aimer davantage Sebastian.

Il est sorti le 13 septembre et je remercie Social Butterfly Pr pour leur envoi et leur confiance de ce roman en sp comme les précédents.

Chronique complète ici : https://solysbooks.blogspot.com/2020/...

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian, member of the Ice Kings Hockey team, is in the middle of one of the best seasons of his career. He’s just returned home from an out of town game only to be served divorce papers. It’s not exactly how he thought his New Year’s would go. Not wanting to be alone, Sebastian heads to the local bar that he and his teammates frequent. As he sits there drinking until he’s blitzed, Gigi grows more and more concerned. At closing, she ends up taking him to her apartment above the bar to sleep it off. When he awakes the next morning, he doesn’t remember anything and is rude to Gigi. He later returns to apologize and finds he truly enjoys Gigi’s company.

Gigi is a free-spirited, college educated, divorced woman. Her father, the only family she has left, is close to retirement and is having health issues so she returned home to work in the family owned bar. From the first moment she laid eyes on Sebastian, she was intrigued. Sebastian always had a frown on his face and never seemed happy, but he was married. While drinking away his sorrows, he opens up to Gigi and admits he was served divorce papers. Gigi listens, offers advice, and leaves it at that as she believes he still has unfinished business with his wife. While working through his issues, Gigi and Sebastian’s friendship grows and feelings develop. But Gigi doesn’t want to be a “rebound”.

I LOVED this novel! I was sooo ready to learn the background behind Sebastian’s failing marriage. Stacey Lynn delved into hard topics—infertility, mental health, and divorce. I enjoyed “seeing” divorce from a man’s POV. All too frequently, we only hear the woman’s side so this was refreshing. I was also glad Sebastian got the closure he so desperately needed, while alerting her family to her health issues. I was truly glad she was able to get the help she needed. I also loved the “family” dynamic at the bar. The regulars that had helped change Gigi’s diapers when she was a baby—priceless. The chemistry was off the charts. I enjoyed their hikes because they led to meaningful conversations. The puppy was adorable too! Flawlessly written! Highly recommended! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved "Hard Checked" by Stacey Lynn, a sweet, funny, emotional story which featured endearing characters and a compelling plot that kept me turning the pages long after my bedtime. Male lead Sebastian was such a kind and caring person, and I really felt for him after everything he went through with his ex-wife, Madison. I particularly appreciated that he didn't just walk away from Madison when he knew their marriage was over; he made sure that her parents understood what was going on so that Madison would get the help she needed, even though she wouldn't accept it from him. I also loved Sebastian's relationship with his dog, Bruiser. The two of them were responsible for many of the lighter moments in the story, such as when Sebastian used a blow dryer on Bruiser after they went swimming one night so that the dog could still sleep in his bed with him.

The book's female lead, Gigi, was independent, kind, and empathetic, and I loved the way she brought Sebastian out of himself after his struggles with Madison. The stories she told Sebastian about her years of travel were fascinating, and frankly I was jealous of how much she was able to see and do! I've always dreamed of visiting many of the places she saw in her time abroad. I also loved Gigi's artsy, funky sense of style, especially with her hair. She was a breath of fresh air for Sebastian after Madison's rigid adherence to schedules and concern for appearances, and I found it very easy to root for them to overcome all of the obstacles standing in their way and end up together.

Overall, I highly recommend "Hard Checked" for all fans of contemporary and sports romance. I can't wait for the next book in the series! (I'm kind of hoping Sebastian's teammate Klaus will find love next, but there are several Ice Kings players who would make great heroes IMO...)

*Review copy provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Cate at Fiction Beer & Cupcakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Sebastian Hendrix had a rough few years in his personal life. His professional side has been strong as he is a defenseman for the Carolina Ice Kings. Then things came to an abrupt stop when he was served divorce papers. After secretly experiencing personal heartache, he now can tell someone, but that someone is the bartender’s daughter and recently made his pants tight.

Georgia “Gigi” Barnes had traveled the world bouncing from place to place, and seeing things the rest of us have only ever read. Now that she is back home, she sneaks at the hunky Sebastian when he comes into her father's bar. However, one night of Sebastian drinking solo and he winds up in her bed.

“I like showing people what they might be missing in their own back yards. I feel like people tend to get comfortable in their own areas, their own favorites. I want people to see the beauty in exploration, even if it’s simply a different neighborhood.”

I liked this story. This book does talk about infertility and the private personal struggles those dealing with it go through. Sebastian is an amazing man who has been strong for as long as he physically could—having someone like Gigi to talk to has helped him. Gigi was the perfect bar girl, the person you can unload anything onto, and you don’t exactly have to go back to that bar to see them. They are cheaper than therapists, but may not always hand out the best info. I would have spilled all the beans to Gigi and would have made googly eyes with Sebastian.

[Melissa Machado · Rating 4 out of 5]

  ***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***


This is the first book I've read by Stacey Lynn. I found the plot was well written and the story was realistic, pleasant, emotional, and included some steamy parts. This story focuses on Sebastian and Gigi.

Sebastian was a mix of sweet, giving, sensitive, angry, bitter, attentive, and sexy.
While Gigi was fun, adventurous, caring, passionate, but guarded.

The story was very relatable in terms of marriage, divorce, dating again, etc. For me I could relate to Sebastian by the fact he's a Minnesota boy. I grew up and live in Minnesota so it was cool reading my home state in the story and knowing he was from there.

Sebastian is lost and on a new journey to find himself, Gigi has already been on her own journey for the last few years. They both have gone through some heartbreaking, life changing moments, and I think that's part of what draws them together. Gigi wants to be there for Seb and for Seb, Gigi is the light he didn't know he needed or was missing in his life. They have great chemistry together.

One thing that stood out is that it seemed like the world revolved around Seb and his issues, his career, wants and needs. I felt that Gigi had a lot to offer with her talents and they were never really used or mentioned after they started dating. It just seemed like it was always about Seb and what he was going through.

[Melissa Miller-Mattern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog

Sebastion is a hockey god on the ice but at home, things are not going well. His wife took off to visit her family. Unable to contact her, Sebastion is surprised when divorce papers are served to him on New Year's Day. Sebastion heads to the Ice Kings favorite dive bar where the little spit-fire Gigi, the daughter of owner of George's now tends bar. Gigi has had a crush on Sebastion for a year but her realized he was married and she left it there; a harmless crush that no one will ever know about but fate has other plans. Soon both seek each other out for company and shameless flirting. Sebastion not knowing what he had to give with the his current life and Gigi not looking for a relationship never knowing when she might take off again to travel the world. Soon both finds themselves in a relationship, the thing either of them expected.
Stacey's Ice Kings series are always good. What beings with hot, professional hockey players evolves into a steamy romance that I personally love. This whole series is amazing and I was excited to finally find out what was going on with Sebastion and his wife. This is a must read for any sports-loving reader.

[Reading to Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story hooked me from the start with its emotional and heartbreaking story line of Sebastian, a professional hockey player with the Ice Kings, surprisingly being served divorce papers after his wife and the only woman he ever loved up and leaving him without talking to him. On top of that, their troubles were not common knowledge and to protect his wife's privacy, he felt like he couldn't talk with anyone about it, so he suffered alone.

Until the day Sebastian opens up to Gigi, the outgoing and adventurous bartender at George's, the bar the team goes to after hockey games. Something about her catches his eye and things take off from there. I loved that Gigi gave Sebastian something he wasn't able to get with his wife. I loved that she truly listened to him and encouraged him and was invested in him from the start after he gave his all for so long in a relationship where it wasn't reciprocated. Sebastian and Gigi had some amazing chemistry and I loved that their personalities complemented each other perfectly.

I really enjoy Stacey Lynn's writing style and I love sports books. I can't wait for more of the Ice Kings!!!