Hard Checked

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.

Oh, wow... I have to say I didn't see Sebastian's story would ending this way. I also didn't mean it in a bad way because I enjoy reading the book. I like Gigi's attitude and think she is perfect for Sebastian. And Sebastian is a good guy who deserves to have the second chance to be loved. Even if the timeline is a little bit improper because while I do understand Sebastian's feeling, I am torn by what is right or wrong too because he starts feeling for Gigi so fast. Anyway, the author creates the story so good. She balances an angst on Sebastian and Madison's part with Sebastian and Gigi's encounters so well so I decide to give it 4.5 stars.

I have been an Ice Knights fun since the first book but Sebastian is definitely my favorite!! From the very beginning of this book, I was hooked. My heart broke for Sebastian and I wanted to scoop him up and give him a hug. Gigi is everything that Seb needed in order to heal from the loss of his marriage and the only relationship he’s ever had. Sebastian being a committed guy to his high school sweetheart, who never ever dreamed of looking at anyone else, was a refreshing take on a sports star. He’s seriously all the swoon. And Gigi is goals. She’s smart, independent, and she doesn’t take any nonsense from anyone. She sticks up for herself without hesitation and she’s open and honest from the jump. I seriously couldn’t have had any more love for these two if I tried. I can’t get enough of this series and I’m super excited for more Ice Knights to come!!