Friends, if you've been reading the Boston Hawks series by Gina Azzi, then chances are you've found yourself curious about James Ryan! Well it's time. It is time for his story to be told! The Defender is the fifth book in the Boston Hawks series, and trust me when I say to have the tissues on hand! I may have bawled like a baby a couple of times. Just putting that out there.
Oh how to recap this book without getting emotional...James Ryan has been playing for the Hawks for a while now, and these guys are his family. They supported him through the most difficult period of his life, and they've rallied around him as he learns how to be a single dad. The day his wife died was the worst day of his life, and a few years later he is still grieving. It's him and his kids against the world, and he fully believes he's not going to find love again. Or if he does, he will feel guilty because he loved his wife with everything he had. One night after a game, the team all heads out to their favorite bar. It is there that James sees Bella. He's never seen her before so she must be new. Leave it to Panda to make introductions. James recognizes something in Bella's face though. He sees the pain and heartache she is trying to mask because he too is trying to keep his mask in place. James is drawn to her, and at the end of the night these two find themselves talking. That then leads to a night together. When James awakes the next morning, Bella is no where to be found. Until a short period later when she shows up at his house. James didn't put two and two together when reading the information on the potential nanny. He just knows he needs someone he can trust with his kids while he's at work. When he answers the door and sees her standing there, he's shocked. She's shocked. And the two make the decision that should she accept this job, nothing will happen between them. It can't. She needs to focus on her healing, and on taking care of these two amazing kids.
This book my friends. THIS BOOK! I knew going in that this story would be emotional because I've "seen" little snippets of James's story being shared in the previous books. But that didn't prepare me for what was about to happen. While I briefly mentioned the fact that James is a widower, I didn't touch on what Bella has been through. I knew it had to be something pretty major considering that she has her therapist on speed dial, and the fact that she is running (literally and metaphorically). Trigger warning: There was divorce, there was abuse, there was the birth and death of Mason, her baby. And that my friends, is where I lost it. (and I feel the tears welling up as I type.) It's no wonder that Bella is running and that she has her therapist on stand by. This woman has been through so much, and that loss is still so fresh. The way her story was handled felt right. You could feel the pain, the heartache, and see her grieving. You could see how she longed for a family, and how she wanted to be a mom. Oh my heart. So when she and James started their friendship/companionship/relationship/what-have-you, it felt right. You could see these two bonding over the losses they've both experienced. You could see the compassion and the empathy that they have for each other. While their story made me cry, I absolutely loved it. From the way things began, to how Bella cared for Mason and Milly, to the way James reacted about Mason, to the big dramatic moment, to the reconciliation, it was all so good. I think the only thing I would have liked more is if the other characters had more of an appearance in the book. Yes we saw James and Austin talking occasionally, and we saw Noah and Easton a little, but I guess I just expected a bit more. That is such a minor thing though that it doesn't even impact my opinion on the book. I loved it. I recommend it.
After reading The Defender, I think James may have pushed Torsten out of my #1 spot. I loved Torsten's story, but James and Bella, they have pulled on my heartstrings, and I don't think their story can be topped from the Boston Hawks series.
If you enjoy hockey romance, single dad romances, nanny romances, and/or forced proximity, then I hope you'll give The Defender a read. Just remember to have the tissues on hand because oofta, you'll need them. Also, I hope you don't consider what I shared about Bella to be a spoiler. I fully believe that what she experienced could be triggering for some, and so I feel that it is important for readers to be prepared. Especially if that is something they've experienced as well.
Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura
As Boston's most eligible nanny, I'm nurturing, trustworthy, and professional. Until my one-night stand turns out to be my new boss.
Hawks defenseman James Ryan is Boston's most eligible single-dad. He's solemn, gorgeous, and an incredible father. But I'm drawn to him for other reasons.
James's eyes reflect the same grief and hurt I'm drowning in. His twins struggle with the same pain that once destroyed me. Living with the Ryan family and caring for James's twins are both a salve and a curse.
Soon, what made us click one summer night over whiskey is wreaking havoc on our commitment to remain professional. Our friendship blossoms into something more. Something searching, healing, and unbelievably complicated.
Falling in love with Milly and Mason Ryan is easy. Falling in love with their father is something I never saw coming.
If I give my heart to James, will he put it back together? Or will I end up more shattered than I already am?
***
The Defender is a deeply emotional, single dad romance, with sensitive subject matter.
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Gina Azzi writes emotional and captivating contemporary romance novels with heart-warming happily-ever-afters. She is the author of Second Chance Chicago Series, The Kane Brothers Series, Finding Love in Scotland Series, The College Pact Series, and Corner of Ocean and Bay. All of her books can be read as stand-alones.
A Jersey girl at heart, Gina has spent her twenties traveling the world, living and working abroad, before settling down in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three children. She's a voracious reader, daydreamer, and coffee enthusiast who loves meeting new people. Say hey to her on social media or through
www.ginaazzi.com.
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