BOOKWORM REVIEW: The Defender by Gina Azzi

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️

STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥

I don't think I've cried this hard while reading a book for a long time.

The Defender is book 5 of Gina Azzi's Boston Hawks Hockey series, and it focuses on James and Bella.

James Ryan is one of the Hawks' defensemen. He recently lost his wife Layla, and is struggling with raising his twins, Milly and Mason.

Bella Andrews is no stranger to loss, either. Hers came in the form of a tough divorce.

They meet at the Hawks' favorite watering hole, where Bella was filling in for her friend's shift, and they immediately hit it off. We're talking a Grand Slam (I know -- wrong sport). Bella ends up ghosting him after their hook-up.

Fast forward to two months later, and their paths cross again when James inadvertently hires Bella as the twins' nanny.

The character development is one of my favorite parts of this book. James and Bella each had their own personal demons, and I love that we get to share their journey as they try to overcome their personal adversities. 

They were such relatable and wonderful characters to begin with. Despite her past, Bella was intuitive and kind. James was caring and thoughtful. It was refreshing to dig into a romance with two emotionally mature people.

Azzi did a marvelous job in balancing their efforts to heal and grieve with the growth of their relationship with each other. I also felt that how their relationship with the kids (individually and together) was so beautifully done.

This was a wonderfully written book, and I look forward to the next installment in the series.

** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. **

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