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BOOKWORM REVIEW: Brawler's Weakness by Gina Azzi

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
STEAM: 🔥🔥.5

Maisy Stratford is excited about the changes in her life. Some of it is expected: a new job with the Tennessee Thunderbolts and a new, more confident outlook on life. Some of it..not so much. Her boyfriend leaves her, taking her furniture and goldfish with him. (How dare him!) Her first day at the job did not quite go as she planned.

However, these changes seem to lead her on Axel Daire's path, and she isn't complaining. The Bolts brawler is not only pleasant on the eyes, but he is also a kind, nurturing single dad who can't seem to look away from Maisy.

This is a love story about two people who have been so focused on a singular thing during their entire life to date that they had to re-learn how to engage in other things. With Axel being a single dad who has kept his heart on lockdown, he needed to learn how to let Maisy in and how to communicate his emotions better. Maisy has had to work on her confidence and self-esteem after experiencing disparaging comments about her weight from people around her. This leads to constant anxiety and overthinking which affects her connection with Axel.

But as with any Gina Azzi story, the journey of these two MCs facing these adversities on their way to a HEA is the best part. The inherent flaws make them so relatable that you cannot help but cheer for them and wish them the best. The ensemble cast of the series -- even the grouchy ones-- provides such a supportive environment to boot.

This is a slow-burn read, and there are a couple hits of spice. This does lean toward the sweeter end of the steam spectrum, so if you are looking for a hot read, this might not be the right read at this time. However, if you are looking for a hockey romance read that focuses on a deeper emotional connection of the characters, this is a great pick for you.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Gina Azzi and Give Me Books PR for providing an ARC. **

ABOUT THE BOOK

There’s only one woman I truly care about: my daughter. Until Maisy Stratford flounces into the front office of the Tennessee Thunderbolts with a heartfelt smile and a tray of baked goods.

As the Bolts’ newest hire, Maisy is optimistic, enthusiastic, and a goddess at manifestation.

Everything I’m not.

Known as Brawler, I’m a gruff, quiet, rough-around-the-edges, NHL defenseman. I haven’t dated in decades. I’ve never been married and my daughter’s a twenty-one-year-old mischief maker. I don’t know how to talk about feelings or place my trust in the hands of a woman. Even one with a heart of gold.

With my daughter Lola egging me on, I finally ask Maisy out.

But I don’t want to be her rebound; I want to be her forever. Even if I don’t know how to tell her that. Even if she’s not ready for me.

If I’m being honest, I’m not ready for her either.


     

MEET GINA AZZI

Gina Azzi writes emotional and captivating contemporary romance novels with heart-warming happily-ever-afters. She is the author of Boston Hawks Hockey, Second Chance Chicago Series, The Kane Brothers Series, Finding Love in Scotland Series, The College Pact Series, and Corner of Ocean and Bay.

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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