The Defender: A Single Dad Hockey Romance

Gina Azzi

Aug 2021 · Boston Hawks Hockey Book 5 · Three Cities Publishing LLC

About this ebook

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?

Ratings and reviews

5 Star Review The Defender (Boston Hawks Hockey #3) by Gina Azzi I loved this latest addition to the Boston Hawks Hockey series. The Defender is James Ryan and Bella Matthews’s story and I absolutely loved it. I have been intrigued with James since I learnt he was a single dad to twins Milly and Mason. The Defender is a second chance at love story and was a great addition to the series. I was hooked on the story Ms. Azzi wove from the first chapter to the last. Being nanny to James’s children is bittersweet for Bella. When she learns that her recent one night stand is in fact her new boss she knows that life is about to become complicated. Can James and Bella keep the obvious attraction they have for one another at bay? Both have emotional baggage, loss and grief to contend with. Will that bring them together or tear them apart? There were times my heart broke for all that James, Bella, Milly and Mason have been through and I was brought to tears. The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore and I loved the development of their relationship and the support they gave to one another as they brought light and life back into one another’s life. I fell hard and fast for James, in fact I have a new book boyfriend, he has a heart of gold and is totally swoon worthy; Bella is a wonderful woman who deserves to find love and happiness. This is an emotional story that ticked all the boxes for me and one I have no hesitation in recommending.

First time reader of this particular author, I loved the whole story and the real substance of the family and the dynamics of the nanny, it made the characters even more realistic. I could feel the emotions of the kids and Bella. Good writing and a great read.

This was a great read! I'm loving this series. This book was so good. I couldn't put it down. I'm also a sucker for a single dad. This book was an emotional read. I even had tears in my eyes times. My heart just broke for James and his kids and Bella. So much loss they have endured. This book is also one of hope and healing. It's a beautiful story that pulled on my heartstrings. I can't recommend this one enough! It's my new favorite of the series so far!