Toni Aleo scores with HARD HIT (IceCats #3). In this story, IceCat, Kirby Litman and lawyer, Jaylin Raventorn had been attracted to each other for over a year. When Kirby’s ex, Lilly, announced she was pregnant, Kirby tried to give that relationship a go. Now Lilly abandoned him and their daughter, Celeste; leaving Kirby and Jaylin able to peruse a relationship again. However, there are multiple obstacles the two must endure. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult readers.

Kirby is the friend and teammate of Nico Merryweather, and Jaylin is the best friend of Aviva Pearce. Nico’s and Aviva’s story was in the previous book Wild Tendy (ICECATS #2). Kirby, Jaylin, and Celeste are great characters. Kirby and Jaylin both had negative events that occurred in their pasts that posed interesting challenges for them to overcome. I like Kirby and Jaylin together. They are stronger with each other than apart.

I loved the overlap with the other books. It was fun reading more about Aviva and Nico. I enjoyed getting an update on the Adler twins. I cannot wait for their stories. HARD HIT is a great addition to the IceCats series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. ( )