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Last Defense (Harrisburg Railers Series Book 5) Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 630 ratings

Two men afraid to feel, have to make choices that could end up breaking down their defenses and leading them back to love.

Every time Max Van Hellren steps on the ice he knows it could be his last time. At thirty he’s past his hockey prime but he’s also hiding a life-threatening injury that private doctors warn could kill him. This is his last season, and there’s a chance he could lift the Stanley Cup after fourteen years in the NHL. He just needs to stay safe and healthy; difficult when he’s known for his heavy hitting and with a propensity for dropping the gloves and putting his body in the way of pucks to keep his team safe.

A one night stand with a sexy man was just what he needed, dangerous and hot, but what if it turned into more? Would he actually have to share the secrets he so desperately tries to hide?

Ben Worthington had it all. A fulfilling job running the CrossRoads Shelter, his loving aunts, and a husband that understood his devotion to animals. Then, the love of his life left him, succumbing so quickly to an unexpected sickness that Ben never had time to say goodbye. The violent loss scarred him.

Unable to move past his fears, he moves from lonely encounter to lonely encounter, slaking a desperate need that is eating away at him, but never making a connection that could lead him back into love. One night with Max makes him want more, but will giving into the temptation open the door to feelings he can’t contain?

Can these two broken men ever find a way to be together?

Word Count: 53,000

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There are 13 books in this series.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07D39WZV7
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Lane Books Ltd
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 14, 2018
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 198 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1785641145
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 5 of 13 ‏ : ‎ Harrisburg Railers
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 630 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
630 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a fabulous read with a nice love story and great characters. The writing quality is well-received, and customers appreciate how it plays into their love of hockey.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

16 customers mention "Readability"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fabulous read and part of a fun series, with one customer noting it's very believable.

"I really enjoy these hockey books and the men in them...." Read more

"This was probably my favorite book for the series so far. I cried, laughed, and everything in between...." Read more

"...But when I finally bought the first book, I was completely hooked on this series. It is just as good as all the other R.J. Scott's series...." Read more

"Five books in and I'm still loving this series!..." Read more

10 customers mention "Romance"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the relationship between Max and Ben.

"...I really loved Ben and Max together and the addition of dogs made it even better...." Read more

"...So, I liked the romance but not so much the rest of the plot." Read more

"I liked this story a lot. It was a smooth read. I liked the action between the Railers and Raptors for the setup for the next book...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the story and the interactions between all the characters...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...Full of action, fun, hot men and great characters. Highly recommended." Read more

"...I enjoyed the story and the interactions between all the characters...." Read more

"...And this is a fun series. Not too angsty. Well written and likeable characters with some occasional bits of humor." Read more

"...Great characters, lots of hockey, and Hot as hell! :)" Read more

6 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one describing it as a smooth read.

"...The writing is excellent as always." Read more

"I liked this story a lot. It was a smooth read. I liked the action between the Railers and Raptors for the setup for the next book...." Read more

"...at the end, but the characters (as always with these authors) were well written and very believable. It was a bit of a bitter sweet ending!..." Read more

"Great story and series must read great author worth the read especially the whole series and all of their other books too...." Read more

3 customers mention "Hockey content"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the hockey content in the book.

"This series never fails to entertain me and definitely plays into my love of hockey...." Read more

"...I'm a big fan of hockey series, and this is one of my favorite series ever. Great characters, lots of hockey, and Hot as hell! :)" Read more

"I loved Max and Ben's story! This series has made me a hockey fan...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2018
    I really enjoy these hockey books and the men in them.
    Ben and Max has an instant attraction but with both men having things from their past stopping them from relationships they are both hesitant to start anything. But when the attraction takes over and they start sleeping together it's hard not to get the heart involved.

    I really loved Ben and Max together and the addition of dogs made it even better. And I'm happy that we got to meet Stan again, I just love that big Russian goalie.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2018
    Ben runs a rescue shelter. He lost his husband and partner Liam a couple of years before. Still not over the loss, he works long hours, trying to move on. Quick encounters with nameless men his only outlet.

    Max is a hockey player for the Railers. He knows this is his last year, his last chance for a shot at the Stanley Cup. He's already had one brain surgery and he's been told that with his rough game playing he might not be so lucky if it happened again.

    When they meet the chemistry is instant. Max has a vision of Ben underneath him and it's a “Very Good Thing”. They go from a one night thing to an every night possible thing very quickly. Max hiding his health issue and Ben trying so hard to not let his heart get involved.

    As with all the other books, this one is centered around family, the good, the bad, and the family they make. The drama comes from family issues mostly. I saw this book as more of a love story than the others in the series. The writing is excellent as always.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2023
    This was probably my favorite book for the series so far. I cried, laughed, and everything in between. My only issue is that the Coach’s name is wrong throughout the whole book. Benton is one of the main characters. Coach Benning is the coach.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2018
    I love R.J. Scott"s books, but I am not much of a hockey (or sports) fan, so it toke me a while to pick up this series. But when I finally bought the first book, I was completely hooked on this series. It is just as good as all the other R.J. Scott's series. Full of action, fun, hot men and great characters. Highly recommended.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2018
    I was given an ARC to review but bought the final version anyway because I love this series.

    When I finished, I immediately wanted to know what happens next for Max and Ben. Max’s and Ben’s journeys are challenging, since Max’s secret plays straight into Ben’s fears but it is wonderful to see them work it out. I’m hoping they keep up with the Railers socially so that we see them in the next book.

    One caveat – since Ben isn’t associated with the Railers, there is less hockey and especially less team behind-the-scenes than in previous books. All the other couples make at least brief appearances, though Erik more in passing, as well as Trent’s Lola but no Noah. The story continues the team’s own story arc so I’m curious to see if the next book is the off-season or if we’re into next season.

    I actually live in Harrisburg so I probably get a bit too invested in trying to figure out the geography of fictional Harrisburg. Maybe in the next book I’ll finally figure out where the arena is.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2018
    like this series and I snapped this latest entry right up when it came out.

    Sadly, it was just okay.

    I like Ben a great deal. Animal loving, no skill shelter owning, widower with social justice warrior aunties. Love it.

    Max is great as well. And I like how they fall for each other.

    The first sexy time did feel out of character for them though or at least Ben. There are some nice subtle discussion of race in the book as Ben been is Black and Max is white.

    And then we have the drama and bad guy which just was not needed. This side plot is too simplified and it would have been a better book if the authors had spent more time with the characters.

    So, I liked the romance but not so much the rest of the plot.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2021
    Five books in and I'm still loving this series! It's pretty cool how each book is within the same season and you see the team progress in that season. Big guy Max just wanted someone to cuddle with and hug him on a daily basis and self-sufficient Ben turned out to be the guy he needed. After some ugliness from Ben's past, and a health scare, these two men were on their road to their happily ever after.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2021
    I liked this story a lot. It was a smooth read. I liked the action between the Railers and Raptors for the setup for the next book. The romance between the the two main characters was sweet. Rolf was an ass. I like having all the Railers characters jumping in to help when needed. More sports people need to be like this in real life.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Morgans mum
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book to spend time with
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 14, 2018
    The MC's in this series a re all well defined and great to read.
  • iNyanga
    4.0 out of 5 stars Best of the series so far
    Reviewed in Australia on May 14, 2019
    Oh god the climax of the hockey component of this book was off the charts. Loved the story of Max and Ben.
  • Pontiki
    4.0 out of 5 stars Playoff parties
    Reviewed in Canada on October 17, 2021
    Ben runs a no kill shelter he’s been left by his husband. Max is playing for the Railers, and runs across Ben when he’s there to look into some fundraising.

    Ben hasn’t been interested in anyone since losing Liam, but there’s a spark with Max he wants to pursue. But Max has a secret about a brain bleed that leaves him with a small risk of death. When this comes to light, Ben’s fear makes him run.

    But that doesn’t last, since their love for each other returns them to their relationship. I like both these guys, each with some deep issues, but facing them together.

    A reference to the unfair oppression of racial groups was good to see, when Ben said he couldn’t drive around rich neighbourhoods looking for Stan’s house. Sad reality that needs to change.

    KU
  • Nadja
    4.0 out of 5 stars Puppies, cats and men in love
    Reviewed in Germany on March 2, 2019
    There's nothing better than books where animals are involved.

    I love Ben and Max with all my heart, but I love Ben's dog even more (haha). One of my favs of the series.
  • janet
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in Canada on December 9, 2019
    Good read

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