ARC Book Review - Defenseless, Allie Lasky

 

Book Rating: 

Ryan is a new transfer to Aidan's NHL team. He likes that he's now around Hailey & Aidan. The 2 people he's always loved the most. He considers both of them his best friend. He & Hailey were always in the same class growing up. He likes being around her. Despite being a professional hockey player, Ryan hasn't dated a lot. He has been around women, and gone on one or two dates, but that's about it. He doesn't have a lot of experience in the women department. He's actually only ever had eyes for Hailey. He's never been sure if he should make a move, or just keep their friendship the same. He doesn't want to rock the boat. But, he sees Hailey out on a date New Years Eve, and he wants to be with her. He has to be with her, no matter what Aidan may say. 

Hailey is 28 yrs old, she has some chronic illnesses that are very hard on her body, POTS and EDS. Both separately are bad but with both she has more bad days than good ones. Her doctors thought she was just trying to get pills and was a junky, but through blood testing and a doctor who actually cared she found out she has both, EDS and POTS. She uses a walker and or a cane. She lives with her brother, Aiden is on the same NHL hockey team with Ryan. They all grew up together and both guys made it to the NHL. 

Hailey and Ryan have been in the same grade and classes since they were in 3rd grade. They have known each other each other forever. Now that they are adults and living in the same building they see each other daily. Hailey and Ryan are very close, best friends in fact. But will Ryan see her if she tells him she has romantic feelings for her? Or will he see just her Illnesses / her invisible disease?

Aidan is Hailey's brother. He's cared for her ever since their parents died. He is the one steady person she can always count on. He plays for a NHL hockey team the same team that Ryan was traded to not so long ago. They are always around each other. Aidan has never called Hailey a burden, he wants to be with her and he wants to take care of her. Hailey knows that she is a drain on him, and she always feels guilty about that. Aidan never seems to push her away from him, he loves her, even if she has found love with Ryan. 

I did receive a free ARC book copy. I am freely leaving a honest book review.