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Love You #3
Hard to Love You
A second chance sports romance…
Hailey Taylor's heart has always belonged to Mason Cahill. Unfortunately, sometimes love just isn’t enough.
Things on the baseball field come easy for Mason, but the rest of his life isn’t that simple. Now, he carries the burden of a secret that can destroy everything between him and Hailey.
Their love isn't sweet and simple. It's hot, loud…it’s messy.
Sparks fly.
Tempers flare.
Hearts shatter.
One thing is certain…nothing will ever be the same.
Hailey Taylor's heart has always belonged to Mason Cahill. Unfortunately, sometimes love just isn’t enough.
Things on the baseball field come easy for Mason, but the rest of his life isn’t that simple. Now, he carries the burden of a secret that can destroy everything between him and Hailey.
Their love isn't sweet and simple. It's hot, loud…it’s messy.
Sparks fly.
Tempers flare.
Hearts shatter.
One thing is certain…nothing will ever be the same.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2013
263 people are currently reading
2685 people want to read
About the author
Megan Smith
17 books2,117 followersMegan Smith is a USA TODAY Bestselling author who’s a stay-at-home mom and writes whenever her little heart can. She lives in Southern New Jersey with her husband and three children. When she’s not chasing around her children she loves watching movies, reading, spending time with her family and watching beautiful sunsets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
August 7, 2014
Hard to Love You picks up where Easy to Love You left off. Mason and Hailey are together, but within the first 10% Mason is caught in a hallway with another girl. It is obvious to the reader that nothing happened, but Hailey sees them and jumps to conclusions.
Instead of Mason telling her the truth and explaining what happened he decides to protect his family and in turn losing Hailey.
Hailey and Mason’s relationship has always been difficult, so can they finally find that happy medium and make things work?
This story is quick read and its nice to read something simple and light every once in a while. However, I did get extremely frustrated with how long this misunderstanding lasted. Mason could have at any point put an end to this and fixed things, instead he allows this to continue on for about 80% of the book.
I would recommend this to someone who is looking for something quick, with little angst.
November 13, 2013
I love this series but found this installment to be incredibly annoying. Why was Mason not telling anyone about what Lily said? It wasn't even about him or Hailey. After all the secrets that almost destroyed Hunter and Kenzie, why would he do that? The "secret" Mason was hiding was stupid. It happened years ago and didn't involve him. Why wouldn't he share that with Hailey? And there is nothing I hate more than a character who won't talk to the person who they're angry at and thus assumes the worst of everything. Why would he risk losing the love of his life over something like this??? And WHY would Hailey believe ANYTHING Lily or Brittany said?? I know she had a crappy childhood and was a little insecure, but after all the years she and Mason were friends and what they shared, I find it incredibly hard to believe she would so quickly not believe him and think the worst. And then it takes Mason MONTHS to discuss it with Cooper, who it was about to begin with????? And then in a blink of an eye, all is forgiven??? I call bullshit. Sorry but that's how I feel, which makes me sad because I really liked the first 2 books. The only thing that salvaged this book for me was the sections I got to read about Hunter and Kenzie.
March 3, 2017
No.....just No! He takes her virginity and then gets off with some new girl the next night (and she see's him) then after 8 years they separate and he spends the next several weeks buried inside a different woman every night "to deal with his lost"
Let me use capitals just in case my emotions don't translate into the page......
WHAT THE FUCK......YOU FUCKING MORON!!!
All the while our good little h is crying to herself not shagging anyone. And then after meeting with H they have unprotected sex and he knocks her up!
Oh how awesome is that after not being able to remember how many women he's drunkenly fucked over the last several weeks he then puts the h at risk by forgetting to wrap it up with her!!
What a bunch of dumb-arses!!!!
Let me use capitals just in case my emotions don't translate into the page......
WHAT THE FUCK......YOU FUCKING MORON!!!
All the while our good little h is crying to herself not shagging anyone. And then after meeting with H they have unprotected sex and he knocks her up!
Oh how awesome is that after not being able to remember how many women he's drunkenly fucked over the last several weeks he then puts the h at risk by forgetting to wrap it up with her!!
What a bunch of dumb-arses!!!!
November 15, 2013
When does this book come out?
Want to read
September 17, 2013looking for the release date :)
August 17, 2015
So I read this with no intention of reviewing it. I'm trying to finish off the series since it's been sitting on my Kindle for awhile now. Then I go to read it and get completely sucked back in again. It's a great book and a standalone, although reading the rest of the series benefits you. OH, no cliffy and an HEA!
August 17, 2014
Loved everything and more!!
What a book and what a series! This is getting better and better!
Off to the fourth book!
Thank you my dear Snjezana! ;)
What a book and what a series! This is getting better and better!
Off to the fourth book!
Thank you my dear Snjezana! ;)
January 17, 2020
I can't not complain about this stuff but at the same time I can't stop reading. As much as these people make me mad, they have me invested in their lifes. I still want to slap them lots of times but somehow I'm absorbed into this world of drama. It's just addictive.
Cooper has made a mistake years ago and now it's coming back, haunting his twin brother...
When Hailey runs into Mason and Lilly and her boyfriend chooses something Lilly knows, something that might completely screw his family, over her, she's finally had enough of his secrets.
Some huge surprises, some wannabe-drama and some shocking moments make this a light read, I could discuss for days. I enjoyed reading but there's also so much that's beyond irritating.
I really liked their relationship. It never was easy, they had sweet moments, great dynamics but were constantly clashing. The way Hailey snuck into his bed, whenever her father woud be clear about how much he loathed her, the way Mason protected her. I loved that.
After hearing her story, I absolutely loved Hailey. I really felt sorry for her, especially when not only Mason was a dick but her bitchy sister came back.
I totally got her, inconsisteny and all. How she wanted to be his priority and that his family and their dang secrets couldn't always come first. How she was torn between understanding him and not being able to cave. She was relatably insecure and confused and all that lead into her doubting him, even when she knew what Brittainy and Lilly are capable of.
Then he was angry, she didn't trust him when what they fought most about was him telling her secrets, she had too keep then, never lied, always protected her. I understood it all.
I was totally against Mason in the first book, somewhat came around in the second and here I actually liked and felt sorry for him, even though he's beyond irrational. But WHY would he do that? After all the secrets and everything that's happened before, why would he make such a fuss over something that doesn't diectly concern him but Cooper and then not even talking to him about it?! If it's such a huge issue he puts it before everything, why does he go on for months without doing shit about it?!
These books seemlessly blend into each other and I had the same issues I had with the previous books. If Hunter was irrational with being protective, Mason takes it to another level. Same as him, Mason was secretive and that lead to trust issues which created angst. Same as before all of that backfired. And just when they realize they should have handled things differently, there's new issues.
I was kinda sick of the way all this drama was created.
The good thing is, you buy it. You get their reasoning. They are just like that. They attract problems but everyone cares about the others instead of their own, then they sabotage themselves by not even doing something about it instead of acting like the adults they pretend to be and talk about their problems.
Plus it seems, the author doesn't know how to bring people back together, so when in doubt, make her pregnant. I don't like that.
But how good are Brittainy (though I don't get how no one does anything there) and Lilly? They're the perfect enemies, one seriously crazy and one with a story that changed her. The story they sold, the smeared lipstick, the pregnancy test and the waking up all clueless next to Mason, all so very well planned.
I still don't get Cole hinting that it never seemed like Mason had a girlfriend but he's such a goodie! He needs a story of his own and his past with Lilly also needs to be told. And I would love to see Logan again.
All in all I wouldn't give more than 3 stars for something that makes me so mad but I also wouldn't give it less and would actually recommend it.
Now Cooper and Jaylinn are waiting for me with their own problems and secrets.
Cooper has made a mistake years ago and now it's coming back, haunting his twin brother...
When Hailey runs into Mason and Lilly and her boyfriend chooses something Lilly knows, something that might completely screw his family, over her, she's finally had enough of his secrets.
Some huge surprises, some wannabe-drama and some shocking moments make this a light read, I could discuss for days. I enjoyed reading but there's also so much that's beyond irritating.
I really liked their relationship. It never was easy, they had sweet moments, great dynamics but were constantly clashing. The way Hailey snuck into his bed, whenever her father woud be clear about how much he loathed her, the way Mason protected her. I loved that.
After hearing her story, I absolutely loved Hailey. I really felt sorry for her, especially when not only Mason was a dick but her bitchy sister came back.
I totally got her, inconsisteny and all. How she wanted to be his priority and that his family and their dang secrets couldn't always come first. How she was torn between understanding him and not being able to cave. She was relatably insecure and confused and all that lead into her doubting him, even when she knew what Brittainy and Lilly are capable of.
Then he was angry, she didn't trust him when what they fought most about was him telling her secrets, she had too keep then, never lied, always protected her. I understood it all.
I was totally against Mason in the first book, somewhat came around in the second and here I actually liked and felt sorry for him, even though he's beyond irrational. But WHY would he do that? After all the secrets and everything that's happened before, why would he make such a fuss over something that doesn't diectly concern him but Cooper and then not even talking to him about it?! If it's such a huge issue he puts it before everything, why does he go on for months without doing shit about it?!
These books seemlessly blend into each other and I had the same issues I had with the previous books. If Hunter was irrational with being protective, Mason takes it to another level. Same as him, Mason was secretive and that lead to trust issues which created angst. Same as before all of that backfired. And just when they realize they should have handled things differently, there's new issues.
I was kinda sick of the way all this drama was created.
The good thing is, you buy it. You get their reasoning. They are just like that. They attract problems but everyone cares about the others instead of their own, then they sabotage themselves by not even doing something about it instead of acting like the adults they pretend to be and talk about their problems.
Plus it seems, the author doesn't know how to bring people back together, so when in doubt, make her pregnant. I don't like that.
But how good are Brittainy (though I don't get how no one does anything there) and Lilly? They're the perfect enemies, one seriously crazy and one with a story that changed her. The story they sold, the smeared lipstick, the pregnancy test and the waking up all clueless next to Mason, all so very well planned.
I still don't get Cole hinting that it never seemed like Mason had a girlfriend but he's such a goodie! He needs a story of his own and his past with Lilly also needs to be told. And I would love to see Logan again.
All in all I wouldn't give more than 3 stars for something that makes me so mad but I also wouldn't give it less and would actually recommend it.
Now Cooper and Jaylinn are waiting for me with their own problems and secrets.
November 22, 2013
I so loved Mason and Hailey's story. They broke my heart at times, Hailey's stubbornness made me want to shake her and I found myself yelling at Mason to just grow a pair and confide in Hailey already and tell her the secret he was hiding to protect his family...I was up til 1 ish because I couldn't stop till I was done!
I love when characters have a history together, he's her best friends older brother and has known her for years, he looked out for Hailey and protected her the same way he did his sister. And let me tell you, poor Hailey needed it! Her father treated her HORRIBLY, and I mean HORRIBLY and the first time Mason caught wind of how he treated her he vowed he'd always protect her...and he did, BUT at times he was also the first one to hurt her with his actions. I really liked how HTLY went back and forth between the present and the past, because it let us see how Mason & Hailey's friendship began as kids and how it progressed naturally into something more as the years went on. There are secrets and misunderstanding a'plenty here and secrets and lies by truck load courtesy of Lily and Brittany. It would be nice to see them maybe get a nice flesh eating disease in the next book. Well, maybe just Brittany. You may actually find yourself feeling slightly sorry for Lily by the end *GASP*
Now, Mason and Hailey are apart for a good majority of the book while they work their issues out, they don't come to a resolution until almost the end, and, being completely honest stories like that normally drive me absolutely bat sh*t crazy. There's nothing I dislike more than seeing a couple go back and forth for almost 80%+ of a book because it can get boring and monotonus BUT Megan is the first author EVER that didn't drive me crazy with having her characters not work it out until the end. She kept the story moving and kept it interesting by involving the secondary characters. We get a chapters from Hunter and Mackenzie's POV detailing their wedding day :-)
I loved the ending, even though I kind of had a feeling I knew where the ending was headed that didn't stop me one bit from thinking "ooh ohh please let that happen, please let that happen" suffice it to say I was all kinds of happy/excited when "that" happened lol.
These characters are fun to be around, it's like you're hanging out with your own friends. The focus on family in this series is a beautiful thing. I'm looking forward to Let Me Love You which will be Cooper & Jaylinn's story <3
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I love when characters have a history together, he's her best friends older brother and has known her for years, he looked out for Hailey and protected her the same way he did his sister. And let me tell you, poor Hailey needed it! Her father treated her HORRIBLY, and I mean HORRIBLY and the first time Mason caught wind of how he treated her he vowed he'd always protect her...and he did, BUT at times he was also the first one to hurt her with his actions. I really liked how HTLY went back and forth between the present and the past, because it let us see how Mason & Hailey's friendship began as kids and how it progressed naturally into something more as the years went on. There are secrets and misunderstanding a'plenty here and secrets and lies by truck load courtesy of Lily and Brittany. It would be nice to see them maybe get a nice flesh eating disease in the next book. Well, maybe just Brittany. You may actually find yourself feeling slightly sorry for Lily by the end *GASP*
Now, Mason and Hailey are apart for a good majority of the book while they work their issues out, they don't come to a resolution until almost the end, and, being completely honest stories like that normally drive me absolutely bat sh*t crazy. There's nothing I dislike more than seeing a couple go back and forth for almost 80%+ of a book because it can get boring and monotonus BUT Megan is the first author EVER that didn't drive me crazy with having her characters not work it out until the end. She kept the story moving and kept it interesting by involving the secondary characters. We get a chapters from Hunter and Mackenzie's POV detailing their wedding day :-)
I loved the ending, even though I kind of had a feeling I knew where the ending was headed that didn't stop me one bit from thinking "ooh ohh please let that happen, please let that happen" suffice it to say I was all kinds of happy/excited when "that" happened lol.
These characters are fun to be around, it's like you're hanging out with your own friends. The focus on family in this series is a beautiful thing. I'm looking forward to Let Me Love You which will be Cooper & Jaylinn's story <3
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 12, 2013
I just finished Hard Not To Love You and I really liked it. This story is about Hailey and Mason. (Mason is Mackenzie's sister and Hailey has been apart of his family for a long time). This story starts with Trying Hard Not To Love You then Easy to Love You. I would definitely recommended reading these two before this one. Mason and Hailey are somewhat apart of those stories but this is actually theirs. You know that they are together but this one shows you how it all happened. Hailey has loved Mason for a long time. You think it is one sided and they are together but you come to realize that he has always loved her too. There are some obstacles that they will have to hurdle through. A lot of their problems stem from the problems in the other stories. It comes full circle but since we find out there are more stories coming, you just know that it is not done. I'm not one for giving full spoilers so I don't want to tell you and there is a lot I could give but do not want to ruin in.
Mason for me is by far my favorite. He is sexy and so very sweet. You cannot help but fall in love with him.
Hailey is my girl. I just love her. She is sweet and loyal. I couldn't ask for a better girl for Mason.
Secondary characters were of course all there. They were a joy to read. I was glad to get updates to what they were all doing and we're going to do. I cannot wait to see what happens with them.
I love how it was in several point of views. You really get a feel for the characters and why they make the decisions that they do.
There wasn't anything that I disliked. I thought the story flowed really well. For me this series is getting better as it goes a lot and I highly recommend reading it. You will enjoy it just as I have. I cannot wait to see what happens!!!
Story 5
Sex 4
Overall 4.5
Reviewed by Beggin from Mommys a Book Whore
Mason for me is by far my favorite. He is sexy and so very sweet. You cannot help but fall in love with him.
Hailey is my girl. I just love her. She is sweet and loyal. I couldn't ask for a better girl for Mason.
Secondary characters were of course all there. They were a joy to read. I was glad to get updates to what they were all doing and we're going to do. I cannot wait to see what happens with them.
I love how it was in several point of views. You really get a feel for the characters and why they make the decisions that they do.
There wasn't anything that I disliked. I thought the story flowed really well. For me this series is getting better as it goes a lot and I highly recommend reading it. You will enjoy it just as I have. I cannot wait to see what happens!!!
Story 5
Sex 4
Overall 4.5
Reviewed by Beggin from Mommys a Book Whore
November 18, 2013
I love love love this series!!! The characters are all broken and need each other to be fixed. This story is Mason and Hailey's story. They are more messed up than Kenzie and Hunter.
Hailey comes from a broken family. Her sister, Tara, blames her for her parent's divorce and is cruel to her. Her dad treats her like dirt and abuses her. Her mom is oblivious. So naturally, Hailey has some issues to overcome. Mason has always been the one to protect her. But sometimes to the extreme. He keeps a secret from her that isn't even related to them and it blows up in his face ruining their relationship. Of course this secret has something to do with the town whore and Hunter's evil recently identified step sister. I was really worried that maybe they wouldn't be able to resolve things. But I had faith that the author would somehow fix their mess! (insert giggles here)
Mason has issues too. He wants to protect. He forgets to take care of himself and Hailey first. He does some bad stuff here and I find myself going back and forth on how I feel about him.
They both make way too many mistakes and don't know how to communicate and get over it. I wanted to beat them both upside their heads to grow up and communicate and listen to each other and not take other peoples words before listening to each other.
I love the close knit family that are the Cahill's. I love that even though they make mistakes, the Mr and Mrs Cahill love them all unconditionally. I enjoy watching them all grow. That's part of why I love this series is that the family is the center of everything.
Now, I have to wait for Cooper's story. I really want to hear that one!!
Oh, And we finally get to see Hunter and MacKenzie married. It was so sweet. And I even adored little baby Ryder.
The only thing that always bothers me is all the F bombs. I am not a fan of it. Never have been.
Hailey comes from a broken family. Her sister, Tara, blames her for her parent's divorce and is cruel to her. Her dad treats her like dirt and abuses her. Her mom is oblivious. So naturally, Hailey has some issues to overcome. Mason has always been the one to protect her. But sometimes to the extreme. He keeps a secret from her that isn't even related to them and it blows up in his face ruining their relationship. Of course this secret has something to do with the town whore and Hunter's evil recently identified step sister. I was really worried that maybe they wouldn't be able to resolve things. But I had faith that the author would somehow fix their mess! (insert giggles here)
Mason has issues too. He wants to protect. He forgets to take care of himself and Hailey first. He does some bad stuff here and I find myself going back and forth on how I feel about him.
They both make way too many mistakes and don't know how to communicate and get over it. I wanted to beat them both upside their heads to grow up and communicate and listen to each other and not take other peoples words before listening to each other.
I love the close knit family that are the Cahill's. I love that even though they make mistakes, the Mr and Mrs Cahill love them all unconditionally. I enjoy watching them all grow. That's part of why I love this series is that the family is the center of everything.
Now, I have to wait for Cooper's story. I really want to hear that one!!
Oh, And we finally get to see Hunter and MacKenzie married. It was so sweet. And I even adored little baby Ryder.
The only thing that always bothers me is all the F bombs. I am not a fan of it. Never have been.
September 13, 2018
This book was ehhhh for me. The characters were likeable enough, but nothing to write home about. Hailey just reminded me of a girl who had no backbone (don’t ask me why) and Mason while I love the baseball part was just a pushover. Why is Mason so stupid. When Hailey sees the hallway part he lets her run away instead of actually explaining what happened. The biggest thing that bugs me in romance books is one person running and the couple not talking about things. It’s very annoying. I mean literally almost the whole book is her thinking something happened that didn’t he just doesn’t bother to set her straight. It’s annoying as hell. I don’t get why he felt the need to protect a secret that had nothing to do with him and Hailey. Like for real dude? You’re ignorant af.
November 23, 2013
OMG!! Love Love Love this series so much. Hunter and MacKenzie have always been my favorite couple of this series so far but Masey and Hails are right up there now. Mason Cahill and Hailey Taylor have you going through all the emotions. You will cry, laugh and yell with the many twist and turns of the story. One of things I love about this series is how important family is to the Cahills. They love each other hard and look out for one another. Some of the sex scenes in this story are HOT!! Congrats Megan on another awesome book. 5 HUGE Stars!!! Can't wait for Jaylinn and Cooper’s story.
October 31, 2015
Esta série está ótima! Gostei da autora e vou ficar de olho no trabalho dela!
November 19, 2013
4 Star review by Jen Hagen
This is the third book in The Love Series. The first two books were about Mackenzie and Hunter. This book focuses on Mason (Mackenzie’s brother) and Hailey (Mackenzie’s best friend). At the end of book 2, Mason was found in a compromising position being cornered by one of the girls’ enemies, Lily. Lily had at one time been a one-night-stand for Mason. Needless to say, Hailey was not completely convinced that this was “nothing” that she stumbled upon in the hall.
It turns out the reason that Lily accosted Mason in the hall was to let him know that she has some dirt on someone in his family that would cause turmoil. Okay, simple enough…tell Hailey the truth and things will be right between Mason and Hailey again. Mason was going to ask Hailey to move in with him, so by telling her the secret they can move forward with their lives and forget about Lily. Mason doesn’t make it that simple. Mason is supremely loyal to his family and there is no way that he will tell anybody about this revelation without first talking to the person it involves and getting the facts straight.
“Just trust me though, please. I’ve never let you down before, Hailey, and I’m not going to start now.”
Mason and his twin brother, Cooper, are both in the minor league of baseball. They are constantly being noticed by “cleat chasers” a.k.a. women throwing themselves at the guys, and although Mason has never strayed from Hailey before, in the past he has had his fair share of women and it was difficult for him to commit to Hailey. Now that he has her, he doesn’t want to let her go but this secret is going to rip them apart if he doesn’t tell her soon.
“I need you to tell me what happened, Mason. You can fix all this but I just need the truth. My heart tells me you didn’t do anything with her but I can’t stop what I saw.”
Just tell her, Mason!!! Do it before Lily finds another way to put doubt inside Hailey’s head. Obviously he didn’t pay any attention to me or others telling him what he should do. He plays the loyalty card to perfection. Now comes all the angst (oh yes, there is lots of it!!!). Hailey came from a family that let her believe that it was because of her that her parent’s marriage fell apart. She has never had anybody fight for her. She suffers immense insecurities and fears of not being wanted. This fuels her trust issues with Mason and unfortunately leads her to believe the lies that are being told.
Sobs rock me so hard I can’t breathe and I beg the next breath not to come. I don’t want to feel the pain, the betrayal, the heartache.
I have enjoyed all three books of this series. I find them to be quick reads loaded with everything that I enjoy in a book – love, heartbreak and all the drama that keeps them apart. There will be two more books in this series. A new character has been introduced that may have an interesting back story to tell us. I hope we can hear more about him and the girl who broke his heart. The conclusion of Mason and Hailey’s story ties in with who I assume will be the next star couple, Cooper and Jaylinn.
Please don’t let this be the end for them. -- Mason
This is the third book in The Love Series. The first two books were about Mackenzie and Hunter. This book focuses on Mason (Mackenzie’s brother) and Hailey (Mackenzie’s best friend). At the end of book 2, Mason was found in a compromising position being cornered by one of the girls’ enemies, Lily. Lily had at one time been a one-night-stand for Mason. Needless to say, Hailey was not completely convinced that this was “nothing” that she stumbled upon in the hall.
It turns out the reason that Lily accosted Mason in the hall was to let him know that she has some dirt on someone in his family that would cause turmoil. Okay, simple enough…tell Hailey the truth and things will be right between Mason and Hailey again. Mason was going to ask Hailey to move in with him, so by telling her the secret they can move forward with their lives and forget about Lily. Mason doesn’t make it that simple. Mason is supremely loyal to his family and there is no way that he will tell anybody about this revelation without first talking to the person it involves and getting the facts straight.
“Just trust me though, please. I’ve never let you down before, Hailey, and I’m not going to start now.”
Mason and his twin brother, Cooper, are both in the minor league of baseball. They are constantly being noticed by “cleat chasers” a.k.a. women throwing themselves at the guys, and although Mason has never strayed from Hailey before, in the past he has had his fair share of women and it was difficult for him to commit to Hailey. Now that he has her, he doesn’t want to let her go but this secret is going to rip them apart if he doesn’t tell her soon.
“I need you to tell me what happened, Mason. You can fix all this but I just need the truth. My heart tells me you didn’t do anything with her but I can’t stop what I saw.”
Just tell her, Mason!!! Do it before Lily finds another way to put doubt inside Hailey’s head. Obviously he didn’t pay any attention to me or others telling him what he should do. He plays the loyalty card to perfection. Now comes all the angst (oh yes, there is lots of it!!!). Hailey came from a family that let her believe that it was because of her that her parent’s marriage fell apart. She has never had anybody fight for her. She suffers immense insecurities and fears of not being wanted. This fuels her trust issues with Mason and unfortunately leads her to believe the lies that are being told.
Sobs rock me so hard I can’t breathe and I beg the next breath not to come. I don’t want to feel the pain, the betrayal, the heartache.
I have enjoyed all three books of this series. I find them to be quick reads loaded with everything that I enjoy in a book – love, heartbreak and all the drama that keeps them apart. There will be two more books in this series. A new character has been introduced that may have an interesting back story to tell us. I hope we can hear more about him and the girl who broke his heart. The conclusion of Mason and Hailey’s story ties in with who I assume will be the next star couple, Cooper and Jaylinn.
Please don’t let this be the end for them. -- Mason
November 15, 2013
Can I just start off my saying that I loved the first two books in this series. Megan Smiths writing drew me in from the get go. So I knew I would LOVE this book. And I loved Mason and Hailey in the other books. So I was so happy they were getting there own book.
This book kicks out and straight away there's drama for Hailey and Mason. I won't say what the drama is but it's bad enough to break them up! After Mason making Hailey keep such a big secret from Kenzie in the last book,she refuses to be in a relationship that isn't completely honest. So when Mason isn't about to share whats going on she finishes it. Basicly telling him when he want's to open up and save them he know's where she is.
But our Mason isn't about to let her go without a fight. He can't tell her what happened yet. But he can make sure she know's he loves her. So everyday without fail a bunch of her favorite flowers are delivered to her house. But what Mason doesn't know is that there been delivered by a way to good looking bloke named Cole! So Hailey hatch's a plan. Get over Mason and make him steaming mad(Enter evil laugh here) So when Cole ask's her to come watch his band(yes! He's a rock star ;) ) play,she accepts. If Mason isn't willing to try then she need's to move on.
Of course Mason see's this. So talk about rubbing salt in that big old ugly wound. Just to make matter's worse she brings Cole to Hunter and Kenzie's wedding as her date. Mason is not happy. BUT nothing is going on between Cole and Hailey. Cole is amazing as you will see. BUT he's just not Mason. They form a friendship straight away thought. He know's heartbreak as he's been there before.
Mason vow's that after the wedding he's getting his girl back. And with a little help from Kenzie he know's where she'll be in the next few days. He show's up,and things get steamy to say the least ;) But it doesn't just fox them. Its great but its not a magical cure. So there kinda back to square one. But they could've been on the road to recovery if someone didn't throw a spanner in the works. With what Hailey finds out,she FLIPS. Like I mean run for cover as if a tornado was on the way. But this just make's there chances of getting back slim to non.
This book was very emotional. You get to see things that happened with Hailey in her family life down threw the years. And it was not pretty :( But I LOVED that this book showed Hailey and Mason from the beginning. From him first seen her,to her throwing herself at him. It made me love them even more! :) I hope everyone loves this Like I did. And now I can't wait for book Four and Five. Even more so with how this book ended ;)
This book kicks out and straight away there's drama for Hailey and Mason. I won't say what the drama is but it's bad enough to break them up! After Mason making Hailey keep such a big secret from Kenzie in the last book,she refuses to be in a relationship that isn't completely honest. So when Mason isn't about to share whats going on she finishes it. Basicly telling him when he want's to open up and save them he know's where she is.
But our Mason isn't about to let her go without a fight. He can't tell her what happened yet. But he can make sure she know's he loves her. So everyday without fail a bunch of her favorite flowers are delivered to her house. But what Mason doesn't know is that there been delivered by a way to good looking bloke named Cole! So Hailey hatch's a plan. Get over Mason and make him steaming mad(Enter evil laugh here) So when Cole ask's her to come watch his band(yes! He's a rock star ;) ) play,she accepts. If Mason isn't willing to try then she need's to move on.
Of course Mason see's this. So talk about rubbing salt in that big old ugly wound. Just to make matter's worse she brings Cole to Hunter and Kenzie's wedding as her date. Mason is not happy. BUT nothing is going on between Cole and Hailey. Cole is amazing as you will see. BUT he's just not Mason. They form a friendship straight away thought. He know's heartbreak as he's been there before.
Mason vow's that after the wedding he's getting his girl back. And with a little help from Kenzie he know's where she'll be in the next few days. He show's up,and things get steamy to say the least ;) But it doesn't just fox them. Its great but its not a magical cure. So there kinda back to square one. But they could've been on the road to recovery if someone didn't throw a spanner in the works. With what Hailey finds out,she FLIPS. Like I mean run for cover as if a tornado was on the way. But this just make's there chances of getting back slim to non.
This book was very emotional. You get to see things that happened with Hailey in her family life down threw the years. And it was not pretty :( But I LOVED that this book showed Hailey and Mason from the beginning. From him first seen her,to her throwing herself at him. It made me love them even more! :) I hope everyone loves this Like I did. And now I can't wait for book Four and Five. Even more so with how this book ended ;)
November 17, 2013
An ARC was received for an honest review.
3 "hot, loud, and messy" smooches!
Hard To Love You is the third book in the Love series by Megan Smith. I absolutely fell in love with all of these characters in the first two books, Trying Not To Love You and Easy To Love You. If you have read these books, then you probably realize that Hard to Love You starts with DRAMA!
I have been looking forward to this book since I finished the last one. That ending set this one up perfectly. I wanted to punch Mase in the face for what he did to Hailey. She is rightfully heartbroken and Mase knows how badly he effed up.
Mason has his reasons for what happened that night at the bar, but he doesn't explain himself. He is covering and of course that leaves Hailey's mind believing the worst.
I LOVE Mase and Hailey and I wanted to LOVE their book. Unfortunately it didn't grab me the way the others did. I liked Mason and Hailey more in the first two books. They are both fiery and passionate and I love that about them. In their book, they let it break them rather than using it to fight for one another. I didn't understand why the hell Mason kept the secret that he did from Hailey and chose to protect that secret over his relationship with the girl he claimed to love. I think that was my biggest problem with the book. I didn't feel like Mase would have put that secret over her. It pissed me off when it continued to come between them and he still kept quiet. He hurt Hailey repeatedly and in turn she hurt him. They were both so all over the place.
My favorite thing about Hard To Love You was the flashbacks both from Mason and Hailey to their pre-relationship relationship. In the first two books, we know that Mase and Hailey have something going on but the focus was not on them, so we never really understood how they became so close. I enjoyed watching them fall in love.
When everyone finally got their shit together, I really really enjoyed the end of the book. While it was not my favorite of the three, it is still a good book. I look forward to reading Coop and Jay's story next!
Reviewed by Heather
3 "hot, loud, and messy" smooches!
Hard To Love You is the third book in the Love series by Megan Smith. I absolutely fell in love with all of these characters in the first two books, Trying Not To Love You and Easy To Love You. If you have read these books, then you probably realize that Hard to Love You starts with DRAMA!
I have been looking forward to this book since I finished the last one. That ending set this one up perfectly. I wanted to punch Mase in the face for what he did to Hailey. She is rightfully heartbroken and Mase knows how badly he effed up.
"You're the one for me, Hailey. I'm letting you go for now but know you will always be the one for me. You can hate me all you want... when you're ready... you know where to find me."
Mason has his reasons for what happened that night at the bar, but he doesn't explain himself. He is covering and of course that leaves Hailey's mind believing the worst.
"You Make it so hard to love you, Mason Cahill."
"I know, but I don't mean it too."
I LOVE Mase and Hailey and I wanted to LOVE their book. Unfortunately it didn't grab me the way the others did. I liked Mason and Hailey more in the first two books. They are both fiery and passionate and I love that about them. In their book, they let it break them rather than using it to fight for one another. I didn't understand why the hell Mason kept the secret that he did from Hailey and chose to protect that secret over his relationship with the girl he claimed to love. I think that was my biggest problem with the book. I didn't feel like Mase would have put that secret over her. It pissed me off when it continued to come between them and he still kept quiet. He hurt Hailey repeatedly and in turn she hurt him. They were both so all over the place.
My favorite thing about Hard To Love You was the flashbacks both from Mason and Hailey to their pre-relationship relationship. In the first two books, we know that Mase and Hailey have something going on but the focus was not on them, so we never really understood how they became so close. I enjoyed watching them fall in love.
"Our love isn't sweet and simple; it never was and probably never will be. It's hot, loud and messy and I wouldn't want it any other way." ~Mason
When everyone finally got their shit together, I really really enjoyed the end of the book. While it was not my favorite of the three, it is still a good book. I look forward to reading Coop and Jay's story next!
Reviewed by Heather
November 22, 2013
ARC Was Given To Blog For An Honest Review
DRAMA, wow this book is filled to the brim with drama. But if you read this series you know that already. I absolutely loved it. These people have a crazy dynamic. Their love and passion for each other is great to see. They have a fierce loyalty to each other.
Let me start by saying, as a fan of this series, I was so excited to see Mackenzie and Hunter’s wedding; it was so beautiful. Their love and desire for one another is so amazing and little Ryder – what a cutie.
Now on to Hailey and Mason. AAAAHHHH seriously I wanted to choke these fools more than once. They both love so hard it was a crazy ride filled with tears and pain, happiness and love. Mason is always so damn sure of himself. His willingness to protect all that he loves almost cost him his world.
Hailey is an emotionally damaged girl who has always felt not good enough and always wants a second choice. Her insecurities almost cost her the love of her life. It was so nerve wracking watching these two go back and forth; talk about emotional whiplash. I loved it. I loved feeling the love, pain, sadness and happiness as they worked through all their crap. In the end I was so proud of Mason and his need to have his Boo. I have a feeling he knew exactly what he was doing when they went to his house that last time he was sealing the deal and taking that final step to having his girl. Loved the Epilogue; it was brilliant and I can’t wait to meet the new Cahills.
“I could conquer the world with one hands long as you’re holding the other.”
“I will love you faithfully through the trying times, the easy and the hard”
(Well played Megan Smith well played) I loved this quote. I smiled instantly when I read it.
DRAMA, wow this book is filled to the brim with drama. But if you read this series you know that already. I absolutely loved it. These people have a crazy dynamic. Their love and passion for each other is great to see. They have a fierce loyalty to each other.
Let me start by saying, as a fan of this series, I was so excited to see Mackenzie and Hunter’s wedding; it was so beautiful. Their love and desire for one another is so amazing and little Ryder – what a cutie.
Now on to Hailey and Mason. AAAAHHHH seriously I wanted to choke these fools more than once. They both love so hard it was a crazy ride filled with tears and pain, happiness and love. Mason is always so damn sure of himself. His willingness to protect all that he loves almost cost him his world.
Hailey is an emotionally damaged girl who has always felt not good enough and always wants a second choice. Her insecurities almost cost her the love of her life. It was so nerve wracking watching these two go back and forth; talk about emotional whiplash. I loved it. I loved feeling the love, pain, sadness and happiness as they worked through all their crap. In the end I was so proud of Mason and his need to have his Boo. I have a feeling he knew exactly what he was doing when they went to his house that last time he was sealing the deal and taking that final step to having his girl. Loved the Epilogue; it was brilliant and I can’t wait to meet the new Cahills.
“I could conquer the world with one hands long as you’re holding the other.”
“I will love you faithfully through the trying times, the easy and the hard”
(Well played Megan Smith well played) I loved this quote. I smiled instantly when I read it.
February 20, 2017
I loved this series. The first two books had their drama and it was a tough read but all the characters were there and you saw all of them with their ups and downs the entire time. This third book just killed me. I loved Mason & Hailey in the first two books but this book just TORE ME UP. It was just so argh. I loved it, and I knew I would get my HEA but it was just never coming. You were always just so torn watching them go through hell. It was just making me so sad but it was an amazing book. It was gut wrenching watching as all of this unfolded but so worth the read. I absolutely loved it. I'm so glad I found this series it was just a fantastic read. I loved watching CC & Hunter get married that was so very sweet. I can't wait for the next book and to see everyone again (in my head of course). I just know that Cooper's & Jaylinn's story is going to be just as good as the rest and I'm waiting on pins and needles for it. You won't be sorry you read this series.
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July 16, 2014
My Rating:
4.25
Favorite Quotes:
“Our Love isn’t sweet and simple; it never was and probably never will be. It’s hot, loud and messy and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I will love you for the rest of my life. I want our happy ever after. It’s our turn.”
“I could conquer the world with one hand as long as you are holding the other.”
My Review:
This was an intense read as the characters were generally morose and emotional, and either treating each other badly, arguing, or unhappy during much of it. I often wondered why people would maintain such relationships. It has always annoyed me to see women keep going back to selfish, immature, conceited men that don’t appreciate them, cheat on them, lie to them, or degrade them. Their reasoning has never made sense to me, guess I have never been that desperate or passionate about a jackass. Thankfully, this jackass realized he was being one and turned it around, although sadly, that seldom seems to happen in the real world. Well written, despite the angst through much of this book, I am enjoying this series and remain interested in what is going to happen next with this family.
4.25
Favorite Quotes:
“Our Love isn’t sweet and simple; it never was and probably never will be. It’s hot, loud and messy and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I will love you for the rest of my life. I want our happy ever after. It’s our turn.”
“I could conquer the world with one hand as long as you are holding the other.”
My Review:
This was an intense read as the characters were generally morose and emotional, and either treating each other badly, arguing, or unhappy during much of it. I often wondered why people would maintain such relationships. It has always annoyed me to see women keep going back to selfish, immature, conceited men that don’t appreciate them, cheat on them, lie to them, or degrade them. Their reasoning has never made sense to me, guess I have never been that desperate or passionate about a jackass. Thankfully, this jackass realized he was being one and turned it around, although sadly, that seldom seems to happen in the real world. Well written, despite the angst through much of this book, I am enjoying this series and remain interested in what is going to happen next with this family.
November 12, 2013
I didn't really enjoy Mason and Hailey's story as much as I did Hunter and Kenzie's it's just I don't know why. I mean I liked reading about them but something was missing. Mason he's a little possessive thing right from when they started hanging out, "you are mine, Hailey. You aren't going to remember what his name is after I'm done with you." And Hailey that girl is in love with Mason's yum-yum body, "I run my fingers up and down Mason's chest. I look up at him and kiss those full lips that I love so much." Mason he likes his girl with tattoos and he shows her just how much he appreciates them on her body, "this is sexy as eff." I look into her eyes, "I love these on you." I kiss the flower on her hip, run my tongue along the lines to the next one and kiss that and then do the same with the other two flowers." I'm not sure if I'm ready for Cooper's story I'm seriously just waiting for one of their exes to pop up and say "SURPRISE YOUR A DAD!" but we'll see what happens Megan has been known to surprise us.
September 6, 2018
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Well, this book was angsty as all hell and I LOVED IT!!!!
Mason...SWOON!!
Hailey...badass!
I was intrigued by these two from the very beginning and finding out all they had been through and still went through had my heart at the pit of my stomach.
The ANGST.
Ah! Loved this story so much!
I loved Hunter, but I think Mason took his spot! Although I am DYING to find out what in the ever-loving hell is going on with Cooper. I have a feeling he will take my heart for quite the ride too!
Narration: Jessica Almasy did better in this book where the female voices are concerned, so it wasn’t bad. I love her male voices though, which is funny to me considering she’s a girl, but oh, well.
4 stars to the narration!
5 stars to the story/book!
Well, this book was angsty as all hell and I LOVED IT!!!!
Mason...SWOON!!
Hailey...badass!
I was intrigued by these two from the very beginning and finding out all they had been through and still went through had my heart at the pit of my stomach.
The ANGST.
Ah! Loved this story so much!
I loved Hunter, but I think Mason took his spot! Although I am DYING to find out what in the ever-loving hell is going on with Cooper. I have a feeling he will take my heart for quite the ride too!
Narration: Jessica Almasy did better in this book where the female voices are concerned, so it wasn’t bad. I love her male voices though, which is funny to me considering she’s a girl, but oh, well.
4 stars to the narration!
5 stars to the story/book!
February 12, 2014
3.5 stars!
I loved the first two books in this series and fell in love with Hailey and Mason so naturally I had to read this book.
With that said this book wasn't as good as the first to. Although the issues brought up in this book were natural and realistic the drama that started it all was very "manufactured". Knowing Hailey's insecurities you could see how Mason keeping secrets from her would undermine their relationship but she should've trusted him. In the end they needed to be apart so they could grow as individuals so it worked out in the end. I love all the Cahill's so I'm sure I will read Cooper and Jailynn's book.
I loved the first two books in this series and fell in love with Hailey and Mason so naturally I had to read this book.
With that said this book wasn't as good as the first to. Although the issues brought up in this book were natural and realistic the drama that started it all was very "manufactured". Knowing Hailey's insecurities you could see how Mason keeping secrets from her would undermine their relationship but she should've trusted him. In the end they needed to be apart so they could grow as individuals so it worked out in the end. I love all the Cahill's so I'm sure I will read Cooper and Jailynn's book.
October 18, 2015
Love this series
With Hailey and Mason nothing was easy and their relationship would be tested. With thinking they would get there HEA, secrets were revealed and a secret he couldn't tell Hailey. With not wanting secrets to even come between that's what happen and it ruins everything. I was rooting for Hailey and Mason with insecurities that Hailey had to deal with, the secret that came out just crushed her. Will they get there HEA or was this secret to much for the fragile relationship? Can't wait until read what happens next
With Hailey and Mason nothing was easy and their relationship would be tested. With thinking they would get there HEA, secrets were revealed and a secret he couldn't tell Hailey. With not wanting secrets to even come between that's what happen and it ruins everything. I was rooting for Hailey and Mason with insecurities that Hailey had to deal with, the secret that came out just crushed her. Will they get there HEA or was this secret to much for the fragile relationship? Can't wait until read what happens next
November 18, 2013
I luv this series it just keeps gettin better an better I luv the different pov an we got even more of hot hunter (god the men r hot in these books) but the book is about the very hot mason an hailey this time an god they go through so much 2gether an I luv that we get 2 c how they got 2gether an what it was b4 they were 2gether great book can't wait 2 c how the next 1 goes an left us on a cliffhanger again ahhhhhhhhh
August 9, 2018
Amazing story
The series continues with Hailey and Mason's story. Through flashbacks you watch their relationship evolve from the very beginning. It's always been hot as fire or as cold as ice between the two. You get a lot more of the drama that as come to be expected in this series. Along with heartbreaking moments and heartwarming ones as well.
The series continues with Hailey and Mason's story. Through flashbacks you watch their relationship evolve from the very beginning. It's always been hot as fire or as cold as ice between the two. You get a lot more of the drama that as come to be expected in this series. Along with heartbreaking moments and heartwarming ones as well.
November 20, 2013
I liked this book, but I hope all of the Cahill secrets are going to be out soon. I'm kind of over the "secrets to protect" angle. Otherwise a pretty good read. I liked the first two books better.
November 13, 2013
I love this series...and I love Mason and Hailey but for some reason this book just didn't give le the hangover I was expecting. but I love the outcome of Mason and Hailey
November 11, 2025
So disappointed in this author.
⭐️ — This could’ve been amazing, but the author completely ruined it
I went into this book genuinely excited. Hayley and Mason have always had this deep, complicated connection, and the opening of this book had me thinking, finally, THIS is the couple that’s going to redeem this series. I was wrong.
The story picks up exactly where the last book ended — during the joint stag and hen night. Hayley catches Mason in a hallway with Lily. Mason insists nothing happened, but refuses to tell her the secret Lily told him, so they slide into this awkward “break” where they’re technically together but not really talking. By the time Mackenzie and Hunter’s wedding comes around, they’re still not together.
At the wedding, they have a genuinely emotional conversation. Mason asks her to trust him and give him a couple of weeks. It felt gut-wrenching and hopeful at the same time — like they were about to rebuild.
But then everything implodes.
While Mason is away for a game, Hayley runs into Lily and Brittany at a pharmacy. Lily tells her she’s pregnant and claims the baby is Mason’s — insisting they’ve been hooking up behind Hayley’s back. Hayley panics, spirals, and goes straight to Mason’s house and trashes it. Mason gets home, sees the mess, and is furious she believed Lily over him.
That night, Mason goes to a bar to get drunk, and the next morning he wakes up with Lily in his bed. When he and Hayley finally talk, he admits everything — the secret, the lies, the bar, waking up with Lily. Hayley is hurt but, honestly, realistic; she even questions whether anything actually happened since he was so hammered. But that conversation is the breaking point. They both admit there have been too many lies, too much distrust, too many emotional blind spots. They finally, fully break up.
This should’ve been the moment where the book slowed down, dug into their issues, and let them grow individually.
Instead, the story rushes through everything and makes the absolute worst narrative choice: Mason immediately becomes a womanizer.
Girl after girl after girl — to a disgusting degree. Completely unnecessary. Completely character-destroying.
Hayley, meanwhile, is devastated for months. She moves away, tries to rebuild her life, and doesn’t sleep with anyone. She almost has a moment with someone from her past, but nothing happens. She spends the breakup grieving the relationship.
Mason spends it collecting bodies.
And then the book acts as though none of that matters.
They get back together.
He buys her a house.
He proposes.
And when she tells him she’s pregnant, he actually asks if the baby is his — even though he’s the one who slept with half the country and she never slept with anyone else. On top of that, he never tells her about all the women he slept with while they were apart. There’s no honesty. No real apology. No accountability. Just… glossing over months of betrayal and emotional immaturity.
Learning their backstory made it even worse. Hayley always loved him. They were incredibly close growing up. She loses her virginity to him after catching her boyfriend cheating, and literally the next day, she sees Mason kissing another girl. Their entire history is her loving him deeply while he treats her like an option.
This book had so much potential. The early chapters were strong. The emotional tension was there. Their connection could’ve been powerful. But instead of giving us communication, growth, vulnerability, or maturity, the author went with the most cliché, immature, and pointless route.
Everything felt rushed.
Nothing was resolved properly.
And making Mason sleep with multiple women was the final nail in the coffin.
One star, and honestly, that star is only for the first quarter of the book. I’m beyond disappointed.
Additional Thoughts:
There were actually a couple of side characters I genuinely thought Hayley might end up with during the breakup. Cole — the guy who delivered all the flowers Mason kept sending — was so sweet, and for a moment it felt like the book was setting up something new and healthy for her. And when she moved back to her old university, she ended up living with friends, including Logan, a guy she’d hooked up with in the past. I honestly thought the author was going to give her a real romance arc or at least a rebound that didn’t destroy her self-worth.
And considering Mason was out there hooking up with half the planet, I really wish Hayley had been given the chance to explore something with either Cole or Logan. She deserved it. Instead, she gets heartbreak while Mason gets a harem.
Also — the twist that Cole was actually Lily’s ex-boyfriend and still in love with her? Completely random, completely unnecessary, and just added to the messy, tangled chaos of the series.
⭐️ — This could’ve been amazing, but the author completely ruined it
I went into this book genuinely excited. Hayley and Mason have always had this deep, complicated connection, and the opening of this book had me thinking, finally, THIS is the couple that’s going to redeem this series. I was wrong.
The story picks up exactly where the last book ended — during the joint stag and hen night. Hayley catches Mason in a hallway with Lily. Mason insists nothing happened, but refuses to tell her the secret Lily told him, so they slide into this awkward “break” where they’re technically together but not really talking. By the time Mackenzie and Hunter’s wedding comes around, they’re still not together.
At the wedding, they have a genuinely emotional conversation. Mason asks her to trust him and give him a couple of weeks. It felt gut-wrenching and hopeful at the same time — like they were about to rebuild.
But then everything implodes.
While Mason is away for a game, Hayley runs into Lily and Brittany at a pharmacy. Lily tells her she’s pregnant and claims the baby is Mason’s — insisting they’ve been hooking up behind Hayley’s back. Hayley panics, spirals, and goes straight to Mason’s house and trashes it. Mason gets home, sees the mess, and is furious she believed Lily over him.
That night, Mason goes to a bar to get drunk, and the next morning he wakes up with Lily in his bed. When he and Hayley finally talk, he admits everything — the secret, the lies, the bar, waking up with Lily. Hayley is hurt but, honestly, realistic; she even questions whether anything actually happened since he was so hammered. But that conversation is the breaking point. They both admit there have been too many lies, too much distrust, too many emotional blind spots. They finally, fully break up.
This should’ve been the moment where the book slowed down, dug into their issues, and let them grow individually.
Instead, the story rushes through everything and makes the absolute worst narrative choice: Mason immediately becomes a womanizer.
Girl after girl after girl — to a disgusting degree. Completely unnecessary. Completely character-destroying.
Hayley, meanwhile, is devastated for months. She moves away, tries to rebuild her life, and doesn’t sleep with anyone. She almost has a moment with someone from her past, but nothing happens. She spends the breakup grieving the relationship.
Mason spends it collecting bodies.
And then the book acts as though none of that matters.
They get back together.
He buys her a house.
He proposes.
And when she tells him she’s pregnant, he actually asks if the baby is his — even though he’s the one who slept with half the country and she never slept with anyone else. On top of that, he never tells her about all the women he slept with while they were apart. There’s no honesty. No real apology. No accountability. Just… glossing over months of betrayal and emotional immaturity.
Learning their backstory made it even worse. Hayley always loved him. They were incredibly close growing up. She loses her virginity to him after catching her boyfriend cheating, and literally the next day, she sees Mason kissing another girl. Their entire history is her loving him deeply while he treats her like an option.
This book had so much potential. The early chapters were strong. The emotional tension was there. Their connection could’ve been powerful. But instead of giving us communication, growth, vulnerability, or maturity, the author went with the most cliché, immature, and pointless route.
Everything felt rushed.
Nothing was resolved properly.
And making Mason sleep with multiple women was the final nail in the coffin.
One star, and honestly, that star is only for the first quarter of the book. I’m beyond disappointed.
Additional Thoughts:
There were actually a couple of side characters I genuinely thought Hayley might end up with during the breakup. Cole — the guy who delivered all the flowers Mason kept sending — was so sweet, and for a moment it felt like the book was setting up something new and healthy for her. And when she moved back to her old university, she ended up living with friends, including Logan, a guy she’d hooked up with in the past. I honestly thought the author was going to give her a real romance arc or at least a rebound that didn’t destroy her self-worth.
And considering Mason was out there hooking up with half the planet, I really wish Hayley had been given the chance to explore something with either Cole or Logan. She deserved it. Instead, she gets heartbreak while Mason gets a harem.
Also — the twist that Cole was actually Lily’s ex-boyfriend and still in love with her? Completely random, completely unnecessary, and just added to the messy, tangled chaos of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
What did I think of the book? 🤢🤮
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