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Neurospicy Book Club #3
Ruck Me Harder
She tackles. He tumbles. They both fall… hard.
I’m a rugby player in the twilight of my career. Younger, stronger, prettier women are joining the team, and my endorsement deals are drying up. Nobody wants a grumpy, washed-up, burned out has-been to advertise their brand.
When my new teammate sets me up on a blind date with her brother, I begrudgingly agree for the sake of team harmony… until I find out I already know her other brother.
Gymnast Tony Gonzales is the bane of my existence. I hit rock bottom the morning after our Olympics hookup three years ago; I stopped drinking entirely, and I’ve changed my whole life around since then.
Now, he’s everywhere, a taunting reminder of every challenge and failure I’ve endured. But the more time I spend with him, I start to wonder if maybe I was too quick to judge. It’s not his fault he’s tangled up with all of my worst memories. And I can’t deny his drive — to succeed in gymnastics, to go to vet school, to take care of his family — is incredibly sexy.
Rugby is brutal. Gymnastics is intense. But nothing has ever felt as dangerous as falling for each other.
RUCK ME HARDER is an enemies to lovers, best friend’s brother, they’re both athletes romance featuring a tattooed, leather jacket-wearing, motorcycle-riding gymnast and the black cat women’s rugby superstar who just wants to be loved. There is no third-act breakup.
I’m a rugby player in the twilight of my career. Younger, stronger, prettier women are joining the team, and my endorsement deals are drying up. Nobody wants a grumpy, washed-up, burned out has-been to advertise their brand.
When my new teammate sets me up on a blind date with her brother, I begrudgingly agree for the sake of team harmony… until I find out I already know her other brother.
Gymnast Tony Gonzales is the bane of my existence. I hit rock bottom the morning after our Olympics hookup three years ago; I stopped drinking entirely, and I’ve changed my whole life around since then.
Now, he’s everywhere, a taunting reminder of every challenge and failure I’ve endured. But the more time I spend with him, I start to wonder if maybe I was too quick to judge. It’s not his fault he’s tangled up with all of my worst memories. And I can’t deny his drive — to succeed in gymnastics, to go to vet school, to take care of his family — is incredibly sexy.
Rugby is brutal. Gymnastics is intense. But nothing has ever felt as dangerous as falling for each other.
RUCK ME HARDER is an enemies to lovers, best friend’s brother, they’re both athletes romance featuring a tattooed, leather jacket-wearing, motorcycle-riding gymnast and the black cat women’s rugby superstar who just wants to be loved. There is no third-act breakup.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2025
11 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 15, 2025
Another great read from Allie! I just love the world she has built and all the characters in it. The friend group Viv is in is so supportive of each other. Tony is a great book boyfriend. He's been in love with Viv for years, since they met at the Olympics three years prior, but never had a way to get a hold of her until his sister joined her rugby team. Viv tries to deny her feelings for him but soon they start to date and fall in love. They support each other's careers and both make it to the next Olympics.
April 13, 2025
Cute enemy to lover story. Well, Viv considers Tony an enemy. Tony considers Viv his missing piece.
This book not only takes you into their relationship, but it also takes you through their lives as players, teammates, and family.
🌶🌶
This book not only takes you into their relationship, but it also takes you through their lives as players, teammates, and family.
🌶🌶
July 24, 2025
Too much happens off pages. We don't see the moment where Viv starts to rethink her feeling for Tony. She just shows up at his job on day and is like hey lets go out. Maybe another 50 pages to add more depth would have made a difference. The MCs are two athletes ready for retirement, even some of the sports included in the book was not deep enough. The funniest part of the book was the mention of a kink that was never mentioned again and Viv manhandling Tony. It's a cute story and Im happy for the happy ending.
March 3, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC
Plot: 3/5
Spice: 2/5 (Few open door scenes but not super descriptive)
Characters: 3/5
Overall reco: A cute low stakes sports romance book, with little to no drama. The two main character spend a lot of time in their heads, there is a lot of repeating inner monologue about everything from alcohol to celebrity dating issues to the meaning of sports to men versus women's sports and their public view. It was like a hallmark movie about sports romance, enjoyable but nothing groundbreaking. Nothing wrong with that. Viv and Tony were cute but felt a bit light. The concept for the novel is interesting, but I don't know if it lived up to that for me. If you like the authors other novels then I'm sure this will be enjoyable.
The Good?
Low stakes - There wasn't a lot of drama beyond them figuring out how to be together. No big shoe drops or other reveals. No miscommunications beyond what revolves around the initial event. No third act break up.
Easy read - it was an easy book to get into and if I hadn't had a bunch of other things keeping me busy I would have finished this in a few hours. That said, I did find that it was easy to get distracted while reading.
My nitpicks:
The inner monolouges -
DON'T PUT PETS IN YOUR JACKET AND GO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE. JFC. AS A PERSON THAT RIDES, TAKEN SEVERAL MULTISTATE RIDES FOR A US MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURER (not HD) ADVERTISEMENT CAMPAIGN; WHO HAS RIDDEN IN BOSTON, NYC, WASH DC AND THEN OUT IN THE 'WEST' IN THE DAKOTAS AND MONTANA: DO NOT RIDE WITH ANIMALS IN YOUR FUCKING CLOTHES.
The promo/sponsors stuff -
All the extra characters.
They don't BOTH hate each other -
Plot: 3/5
Spice: 2/5 (Few open door scenes but not super descriptive)
Characters: 3/5
Overall reco: A cute low stakes sports romance book, with little to no drama. The two main character spend a lot of time in their heads, there is a lot of repeating inner monologue about everything from alcohol to celebrity dating issues to the meaning of sports to men versus women's sports and their public view. It was like a hallmark movie about sports romance, enjoyable but nothing groundbreaking. Nothing wrong with that. Viv and Tony were cute but felt a bit light. The concept for the novel is interesting, but I don't know if it lived up to that for me. If you like the authors other novels then I'm sure this will be enjoyable.
The Good?
Low stakes - There wasn't a lot of drama beyond them figuring out how to be together. No big shoe drops or other reveals. No miscommunications beyond what revolves around the initial event. No third act break up.
Easy read - it was an easy book to get into and if I hadn't had a bunch of other things keeping me busy I would have finished this in a few hours. That said, I did find that it was easy to get distracted while reading.
My nitpicks:
The inner monolouges -
DON'T PUT PETS IN YOUR JACKET AND GO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE. JFC. AS A PERSON THAT RIDES, TAKEN SEVERAL MULTISTATE RIDES FOR A US MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURER (not HD) ADVERTISEMENT CAMPAIGN; WHO HAS RIDDEN IN BOSTON, NYC, WASH DC AND THEN OUT IN THE 'WEST' IN THE DAKOTAS AND MONTANA: DO NOT RIDE WITH ANIMALS IN YOUR FUCKING CLOTHES.
The promo/sponsors stuff -
All the extra characters.
They don't BOTH hate each other -
March 28, 2025
4.5 Stars
I always appreciate a sports romance where we get a different sport than the typical sports that we see all of the time. I am a big rugby fan, so I got really excited to read this story that features a female rugby player. I also love to read stories where both main characters are athletes because they understand the rigors of being an athlete and the sacrifices that they each have to make. This story didn’t have but so much drama after the initial reuniting. It was cute and entertaining. This book was super long and was a very quick read. It was a great story for someone looking for a unique sports romance and doesn’t want a book that completely wrecks you emotionally. I thought that the writing was done in a way that kept my attention and the characters were written in a way that you could connect to them and their lives.
When we meet Viv, we get a small glance at what happened in her room at the Olympics. We then fast forward three years to see a veteran rugby captain that is pushing herself before the end of her career. She wants to make one more Olympics. She has completely changed her life after her night at the Olympics and is doing her best to focus on rugby. Tony is a veteran gymnast that is looking to redeem himself after a poor showing at the Olympics. He wants one more chance at the Olympics after he tackles the World Championship. These two have history and a very different view of what happened between them. I love the connection that they had as athletes and how they understood each other and what they were going through.
I will read almost any sports romance, but I love when I get to read about different sports, especially rugby. I thought that the author did a great job of showing the struggle of Olympic athletes and athletes that play a professional sport that isn’t one of the big, popular ones. We do get some wonderful spicy scenes between these two and a sweet romance between two people that get to fix what happened three years prior. I enjoyed reading this story and appreciate the different take on a sports romance.
I always appreciate a sports romance where we get a different sport than the typical sports that we see all of the time. I am a big rugby fan, so I got really excited to read this story that features a female rugby player. I also love to read stories where both main characters are athletes because they understand the rigors of being an athlete and the sacrifices that they each have to make. This story didn’t have but so much drama after the initial reuniting. It was cute and entertaining. This book was super long and was a very quick read. It was a great story for someone looking for a unique sports romance and doesn’t want a book that completely wrecks you emotionally. I thought that the writing was done in a way that kept my attention and the characters were written in a way that you could connect to them and their lives.
When we meet Viv, we get a small glance at what happened in her room at the Olympics. We then fast forward three years to see a veteran rugby captain that is pushing herself before the end of her career. She wants to make one more Olympics. She has completely changed her life after her night at the Olympics and is doing her best to focus on rugby. Tony is a veteran gymnast that is looking to redeem himself after a poor showing at the Olympics. He wants one more chance at the Olympics after he tackles the World Championship. These two have history and a very different view of what happened between them. I love the connection that they had as athletes and how they understood each other and what they were going through.
I will read almost any sports romance, but I love when I get to read about different sports, especially rugby. I thought that the author did a great job of showing the struggle of Olympic athletes and athletes that play a professional sport that isn’t one of the big, popular ones. We do get some wonderful spicy scenes between these two and a sweet romance between two people that get to fix what happened three years prior. I enjoyed reading this story and appreciate the different take on a sports romance.
March 30, 2025
After a drunken night leads to a one night stand with a mystery athlete during the Olympics, rugby captain Viv decides to go sober and work on herself. When her new teammate sets Viv up on a blind date, Viv is surprised to find out her teammate's brother was the star of the worst mistake of her life. Tony, a gymnast, among other things, has dreamed of running into Viv again. However, it's bittersweet when he learns the best night of his life was the worst one of hers. Determined to make a better second impression, Tony sets out to show Viv he's not like other guys. Viv finds herself drawn to Tony as he showers her with love and his hidden soft side. The Olympics are coming back around, and these two are on a path to athletic stardom. Will their new relationship be able to handle the bumps of two jam-packed schedules and their future dreams?
First off, I loved how Tony sometimes gets called Tone because my hubby's family also shortens his name to Tone (or T-Bone), and I've never met anyone else who answers to that! Viv is a powerhouse in her own right but rough around the edges from a life of fighting to the top. Tony is a gentle giant, preferring the quiet life with his loved ones. Their clash of opinions worked out well. Tony taught Viv how to round out her angles a bit, and she brought him into some good spotlight. Their Olympic-bound journey was fun to watch. Despite this being a sports novella with two athlete MCs, the sports component was not overwhelming. There's a great balance between the plot and the spice also. I loved how well the secondary characters give depth to the storyline. Definitely a great read!
First off, I loved how Tony sometimes gets called Tone because my hubby's family also shortens his name to Tone (or T-Bone), and I've never met anyone else who answers to that! Viv is a powerhouse in her own right but rough around the edges from a life of fighting to the top. Tony is a gentle giant, preferring the quiet life with his loved ones. Their clash of opinions worked out well. Tony taught Viv how to round out her angles a bit, and she brought him into some good spotlight. Their Olympic-bound journey was fun to watch. Despite this being a sports novella with two athlete MCs, the sports component was not overwhelming. There's a great balance between the plot and the spice also. I loved how well the secondary characters give depth to the storyline. Definitely a great read!
March 14, 2025
If you’re looking for a super cute sports romance with no third act break up, medium spice, and happily ever after you have found the perfect book.
Viv is a beautiful example of a strong confident woman who struggles to find balance between her professional career and personal life. Tony represents a guy facing a lot of big changes in life and struggling with how to be true to himself through these changes. I appreciate how this author challenges, traditional gender constructs by making the FMC play the more masculine sport, but still brings up the double standards for professional athletes trying to maintain sponsors. It was also refreshing to see Viv stick to her guns about only repping products that she believed in and teaching the younger generations to do the same.
My only complaint about this book is it is clearly the first step in a very large world building series. There are a lot of characters from various sports that get introduced and it can be difficult to keep everyone straight. I imagine this issue will resolve as we get to know more characters through the series.
My nitpick is that Viv makes references to some really dirty stuff and then the sex scenes are fairly vanilla. I need at least one scene of them getting freaky 🥵
Viv is a beautiful example of a strong confident woman who struggles to find balance between her professional career and personal life. Tony represents a guy facing a lot of big changes in life and struggling with how to be true to himself through these changes. I appreciate how this author challenges, traditional gender constructs by making the FMC play the more masculine sport, but still brings up the double standards for professional athletes trying to maintain sponsors. It was also refreshing to see Viv stick to her guns about only repping products that she believed in and teaching the younger generations to do the same.
My only complaint about this book is it is clearly the first step in a very large world building series. There are a lot of characters from various sports that get introduced and it can be difficult to keep everyone straight. I imagine this issue will resolve as we get to know more characters through the series.
My nitpick is that Viv makes references to some really dirty stuff and then the sex scenes are fairly vanilla. I need at least one scene of them getting freaky 🥵
March 29, 2025
Ruck Me Harder is a refreshing twist on the typical sports romance genre, offering something unique and interesting and empowering.
The story follows Viv, a composed and successful female rugby player, and Tony, a male gymnast she had a one-night fling with on the early days of their career. Their reunion brings back old memories and sparks a new connection.
What makes this book stand out is Author Allie Lasky's choice to feature a female rugby player as the lead and a main lead male gymnast, which is rarely seen in sports romance. This shift in perspective adds a fresh dynamic to the genre. I love the scene when Viv attended an event and that the book celebrates women of all sizes and promotes empowerment through Viv’s character, making it even more special.
Overall, the book combines strong messages with romance and some spicy scenes, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
I would rate it 4 stars and recommend it to spicy romance lovers!
This review is based on my own opinion. What I may like may not be your cup of tea.
༘⋆ ꙳ ꕀ ꒰ 𖧧 ··♡ ꒱ ღ
🌠 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Let’s be moots. *´ސު｀*
linktr.ee/kawaiimemos
#RuckMeHarder #romancerecommendation #kawaiimemosreads #kawaiimemos #bookreview #AllieLasky
The story follows Viv, a composed and successful female rugby player, and Tony, a male gymnast she had a one-night fling with on the early days of their career. Their reunion brings back old memories and sparks a new connection.
What makes this book stand out is Author Allie Lasky's choice to feature a female rugby player as the lead and a main lead male gymnast, which is rarely seen in sports romance. This shift in perspective adds a fresh dynamic to the genre. I love the scene when Viv attended an event and that the book celebrates women of all sizes and promotes empowerment through Viv’s character, making it even more special.
Overall, the book combines strong messages with romance and some spicy scenes, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
I would rate it 4 stars and recommend it to spicy romance lovers!
This review is based on my own opinion. What I may like may not be your cup of tea.
༘⋆ ꙳ ꕀ ꒰ 𖧧 ··♡ ꒱ ღ
🌠 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Let’s be moots. *´ސު｀*
linktr.ee/kawaiimemos
#RuckMeHarder #romancerecommendation #kawaiimemosreads #kawaiimemos #bookreview #AllieLasky
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2025
This one was not my favorite, but was still a good read!
Ruck Me Harder was a 3.5 rounded to 4 stars for me. We have a story line that follows a female Olympic rugby player and male Olympic gymnast who struggle with their recollection of 1 night, 3 years ago.
What I enjoyed from this book: the characters! I really like how the emphasis was put on life outside and after sports - and not just what sports can do for them in the here and now. Their vulnerability at times was also endearing. Lastly - its a quick read. So if you just want to sit down and enjoy a couple hours with no 3rd act breakup, minimal miscommunication, no accidental pregnancies, or anything like that - this is a good choice!
What I didn't like: Viv just suddenly goes from hatred to infatuation. The readers are never clued into what changed for her - or I missed it. I would have loved a bit more banter between them as I go gooey for some enemies to lovers.
What you can expect
- a little enemies to lovers
- athletes
- grumpy and grumpier
- second chance
- a couple spice scenes
- a whole bunch of found family
Ruck Me Harder was a 3.5 rounded to 4 stars for me. We have a story line that follows a female Olympic rugby player and male Olympic gymnast who struggle with their recollection of 1 night, 3 years ago.
What I enjoyed from this book: the characters! I really like how the emphasis was put on life outside and after sports - and not just what sports can do for them in the here and now. Their vulnerability at times was also endearing. Lastly - its a quick read. So if you just want to sit down and enjoy a couple hours with no 3rd act breakup, minimal miscommunication, no accidental pregnancies, or anything like that - this is a good choice!
What I didn't like: Viv just suddenly goes from hatred to infatuation. The readers are never clued into what changed for her - or I missed it. I would have loved a bit more banter between them as I go gooey for some enemies to lovers.
What you can expect
- a little enemies to lovers
- athletes
- grumpy and grumpier
- second chance
- a couple spice scenes
- a whole bunch of found family
March 13, 2025
Ruck Me Harder ::’Sexy as Sin ! Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, rugby / gymnastics and all the feels . Perfection absolute perfection. That’s exactly what Ruck Me Harder was and is . It’s been a while since I picked up a book that had the ability to make me smile , make me laugh even make me cry at times and keep me cheer as freaking hard as Tony and Viv’s journey has done . What started out as hatred between these two, very quickly turned into so much more than either ever saw coming. This is definitely not a journey that’s easy or all hearts and flowers, because Viv went through something that took both an emotional and physical toll on her life - both past and present. But Tony well let’s just say he is determined to break the huge wall down Viv has put up . I absolutely adored these two . The way their is so much more to both characters then meets the eye . So many different layers and complexities. Ruck Me Harder is not just your typical sports love story . It’s beautiful and emotional, it’s a journey about love and pain and healing and second chances and a must read
March 14, 2025
ARC Review:
This is a very cute, short no third act break up story of two athletes. Tony is a member of the USA gymnastics team while Viv is part of the Women's Rugby team. Their goal is to make one final Olympics competition before they retire and move on to different things in their lives. Years prior they had met at the Olympics, had one night together and after some miscommunication and Viv feeling like she's hit rock bottom, things changed for her. One thing she does know is she has a lot of hatred built up for one particular man.
I enjoyed how these two navigated their sports, siblings, and their lives together. I do wish there were more details about what went through her head before she decided she didn’t hate him, like more of the struggles or thoughts she faced when deciding if she should give him a chance.
There is a little bit of spice throughout the book, mentions of a few kinks they wouldn't mind trying out and a little bit of Viv manhandling Tony.
Overall I am very happy with this cute quick read.
This is a very cute, short no third act break up story of two athletes. Tony is a member of the USA gymnastics team while Viv is part of the Women's Rugby team. Their goal is to make one final Olympics competition before they retire and move on to different things in their lives. Years prior they had met at the Olympics, had one night together and after some miscommunication and Viv feeling like she's hit rock bottom, things changed for her. One thing she does know is she has a lot of hatred built up for one particular man.
I enjoyed how these two navigated their sports, siblings, and their lives together. I do wish there were more details about what went through her head before she decided she didn’t hate him, like more of the struggles or thoughts she faced when deciding if she should give him a chance.
There is a little bit of spice throughout the book, mentions of a few kinks they wouldn't mind trying out and a little bit of Viv manhandling Tony.
Overall I am very happy with this cute quick read.
March 27, 2025
Viv and Tony are the ultimate sports power couple! Viv is a kick butt professional Rugby player who is nearing the end of her career. Tony is a gymnast going for one last Worlds and possibly one more Olympics. Tony has been so into Viv since they met and had a great night at the last Olympics, but Viv had a different experience when she woke up and Tony wasn't there.
Viv has made some major changes in her life since that night, and she would be happy if she never saw Tony again. But Fate put Tony's sister as the new gal on Viv's team, and of course, they run into each other. Viv is horrified and wants nothing to do with Tony, but he sees this as his second chance.
After spending time together, things change in their relationship and they support each other through the trials and tribulations of being a professional athlete.
I love how Allie Lasky writes from the heart and her character development is pure joy! I loved Viv and Tony's story and can't wait for the rest of the Gonzales family to find love!
Viv has made some major changes in her life since that night, and she would be happy if she never saw Tony again. But Fate put Tony's sister as the new gal on Viv's team, and of course, they run into each other. Viv is horrified and wants nothing to do with Tony, but he sees this as his second chance.
After spending time together, things change in their relationship and they support each other through the trials and tribulations of being a professional athlete.
I love how Allie Lasky writes from the heart and her character development is pure joy! I loved Viv and Tony's story and can't wait for the rest of the Gonzales family to find love!
March 31, 2025
Sigh. I was so lucky to be able to arc read Viv and Tony's love story! At first, it reads as a grumpy/grumpy romance, but that quickly changes. This was such a sweet love story all the way through, even the grumpy bits were adorable! No 3rd act breakup, minimal conflicts. It was super sweet and so easy to read! It would make a wonderful palette cleanser, or just a cozy romance on a rainy day.
If you love grumpy/grumpy romance, read this book!
If you love he-falls-first, read this book!
If you love a good sports romance, read this book!
If you love mixing found families and biological families, read this book!
If you love your romance to be sweet and mushy all the way through, read this book!
If you love strong FMCs and the MMCs who support them, read this book!
If you love MMCs who are secure in their relationship, read this book!
If you love FMCs who don't lie to themselves, read this book!
While it was sweet all the way through, the spicy scenes did not disappoint! Definitely recommend!
If you love grumpy/grumpy romance, read this book!
If you love he-falls-first, read this book!
If you love a good sports romance, read this book!
If you love mixing found families and biological families, read this book!
If you love your romance to be sweet and mushy all the way through, read this book!
If you love strong FMCs and the MMCs who support them, read this book!
If you love MMCs who are secure in their relationship, read this book!
If you love FMCs who don't lie to themselves, read this book!
While it was sweet all the way through, the spicy scenes did not disappoint! Definitely recommend!
March 21, 2025
Another great book by Allie Lasky!
Tony and Viv have history but they don’t remember an incident the same way. This was a fun read that touches on alcoholism, being blackout drunk and having gaps in their memories.I love that one of them wanted more right from the start but didn’t cross into stocker territory to track them down to see if they have a real chance at something real. If the above wasn’t enough both Viv and Tony are athletes who are training hard for the olympics as well as juggling other commitments.
I love how when I pick a book up by Allie Lasky that I’m always learning about something. This time it was about Olympic athletes: how hard they train, how having the right sponsorship can change their finances so drastically, and how hard it can be to juggle life with being so dedicated to their sport. It was so eye opening and is appreciated!
This is an awesome book and I hope if the above perks your interests that you check it out.
Tony and Viv have history but they don’t remember an incident the same way. This was a fun read that touches on alcoholism, being blackout drunk and having gaps in their memories.I love that one of them wanted more right from the start but didn’t cross into stocker territory to track them down to see if they have a real chance at something real. If the above wasn’t enough both Viv and Tony are athletes who are training hard for the olympics as well as juggling other commitments.
I love how when I pick a book up by Allie Lasky that I’m always learning about something. This time it was about Olympic athletes: how hard they train, how having the right sponsorship can change their finances so drastically, and how hard it can be to juggle life with being so dedicated to their sport. It was so eye opening and is appreciated!
This is an awesome book and I hope if the above perks your interests that you check it out.
March 7, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to read the ARC!
Sport romance without three act break up and little drama.
It's a nice, fast read.
I really liked the way they consent and communication is written and talked in this book both with friends and partner.
I like the introduction of the characters, it's clear that there will be more books about the other characters (I want the book about the brothers 😂). Maybe were too much introductions for one book, more like introduction to what will happen next but it's a good start.
The characters had a lot of inner dialogue it's not bad but you have to keep that in mind to enjoy the book.
The only bad thing I can say about this book it's that I felt it a bit rushed, but in aprox. 250pag. You can't expect more.
In conclusion: if you want a cozy, easy read without drama: read it, you will enjoy it :)
Sport romance without three act break up and little drama.
It's a nice, fast read.
I really liked the way they consent and communication is written and talked in this book both with friends and partner.
I like the introduction of the characters, it's clear that there will be more books about the other characters (I want the book about the brothers 😂). Maybe were too much introductions for one book, more like introduction to what will happen next but it's a good start.
The characters had a lot of inner dialogue it's not bad but you have to keep that in mind to enjoy the book.
The only bad thing I can say about this book it's that I felt it a bit rushed, but in aprox. 250pag. You can't expect more.
In conclusion: if you want a cozy, easy read without drama: read it, you will enjoy it :)
March 15, 2025
I adored Ruck Me Harder! I loved both Viv and Tony. When being first introduced they’re both a bit prickly/grumpy and i was loving them then and then we got to know them and their personalities and you just love them more. I loved how supportive of one another they were, how they knew how important their careers were but also made their relationship a priority. We saw them both loosen up a bit more and make time for other things when they could. I loved the sports aspect and how devoted they both were to their passions. I loved seeing some of the transition phase for them post sports. I loved the scenes at the animal shelter and little Shadow. I loved meeting both families and can’t wait to read their books!
March 16, 2025
Wow, that was intense but oh so wonderful too! Talk about all kinds of sports and having a hand in them all, but who would have known that Rugby would ever get such an awesome story.
So, let's discuss Tony...because he straight out melted my heart to see a gymnast (I have an eye already here) in a leather jacket, on a bike, with a kitten hidden there. Que the awes, right? And then there is a Viv whom I straight out love. (The whole series is about strong females, I should know!) And she is. She doesn’t take no crap from anyone so it's hard to put her walls down, but when she does and they come together...chef’s kiss. I loved it!
So, want some Olympics, toughness, and sass all put together, make sure to catch this one!
So, let's discuss Tony...because he straight out melted my heart to see a gymnast (I have an eye already here) in a leather jacket, on a bike, with a kitten hidden there. Que the awes, right? And then there is a Viv whom I straight out love. (The whole series is about strong females, I should know!) And she is. She doesn’t take no crap from anyone so it's hard to put her walls down, but when she does and they come together...chef’s kiss. I loved it!
So, want some Olympics, toughness, and sass all put together, make sure to catch this one!
December 25, 2025
I don't read much romance; I was mostly in this for the American rugby scene which we didn't get a ton of. That being said, the characters and their progression was a great read. I appreciate that their first meeting wasn't a meet cute and I'm glad they had to work through their personal growth.
While there wasn't a ton of rugby, this did feel like a faithful portrayal of middle income professional athletes and an amateur making ends meet. The description of their lives and the things they balance around competition and training felt authentic, even down to the meal prep.
This book is spicy, there were at least a half dozen open door scenes and accompanying dirty talk that was pretty descriptive for a prude like me. Also a lot of use of the C word.
While there wasn't a ton of rugby, this did feel like a faithful portrayal of middle income professional athletes and an amateur making ends meet. The description of their lives and the things they balance around competition and training felt authentic, even down to the meal prep.
This book is spicy, there were at least a half dozen open door scenes and accompanying dirty talk that was pretty descriptive for a prude like me. Also a lot of use of the C word.
March 14, 2025
Ruck me harder is part of the sexy as sin series and is a short sports romance.
The story has my favourite trope; enemies to lovers even though it's one-sided. In the prologue, you meet Viv, who has just encountered a one night stand. Several years later, she is then introduced again to him and instantly takes a dislike to Tony due to the way he treated her. But Tony really likes Viv.
The story moves quickly, and you have a lot of internal monologue, which I really enjoyed. I was laughing at parts of the story, and I was emotionally invested with the characters.
I really liked the ending as I love HEA. I was lucky to get the extended epilogue too to see where their lives had gone. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the characters' stories also!
The only downside is that it wasn't longer as I could have read more about them!
The story has my favourite trope; enemies to lovers even though it's one-sided. In the prologue, you meet Viv, who has just encountered a one night stand. Several years later, she is then introduced again to him and instantly takes a dislike to Tony due to the way he treated her. But Tony really likes Viv.
The story moves quickly, and you have a lot of internal monologue, which I really enjoyed. I was laughing at parts of the story, and I was emotionally invested with the characters.
I really liked the ending as I love HEA. I was lucky to get the extended epilogue too to see where their lives had gone. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the characters' stories also!
The only downside is that it wasn't longer as I could have read more about them!
March 12, 2025
I am loving this trend of multi author series. It has opened my eyes to so many new authors!
Ruck Me Harder was a nice story about Viv and Tony's evolving relationship. It starts off in not the best way, in Viv's mind. She feels like their first encounter was her biggest mistake/regret. Tony, on the other hand, has always been a fan of Viv. When I first read the tropes, I was looking for two people who really did NOT like one another to fall in love. This wasn't exactly that.
I enjoyed this book and hope you will too!
Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion. Please be aware of any trigger warnings, as your mental health is most important.
Ruck Me Harder was a nice story about Viv and Tony's evolving relationship. It starts off in not the best way, in Viv's mind. She feels like their first encounter was her biggest mistake/regret. Tony, on the other hand, has always been a fan of Viv. When I first read the tropes, I was looking for two people who really did NOT like one another to fall in love. This wasn't exactly that.
I enjoyed this book and hope you will too!
Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion. Please be aware of any trigger warnings, as your mental health is most important.
March 13, 2025
I throughly enjoyed this book! It’s a quick read and i couldn’t put it down; i literally didn’t sleep so i could stay up and finish it before going to work. I loved the rivalry between the FMC and the MMC; the tension between them was palpable. I loved the dual POV so you get both sides of the story. Ruck Me Harder was a grumpy v grumpier(she’s grumpier), forced proximity, second chance romance featuring two bad ass Olympic athletes. The sprinkle of spice balanced out the tension and just shows the characters chemistry. 10/10 would recommend! If you havent already add it to your TBR it drops tomorrow March 14th!
March 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I rarely read sports romances where both main characters play a sport so this one was different but fun! A blind date with one brother leads Viv to a different brother- that she has thought about for quite some time. Viv is a strong & hotheaded rugby player who had a one night stand with Tony, a gymnast. Three years later, they run into each other- literally. The funny hate jabs from Viv had me laughing in the first half of the book. I enjoyed their love story and reading about their lives as professional athletes. I definitely loved how Tony was such a softy when it came to animals.
Thank you, Allie for this advanced reader copy!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I rarely read sports romances where both main characters play a sport so this one was different but fun! A blind date with one brother leads Viv to a different brother- that she has thought about for quite some time. Viv is a strong & hotheaded rugby player who had a one night stand with Tony, a gymnast. Three years later, they run into each other- literally. The funny hate jabs from Viv had me laughing in the first half of the book. I enjoyed their love story and reading about their lives as professional athletes. I definitely loved how Tony was such a softy when it came to animals.
Thank you, Allie for this advanced reader copy!
March 14, 2025
Ruck Me Harder by Allie Lasky is a good feel sports rom com. I enjoyed this book very much. I loved how they came together despite the past, their crazy Olympic schedules, and the craziness of sponsors. The only downfall I had was the gap between Viv being ticked at Tony for leaving her in the middle of the night all those years ago. All the hate and angst were there and then it was like it completely disappeared. It went from her telling her friend’s how much she despised Tony to, “Hey, can we get coffee?” It was like a switch flipped. There was no gradual internal debate for forgiving him. Past that the story was awesome. I loved how they interacted.
March 17, 2025
What happens when a tough rugby player and a ridiculously flexible gymnast have a one-night stand at the Olympics, then ghost each other for three years? Drama, tension, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Viv is convinced she hates Tony (she doesn’t), and Tony is convinced she’s moved on (she hasn’t). With trust issues, career pressures, and some questionable communication skills, they have to figure things out—preferably without Viv tackling Tony for real. No third-act breakup, no surprise babies, just a fun, fast, and flirty romance with a little bit of manhandling and a whole lot of heart.
Viv is convinced she hates Tony (she doesn’t), and Tony is convinced she’s moved on (she hasn’t). With trust issues, career pressures, and some questionable communication skills, they have to figure things out—preferably without Viv tackling Tony for real. No third-act breakup, no surprise babies, just a fun, fast, and flirty romance with a little bit of manhandling and a whole lot of heart.
March 18, 2025
Viv gave up a lot after the Olympics when she was left alone after a night of drinking and waking up in a cold lonely bed. Years later she is introduced to a new young eager teammate who tells her the should go a date with her brother… when she realizes he is the brother of the one night stand from Olympics she flees. With Cari on her team it seems she keeps running into Tony and maybe she can’t stay away from him especially with how hot and attractive he is. Tony knows she is the one who got away and finds a way to get Viv to pay attention to him. Once the two of them are able to come together and put the past behind them it seems like they’re only going to get stronger from here.
March 27, 2025
This was my first Allie book and I loved it!!
SHE is an Olympic rugby player and team captain and HE is an Olympic gymnast. Too good!
Viv and Tony have a ONS at the Olympics and then run into each other by chance three years later when Tony’s sister makes Vivs rugby team. Tony has had feelings for Viv for years and she tried to fight it but then they start dating and he is so supportive and patient with her it’s hard for her to resist. They support each other’s dreams and what they want for the future outside of their respective sports.
They have such an awesome and funny friend group! I can’t wait to go back and read more from them.
SHE is an Olympic rugby player and team captain and HE is an Olympic gymnast. Too good!
Viv and Tony have a ONS at the Olympics and then run into each other by chance three years later when Tony’s sister makes Vivs rugby team. Tony has had feelings for Viv for years and she tried to fight it but then they start dating and he is so supportive and patient with her it’s hard for her to resist. They support each other’s dreams and what they want for the future outside of their respective sports.
They have such an awesome and funny friend group! I can’t wait to go back and read more from them.
March 10, 2025
Ruck Me Harder is part of the Sexy As Sin Series.
Tony and Viv have a lot of interesting moments together. What starts has hatred, quickly turns into some spicy moments. Was Viv too harsh? Yes, but what happened in the past, greatly reflected that and he was just a bad reminder of all of that. However, Tony is such a great guy that he quickly wore down her defences without even trying too hard. When given the chance, these two were very cute together. They brought out good things with the other.
Another great addition to the series!
Tony and Viv have a lot of interesting moments together. What starts has hatred, quickly turns into some spicy moments. Was Viv too harsh? Yes, but what happened in the past, greatly reflected that and he was just a bad reminder of all of that. However, Tony is such a great guy that he quickly wore down her defences without even trying too hard. When given the chance, these two were very cute together. They brought out good things with the other.
Another great addition to the series!
March 14, 2025
A gymnast, a rugby player and the Olympics. The perfect combination or an epic disaster. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s both! I absolutely loved both Tony and Viv. They both had their own epic personalities, grumpy and grumpy, they each came into their own with each other. I swooned at the love that Tony had for Viv. It was so evident. And when Viv finally learned what happened, she too threw herself all in. The siblings interacting and all the team/friend group interactions were spot on. Oh and no third act breakup! Definitely worth the read!
March 17, 2025
Viv, a rugby player, and Tony, a gymnast, have a one- night stand at the Olympics and don’t see each other until 3 years later. The two of them are drawn back together like magnets. Viv was hurt so she puts up the tough girl exterior. It seems like Tony is convinced she has no feelings or is interested in someone else. Viv has to be the one to take a step to change their relationship. Trust is a theme of the story and I like the way both characters deal with it. The ending was just as it should be. I couldn’t help imagine how the story would continue.
March 7, 2025
Ruck Me Harder is a cute Hallmark type of book with no third act break up and little to no drama. I enjoyed this book a lot. I’d give it a 3.5 rating. I wish there was more drama, but overall I enjoyed that it didn’t have a third act break up. I liked both of the characters. At one point I related a lot with Tony regarding on how tired he was. Overall, I would recommend this book to friends who enjoy this type of book.
Thank you to the publisher for this arc.
Thank you to the publisher for this arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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