It’s my senior year at Newhouse, and I’m looking for redemption. I failed my team when we didn’t bring home the championship last season. I’ve done everything I can from more workouts to extra training sessions, but I can’t overcome the mental block making me second-guess every play on the field.
There’s too much at stake for me to fumble. Not when I should be at the top of my game.
I can’t be the weak link. I will do whatever it takes, even if that means begging the new girl in town for help. She had plenty to say about the I’ve been playing when we first met. I recall the word “lackluster” being used to describe my performance on the field.
She may not have had the nicest things to say about me, but she knows football. She’s exactly who I need to help me be the best quarterback in the conference.
At least that’s the reason I tell myself I haven’t been able to get her out of my head.
DREW
Moving back to Montgomery and attending Newhouse University for my senior year of college wasn’t on my to-do list. However, running out of money means fewer options, and asking my dad for help seemed like the best one.
I knew coming back home wouldn’t be easy, considering the rocky relationship I have with my dad. What I didn’t expect was running into a certain Newhouse quarterback at the bar.
My dad is the reason I love football, but he’s also keeping me from following my dreams. After another rejection, I’m done and ready to find a new path. That is, until I make a bet with Nash that changes everything.
I tried to keep my distance, but I can’t deny the pull I feel toward him. He claims he needs my help, but I might be the one who’s always needed him.
I’ve never had someone I could count on. Will he be the first?
I really enjoyed this book! It was well written and flowed easily.
Drew and Nash were a great couple that is always uplifting each other. I didn’t realize how much I like the slightly jealous “My Girl” vibe but I’m here for it!! Nash is a perfect book boyfriend! 10/10 recommend!!
⭐️ | 3.5🌶 Nash and Drew. I was waiting to see who'd knock Nash on his butt and I really enjoyed this one. Drew, so determined and fierce. Yet, hiding her hurt. And Nash, so protective and loving. And the found family. It made me giddy. So down for book 5. Thank you to luna literary for this arc.
4.5⭐️ truly! I’m not set on this rating cause I FREAKING LOVE THESE PEOPLE! I love this series, I love Nash and Drew… I just love everything about this book!
I’m such a sucker for a good sports romance and this one had everything I wanted: Coach’s daughter, QB1, Sunshine/Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Frenemies to Lovers… I could go on and on about it! But I think you should just read and enjoy it yourself!!
The whole series is on KU so perfect time to binge it if you haven’t already read them! This one releases August 1st so get ready! 🧡🧡
I absolutely loved this one. Something about Ginger Walls’ writing and characters just draw me in every time. I was unnecessarily worried returning to Newhouse University without the OG group, but Ginger immediately was like “trust me” because from the very first chapter, I was hooked. I’ve been in a bit of a slump lately, but I finished this one in record time. I could not put it down!
I love a sports romance where a girl knows her stuff and could hold her own talking sports. Those characters will hold a special place in my heart every time and Drew is no exception. The inclusion of football and football stats was woven in seamlessly, and the way that Nash and Drew’s lives were intertwined was so perfectly executed! Plus, I just loved Drew’s backstory and how details about her relationship with her dad were slowly revealed (even if I did wish that they would have communicated better with each other earlier).
This was a great addition to the Newhouse University series. I loved the banter, all the sweet, all the spice. Just a great combination that made the book full of so much feeling. The way they grew together and got so comfortable with each other to just be who they were. I mean Nash didn’t come off the greatest in the last book, but I absolutely loved him in this one. He was so caring and the way he would always step up and support/protect Drew (and the way Drew did so for him too!!) had me in my feels. Nash was going to let everybody know how smart his girl was and just swoon! I seriously could not get enough!
Hard Count by @gingerwallsauthor Release date: Aug 1, 2025
If you’re looking for an author that sucks you into the story from the very first page, @gingerwallsauthor is your gal! Once I started reading this book, I didn’t want to stop. And don’t get me started on Nash.. omg. The banter? *chefs kiss* The chemistry? YES.
“I liked you then but I’m in love with you now.”
You can read this entire series on KU now!
Thank you to the author for the gifted e-arc of this book!
ARC REVIEW I am honestly quite speechless for this one; I knew it was going to be an amazing read but WOW this was everything and so much more. If you were to ask me to tell you one thing I loved about this book? It would be a question left unanswered, because I loved every single thing this book had to offer; From the setting, the plot (which is something I never read before), the characters, the previous couples cameos, the found family, the friendships, even the next couple cameos.
Hard count had everything that made me as a reader extremely happy. I had the giggles, I had the bursts of random laughter, I had tears of joy (if you know, you know), I had the journey of the characters falling irrevocably in love and I had the pleasure of watching them grow into versions of themselves where their pieces began to fit together. It was absolutely breathtaking.
Now, the main characters had this chemistry that you could feel, you didn't have to go seeking for it and I think that's what made me fall more for not only them but their book. They were everything; he was attentive and she was his biggest supporter. Their communication level was like a breath of fresh air! I think what I loved the most was how supportive of each other they were in everything they did, and how they learned to love and understand each other with or without words.
I could ramble on and on about these two and their book; but I think you should experience it for yourself!
I have had the opportunity to ARC review 3 out of the 4 books in this series and I’m so grateful to be able to. I really enjoy this series. I think Drew and Nash's story has to be one of my favorites. I really enjoyed the speed at which the story developed. I had typical tropes like coach's daughter and he falls first but I think Ginger Walls does an incredible job of making this story different than most in the genre. I am excited to continue reading this series now that new characters have been introduced through Nash.
Thank you Ginger Walls for the opportunity to read ARC this!
This was SOOOO stinkin' cute, y'all!! I am completely in love with Drew & Nash. Their relationship was so refreshing as they supported and encouraged each other through every aspect of their lives.
I literally got butterflies every single time Nash called her baby. It was just so cute. He was so opened with Drew and never once made her incompetent to help him.
I really enjoyed the plot with her Dad and mom. It added necessary drama to the story without adding any miscommunication between the main characters which I appreciated. Nash is a 10/10 book boyfriend so I highly recommend you pick this up!
This was such a good sports romcom! It had just the right amount of banter, sweet and spicy moments. They supported each other through their hardships and fought for one another. Totally swoon worthy!
I wasn’t a huge fan of Nash due to how he handled the past situation between his best friend and sister however, he completely won me over in this book. He was just so thoughtful, dedicated, and supportive of Drew. He literally mended her broken heart and made her believe in love.
I felt so bad for Drew after what she had been through with her parents divorce and being used as a pawn. This book really showcased how damaging a toxic divorce is to a child. It broke my heart to see how strained her relationship with her father was, knowing that both of them just wanted to be in each other’s lives.
This book was filled with emotion and really tender moments. I appreciated that Nash always pushed Drew to open up more to him and to be emotional. Drew might have noticed Nash first but Nash definitely fell harder for her. I loved how protective and jealous he was of her, he was man obsessed.
From the series so far, this one has been the spiciest. I wasn’t expecting those public scenes but I was here for it. I’m looking forward to the next couple’s book, I’m already invested in them from all of the interactions they’ve had so far.
- College students - Sports romance (football) - Quarterback, manga lover MMC - Emotionally closed off, stats lover FMC - Coach’s daughter - Hurt/comfort
If you are looking for a cozy college romance with a smooth talking MMC and a sassy and smart FMC, a supportive friend group and zero outside drama then you need to read Nash and Drew's story. These two have so much chemistry, their every interaction is overflowing with emotion and their connection is undeniable.
I loved how their relationship unfolded. Nash is such a green flag hero and Drew was such an awesome lady boss. I loved them both so much!
If you haven't read Ginger Walls, I cannot recommended her enough. Her characters are always so lovable, the plot is always heartwarming and the romance is always top notch. Nash and Drew are my second favorite couple of Newhouse but not going to lie, it was a very close second and they almost dethroned my babies, Wyatt and Wren 🙀
Favorite Bits: 🖤 Everything about their first date. From Nash asking her out to the photo bombing. 🖤 Drew always believing in Nash, even before they meet and fall in love. I loved the full circle moment in their story! 🖤 The HEA + Epilogue is EVERYTHING!
Nash and Drew were everything I didn’t know I needed. Nash is a quarterback struggling to get his team to the national championship and regain his confidence. Drew is a transfer student who isn’t exactly happy about moving to be closer to her dad, the football coach. They are brought together by football and start working together (behind Coach’s back). Drew directs Nash on the field and helps him regain his confidence. Nash shows up for Drew off the field and helps mend her broken heart. I enjoyed seeing the character growth that Drew had as she faced her trauma that her parents’ divorce left her with as she revisits being caught in the middle and faces that pain with Nash to lean on. I loved the fourth installment in the Newhouse Nation series and cannot wait to see what is next from Ginger Walls.
Thanks Ginger for the e-arc. All opinions are my own and freely given.
Drew and Nash are goals in every way. I love the chemistry, the banter, the care. I love the way they understand each other in a way no one else does. It was so nice to see an FMC that loves football so much and has such an understanding of the sport. The way that Ginger writes her characters just draws you in every single time. I devoured this book in less than a day, stayed up way too late reading it, and still it’s not enough, I’m not ready to let these characters go. I’m so addicted to Drew and Nash. I highly recommend reading this book if you like sports romance involving the coach’s daughter and the starting quarterback, witty banter, a woman telling a bunch of men what to do (I seriously love Drew), and characters that will have you addicted. Thank you so much Ginger for early copy!!
I LOVE THEM. I SQUEALED SO MANY TIMES READING THIS. Nash dropping that first ‘baby’ will forever live rent free in my mind. Along with the treadmill…
Okay it’s been nine days since I finished Nash and Drew’s story and I haven’t been able to finish another book since… idk what Ginger put into this story but I love them. Nash is literally so adorable, and Drew is absolutely my favorite FMC! The twists and some of the history we learn had me in tears. I think I slid in Ginger’s DMs saying how fun and playful it was one minute, then I was full on sobbing the next 😅
If you love a sports romance story that actually includes the sport, then you will love this one! I’m a football girl through and through, so seeing an actual football storyline and Drew being so involved in the football aspect of it, I think really did it for me! I mean the flirty banter and escape room did it for me too 🤭🤭
I will never be able to express how much I loved this story. This will absolutely be a top read of the year for me, so prepare for me to never shut up about it! I will bully everyone into reading this story, so do yourself a favor and just add it to your TBR now 👏🏼
I cannot wait for what’s next!!! I need to know what was happening in that other escape room 👀
🧡 Football Romance 🏈 Coach's Daughter x Quarterback 🧡 He Falls First 🏈 Possessive MMC 🧡 Frenemies to Lovers 🏈 Sunshine x Sunshine 🧡 Hurt/Comfort 🏈 Forced Proximity 🧡 College Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had the honor of alpha reading Hard Count and was so excited to dive back in when the ARC hit my inbox. This series just feels like home to me and I never want it to end!!
Ginger Walls delivered one of the best redemption arcs I’ve read. Nash had me heated there for a minute in Foul Territory but he’s officially my favorite Newhouse leading man (sorry, Wyatt).
Nash and Drew have instant tension, amazing banter, and undeniable chemistry. She knows football, he needs help getting out of his own head, and together, they’re magic. Their connection felt real, raw, and impossible not to root for.
Nash turned out to be perfect ofcourse....I was a bit worried in the last book but I shouldn't have been lol. This is an amazing series and while I do have a favourite couple it is very hard to choose because I love all the characters. Can't wait to read more!
Ginger you did it again! This book was absolute perfection! I've loved every single one of these books and they never disappoint! I've been patiently waiting for Nash's book since Easy Out and I couldn't have ask for a better story for him than this! 🥹🧡
Nash is the quarterback for Newhouse University who has been struggling with second guessing himself with every play and move he makes. Feeling like he's failed his team and lost the opportunity to bring home a championship win for his team. Drew is everything he needs to help him become the best quarterback he can be. She does that and more.
I absolutely loved Nash and Drew! Their banter and chemistry were top tier! Also I love how this story was a different sport and I loved the change up. First baseball players now a football player couldn't ask for better stories than this! Keep doing what you are doing Ginger you are knocking these out of the park in this case scoring a touchdown! 🧡🏈
Thanks to Ginger and Luna Literary for the ARC opportunity!
What to expect: sports romance, coach's daughter, he falls first, hurt/comfort, forced proximity, obsessed MMC, sunshine/sunshine, frenemeies to friends to lovers
Trigger warning: pretty tame overall. Past parental divorce and feelings of abandonment by parent(s) but that's about it.
Review: 4/5
After Foul Territory, I was ready for my Nash Pierce redemption arc and I was not disappointed!!
Things I liked: - I love our green flagged boy, Nash. He was really just the sweetest partner to Drew from the start. He was both instalove and slow burn in that he knew he wanted to get to know Drew but needed to go at her pace so he didn't scare her off and he balanced that so well. I was so ready to see a different side of Nash after I was pretty upset with him in Foul Territory. I enjoyed his character in this book and liked the few mentions of the guilt he carried over what went down with Koa and Syd (though I also would have loved a little heart-to-heart scene of Nash with Koa or Syd). - Sweet baby Drew! It was so fun to have an FMC involved in the sport. Honestly, I think she loves football more than Nash and it was so fun seeing them cultivate their relationship through that love of the game. I felt for her with her past issues with her parents but was so relieved to see the true nature of Papa Prescott's relationship with her. It reminded me of The Risk by Elle Kennedy and the vibes that Brenna had with her dad in that book. - Frankie and Asher. Give me all the stories about these two. I love them and I want more of them. - The spice was ramped up a little in this one compared to previous installments in the series but particularly when compared to Foul Territory. It was fun getting a little more of the spice and seeing that side of Nash. I would like to see more of what makes him tick ;)
Things I disliked or missed the mark: - There were a few sections where I felt the pacing could have been a little bit more finely-tuned. Some spots felt like things moved really quickly and could have benefited from a little more dialogue or background to help make things feel more complete. - Full disclosure, while I had an ARC, life was lifing so I didn't start reading until after release day and I borrowed from KU for my read so Ginger could get the page reads. This is super minor but the book could use another proofreading comb-through. We're all human so this isn't impacting my rating but there were some pretty basic punctuation errors sprinkled throughout. Minor things like a missing comma or word that should have been capitalized but I know that can really get under some readers' skin so wanted to point it out.
Overall, this really hit the spot for me. I read this coming off a pretty dark, mental health-heavy read so the relative low-angst, lightheartedness of this book scratched the itch perfectly. Can't wait for more of Newhouse and future works from Ginger.
“I liked you then but I’m in love with you now. Over the last few months you taught me to believe in a lot of things again. One of them being me. But the most important thing is love. I believe in love again because I love you, Nash Pierce.”
✔️college football romance ✔️frenemies to lovers ✔️coach’s daughter ✔️sunshine x sunshine ✔️forced proximity ✔️he falls first ✔️no 3rd act breakup
This is the easiest 5⭐️ for me. I absolutely love Nash (MMC) and Drew (FMC) together. This is my first book by this author, and I am excited to go back and read the rest of the series now! I have to say, I think going into this book blind was a good idea because I didn’t know I was supposed to dislike the MMC. He was a walking green flag throughout this entire book, and after hearing him explain how he treated his sister and her boyfriend in the last book and seeing how he is as a person generally and with Drew, I think the redemption was successful. Nash gives off Ryan Shay (The Right Move by Liz Tomforde) quiet love vibes, and that is my favorite. Their love isn’t flashy, it’s steady and safe, and he makes it possible for the FMC to confront her past in a safe way and loves her through it all.
The FMC’s relationship with her parents is a major part of the story, and I really like the way that was handled. It’s hard to read at times but so important, and I appreciate that we get a little bit of her dad’s POV as well. To put it lightly, Drew is dealing with major abandonment issues, and she doesn’t trust anyone to not let her down. Nash recognizes that there is something big happening there when he sees the way she interacts with her dad, but he doesn’t interfere until/unless she asks him to. He is just a steady support and proves time and time again that when it comes down to it she is his priority, even over football. They don’t start off on the right foot but they work through it fairly quickly and the way they met made the reveal of their real history (that the MMC isn’t aware of) that much more powerful.
Unlike most college romances that end on a HFN, we get a true HEA with the epilogue and I am here for it. I love seeing the MCs reaching their goals both personally and professionally, and that they are still just as much in love seven years later. I flew through this book and am sad that it’s over, honestly. I am looking forward to what is coming next for this author!
*Thank you so much to the author (Ginger Walls) and Luna Literary for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
Grazie a Luna Literary Management e l'autrice Ginger Walls per avermi accettato questo arc!
Tropes che troveremo in questo libro: -Football Romance -Coach's Daughter x Quarterback -He Falls First -Possessive MMC -Frenemies to Lovers -Sunshine x Sunshine -Hurt/Comfort -Forced Proximity -College Romance
Vi riassumo un po' la trama, abbiamo Nash che è il capitano della squadra di Football e Drew che è la figlia del Coach, che si è appena trasferita nella città e frequentano entrambi l'ultimo anno di College. Una cosa che appunto li accomuna è la passione per il football, addirittura nel loro primo incontro Drew gli fa notare un suo punto debole come giocatore, proprio perché lei nota tutto ed è la sua specialità! Ma non vi anticipo altro.
E' il quarto libro di una serie di standalones, infatti devo recuperare i primi tre!
Nash, è il tipico mmc sottone (che a me piace tanto), possessivo e che si farebbe calpestare da lei (così deve essere). Il personaggio di Drew invece mi ha fatta piangere, il suo passato e il rapporto spezzato con il padre è una delle sottotrame principali, sviluppata tra l'altro benissimo. Nash aiuta ad affrontare tutto ed entrambi crescono alla fine del libro. Quindi leggetelo se amate questo genere di personaggi!
Parliamo dello stile di scrittura e come si sviluppa la storia: mi sono sentita attratta sin dal primo capitolo, il doppio pov come sempre per me è una manna dal cielo nei romance. Non ci sono momenti lenti e anzi procede tutto con il giusto ritmo
Let me recap the plot: Nash is the captain of the football team, and Drew is the Coach's daughter. She's just moved to town, and they're both in their senior year of college. One thing they have in common is their passion for football; even in their first meeting, Drew points out his weakness as a player, precisely because she notices everything and that's her specialty! But I won't tell you anything else.
It's the fourth book in a series of standalones; I have to catch up on the first three!
Nash is the typical MMC HE FALLS FIRST AND HARDER (which I really like), possessive, and someone who would let her walk all over him (that's how it should be). Drew's character, on the other hand, made me cry; her past and broken relationship with her father is one of the main subplots, and it's developed beautifully. Nash helps them deal with everything, and they both grow by the end of the book. So read it if you like this kind of character!
Let's talk about the writing style and how the story unfolds: I was drawn in from the first chapter. The dual POV, as always, is a godsend for me in romance novels. There are no slow moments, and everything moves at the right pace.
Thank you so much to the author Ginger Walls and Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
I absolutely love finding new authors. This being my first Ginger Walls book was just that good. When you have a romance book, that has emotional depth, emotional intelligence. an obsessed MMC who speaks her love language it is everything and more. Their chemistry is beyond the pages but above all the little plot twists that make everything click. I can't put into words how important representation matters. This book touches the delicate topic of coparenting relationships after divorce and seeing firsthand that in my life It made me so happy, not for her struggles but the ability to have a safe and loving relationship that validates your emotions and insecurities in the safest way. Absolute page turner and definitely should be added to your TBR. Nash is such an amazing MMC and I absolutely adored the way he loved Manga, his shy geeky side and Drews love for statistics and math.
Book blurb: NASH It’s my senior year at Newhouse, and I’m looking for redemption. I failed my team when we didn’t bring home the championship last season. I’ve done everything I can, from more workouts to extra training sessions, but I can’t overcome the mental block making me second-guess every play on the field.
There’s too much at stake for me to fumble. Not when I should be at the top of my game.
I can’t be the weak link. I will do whatever it takes, even if that means begging the new girl in town for help. She had plenty to say about the I’ve been playing when we first met. I recall the word “lackluster” being used to describe my performance on the field.
She may not have had the nicest things to say about me, but she knows football. She’s exactly who I need to help me be the best quarterback in the conference.
At least that’s the reason I tell myself I haven’t been able to get her out of my head.
DREW Moving back to Montgomery and attending Newhouse University for my senior year of college wasn’t on my to-do list. However, running out of money means fewer options, and asking my dad for help seemed like the best one.
I knew coming back home wouldn’t be easy, considering the rocky relationship I have with my dad. What I didn’t expect was running into a certain Newhouse quarterback at the bar.
My dad is the reason I love football, but he’s also keeping me from following my dreams. After another rejection, I’m done and ready to find a new path. That is, until I make a bet with Nash that changes everything.
I tried to keep my distance, but I can’t deny the pull I feel toward him. He claims he needs my help, but I might be the one who’s always needed him.
I’ve never had someone I could count on. Will he be the first?
Hard Count is a frenemies-to-lovers college sports romance between the quarterback and the coach's daughter. This book is recommended for mature audiences. It contains open-door romance, laugh-out-loud banter, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments that will have you falling in love.
Book Tropes: Football Romance Coach's Daughter x Quarterback He Falls First Possessive MMC Frenemies to Lovers Sunshine x Sunshine Hurt/Comfort Forced Proximity College Romance
Welcome back to Newhouse University! Ginger Walls welcomes us back with Hard Count, book 4 in her college sports romance series. She continues her captivating writing, pulling readers in with her wonderful characters, amazing storyline, and delicious tension between our MCs that had me rooting for them. We get to visit with past characters, get to know some better, and get to meet new characters that round the story out perfectly.
From the very beginning the chemistry between Nash and Drew was palpable. It was evident they were attracted to each other, but determined to not admit it. At least not right away. Ginger pulled all the stops out with these two and as they grew closer together and as individuals, I couldn’t get enough of either. I loved the vulnerability that Nash shows when he admits he isn’t playing his best and takes ownership of his shortcomings. Yet, never stopped supporting Drew in her dreams and being her biggest cheerleader.
Drew was the same for Nash. Although her life isn’t going as she originally planned, she is making the best out of the hand she has been dealt. Being at the same college where her dad coaches the football team definitely wasn’t on her “to do” list. When she meets Nash again, and they make a bet she can’t turn down, her world is changed forever. She is a football girlie through and through and stands by Nash through everything!
I loved how Ginger allowed both our MCs to be capable of greatness on their own, but neither of them felt less than for needing the other. The communication and emotion throughout the book was mature, honest, and open. I ate up their witty banter and sweet conversations. Helping heal a part of each other, they bring out the best in one another. A truly fantastic read that I couldn’t put down.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect: 🏈College Football 🧡Coach’s Daughter 🏈Unavoidable Proximity 🧡He Falls First 🏈Obsessed MMC 🧡Sunshine x Sunshine 🏈Frenemies to Lovers
Oh boy! Where do I begin? I am a proud card carrying member of Newhouse Nation. I dove headlong into this series and I am fully invested in this fabulous crew. Nash has been a standout for awhile, not always shining in his best light but still in the spotlight. I absolutely loved the evolution of his character, he has grown so much as a person, learned from his mistakes and learned to lean into his instincts. When his instincts go off like fireworks at his initial interactions with Drew, he doesn’t hesitate to go all in. Drew on the other hand is fragility in pigtails. She is a girl with a sheltered heart, tough as nails, but refusing to lean on anyone for fear of being hurt. Our boy is patient though and comes at it like he does a football play, thoroughly and with great care. Taking down her walls one brick at a time. The friendships within Newhouse are strong and a joy to read. I love picking out all the Easter eggs scattered throughout signalling future pairings or potential. The healing of this story had me in tears so many times I could hardly breathe. Drew & Coach Prescott’s tumultuous relationship needed all the care and time it was given, and seeing Nash as the glue piecing them back together was the sweetest storyline. My favorite scenes were seeing Nash & Drew working together, her coaching the team and gaining her confidence while simultaneously giving Nash the strength to find the champion within. Ginger Walls writes this series so that you are drawn completely into this world, experiencing the highs and the lows right alongside the characters. The rush of the games, the excitement of new love and the thrill of victory. I am still drying tears at the sweetness of the epilogue. Seeing the future of these characters that have come to mean so much to me. A truly solid and beautiful sports romance and I can’t wait to see more of Eli’s romance in the next book.
{ARC} 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆 :: another absolute banger! I found ginger randomly, threw a recommendation on TikTok and started with foul territory; that book had me in shackles for days after! The writing is simply phenomenal and my attachment to the two characters Sydney and Koa was so serious that I still think about them and compare other couples to them. Now meeting Drew and Nash I wasn’t sure how can anyone compare but how foolish I was! I love the term golden retriever, but when it’s a golden retriever with a heart of gold yet the protectiveness of a German Shepherd is my absolute favorite and Nash was everything and more!
I feel like it’s the first time I actually got more from the sport itself rather than being background noise and I loved it. I actually learned a lot 🤣
Nash was perfectly imperfect in the best way being the star quarterback you would assume cockiness and confidence would be in abundance, but learning his secret struggles with not being able to get out of his head and not knowing what to do was quite endearing. But the best part is how he overcame these struggles and it would never have happened if it wasn’t for Drew ❤️ the two of them working together was beautiful! Drew was a pleasant surprise, and how her mind works with numbers and how she feels about math I connected with on such a deep level. People always laugh when I tell them math is my favorite subject, but it’s exactly as she said it mask can never let you down. It’s always constant!
The pure love Nash developed for Drew was magical! I love a man who’s confident in his woman and his love for her! He never wavered, which gave me all the giggles and heart flutters! I did not expect to shed tears, but there was no way to stop them. Watching Drew, try to undo childhood trauma broke my heart, but knowing Nash was there every step of the way was like getting the best hug when you need it the most!
Hard Count by Ginger Walls is book 4 of the Newhouse University series. These are interconnected standalone sports romances featuring the college athletes at Newhouse University in Alabama. The first three books featured members of the baseball team, and now we're transitioning over to football with a familiar face. Nash Pierce is the older brother of Sydney (the FMC of Foul Territory), and the starting quarterback for Newhouse. He's coming back for his senior season looking for redemption from a loss at the championships last year. Drew Prescott is the estranged daughter of his head coach, and she's grown up with football in her blood and a keen eye for patterns and statistics. If you're in the mood for something low angst, sweet, and steamy, Nash Pierce is your man. Once he's in, he is allll in. 3rd act breakup? He could never. He's a top tier book boyfriend candidate, and his desire to take care of Drew is super hot. He's always looking out for her, encouraging her, and he gives great banter to boot. Drew is dear to my heart with her fierce independence and determination. These two are couple goals. The sexual tension, the spice, the heart, it's all here, but the thing that stands out for me the most is the healthy, open communication. It's not something I've read often, because couple drama is a straightforward story point a lot of the times, but Ginger Walls did something special here. The conflict in the story is outside of the Nash and Drew's relationship, and their coming together helps them process and get through it all. Thanks to Ginger Walls and her team for the chance to ARC read this book. I've loved every story in the Newhouse University series, and definitely recommend them all.
Ginger!!!! You absolutely killed this book!! Every book in this series keeps getting better!! Hard count this is the 4th in the Newhouse University Series. I feel like this book could be read as interconnected standalone. But I highly recommend reading the whole series I love this series so much. Nash and Drew have tied for my favorite couple of this series. I also loved how ginger took a different play on the coaches daughter trope. It truly made me love this book more.
Tropes: College Football Coach’s Daughter Forced Proximity He falls First Obsessed MMC Sunshine\ Sunshine Frenemies to Lovers
Nash is preparing for his finale year at Newhouse university. He is the head quarterback and he is really struggling with the mental part of being QB. He ran into a girl at bar who seems to know everything about football and him. A couple of weeks later the same bombshell blonde is in the bleachers watching the football team practice.
Drew finds herself at Newhouse university for her senior year. Her dad kind of made her made her transfer to help her get ahead for her career path. Drew is not like most girls, she loves statics and helps product how players play on field. Drew has a complicated past with her dad and she trying to figure out their relationship going forward.
We really see Drew and Nah grow personal and as a couple. I love how Drew really brought the team together and learned and grew from everything. This is also one of Ginger’s spiciest book she has wrote and I loved it. I can’t say enough good things about this book and this series. Each book is wonderful in there on way.
** I want to thank Ginger Walls for giving me the chance to read Hard Count up as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.****