Miles Garrett, pro basketball player and star of every one of my fantasies, has decided I’m moving in with him.
My brother’s teammate has always protected me out of loyalty. He makes me feel like everything will be okay even when my life is on fire.
But when he looks at me, I wonder what it would be like if he was truly mine. If I had the dream life and dream job and the dream guy.
Did I mention we can’t keep our hands off each other?
I hoped the proximity would get him out of my system. Turns out sharing a bedroom wall changes hungry looks and brushes in the hall into sweaty sessions and late-night confessions.
Miles keeps my secrets and sees me like no one else.
Too bad the playoffs are coming up and my brother doesn’t know.
The truth is going to be hard to take.
Hard to Take is a pro basketball romance with banter, spice, and all the swoony vibes! It’s the second book in the Denver Kodiaks series. Miles and Brooke’s addictive story begins in Hard to Fake and concludes in Hard to Break.
TROPES
teammate’s little sister brother’s best friend fake dating pro athlete hero cinnamon roll hero he’d do anything for her sassy heroine college crush only one bed
Piper Lawson is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of smart, steamy romance! She writes about women who follow their dreams (even the scary ones), best friends who know your dirty secrets (and love you anyway), and complex heroes you’ll fall hard for (especially after talking with them). Brains or brawn? She’ll never make you choose. Piper lives in Canada with her tall, dark and brilliant husband. She believes peanut butter is a protein, rose gold is a neutral, and love is ALWAYS the answer.
Hard to Take is the sequel to Hard to Fake. Hard to Fake was one of the most fun, hot and sweet books I read this year. And Hard to Take is a good sequel. But I didn't love it as much as the first book.
At the start of the book they are in a rocky place. They have a bit of a misunderstanding. But once they communicate it gets solved quickly.
Brooke has to find a roommate quickly because her rent is going up. But when Miles finds that out he quickly offers that she can move in with him. And she does.
They try to keep things platonic. But after that crazily hot night in the first book they long for each other. And eventually they give in and they consume each other again.
This book focuses a lot on Miles' career and Brooke's business she wants to start. I did enjoy it to some extent. But I missed their sizzling chemistry. A lot of moments between them were off page. And I was like why aren't they in the book? In a way this book is so different compared to the first one. It wasn't as funny, it wasn't as hot and I really missed that. I missed their banter, their chemistry and their longing. Even Grams was barely in it. And she was such a joy in the first book.
I hope those things that made the first book so exceptional will be added in the third and final book. I just need to feel their love and their connection.
But all in all it was still a fun book and a great continuation of their love story. Waffles stole more than one scene and I love that little dog to pieces. And there were some fun and giggly scenes which I thoroughly enjoyed!
Damnit Piper!!! Cliffhangers are not our friends, but also now I’m itching for the next book!
Gosh, I’m just in love with this couple and series. This is book2 and you need to have read bk one first.
Brooke & Miles are so good!!! This story picks up where we left off (that cliffhanger was also not nice lol) I love when we get a little secret relationship going on, especially when the brother has made his brotherly claim that she is off limits. Who doesn’t love a little danger with love ?!
It’s got the tension. Banter. Spice. All the things that make a great read. I am SO excited for the next book, I need to know what happens next.
Read if you enjoy Slow burn Forced proximity Brothers best friend Basketball 🏀
The second book in the Denver Kodiaks series is out now!! Picking up right where we left off. Brooke is back in Chicago after her sorority retreat gone wrong. The only good thing to come out of the retreat, Miles being the perfect boyfriend - until he left in the middle of the night. She doesn't understand why he ghosted && doesn't want to hear him out either. Will Miles be able to win Brooke back?
I am loving this series!! Slow burn, forced proximity, brother's best friend. Miles can't get enough of Brooke. Their chemistry is everything!! Don't even get me started with the cliffhangers - so good! I can't wait for the last installment of their story 🥰
Hard To Take is book 2 in the Denver Kodiaks series, it absolutely needs to be read in order as the events continue after the cliffhanger in book 1. I absolutely adored this one, it focused so much on them as individuals, getting to know them on a deeper level. Seeing their struggles, their goals and how they come together as a couple. I love their growth, individually and together. The storyline is also so much fun to follow, it's not overshadowed by the spice, even if the spice is hot 🥵.
Brooke & Miles have crazy chemistry that just gives me all the butterflies. They are so gone for each other even if they're trying not to. I love how their relationship grew, how supportive they are of one another, their generosity with each other. They have such a beautiful bond and I fell even more deeply in love with them. Of course, it comes with some hurdles, but I love that they stick up for their relationship and don't let those tear them apart.
Overall, this was a great read. I really loved it. This series is seriously so good and I'm glad I started it. Piper you did us dirty with that cliffhanger 😂 I need the 3rd book ASAP!
🎧 The narration by Tim Paige & Simone Lewis was so good. I had a blast listening to them. They brought the story to life. I truly felt the chemistry and tension between the characters and it was hot. The tones were perfect and the emotions were on point.
✨ ️ Thank you to @valentinepr & @authorpiperlawson for my gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
‘Hard to take’ is the second story in the ‘Denver Kodiaks’ trilogy. So you really should read the first book ‘Hard to fake’ before this story. Just like the first book, this story also ends on a cliffhanger. In the first story we got to see how Miles and Brooke’s relationship went from good friends to lovers. Everything was going well until Miles got an urgent call and left Brooke while she was sleeping.
In this story we see Miles and Brooke trying to friends again (without the benefits). Everything is going in the right direction, until circumstances force Brooke to find a roommate. Miles doesn’t like this and he chases away the first (male) candidate. Brooke then decides to accept Miles’ offer to move into his apartment and become his roommate. She hopes that living together will reduce the attraction between them. But she’s wrong! Because Miles is the perfect roommate, he takes her needs and wishes into account and his dog Waffles is a cute third roommate. Soon Brooke and Miles are sending flirty text messages to each other while Miles’s on the road and it isn’t long before they give in to the attraction between them again. But this time it’s different, they both feel and want more. Brooke and Miles keep their relationship a secret from their friends and especially from Brooke’s brother and Miles’s teammate Jay. Jay wouldn’t be happy about this new development. He’s very protective of his little sister.
Another reason is that both Miles and Brooke are at an important point in their careers and it’s important that they focus on that now. As the current champions, expectations and stress are very high for the team. With Miles being one of the best players, there’s more stress on him. And there’s also the chance of a new sponsor deal that can earn him a lot of money. Miles needs that money to move his grandmother to a better residential care center. That’s a lot of pressure for him. Luckily he has Brooke to support him. Brooke is also busy, she’s looking for new ways to make money through her influencer account. And while new opportunities arise, Brooke is surprise to discover that there are other ways to make money from her talents. For example, by helping other people (friends) with their PR. Everything goes well until Jay discovers their secret. Unfortunately they’re right, Jay reacts very badly to their relationship and this creates tension in the team. But also Brooke’s ex-boyfriend Kevin is causing trouble. The various tensions creates unpleasant situations and gets Miles in trouble. What will happen now with Miles and Brooke’s relationship and do the Kodiaks still have a chance to win the championship? We will have to wait for the next story to know the answer to both questions!
If you enjoyed the first story, you will like this one too. Once again the story was told from both POV’s. It was great to see Miles and Brooke both gain more confidence in themselves and their abilities in their jobs. Both worked hard to get better, to improve their skills and talents. It was nice to see how they supported each other privately and in their careers, by giving advice, a listening ear or an uplifting message when things were going badly. The chemistry between them grew stronger and stronger. As a reader you just knew something was going to happen between them. There were a few sex scenes in the story. Brooke and Miles were great together. Both cared a lot about their family and friends. They’re supportive and friendly. Both felt guilty that they lied to their friends and family about their relationship but they had their reasons. I found Jay very stubborn and unreasonable. It created a lot of tension in the team. Miles and Brooke were very patient with him. The scenes with Waffles were so cute! He’s a wonderful dog.
I enjoyed this story and I look forward to the next (and last) one.
Well, the middle third of this story is... a lot less charming.
Maybe I'm still miffed I'm having to read 1 story in 3 books.
Or maybe it's just that the drama and sass from the FMC is less cute than it was initially. Brooke comes off a lot more entitled in this book than she did in book one. I cannot relate at all to a rich girl lifestyle, and social media influencers (which is, apparently, her dream job) give me hives.
Still - I'm rolling with it, because we listen and we don't judge. Or, at least I'm trying not to.
There's entirely too many mentions of the Kardashians. Apparently that's what the basketball equivalent of a puck bunny is called in this world - and, gross. But fine, whatever. But Brooke's also referring to them because of their social media influence.
You cannot escape the Kardashian references. 😒
This (part of the) story also really has no plot. None. The whole thing's just about her living in his apartment and the two of them being horny for each other 24/7.
We do get a little basketball talk and a little social media stuff here and there. But there's no real story progression at all.
What the hell is the point of this installment? I don't know.
What redeems this is the last 15% or so. Jay and Miles start to have it out over Brooke. Brooke gets involved with a brand deal that has questionable morals and she decides to do the brave thing and confront them. And Kevin tries to worm his way back into her life by blackmailing her with incriminating photos of his and Miles' altercation in the past. All of that is interesting - but it's clearly just setup for the final third of this story.
I still maintain this should all have been 1 book.
I'm not exactly having a good time here - but I'm already 2/3s of the way through, and the last book is the shortest one yet ... so I might as well finish it.
Piper Lawson's Hard to Take is book two of three in her action packed Denver Kodiaks sports romance series. This close knit team in the world of professional basketball she created has original storylines, characters that are so fun, fleshed out and fabulous, you can see their interactions and feel the spicy heat sparking between the main characters that romance readers, like me, expect and love to find.
Miles is a swoony- sweet guy with a huge heart who has a quick smile and a helping hand for his friends, and maybe a prank or two up his sleeve as well. He just wants to play the game he loves so much and keep his spot on this winning team. Brooke has lived in her older brother's shadow forever and trying to live up to her mother's high expectations is wearing down her need to live life to its fullest and on her own terms. The banter between Miles and Brooke is adorably sweet and they're absolutely perfect for each other.
Just when everything seems to be AHHH-mazing between tall, dark and gorgeous pro basketball star, Miles Garrett and Brooke Ellis, sassy self-motivated influencer and fashionista, their off limits, long time crushes pop right out of the bag they've been hiding in, allowing trouble to find it's way to their collective doorstep. Roommates? Close proximity?? YES please! Him vowing to watch out for his best friend's sister has instead morphed into real, true feelings for both of them. There's no stopping their hot and heavy secret rendezvous now.
One of Piper's many superpowers is writing such wonderful characters. In this book, they're smart, super sexy, relatable and real. Starting out as teammates and friends, but feeling like a family I want to know everything about, but also would love to be part of.
With one more book to go, I'm rooting from the sidelines for Miles and Brooke's end game to conclude with a much deserved win, also known as their happily ever after! I am loving everything about their story and this exciting team Kodiaks world.
I received an early copy to read and this is my honest review.
brooke and miles i have missed you!! this series is honestly so perfect. it’s pure good vibes, amazing characters, great friendships & found family, and we can’t forget the main character ✨waffles✨
this is the second book in the denver kodiaks series so you do have to read ‘hard to fake’ before hopping into this one. with that being said, i loved how this flowed so beautifully from book 1. this series being broken up into three books makes for such fun and quick reads but still leave you wanting more once you finish.
i really enjoy how piper lawson makes sure we see brooke and miles as individuals as well as a couple. we see them working on themselves, their careers, and familial relationships, but they also come together and have their own connection that we explore.
miles is such a sweetheart and i love how protective he is of brooke and those he cares deeply for. brooke also has that protective trait and she’s a very independent character which i love to see.
the ending of this book has me so excited to see how brooke and miles story will conclude later this year. i cannot wait for all the drama and romance that’s to come🤭
*thank you to Piper Lawson and Valentine PR for the arc!*
🏀 Teammate’s little sister 🏀 Brother’s Best Friend 🏀 Sassy Heroine 🏀 College crush 🏀 Cinnamon Roll Hero 🏀 New Roommate
This is book 2 of a trilogy, it does need to be read in order. 𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙳 𝚃𝙾 𝙵𝙰𝙺𝙴 𝙸𝚂 book 1. Brooke and Miles previously had a fake dating relationship. The way Hard to Fake ended, it was no surprise it meant for the start of a bumpy ride for Miles and Brooke.
Brooke thought that moving in with Miles will make her realise that she is better with him but the closeness they had when they are roommates made her attraction more solid and bring out a fiery sense of temptation in her
The sexual tension and the chemistry was cherry on the top. They were drawn to one another like moth to the flame.
The book was filled with the snarky and banter between them. One moment I feel okay what else they can say and the next moment they have plethora of comebacks..
The intimate scene and the love portin was equally great.
The author knows the worst times to put cliffhangers and keep you hanging.
I read the arc for book 1 and was left on a cliffhanger and couldn’t wait for book 2.
I read and devoured this book over the span of 12 hours. Hard to fake and hard to take completely pulled me in!
This is a continuation series with book 3 hard to break coming out in October.
Miles and Brooke’s story continues on in hard to take. She’s his best friend’s little sister. He’s her brother’s teammate. As their story continues they become room mates so we got some close proximity.
Miles is the sweetest, you really see a different side of him in this book. He’s a cinnamon roll hero who’s always wanted her.
This book in the series brings you more drama, more banter and more spice!
I could not put it down! And left on another cliffhanger I’m definitely looking forward to book 3 hard to break.
Thank you valentinePR and piper lawson for the opportunity to read and review the arc for hard to take.
[ thank you @valentine_pr_ for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own! ]
Read if you like: •brother’s best friend •secret dating •sports romance - basketball •he’s always wanted her
It’s going to hard to review this one because it’s the middle book in trilogy! This is not a standalone, you need to read book one first to really understand get all the emotions from this book.
Hard to Take picked up right where book one left off at. Which I was happy for because it left off on a cliffhanger.
We got to see Brooke & Miles explore more of their relationship now that they are giving it a shot. They are starting to develop real feelings. But of course, tension and fall-outs happens when Brooke’s brother, Jay finds out.
After how Hard to Take ended, I’m definitely excited to read the final book. I can’t wait for them to get their happily ever after. 💙
Similar to my review of book one. I really liked this book, even though it is very predictable. My biggest problem with this book series is that it is a three book series that could've easily (and normally would be?) one book. I've listened to quite some of these sports romances and it has the standard parts of one of those, except these books would normally just be the first third of a book. It ends on a cliffhanger, and it feels like a tv show that had to make sure it would get a sequel. I hate it. It just doesn't feel like a complete book, it's not a complete story. To make this even worse I started listening to this book series because I thought all three books were available already, to find out that the audiobook of book three is available on the seventh of October.. If it was just all one book I might've given this 4 stars.
Such a cute book! Perfect if you love brother’s best friend, roommates to lovers and secret relationship tropes!
Loved getting to continue reading Miles & Brooke’s story and getting to relive all their chemistry again! A very well written follow up to the first book!
The pacing is great and with it being broken up into 3 separate books- it keeps the length nice and short- you can fly through this in a day.
Also I just adore Waffles- the cute Frenchie- he steals the show always!
A very quick and enjoyable read! I cannot wait for the 3rd and final book to see how their story concludes! Recommend checking out this series- definitely read Hard To Fake first and then this one!🩵
Thank you @valentine_pr_ & @piperlawsonbooks for this #gifted eARC!🫶🏼
*****SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVE NOT READ BOOK ONE!!!!*****
This is book 2 of a trilogy, it does need to be read in order. 𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙳 𝚃𝙾 𝙵𝙰𝙺𝙴 𝙸𝚂 book 1. Brooke and Miles previously had a fake dating relationship, he’s her brother’s best friend and his NBA teammate so, they have remained platonic because her brother has been firm about that. They have had romantic feelings for each other for a while. Things got physical between them, but now at the beginning of this book they are in a tense situation with hurt feelings and a bit of misunderstanding. Luckily, the misunderstanding isn’t drawn out. They become roommates, but with the agreement that it will be platonic…. That leads to some hilarious moments of jealousy mostly from Miles. I loved seeing him acting like a jealous schoolboy. There’s banter, chemistry and real friendship between the two. This book focuses more on their individual career paths, struggles and goals than the romance. I find that typical is second books in a trilogy. There is steam and there are swoon worthy moments, though. I love the way these characters interact, the way they care deeply for each other and their generosity. I enjoyed this book and the cliffhanger has me craving the final book. I really like these two characters and I like them as a couple.
Book 2 in the Denver Kodiaks series and this is the continuation of Miles and Brooke’s romance. Miles and Brooke try to be friends without benefits after being friends with benefits especially after having hurt feelings due to a misunderstanding at the end of the last book. Brooke needs a roommate and Miles being every so helpful helps her find one that isn’t male. He does finally find her a roommate, himself. Platonic roommates only and very good roommates. The banter, friendship and chemistry between them was so good. Ms. Lawson really knows how to create characters that will pull you in and have you rooting for them. Love them as a couple whether it be friends or much more, they are a great couple, and I can’t wait see how their story ends in the last book of the trilogy.
Book 2 in the series and it leaves off where the first ended. Brooke and Miles have a bumpy start but you can see that they truly care about each other. Brooke ends up living with Miles when she needs to find a roommate and honestly the scene between the potential roommate and Miles is hilarious. You have to love a jealous man.
I really enjoy Brooke and Miles relationship and am so glad that it’s out in the open now. I love how protective Miles is of Brooke. And Waffles always steals the show.
The ending had me screaming and I cannot wait for book 3.
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for an arc of this book for my honest review.
Tropes: 🏀 Teammate’s little sister 🏀 Brother’s Best Friend 🏀 Sassy Heroine 🏀 College crush 🏀 Cinnamon Roll Hero 🏀 New Roommate
The first book left you on a cliff hanger this one does the exact same thing that leaves you wanting more!!
It’s a wonderful read and I love the chemistry between the two main characters (Miles and Brooke), there’s spicy scenes, team bonding, and lots of jealousy and possessiveness. I cannot wait to read the next in the series.. No spoilers here on how it ends but.. 😱😭👀
This is book two in the series, and it picks up where Hard to Fake ends. Brooke needs a roommate, and I love Miles's jealousy when he finds out. He immediately makes room for her at his place. He is my newest book boyfriend. He is protective and charming, loves his grandma, and is also Brooke's brother's best friend and teammate. Hearts are involved.
The ending is a cliff, and now we wait!
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
I was looking forward to seeing how Miles and Brook would continue their relationship and the author did a really good job developing the tension between them. I love that Miles didn't hide his feelings from her and he was being rather direct about it. Their banter is still really cute and I'm really enjoying this series. Bonus points for Waffles!
I tend to not enjoy reading about MFCs like Brooke - obsessed with fashion and social media and sororities, as I can’t relate to them even a little bit - but I’m not hating her. I question her choices at times, but overall - I can get behind her as a character.
GAHHHHH!!!! I need moreeeee!!!!! I love their story so so much!!!! It’s like my kryptonite the first book was like the appetizer, this was the entrée, and now we just need the dessert!!!!! Bravo!!!!
Wow. If you thought the cliffhanger in the first book was rough, get ready for an absolute blindside this time around!
I really enjoyed watching Miles and Brooke get deeper into their feels, it made my heart happy.
Seeing Brooke stand up for herself to her brother was everything I could have hoped for and more. I can only hope the fallout will be worth it all in the end. Eagerly awaiting book 3!
Picking up where the last book left off, Miles insists his fake girlfriend Brooke to become his roommate. I liked it a lot, but I really hate cliff hangers. Womp womp. All I can say is the earring in the bedroom I was 😂😂😂
Another page turner by Piper Lawson! I think it’s safe to say I am addicted to Brooke and Miles story! The end of this book had me hyperventilating! Although I wasn’t even mad at Miles actions 😂😂😂 I love the banter between these two! Their relationship is just so fun! Brooke is so feisty and I love it! Can’t wait for the conclusion in book 3!