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Hail Mary Baby

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I made one big mistake that almost ruined my life -- I had the quarterback’s baby.

Laura
Jocks were never my thing. But when the first assignment to hit my news desk is an interview with Liam Conway, I can’t refuse. The scoop is too big, because Liam is the talk of the football world right now -- with men and women alike.
Makes sense. He’s tall, dark, handsome… and ripped. Then there are the rumors about his prowess in bed and the size of his c*ck… Not that I pay attention to any of those.
The interview turns into a seduction, as Liam pursues me. Flattered, I agree to one night. One night of panty-dropping, sheet-clenching, oh my GOD he’s good sex.
Only… after we parted the next morning, he doesn’t realize he changed my life… forever.
I had his baby, and he has no idea.

Liam
I don’t give a damn about love. All I care about is scoring… on and off the field. Football and p*ssy are my two passions, and I don’t give a f*ck who knows it.
I’m the player of the century. Groupies, flashy cars, a big mansion… I thought I had it all. That is, until I laid eyes on gorgeous blonde Laura.
Now I can’t get her out of my damned head… and I’m going to claim her. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep f*cking her… morning, noon, night, and every chance between.
She resists me, but I don’t care. I'll just have to remind her just how much she wanted me, that night she screamed my name...
I will make her want me, make her spill all her secrets, make her stay with me… if it’s the last thing I do.

**Hail Mary Baby is a standalone bad boy romance novel with a HEA and absolutely NO CLIFFHANGERS!**

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 2016

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268 people want to read

About the author

Kara Hart

24 books189 followers

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5 stars
138 (24%)
4 stars
134 (23%)
3 stars
158 (28%)
2 stars
74 (13%)
1 star
55 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha.
1,139 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2016
Sorry but no.

I hate leaving bad reviews but I couldn't even finish this. I had to skim threw the rest of the book. My first issue was the drug problem. For one I did not like it one bit that it was actually in the book but it didn't seem like a problem. Just something normal. Laura walks in seeing him doing freaking cocaine and doesn't even bat a lash. Yeah..no. Both characters were just really unlikable. She was a whiney b**** and he was an arrogant man whore. The fact they had unprotected sex and she begged/specifically told him what she wanted him to. Even after he said "isn't is risky" was a) nasty as hell bc he's a known man whore b) NASTY girl get yourself checked c) then has the balls to get passed off at him. He tries to get a hold of her and track her down but she disappeared. She hid his baby from him and then got pissed at him for walking away? Um last time I checked she moved away. He's a freaking famous football player I'm sure it's not THAT dang hard to get a hold of him if she really wanted. And then at the end the nice little surprise she threw at him in a TEXT MESSAGE of all things, right before his big game was a shit move. I'm terribly sorry but this book was a big no for me.
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,124 reviews26 followers
July 4, 2016
Another hot read by Kara Hart that will have you wanting more. Once you start reading Hail Mary Baby, you won't want to put it down.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
11 reviews
July 8, 2016
Jr. High personalities with adult sex scenes

Gah, couldn't make myself read past 50 % mark. I usually only leave positive reviews but I can't allow unsuspecting readers to want to stab their eyes with a fork. The author seemed to be using every possible, and some improbable, plot device. Hero is a Super Bowl-winning, arrogant man-whore who can't find the main female character, a television reporter, after a one-night stand, after he saved her from armed muggers.. Even though he knows the station she worked for. She is whiny and insecure even after making it to a job doing red carpet interviews and then being offered her own national talk show. All with apparently very little effort on her part. Spoiler alert (like you should care) all while she became a single mother to his son, that she didn't tell him about. He was too difficult to find, he was only the quarterback of the New England Patriots. I stopped reading, I have suffered enough, just trying to save the rest of you.
Profile Image for Kayla Pipkin.
782 reviews38 followers
March 20, 2019
This could definitely use another passover for content.
I mean it was a good story but it didn't seem to flow well for me.
definitely an insta-love type romance.
And lots of drama.
Profile Image for Sara MacRae.
261 reviews3 followers
December 25, 2017
I enjoy Kara Hart’s writing, and even though this review is not glowing, my objective is not to throw her work on this book under the bus. It’s only my opinion and offers my angle from what I read in the ARC she provided to me for an honest review.

For that reason, I’m going to start with the negative and end with the positive.

This was a frustrating read for me. The dialogue had a habit of being inconsistent and sometimes nonsensical (I doubt 30-somethings would have this outlook…20-somethings, maybe), the football terminology was a bit off (a lot off, sometimes), and it was easy to get thrown off on timing (if she came at night how did it become morning within minutes?) or where the story was actually even taking place, who was there, etc. Sentences weren’t always complete, and sometimes they just appeared to be written hurriedly maybe? And if Liam DID tear his Achilles tendon, there is no way short of taping that injury so tight he couldn’t breathe and filling him full of drugs that he would’ve gone back into the game, let alone jumped over the rail and ran up the bleachers to see Laura, and then threw her over his shoulder to run down the bleachers and out to his car. That type of pain is excruciating when it’s a minor injury, and my guess is that it wasn’t minor in his case.

Aside from those things – and honestly, an editorial and proofreading review during the ARC process might clean up some of the inconsistencies and oddball writing things – what really got my tinsel in a tangle was Laura. (And maybe I was supposed to feel this way about her; if so, the author did an outstanding job on character development!) Laura's supposed to be a smart girl, but her spatting, or pouting sessions about not trusting Liam, were ridiculous and childish, all things considered. Let me get this straight: she took a new job and moved to California – without telling Liam; she changed her name – without telling Liam; she didn’t try to call Liam OR tell him she was pregnant; she typed her phone number in wrong on Liam’s phone (which she didn’t know, I guess, but still); and yet it’s HIS fault? Liam is the one who should be mad at her!

Now, there were positives to this story. First and foremost, Liam as a whole. Yeah, he was a cocky bastard, but deep down he was likable and relatable. There were some good and well-written chapters and scenes, most notably the ones at the Super Bowl after party with Liam and Laura, the scene where they walked home, the scenes in her apartment/condo, the flower and orchestra scene (though parts of that seemed a bit off it was endearing and original), and then the scenes at the post-game press conference. There seemed to be redeeming qualities about Laura, but just when I thought she was getting her head screwed on straight and I was going to reevaluate my impression of this book, something out of character seemed to transpire. The final twist – who was behind trying to get Liam to crack and lose the Super Bowl – came as a bit of a surprise, especially considering that all previous events didn’t line up to that. It makes a good story, but there needed to be other bones tossed in there earlier on to validate it actually happening.

Honestly, a thoroughly brutal editing job coupled with some attention to flow could easily boost this book’s rating for me.
Profile Image for Lucia.
591 reviews6 followers
July 1, 2016
There was potential for the plot but ended being a meh kind of book

I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately I just didn’t. I felt the characters were very immature and childish at times. The actions, especially of Laura, were just completely contradictory and in the end I even really struggled to finish the book. It really did become a meh kind of book where it just blends into the same old style of a lot of bad boy, secret baby, sports romances out there.

With the two main characters, Laura and Liam, there was no real character development, it all felt very rushed at times and their mood swings in particular were so hard to keep up with. The two main characters, who alternate points of views to tell the story, go literally from hating each other, to lusting after each, then suddenly are in love with no buildup or real communication. Also, I’m no prude and know this things goes on but there was a surprising amount of drug use scenes which some people may find uncomfortable; the first scene where this happens was an example of the female character being contradictory in her beliefs and then actions.

The only reason I gave this 3 stars was because, although I didn’t care for the characters very much, there was potential for the plot (although it felt a little unrealistic with certain things) and the writing was far from the worst. Plus it did have a HEA making it a standalone book rather than a series. If the book took a step back and slowed down with all the jumping back and forth and the characters had a few more mature elements to their personalities that reflected their ages, this book could be a good read.

Unfortunately, I would not recommend this book as there are far better sports romances with similar storylines out there.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Profile Image for Dee Archer.
664 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2016
Great story of reporter Laura and star footballer, Liam. Liam is the typical sports hero drunk on his media fueled reputation. On the outside, he's rough, crude, selfish, arrogant and obsessed with alcohol, drugs, sex and celebrity adoration. But deep down a softer side of him begins to rise to the surface as he ages and the old thrills become boring. Laura projects an image of a strong, competent, ambitious, capable woman in a male dominated field. But she responds to personal challenges like a bratty, whining, self centered pre-teen. Quick to be offended, jumps to wrong conclusion and flies off the handle, Laura propels their relationship into a whirlpool of mixed signals, of confusion, heartbreak and pain. In the beginning of the story, it was difficult to feel anything but disgust for Liam's personality and frustration and irritation for Laura's reactions. But with time and the fiery challenges, they both began to find a new balance within themselves and harmony with each other. Like watching kids finally growing up, becoming adults! I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Five stars.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
June 29, 2016
This a fascinating and interesting book to read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The story covers Liam Conway, a football player who is also a arrogant love them and leave them playboy, after a winning game he is approached by Laura Alvaroy, a reporter for Channel 5 News to get comments from Liam, who naturally swears in front of the camera and makes advances towards Laura, now this is where the story really starts. What you will find in this story is, a after-party, drugs, crazy ex-girlfriend, attempted robbery, a get together, unplanned pregnancy, single parenthood, swearing, drama, suspense, a father discovering he has a son, violence on a playing field, disagreements, a breakup, regrets, sense of loss, a friends betrayal, announcement on camera, driving though a storm, happy homecoming, romance and erotic scenes. The story-line and plot is well thought out and the scene description is excellent. I found the characters to be realistic portrayed with feelings, desire and needs. I would recommend this book to people who like to read a good sports romance.
Profile Image for TKins.
404 reviews7 followers
July 9, 2016
Arc for honest review.

Wow this book was absolutely fantastic I loved it, this has got to be Karas best book.

I loved every bit of this book I was absolutely hooked from the start.

Liam and Laura are perfect for each and go through a lot at the start which is very true to real life, I loved the fight they both had.

I wish there was more of this book I could carry on reading and reading.
Profile Image for Palabasalibro.
207 reviews10 followers
August 29, 2016
I love sports romances - this just wasn't one of it.

I almost did not finish this, but I was curious.
And both the hero and heroine were a bit of a mess, honestly, so it turned out to be a messy story as well.

It was all over the place. Over-complicated and had no real chemistry between characters.

It was as if there was that really great plot but just wan't executed well enough.
Profile Image for Yasmin Vasquez.
1,154 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2016
Good

I enjoyed the book a lot, it was a good story with good characters yes Laura and Liam had a HEA but I wanted more from it, like 5 years down the road. I recommended it to the sports romance fans.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,490 reviews31 followers
February 18, 2017
I have to start off by saying that I love the tattoo of the football on his shoulder. It is so eye catching. I have to say that the Cowboys are not my team so I couldn't wait to get through that time of the story. I was so glad when Liam was traded to another team.

This was a great book and I loved Liam and Lauren's story. I thought everything was going great but then I looked at how much of the book was left and I just knew that this story wasn't going to be easy. Boy was I right. I don't what I would've done if everything seemed to be against me. I would've given up. I have to give it to Liam. He doesn't give up and that's what I liked about him.

Laura's character is a different story sometimes. I was like just hush and give this guy a chance. She needs to listen to what he has to say more often. I know that it's hard being a single mom and I commend her for that. She didn't give up.

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one.

I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book.
Profile Image for PurpleBrina.
223 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2017
Well that was way better then I thought. I really enjoyed reading this story. I did get a little bugged by Liam`s cocky attitude. But he totally redeems himself when he realized he was in love.

I loved all the details of the football games as well. Made me fill like I was on the field.Very well written and funny at times.

If you like hot headed superstar cocky quarterbacks then you will love this book
Profile Image for R.K. Tejaswi.
Author 2 books7 followers
December 7, 2017
Love ball at the goal

Kara hart has wonderfully explained how a sports guy could also love his family and how much demons he had to struggle with to be at the top position. I loved the character of Liam more than Laura, as he is more emotional and loving than her. 💟
Profile Image for Raj.
1,514 reviews8 followers
March 10, 2017
-3 stars

Written in 1st Person Dual POV

Good start
Interesting but not that exciting.
I was totally hoping for lots of twist and turns, drama..... but it's a light novel and it was okay. It wasn't boring, which is good.
535 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2017
A Great Emotional Challenge for Football and love

I enjoyed this book. It made you hate Liam sometimes but see through his batboy image and realize that deep down this emotionally scarred football player really wanted and needed Laura. She helped him not only find focus but find the truth
Profile Image for Jenene.
148 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2016
Ok I am not the best at leaving reviews, but this book made me. This book just did not do it for me. Overall it is maybe a 3.5 in my opinion. The writing was fine, but the h made it hard to finish. Girl meets guy, girl sleeps with guy, girl gets pregnant, girl turns into a bitch. That is the summary of how it felt to me. Liam is a star quarterback and Laura is a report. They have one wild night together and sparks fly. She gives Liam her number, but he never calls (so she thinks). She has the baby and he doesn't find out until the baby is two. We know from the story that Liam tried to call her and somehow the number was wrong. He even went to her house and found out she moved.

The first time they run into each other again is in a airport and Laura has unprotected sex with him in a closet. But now she does not want to be with Liam because she cannot trust him after he left her the last time. I am sorry what part of he looked for you and tried to contact you for two years did you not understand. Come on you changed your name for show business. Thats another thing I do not understand. If her show is so popular why has he never seen it? Also Laura is a reporter, which means should could find a way to get in contact with Liam and tell him she is pregnant or had his child. The rest of the story one minute she wants him the next she tells him to stay out of her life. At what point do you take her to court for trying to keep your child away from you?

Laura is constantly upset about Liams temper but every time he loses it, he is defending her honor. No, I do not agree with everything he does, but she gives when and mothers a bad name with her selfish and wish washy ways. He beat up two guys that tried o rob you and pt a gun o your head and you fell in bed with him. Now his violence is to much. How many times can you say sorry for misjudging someone?

I loved Liam though. He was cocky, sexy and alpha.
Profile Image for Kerry Richardson.
1,651 reviews14 followers
July 12, 2016
2.5☆ for this book. The premise of the story was good but it failed to deliver in my opinion. There were many grammatical errors, in particular the baby Alex, supposedly says "Dadda" as his first words, however, earlier in the book he says "Momma", which is it? There were plenty of missing words or words where they shouldn't have been so whoever proof read or edited this book is clearly rubbish at their job. The male character, Liam, was ok, he could be a asshole at times, but overall he was a decent guy. Laura on the other hand was not a nice character, she entered her phone number wrongly into his phone, she moved quickly to another state and changed her surname, had Liam's baby, all without telling him and yet when he finds her again and discovers they have a son she puts all the blame on him. He at least tried to call her on the wrong number and he revisited her apartment to find she'd sold up and moved and he looked for her under her real surname but was unable to find her because she'd changed it. She made absolutely no attempt to contact him at all but she has the nerve to blame him and be a total bitch to him. Without Liam this book would only have been .5☆
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,462 reviews56 followers
July 1, 2016
*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review*


HAIL MARY BABY by Kara Hart


Laura Alvaroy is a reporter for Channel 5 News and when she's sent on her first assignment, it's to interview Liam Conway. Arrogant jocks have never been her thing, but his the talk of the football world and she just can't turn it down.

But the interview turns into more as Liam pursues her. His sexy and hot and she's flattered, so Laura agrees to give him one night. But one night is all it takes, and his changed her life forever. He has no idea that she's had his baby!


I loved this book, it had such a captivating storyline, filled with, drama, suspense, and romance. I found the characters very likable, they were really sweet at times and then at others they made you feel whole lot of other mixed emotions. They were portrayed perfectly and were well developed. A very interesting and enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,923 reviews44 followers
July 1, 2016
Arc copy for an honest review.
Football based story, top player Bull is classed as a big badass. Fighting on and off the pitch, but it is all surface appearance. Meeting Laura, a reporter, changes everything. As you would expect nothing runs smoothly, hick-ups and the unexpected block them at every turn. With violence, sexual content and foul language, plus lots of football it is a fast paced and complicated story. Loads of ups and downs, twist and turns but Bull is steadfast in his love even when it looks like he wont ever get his girl. Laura is strong minded, determined and career centered, she falls for Bull but doesn't like his bad boy behaviour. I actually felt sorry for Bull, I thought he often came across as misunderstood by many around him. He had a hard upbringing, his dad a waste of space, his mother didn't come across as much better. This is an emotional journey over the span of just over two years, often I felt like screaming and few times holding my breath. I loved it.
Profile Image for CharmaineW .
2,111 reviews11 followers
July 1, 2016
Received this complimentary arc copy from the author for an honest review.
One interview, that's all she wanted, one interview and that's when the fun started. Laura Alvaroy knew that Liam Conroy was different from all the other players. Go to a party with him and she will get her interview...right!!! Wrong.
An interview changes into a seduction and Laura gets more than she bargained for. A pregnancy , but doesn't tell him.
A story of Liam never forgetting Laura, trying to find her. Lots of secrets, lies, drugs, parties, crazy exes, fights and so much more. Laura wanting some happiness, peace for her and her baby . Wanting Liam but hopes and dreams sometimes just that...dreams.
A really good story with so much in there it will have you so involved you feel part of the family. The one thing through all of this is Love. Love for each other, love for the game and love for their baby.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
54 reviews
July 29, 2016
It was a very good story. I think Laura was a great character but I wanted to smack her sometimes. You had to keep reading just to see if she would come to her senses. Liam is what most people think of with a professional athlete. However, he does have a good heart and a good concept of life. I was actually routing for him more than Laura in this story which I liked. I think he got the raw end of the deal most of the story but it really was nice to see that for a change. There was some really good dynamic between Jenkins and Liam as well that I didn't see coming. I really thought Cindy was going to be more of an issue than she was. I felt like it was a good story that isn't like all the others I have read because Laura was more of a problem for the relationship with her judgmental attitude and assuming things were a certain way. You know what happens when you assume?
Profile Image for zoegrl.
664 reviews5 followers
August 2, 2016
**I was given this ARC from the Author for an honest review.**

This is my first book from Kara Hart & I loved everything about it. First I have to say how funny it is that Liam got traded to the New England Patriots!! I live in Boston & I got into the coincidence. LOL

Laura is a newscaster & meets Liam after he's won the Super Bowl & she tries to interview him. Needless to say he's not nice, staying with his bad boy image. Seeing she's upset by his comments, tugs at his heart, down to the real man inside. He invites her to the Super Bowl party, thinking she probably won't come. Then spends the night watching the door.

They have a hot & adventure filled night that stays with both of of them. There was a great story all around their love. It was great! It's a little short, but I'm a greedy girl, I always want More!!
Profile Image for Michelle Ballard.
368 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2016
After winning the Super Bowl for the Dallas Cowboys Liam gets microphone after microphone stuck in his face so when he finally makes a break for the locker room and he gets one more stuck in his face by a beautiful woman Liam goes and does the rudest thing ever to the reporter who just wanted to make a story. Laura knew this could be her big break if she could just corner Liam for a post game quote but he decides to be an ass to the press again. She has no idea what she is going to do now, then Liam comes back and promises that if she comes to this party he will give her an exclusive interview. No way is she going to go to this party no matter how much this interview would help her career right now. Can Laura stay strong and stay away from the party??
Profile Image for Zee Williams.
170 reviews
July 8, 2016
Awesome

I absolutely loved Laura and Liam in this book. I thought I wouldn't like it since it is about a sports figure and they are usually more about the game than the couple. That's not the case for this book I enjoyed everything even the football. This book had some great sex scenes also. A few times I thought they weren't going to make it. I was disappointed at the end enough his friend Jenkins but I'll let you find out on your own. No spoilers here. This book will run you through a few emotions. Sometimes I feel like I know the characters and I get mad or sad like they are a friend. This is the first book I've read by Kara Hart and I can honestly say I'll be reading more.
Profile Image for Donna Feibusch.
1,786 reviews23 followers
July 22, 2016
An Awesome Read!

I enjoyed reading Hail Mary Baby, all about Liam Conway a quarterback who played for the Dallas Cowboys & Laura Alvaroy a reporter for Channel 5 news. Liam had just won the Super Bowl and was headed into the locker room when Laura ran up and asked him a question. He was very rude, then he turned around and said sorry about that why don't you come to the after party and he gave her an invitation. Laura was pissed and crumpled the card threw it on the floor and said no! Liam said I'll give you an exclusive interview if you show up and he walked off. The author wrote an amazing story, and the characters brought said story to life! Read this book, it will make you laugh, cry, sigh and shake your head. I loved reading it I think you will also.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,117 reviews
February 6, 2017
I had a lot of fun reading this book, I really enjoyed the back and forth between Liam and Laura. Liam was the cocky star of the football team, ready to party, his life was fast women, drugs and football until one reporter stops him in his tracks. Laura grew up on a farm in Iowa and she was determined to do something else with her life and she had the chance when she ran into Liam right after he won the Superbowl. Big problem, his cocky mouth shot her sound bite and his hitting on her put her right off. A change of heart and night of passion changes Laura's life dramatically, especially when her job ships her off to the west coast and his signing with a new team sends him to the east coast. But once they meet up the roller coaster of life events takes off. Very enjoyable!
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