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The Blackhawk Boys #4
Falling Hard
Former actress Emma Rothschild is partying in Vegas in disguise. But I’m not fooled. Five years ago, I knew that body better than my own, and I haven’t forgotten a single detail—not the curve of her hip beneath my hand or the hitch in her breath when I kiss her neck.
When Emma’s unexpectedly left alone in Sin City, I agree to spend the weekend with her. As friends. Why not? If I can knock down the toughest guys in the NFL, I’m strong enough to keep my hands to myself, even if she is the sexiest woman I’ve ever met.
Emma is part of my past—years so shrouded in secrets that not even my best friends know the truth about who I am. I’m a single dad now and not interested in revisiting my old ways or trying to win back the only woman I ever let close enough to break my heart.
But this is Vegas, where all bets are off, and with Emma, nothing ever goes as planned…
***
FALLING HARD is a sexy and emotional novel intended for mature readers. It’s the fourth book in the world of the Blackhawk Boys, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Football. Secrets. Lies. Passion. These boys don’t play fair. Which Blackhawk Boy will steal your heart?
Book 1 - SPINNING OUT (Arrow’s story)
Book 2 - RUSHING IN (Christopher’s story)
Book 3 - GOING UNDER (Sebastian’s story)
Book 4 - FALLING HARD (Keegan’s story)
Book 5 - IN TOO DEEP (Mason’s story, coming fall 2017)
When Emma’s unexpectedly left alone in Sin City, I agree to spend the weekend with her. As friends. Why not? If I can knock down the toughest guys in the NFL, I’m strong enough to keep my hands to myself, even if she is the sexiest woman I’ve ever met.
Emma is part of my past—years so shrouded in secrets that not even my best friends know the truth about who I am. I’m a single dad now and not interested in revisiting my old ways or trying to win back the only woman I ever let close enough to break my heart.
But this is Vegas, where all bets are off, and with Emma, nothing ever goes as planned…
***
FALLING HARD is a sexy and emotional novel intended for mature readers. It’s the fourth book in the world of the Blackhawk Boys, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Football. Secrets. Lies. Passion. These boys don’t play fair. Which Blackhawk Boy will steal your heart?
Book 1 - SPINNING OUT (Arrow’s story)
Book 2 - RUSHING IN (Christopher’s story)
Book 3 - GOING UNDER (Sebastian’s story)
Book 4 - FALLING HARD (Keegan’s story)
Book 5 - IN TOO DEEP (Mason’s story, coming fall 2017)
376 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2017
349 people are currently reading
1951 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Ryan
64 books8,401 followersAward-winning author Lexi Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of hot contemporary romance and sexy, action-packed YA fantasy. Her books have sold over a million copies. A former English professor, she considers herself lucky to have traded stacks of grading for emotionally charged storytelling. She is happiest when at home in Indiana with her husband and two children, where you can find her lifting weights, reading copiously, hanging out with her family, and thanking her lucky stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
November 27, 2019
I read Going Under before Falling Hard. In Going Under, I do not have a good impression or that tingle feeling that makes the story memorable. To my surprise, I do like Falling Hard more than the previous book.
Emma has a traumatic childhood being manipulated, abused, assault and used by someone who suppose to protect her. Trigger warning for the faint heart even though those situation never been blow up in descriptive detail. What I like about this book is the layers and twists that author put into it. Miss Ryan manages to pull up a very dramatic story. A romance story with such angst and drama without being OTT with everything.
The characters chemistry is suffice enough to convince that there is such deep love between Emma and Keegan. What I do not like is how Keegan handles the situation once he knows what happened to Emma. To my opinion it seems like he brushed it off like a bad gossip. I want to see more anger from him. More alpha male reaction.
Overall, I do enjoy this book very much. It was a good listen for a long day at work.
4 stars
Emma has a traumatic childhood being manipulated, abused, assault and used by someone who suppose to protect her. Trigger warning for the faint heart even though those situation never been blow up in descriptive detail. What I like about this book is the layers and twists that author put into it. Miss Ryan manages to pull up a very dramatic story. A romance story with such angst and drama without being OTT with everything.
The characters chemistry is suffice enough to convince that there is such deep love between Emma and Keegan. What I do not like is how Keegan handles the situation once he knows what happened to Emma. To my opinion it seems like he brushed it off like a bad gossip. I want to see more anger from him. More alpha male reaction.
Overall, I do enjoy this book very much. It was a good listen for a long day at work.
4 stars
March 30, 2020
4,5 stars
In the first book I wasn't really sure about Keegan. In the second book I thought maybe he was just a player, and in book 3 I thought I knew how he story would be (I didn't read the blurb of this book). Oh boy was I wrong. For me, this was the best book of the series so far. I'm completely in love with Keegan.
What I'm enjoying most in this series is how the author can truly show was how much this boys love their girls. Each book has a beautiful and heart melting story. Its just an amazing and delicious read. I recommend it from thr bottom of my heart.
____
4,5 estrelas
No primeiro livro, eu não tinha muita certeza sobre Keegan. No segundo livro, pensei que talvez ele fosse apenas um mulherengo, e no livro 3 pensei que sabia como seria a história dele (não li a sinopse deste livro). Aí meu Deus, como eu estava errada. Para mim, este foi o melhor livro da série, até agora. Estou completamente apaixonada pelo Keegan.
O que mais aprecio nesta série é como a autora consegue realmente mostrar o quanto esses meninos amam suas garotas. Cada livro tem uma história linda e emocionante. É uma leitura incrível e deliciosa. Recomendo do fundo do meu coração.
In the first book I wasn't really sure about Keegan. In the second book I thought maybe he was just a player, and in book 3 I thought I knew how he story would be (I didn't read the blurb of this book). Oh boy was I wrong. For me, this was the best book of the series so far. I'm completely in love with Keegan.
What I'm enjoying most in this series is how the author can truly show was how much this boys love their girls. Each book has a beautiful and heart melting story. Its just an amazing and delicious read. I recommend it from thr bottom of my heart.
____
4,5 estrelas
No primeiro livro, eu não tinha muita certeza sobre Keegan. No segundo livro, pensei que talvez ele fosse apenas um mulherengo, e no livro 3 pensei que sabia como seria a história dele (não li a sinopse deste livro). Aí meu Deus, como eu estava errada. Para mim, este foi o melhor livro da série, até agora. Estou completamente apaixonada pelo Keegan.
O que mais aprecio nesta série é como a autora consegue realmente mostrar o quanto esses meninos amam suas garotas. Cada livro tem uma história linda e emocionante. É uma leitura incrível e deliciosa. Recomendo do fundo do meu coração.
May 23, 2017
Title: Falling Hard
Author: Lexi Ryan
4 unexpected stars
All of a sudden, I wish I had found out about Lexi Ryan before getting my hands on Falling Hard. It was the type of book that made me curious about the rest of her NFL players and how they can deal with the obstacles they face. I'm not a football fan- heck, every other second I'm wondering why an 80 minute game is lasting hours upon hours before it ends. But I will say that those players have the most enviable rears I've ever seen. So, when I picked up Lexi Ryan's novel, I went in expecting nothing and everything, somewhere hoping that just maybe I'll understand the game a little better, but instead getting to know the men behind the game.
4 breath taking dreams
I did enjoy this book, making me more than a little curious about what else Lexi Ryan has to offer and how the other books in the series stack up to Keegan and Emma's story as we get caught up in the second chances romance of these two. It was interesting, captivating and it was a surprise when I've read so many sports romances since I've begun my blogger/reader journey almost three years ago. Now I'm left with another dilemma: do I wait until the next instalment to continue the Blackhawk Boys series or do I simp,y start from the beginning now and hope that the next novel will be ready by the time I'm done!!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
Author: Lexi Ryan
4 unexpected stars
All of a sudden, I wish I had found out about Lexi Ryan before getting my hands on Falling Hard. It was the type of book that made me curious about the rest of her NFL players and how they can deal with the obstacles they face. I'm not a football fan- heck, every other second I'm wondering why an 80 minute game is lasting hours upon hours before it ends. But I will say that those players have the most enviable rears I've ever seen. So, when I picked up Lexi Ryan's novel, I went in expecting nothing and everything, somewhere hoping that just maybe I'll understand the game a little better, but instead getting to know the men behind the game.
4 breath taking dreams
I did enjoy this book, making me more than a little curious about what else Lexi Ryan has to offer and how the other books in the series stack up to Keegan and Emma's story as we get caught up in the second chances romance of these two. It was interesting, captivating and it was a surprise when I've read so many sports romances since I've begun my blogger/reader journey almost three years ago. Now I'm left with another dilemma: do I wait until the next instalment to continue the Blackhawk Boys series or do I simp,y start from the beginning now and hope that the next novel will be ready by the time I'm done!!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
May 22, 2017
4.5 stars
The Blackhawk boys are spread out now with some of them playing for different NFL teams. But a weekend in Vegas for Arrow's bachelor party will be a great way to spend some time together with friends, especially when their girl crew tags along. But Keegan never expected to run into Emma Rothschild...his first real love and the girl who broke his heart. She was America's Sweetheart...the child star who could never escape the media attention or run from her issues. When he was younger, Keegan was a different person than he is today and he is determined to leave that behind. He has worked hard to graduate, own a business, play in the NFL, and make a good life for his toddler daughter.
They were two people with dark hidden pasts who made each other whole for awhile five years ago, but were left heartbroken. And now that they are back in each other's presence, all the feelings, anger, regret, and questions return. They find themselves in Sin City making impulsive decisions that will have new implications on their current lives. Just how five years ago their lives were irrevocably changed.
There were a lot of layers to their pasts and their lives that neither knew the full extent of. Their history was twisted. There were so many secrets, lies, omissions, assumptions, and mistakes. Their communication of important topics was terrible. She was a runner. He was an avoider. They both had insecurities and never felt good enough, accepted, and truly loved. They were terrified that the truth would cause them to lose each other, but ultimately they did anyway. Their chemistry and attraction was intense. Their feelings were strong, and continued to affect them and never really waned with time. But trust and sharing were huge issues for this couple that cost them so much in the past and still affect them in the present.
There were plenty of challenges, misconceptions, and pain to navigate. Their lives were complicated. They had people that were not supportive or willing to cause issues and stir up fears. But there were also those friends that have become their family and support system. I enjoyed more with the Blackhawk crew and seeing some changes with them. I am even more excited to finally get Mason and Bailey's story now.
This was an intriguing, emotional passionate, second-chance love story with some twists. It was told in dual points of view past and present and their pasts were gradually revealed along the way. I loved the intricate layers and surprises. I liked seeing Keegan grow into a mature young Dad and adult. He was so closed off and a player before, but we can see his good heart and sense of responsibility and protectiveness not only with Emma, but also with Olivia, the mother of his daughter (that girl is another story and I still just want to shake her). I liked Emma and could understand her issues and insecurities. They were catalysts for change for each other in different times and in different ways. But the road towards honesty, trust, hope, and belief in true love was not an easy one.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
The Blackhawk boys are spread out now with some of them playing for different NFL teams. But a weekend in Vegas for Arrow's bachelor party will be a great way to spend some time together with friends, especially when their girl crew tags along. But Keegan never expected to run into Emma Rothschild...his first real love and the girl who broke his heart. She was America's Sweetheart...the child star who could never escape the media attention or run from her issues. When he was younger, Keegan was a different person than he is today and he is determined to leave that behind. He has worked hard to graduate, own a business, play in the NFL, and make a good life for his toddler daughter.
They were two people with dark hidden pasts who made each other whole for awhile five years ago, but were left heartbroken. And now that they are back in each other's presence, all the feelings, anger, regret, and questions return. They find themselves in Sin City making impulsive decisions that will have new implications on their current lives. Just how five years ago their lives were irrevocably changed.
There were a lot of layers to their pasts and their lives that neither knew the full extent of. Their history was twisted. There were so many secrets, lies, omissions, assumptions, and mistakes. Their communication of important topics was terrible. She was a runner. He was an avoider. They both had insecurities and never felt good enough, accepted, and truly loved. They were terrified that the truth would cause them to lose each other, but ultimately they did anyway. Their chemistry and attraction was intense. Their feelings were strong, and continued to affect them and never really waned with time. But trust and sharing were huge issues for this couple that cost them so much in the past and still affect them in the present.
There were plenty of challenges, misconceptions, and pain to navigate. Their lives were complicated. They had people that were not supportive or willing to cause issues and stir up fears. But there were also those friends that have become their family and support system. I enjoyed more with the Blackhawk crew and seeing some changes with them. I am even more excited to finally get Mason and Bailey's story now.
This was an intriguing, emotional passionate, second-chance love story with some twists. It was told in dual points of view past and present and their pasts were gradually revealed along the way. I loved the intricate layers and surprises. I liked seeing Keegan grow into a mature young Dad and adult. He was so closed off and a player before, but we can see his good heart and sense of responsibility and protectiveness not only with Emma, but also with Olivia, the mother of his daughter (that girl is another story and I still just want to shake her). I liked Emma and could understand her issues and insecurities. They were catalysts for change for each other in different times and in different ways. But the road towards honesty, trust, hope, and belief in true love was not an easy one.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
September 7, 2022
So here’s what happened …. I read book two of the series, Rushing in, last year for a blog tour. If you read the review you will know that I FUCKING LOVED IT. And I meant to go back to book one, Spinning Out, and then life happened or something and out of nowhere, book three, Going Under is happening and I’m like whaaaaaaaaaaat … but wait, life again and book FOUR, Falling Hard is coming up for promo and #anxiety And then
the best thing happened
… I met Lexi Ryan in person a couple of weeks ago at the Romantic Times Convention and got to spend some time with her chatting about books and life! *happy sigh* (
she is BEYOND lovely
) SO, I get back from the convention and #bingereading began! :)
So I’m gonna roll these last four books out for you in one review by saying Lexi is CRAZY WITH HER WORDS! Lol
So I’m not going back and doing an individual review of the stories I haven’t reviewed but I will say that ….
Okay, so this turned out a little longer than I expected but I mean every word. These are NOT just sports romance stories and these are NOT just new adult stories. You just have to trust me on the power that Lexi Ryan has with a pen!
Copies of all books provided by NetGalley at some point. Some for review only and some for blog tour reviews
So I’m gonna roll these last four books out for you in one review by saying Lexi is CRAZY WITH HER WORDS! Lol
1. The #FuckingFeels have #Feels that sometimes have #Feels (I aint even playin)
2. She loooooooooooooooooves her triangles that sometimes are possibly pentagons hiding in a hexagon (I’m seriously not playin)
3. Her books are NOT short so prepare yourself :) But every word in her books means something. Every event will lead to something. But pay attention because she’s crazy with her words ;)
4. No matter where YOU are in life, these stories will touch you. They will resonate in your heart and it will sing! LOUD. You may not prefer New Adult (as I mostly do not) but you will still love the heck out of these kids. And you will root for them. EVERY.STEP.OF.THE.WAY. #TRUST
5. This series is more than just a series of HEAs … It’s a series of friendship and family. It’s a series of growth and forgiveness and redemption. It’s a series of regrets and broken promises. There are twist and turns and sometimes some cliff diving that will keep you glued to your kindle. I promise you this! But most of all it is a story of love and unity and cohesiveness and trust!
So I’m not going back and doing an individual review of the stories I haven’t reviewed but I will say that ….
• Arrow and Mia, you weighed heavy on my heart. Your road was not an easy road for such young kids but you made it just fine to the other side! Well done!
•Grace, you touched my heart the hardest. I’m really happy you found Chris to stand by you, but I’m even happier you learned to stand on your own!
•Alexandra, I am in awe of you and you inspire me. You touched my soul the hardest. Your journey is/was unfathomable to me and you made it to the other side tall and strong.
•Emma and Keegan … If I had to read a story after yours right now I just would not be able to. Keegan, you are inspiring to all young men out there! I wish more read romance fiction because you are and exceptional young man! Emma … your journey gutted me from beginning to end. I saw it all coming and I was powerless to the havoc it playing in my heart. I cannot think of a more deserving couple than you two for a second chance at getting it right. #ditto <3
•Last but certainly not least ... Mason & Bailey ... what the actual fuck! I mean that with all the love LOL And Olivia, you need a spanking!!
Okay, so this turned out a little longer than I expected but I mean every word. These are NOT just sports romance stories and these are NOT just new adult stories. You just have to trust me on the power that Lexi Ryan has with a pen!
Copies of all books provided by NetGalley at some point. Some for review only and some for blog tour reviews
May 20, 2017
4.5 STARS
"Tonight, Emma isn’t the woman who once broke my heart. She isn’t the girl who wrote me off with a simple goodbye note and apologies I didn’t want. Tonight, she’s a dream, my fantasy in the flesh, my reward for surviving the hardest year of my whole life."
Falling Hard is a second chance romance between a former child star and an NFL football player. I'm not sure I'd call this story angsty in the same way I typically use the word, but this book is tumultuous, with layers upon layers upon layers of difficulty and secrets and lies and mistakes and heartache. Lexi Ryan has brought all of the Blackhawk boys through their own personal versions of hell, through some serious drama and out the other side to their happily ever afters, tugging the heartstrings of the reader the whole way through. Keegan's story is no different. Rife with heartbreak and longing, Falling Hard is an intricately woven romance full of complicated secrets, gut wrenching truths, and blissfully romantic second chances.
Every time I close a Lexi Ryan book, I'm convinced her writing and storytelling can't get any better. I'm repeatedly proven wrong. The writing in this book is simply stunning and the manner in which this story was so meticulously crafted is truly on another level. I've loved every book in this series, but there's something about Falling Hard that felt more layered, more complex, more intense. I'll say it again, I've loved every one of the Blackhawk boys and their stories, but this book showcased Lexi Ryan's writing talents in a whole new light for me.
Falling Hard pulled me in IMMEDIATELY. A surprise reunion in Vegas between Keegan and Emma, whose brief romance was cut short before it really ever had a chance to begin, spirals into something no one could've seen coming. In fact, with each turn of the page, I was kicked in the gut with more of the unexpected... more heartache, more information about the past, more side characters threatening what might be. As the story unfolds, as this messy dynamic evolves, I found myself turning the pages at rapid fire speed, ravenous for this puzzle to piece itself together for me. Keegan's life is messy. Emma's life is messy. Their brief romance was messy, full of secrets and deception. When they see each other again for the first time after five years, so much has changed, but the secrets keep coming, the emotional hits relentless. What was once messy grows exponentially more so with each omission, with their renewed attraction, with all that was done in the dark starting to come into the light. When I say this story is complicated, it's an understatement. This story is devastating in many ways, infuriating in others, but always hopeful. Always romantic. Always riveting.
I love this series because of how very different every single book is. I love this series because I never know what I'm going to get when I open the newest book, but I'm always swept away in another gripping storyline. I love this series because of how heavy each book is. These characters are pushed to the brink, facing devastating situations that kick the reader right in the gut. And Lexi Ryan nails it every time, delivering stories that are as romantic as they are emotionally torturous. Falling Hard is another winner in one of my top favorite series, a story of hope and forgiveness, acceptance and love. It's riddled with pain and drama and steam and lush romance, all woven seamlessly together by polished writing. I can't get enough of this series and I'm already sad I read this book so quickly. I loved it. I couldn't put it down. And I can't wait for the next!
"Tonight, Emma isn’t the woman who once broke my heart. She isn’t the girl who wrote me off with a simple goodbye note and apologies I didn’t want. Tonight, she’s a dream, my fantasy in the flesh, my reward for surviving the hardest year of my whole life."
Falling Hard is a second chance romance between a former child star and an NFL football player. I'm not sure I'd call this story angsty in the same way I typically use the word, but this book is tumultuous, with layers upon layers upon layers of difficulty and secrets and lies and mistakes and heartache. Lexi Ryan has brought all of the Blackhawk boys through their own personal versions of hell, through some serious drama and out the other side to their happily ever afters, tugging the heartstrings of the reader the whole way through. Keegan's story is no different. Rife with heartbreak and longing, Falling Hard is an intricately woven romance full of complicated secrets, gut wrenching truths, and blissfully romantic second chances.
Every time I close a Lexi Ryan book, I'm convinced her writing and storytelling can't get any better. I'm repeatedly proven wrong. The writing in this book is simply stunning and the manner in which this story was so meticulously crafted is truly on another level. I've loved every book in this series, but there's something about Falling Hard that felt more layered, more complex, more intense. I'll say it again, I've loved every one of the Blackhawk boys and their stories, but this book showcased Lexi Ryan's writing talents in a whole new light for me.
Falling Hard pulled me in IMMEDIATELY. A surprise reunion in Vegas between Keegan and Emma, whose brief romance was cut short before it really ever had a chance to begin, spirals into something no one could've seen coming. In fact, with each turn of the page, I was kicked in the gut with more of the unexpected... more heartache, more information about the past, more side characters threatening what might be. As the story unfolds, as this messy dynamic evolves, I found myself turning the pages at rapid fire speed, ravenous for this puzzle to piece itself together for me. Keegan's life is messy. Emma's life is messy. Their brief romance was messy, full of secrets and deception. When they see each other again for the first time after five years, so much has changed, but the secrets keep coming, the emotional hits relentless. What was once messy grows exponentially more so with each omission, with their renewed attraction, with all that was done in the dark starting to come into the light. When I say this story is complicated, it's an understatement. This story is devastating in many ways, infuriating in others, but always hopeful. Always romantic. Always riveting.
I love this series because of how very different every single book is. I love this series because I never know what I'm going to get when I open the newest book, but I'm always swept away in another gripping storyline. I love this series because of how heavy each book is. These characters are pushed to the brink, facing devastating situations that kick the reader right in the gut. And Lexi Ryan nails it every time, delivering stories that are as romantic as they are emotionally torturous. Falling Hard is another winner in one of my top favorite series, a story of hope and forgiveness, acceptance and love. It's riddled with pain and drama and steam and lush romance, all woven seamlessly together by polished writing. I can't get enough of this series and I'm already sad I read this book so quickly. I loved it. I couldn't put it down. And I can't wait for the next!
October 3, 2020
HELLO DRAMA
My gosh, this thing was a total rollercoaster. There were times that I was so annoyed with the layers of drama, but then something else would come out and would all make sense. I loved that each character has had to work their tail off to be together and that couldn't be more true with Keegan and Emma. But dang, that cliffhanger for Bailey and Mason's book!?!? HELL YEAH, diving in right now!
My gosh, this thing was a total rollercoaster. There were times that I was so annoyed with the layers of drama, but then something else would come out and would all make sense. I loved that each character has had to work their tail off to be together and that couldn't be more true with Keegan and Emma. But dang, that cliffhanger for Bailey and Mason's book!?!? HELL YEAH, diving in right now!
May 25, 2017
4.5 stars
Keegan has built his present life the best he could, rolling with the punches as they came. A single father, he juggles his daughter’s needs with his busy NFL schedule. His friends love him, but don’t know much about him prior to his arrival as a freshman at Blackhawk Hills University.
Emma Rothschild is known as America’s sweetheart. A weekend away with her best friend seemed a good idea, until she came face to face with her past in a Vegas nightclub. But five years is a long time, and neither Keegan nor she are the same people they once were. Surely they can spend a weekend in the others’ presence as friends.
It doesn’t take either long to realize they can’t keep things platonic; there is too much chemistry between them. And boy is that chemistry strong! From the beginning the pull of their attraction is clear to everyone around them.
What happens in Vegas can change everything, especially with all the secrets swirling around them. The secrets from their past are stacked against them. There is a lot to work through, both as individuals and as a couple that must be faced in order to heal the past. It was crushing to realize just how much stood in their way, both in their past and in the present.
This was a second chance story full of pain, misunderstanding, hope, and promise. The secrets from Keegan and Emma’s pasts are revealed like a trail of breadcrumbs, one by one. Each new piece of information had me turning pages for more, waiting for all the pieces to finally weave together into the complete picture of their past.
Keegan is surrounded by his Blackhawk teammates, even as they are all moving on with adult lives. Knowing they have that shared past means they can offer support, and acceptance even though they don’t know his whole past. I loved seeing more of Keegan’s daughter and the way he has settled into the responsibilities of fatherhood. Mason’s story is next and I look forward to getting to know yet another of the Blackhawk Boys as they settle into adulthood and look to the future.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Keegan has built his present life the best he could, rolling with the punches as they came. A single father, he juggles his daughter’s needs with his busy NFL schedule. His friends love him, but don’t know much about him prior to his arrival as a freshman at Blackhawk Hills University.
Emma Rothschild is known as America’s sweetheart. A weekend away with her best friend seemed a good idea, until she came face to face with her past in a Vegas nightclub. But five years is a long time, and neither Keegan nor she are the same people they once were. Surely they can spend a weekend in the others’ presence as friends.
It doesn’t take either long to realize they can’t keep things platonic; there is too much chemistry between them. And boy is that chemistry strong! From the beginning the pull of their attraction is clear to everyone around them.
What happens in Vegas can change everything, especially with all the secrets swirling around them. The secrets from their past are stacked against them. There is a lot to work through, both as individuals and as a couple that must be faced in order to heal the past. It was crushing to realize just how much stood in their way, both in their past and in the present.
This was a second chance story full of pain, misunderstanding, hope, and promise. The secrets from Keegan and Emma’s pasts are revealed like a trail of breadcrumbs, one by one. Each new piece of information had me turning pages for more, waiting for all the pieces to finally weave together into the complete picture of their past.
Keegan is surrounded by his Blackhawk teammates, even as they are all moving on with adult lives. Knowing they have that shared past means they can offer support, and acceptance even though they don’t know his whole past. I loved seeing more of Keegan’s daughter and the way he has settled into the responsibilities of fatherhood. Mason’s story is next and I look forward to getting to know yet another of the Blackhawk Boys as they settle into adulthood and look to the future.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2022
Ahh second chance romance my cat nip. The LOML.. so good. So this one has TW shame on the author for not sharing them in the beginning of the book.. I felt so much emotions while reading this one..i legit wanted to scream at times with all the half truths,secrets and lies. Great read! Daddy Keegen was just goals.. Emma is a FMC that goes through alot it's giving poor little rich girl vibes but they were good together the only thing I felt was that for their second chance they didn't get a chance to really Have one everything was sorta rush. And they spent more time apart than Together. But I'm so looking forward to the next book this couple has been teased since the beginning in book one..
TW: pedophilia, rape, Abuse.
TW: pedophilia, rape, Abuse.
September 14, 2018
Not my favorite book of the series.
May 22, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Author and Give Me Books***
Emma and Keegan have a history that ended in a messy way 5 years ago when they were 18. It's been 5 years and they run into one another in Vegas, and the attraction is still there for both of them.
The story is told in a series of present and flashbacks. And, I liked Emma and Keegan in the present. They were compelling and interesting characters I could relate to. I was not as fond of 18 year old Emma and Keegan.
I had issues with the 18 year old characters for a couple of reasons. First, they seemed the same. The older, more adult, Keegan and Emma seemed exactly the same as the younger versions. They worked as 23 year olds, but not really as 18 year olds. Second, too much time was spent with them, with the rehashing of a story that ended badly. You need the backstory in a second chance romance, but you don't need the entire story.
I didn't like that so much of the story took place in the past. It made the pacing tough to follow. I finally got to know them in the present, and I was pulled into the past. And, there was too much of it. I felt like I was reading 2 different stories about a couple of characters who were the same people, but different, if that makes any sense.
I didn't hate this book, I actually did enjoy a lot of it. But I was not really able to fully relate to the characters as I didn't feel I ever got to know them in the present.
Emma and Keegan have a history that ended in a messy way 5 years ago when they were 18. It's been 5 years and they run into one another in Vegas, and the attraction is still there for both of them.
The story is told in a series of present and flashbacks. And, I liked Emma and Keegan in the present. They were compelling and interesting characters I could relate to. I was not as fond of 18 year old Emma and Keegan.
I had issues with the 18 year old characters for a couple of reasons. First, they seemed the same. The older, more adult, Keegan and Emma seemed exactly the same as the younger versions. They worked as 23 year olds, but not really as 18 year olds. Second, too much time was spent with them, with the rehashing of a story that ended badly. You need the backstory in a second chance romance, but you don't need the entire story.
I didn't like that so much of the story took place in the past. It made the pacing tough to follow. I finally got to know them in the present, and I was pulled into the past. And, there was too much of it. I felt like I was reading 2 different stories about a couple of characters who were the same people, but different, if that makes any sense.
I didn't hate this book, I actually did enjoy a lot of it. But I was not really able to fully relate to the characters as I didn't feel I ever got to know them in the present.
September 20, 2017
Keegan once loved a girl and lost the girl via a Dear John letter. Five years later, while attending a joint bachelor/bachelorette party in Vegas, that girl is across the dance floor from him. A weekend of fun turns into a night of passion and the morning after, Emma and Keegan are still basking in the glow of their rekindled love until Emma's fiance shows up at the hotel. Don't judge...yet. O.K. judge, but there is so much more to this story. Finding their way back to each other seems all but impossible with Keegan's simple bitch of an ex/baby momma constantly trying to pull Keegan back into her orbit on the premise of creating a family. There are also so many other top notch elements to this story such as a grifter for a father, a rapacious pedophile, jealous exes, and a really top notch story. While you get updates about the couples in the previous books, you don't need to have read them nor do you need a chart to tell you who is related to whom. The other wonderful thing about this book is that just when you think one villain is in the lead as the worst human on the planet, another rears its ugly head and over takes the previous deplorable character.
I highly recommend this series if this is a genre you enjoy!
I highly recommend this series if this is a genre you enjoy!
June 1, 2017
3.5 stars
I'm new to this series and jumped in late. While this works as standalone I'm sure there are little things a long the way that could influence the reading experience. I'm not the biggest fan of secrets in a blurb they don't always turn out well but you know sucker for single dads I had to see. So being minority is probably norm.
It started a tad slow for me having to catch up to names and various info. You get an intro to the other previous couple and some backstory. I wanted to know what is it happened to Emma and Keegan and we get little glimpses of it. Honestly it took me while to get into their story, it was so awkward and tension filled. Keegan seemed like he had so much in his past that affects his present. Same as Emma, she has her fair share of issues.
I don't know whether the other books contained more of what happened between the baby momma and Keegan. We get a brief run down and tidbits but it seemed there was lot more there. Aside from that crazy ass secrets. There was a lot of drama going down, I had an idea going in there would be . I had a hard time appreciating the actual story with everything else going on. It does seem interesting though I'll say nothing boring.
With so much going on in the start and till the end it wraps up pretty fast. It's entertaining and intriguing though. I'm The series running theme seem to be characters with secrets and overcoming them. Lexi Ryan sure knows how to write a well conceived story chock full of everything in between.
*** ARC kindly provided for an honest review ***
I'm new to this series and jumped in late. While this works as standalone I'm sure there are little things a long the way that could influence the reading experience. I'm not the biggest fan of secrets in a blurb they don't always turn out well but you know sucker for single dads I had to see. So being minority is probably norm.
It started a tad slow for me having to catch up to names and various info. You get an intro to the other previous couple and some backstory. I wanted to know what is it happened to Emma and Keegan and we get little glimpses of it. Honestly it took me while to get into their story, it was so awkward and tension filled. Keegan seemed like he had so much in his past that affects his present. Same as Emma, she has her fair share of issues.
I don't know whether the other books contained more of what happened between the baby momma and Keegan. We get a brief run down and tidbits but it seemed there was lot more there. Aside from that crazy ass secrets. There was a lot of drama going down, I had an idea going in there would be . I had a hard time appreciating the actual story with everything else going on. It does seem interesting though I'll say nothing boring.
With so much going on in the start and till the end it wraps up pretty fast. It's entertaining and intriguing though. I'm The series running theme seem to be characters with secrets and overcoming them. Lexi Ryan sure knows how to write a well conceived story chock full of everything in between.
*** ARC kindly provided for an honest review ***
July 4, 2017
http://rpmbt-blog.com/rpmbt/review-fa...
I’ve been a lover of this series since it released, and I was so looking forward to Keegan’s story, but where the three previous books were five star reads for me, this one fell a bit short. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy it, but Falling Hard just didn’t make me “fall hard” for Keegan and Emma as much as I wanted too.
Emma and Keegan have a history, and five years ago both of their hearts were broken. When they see each other again in Vegas, the chemistry and feelings reignite and as much as Keegan wants to hate Emma he can’t and as much as Emma wants to be with Keegan, she can’t. These two have a very complicated story, that plays out through this entire book, and I wanted to strangle them throughout most of it. If one or both of them would have come clean about ALL of their truths earlier in the book I think I would have enjoyed this more, because then they would have had more time to work on moving forward, but instead it was a bunch of dancing around the past and their feelings for one another.
One thing I did really enjoy about this book was when things were good between these two. I loved the banter and the back and forth between Emma and Keegan and seeing glimpses of their past and the summer they spent together. Watching the love they had for one another before everything went wrong, and watching them try to reconnect again. You can tell they belong together, but both of them are too stubborn, but just reading their thoughts you can feel how scared they are to let the other one in, and how much they still care for one another even throughout all the hurt.
Seeing the characters from previous books was also a plus, but don’t worry if you haven’t read the other books in the series, you’ll love them even if you don’t know their full stories, Lexi Ryan does a great job of catching you up! Like I said, I really did enjoy Falling Hard, but compared to the other books in the Blackhawk Boys Series, it fell short for me. Emma and Keegan are amazing, but I wish that the entire book wasn’t them fighting to repair things, or fighting their feelings, and we had a little more of them actually accepting that they belong together. The epilogue was amazing though and I can’t wait to read Mason’s story now!
I’ve been a lover of this series since it released, and I was so looking forward to Keegan’s story, but where the three previous books were five star reads for me, this one fell a bit short. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy it, but Falling Hard just didn’t make me “fall hard” for Keegan and Emma as much as I wanted too.
Emma and Keegan have a history, and five years ago both of their hearts were broken. When they see each other again in Vegas, the chemistry and feelings reignite and as much as Keegan wants to hate Emma he can’t and as much as Emma wants to be with Keegan, she can’t. These two have a very complicated story, that plays out through this entire book, and I wanted to strangle them throughout most of it. If one or both of them would have come clean about ALL of their truths earlier in the book I think I would have enjoyed this more, because then they would have had more time to work on moving forward, but instead it was a bunch of dancing around the past and their feelings for one another.
One thing I did really enjoy about this book was when things were good between these two. I loved the banter and the back and forth between Emma and Keegan and seeing glimpses of their past and the summer they spent together. Watching the love they had for one another before everything went wrong, and watching them try to reconnect again. You can tell they belong together, but both of them are too stubborn, but just reading their thoughts you can feel how scared they are to let the other one in, and how much they still care for one another even throughout all the hurt.
Seeing the characters from previous books was also a plus, but don’t worry if you haven’t read the other books in the series, you’ll love them even if you don’t know their full stories, Lexi Ryan does a great job of catching you up! Like I said, I really did enjoy Falling Hard, but compared to the other books in the Blackhawk Boys Series, it fell short for me. Emma and Keegan are amazing, but I wish that the entire book wasn’t them fighting to repair things, or fighting their feelings, and we had a little more of them actually accepting that they belong together. The epilogue was amazing though and I can’t wait to read Mason’s story now!
May 24, 2017
*This book was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads*
Title: Falling Hard (The Blackhawk Boys, Book 4)
Author: Lexi Ryan
Genre: Second Chance Sports Romance
Rating: 4/5
Hot ✔ Sexy ✔ NFL Player✔ Single Dad ♡swoon♡ That's what we get in this book.
Keegan and Emma see each other again after a chance meeting in Vegas the chemistry's still there but past issues are needing to be dealt with and there's heartache, lies and hurt to overcome, drama including interfering parents a babies mommy and so much more making this one angst filled read.
This was my first read by Lexi, although it's book 4 in the series I'm happy to say it can be read as a standalone without leaving you feeling like you're missing out on something.
The way in which this book has been written was right up my street Lexi done a fantastic job, a brilliant storyline with great character development made this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Title: Falling Hard (The Blackhawk Boys, Book 4)
Author: Lexi Ryan
Genre: Second Chance Sports Romance
Rating: 4/5
Hot ✔ Sexy ✔ NFL Player✔ Single Dad ♡swoon♡ That's what we get in this book.
Keegan and Emma see each other again after a chance meeting in Vegas the chemistry's still there but past issues are needing to be dealt with and there's heartache, lies and hurt to overcome, drama including interfering parents a babies mommy and so much more making this one angst filled read.
This was my first read by Lexi, although it's book 4 in the series I'm happy to say it can be read as a standalone without leaving you feeling like you're missing out on something.
The way in which this book has been written was right up my street Lexi done a fantastic job, a brilliant storyline with great character development made this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
May 23, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
My review: https://www.facebook.com/books4girls/...
First of all, I would like to thank Lexi Ryan and the Give Me Books team for this ARC.
The Blackhawk boys are a bunch of hot football players with intense lifes. After the books about Arrow, Christopher and Sebastian, we can learn more about Keegan.
I was looking forward to it because Keegan was intriguing me. A lot. I really liked to discover his story, his trouble past and family issues. Emma’s character is really interesting. I can’t say the same about Olivia… she’s just a selfish witch!
If you love second chance’s stories, hot NFL football players and sweet daddies, you must read it! This story can be read as a standalone, but I would advise you to read the previous books.
And I can’t wait to read about Mason and Bailey!
**********
Avant toute chose, je souhaite remercier Lexi Ryan et l’équipe de Give Me Books pour ce service presse.
Falling Hard est le 4ème tome de la série. Dans les tomes précédents, on a découvert les histoires d’Arrow, Christopher et Sebastian. C’est maintenant au tour de Keegan, le plus énigmatique de la bande.
On a très peu d’informations sur son passé dans les tomes précédents, ce qui aiguise la curiosité. Au fur et à mesure de la lecture, on comprend un peu mieux ses choix et sa façon de voir les choses.
Quant à Emma, on peut dire que c’est un personnage aux multiples facettes. Son passé est aussi tourmenté que celui de Keegan, mais pour d’autres raisons. Tout le long de l’histoire, on a envie qu’ils aient une seconde chance. Ils le méritent tellement.
Pour ma part, j’ai eu un mal fou à supporter Olivia et son égoïsme sans bornes. Elle est l’incarnation même des personnages que je n’aime pas.
En bref, un belle histoire de seconde chance et un réel plaisir de retrouver cette bande de copains. Maintenant il me tarde de découvrir l’histoire de Mason et Bailey !
My review: https://www.facebook.com/books4girls/...
First of all, I would like to thank Lexi Ryan and the Give Me Books team for this ARC.
The Blackhawk boys are a bunch of hot football players with intense lifes. After the books about Arrow, Christopher and Sebastian, we can learn more about Keegan.
I was looking forward to it because Keegan was intriguing me. A lot. I really liked to discover his story, his trouble past and family issues. Emma’s character is really interesting. I can’t say the same about Olivia… she’s just a selfish witch!
If you love second chance’s stories, hot NFL football players and sweet daddies, you must read it! This story can be read as a standalone, but I would advise you to read the previous books.
And I can’t wait to read about Mason and Bailey!
**********
Avant toute chose, je souhaite remercier Lexi Ryan et l’équipe de Give Me Books pour ce service presse.
Falling Hard est le 4ème tome de la série. Dans les tomes précédents, on a découvert les histoires d’Arrow, Christopher et Sebastian. C’est maintenant au tour de Keegan, le plus énigmatique de la bande.
On a très peu d’informations sur son passé dans les tomes précédents, ce qui aiguise la curiosité. Au fur et à mesure de la lecture, on comprend un peu mieux ses choix et sa façon de voir les choses.
Quant à Emma, on peut dire que c’est un personnage aux multiples facettes. Son passé est aussi tourmenté que celui de Keegan, mais pour d’autres raisons. Tout le long de l’histoire, on a envie qu’ils aient une seconde chance. Ils le méritent tellement.
Pour ma part, j’ai eu un mal fou à supporter Olivia et son égoïsme sans bornes. Elle est l’incarnation même des personnages que je n’aime pas.
En bref, un belle histoire de seconde chance et un réel plaisir de retrouver cette bande de copains. Maintenant il me tarde de découvrir l’histoire de Mason et Bailey !
Read
July 30, 2018I gave up on this around 35%. This is what happens when you dislike both main characters, the writing style is very New Adult (dueling first person POV needs to die a fiery death and I USED TO LOVE FIRST PERSON WHY IS ROMANCE DETERMINED TO KILL MY LOVE OF FIRST PERSON!!!!), and this book made me feel old.
The fact that the heroine boinks the hero WHEN SHE'S ENGAGED. The fact that 5 years prior the hero "fakes" a "meet cute" with the heroine because he wants to con her. Yes, I can see the signs on the horizon that the heroine is all damaged and scarred from some sort of sexual abuse. Yes, I can see the signs that the hero has Daddy Issues.
I. Do. Not. Care.
I'm out.
The fact that the heroine boinks the hero WHEN SHE'S ENGAGED. The fact that 5 years prior the hero "fakes" a "meet cute" with the heroine because he wants to con her. Yes, I can see the signs on the horizon that the heroine is all damaged and scarred from some sort of sexual abuse. Yes, I can see the signs that the hero has Daddy Issues.
I. Do. Not. Care.
I'm out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2018
I totally get why this one won a RITA - sexy, tense, exciting, complex and fun! Great characters and a compelling, emotional backstory made this a terrific read. Definitely recommend!
May 24, 2017
REVIEW: 4.5 Stars
"I'd forgotten the little flutter I get in my belly every time he puts his eyes on me."
Ahhhh!!!!! I have loved Keegan since we met him, and if you have been following me for any amount of time, you will know that Lexi Ryan is one of my favorite go-to authors for sweet and sexy, guaranteed good reads. Add this one to the list. I seriously LOVE this series!!! Keegan was everything. Oh my goodness, everything. Just an FYI: if you haven't read any of the books in THIS SERIES, it's ok. They are all standalones with interconnected characters. Lexi always makes sure each book has their own story so you can jump right in and any background story will be caught up within the first few pages.
To say that Emma and Keegan have a complicated past, that's putting it mildly! And I will admit that I am mad at Keegan for how it all "started", but understand the why of it all. These two, while inseparable at one point, had to wade through the past hurts and anger and remember what they loved about each other in the first place to get to their "sweet spot". The pain that I felt for Keegan was jaw dropping. I gasped as I read this book seeing the past collide with the present. Seeing so much of what Emma dealt with, and in turn, causing Keegan enormous amounts of pain as well was really hard and made for a shut-out-the-family-and-read-all-day kinda read. I couldn't put this book down!
Poor Emma has a lot going on in her personal life and she has a lot of ridiculousness to contend with. To see what she went through as a child, to what she was forced to deal with as an adult. It wasn't an easy life and having the past breeze through like it did, it caused some whiplash of emotions to go through me. From happiness to anger, I felt it all for and against Emma.....that is until I got the entire story. My head is shaking. Poor Emma.
Keegan doesn't exactly have it easy either, even though he works SO hard to make sure his life stays on the up and up, but he makes the best of what he has and he lives a straight life. Keegan is a standup man. He is all man and is true to his word, but one thing that I think is amazing is that his emotions are genuine. I loved seeing how heartfelt he was with his feelings towards Emma. He made me smile and sigh and giggle like a little girl batting her eyelashes. I loved seeing the carefree candor they had when they talked. He's such an honest man and super swoon-worthy. I'm still giggling thinking about him!
Love is so important when you can't let go, when your heart still wrestles with the truth of the matter and the reality of the situation. My heart was so twisted up in this book! Lexi Ryan wrote another page turner that is a must read. It is gripping, emotional and heart-consuming. I whole-heartedly recommend this book, as well as this entire series!
"And she taught me what it was like to love without expectation, what it was like to be loved by someone with a pure heart."
"I'd forgotten the little flutter I get in my belly every time he puts his eyes on me."
Ahhhh!!!!! I have loved Keegan since we met him, and if you have been following me for any amount of time, you will know that Lexi Ryan is one of my favorite go-to authors for sweet and sexy, guaranteed good reads. Add this one to the list. I seriously LOVE this series!!! Keegan was everything. Oh my goodness, everything. Just an FYI: if you haven't read any of the books in THIS SERIES, it's ok. They are all standalones with interconnected characters. Lexi always makes sure each book has their own story so you can jump right in and any background story will be caught up within the first few pages.
To say that Emma and Keegan have a complicated past, that's putting it mildly! And I will admit that I am mad at Keegan for how it all "started", but understand the why of it all. These two, while inseparable at one point, had to wade through the past hurts and anger and remember what they loved about each other in the first place to get to their "sweet spot". The pain that I felt for Keegan was jaw dropping. I gasped as I read this book seeing the past collide with the present. Seeing so much of what Emma dealt with, and in turn, causing Keegan enormous amounts of pain as well was really hard and made for a shut-out-the-family-and-read-all-day kinda read. I couldn't put this book down!
Poor Emma has a lot going on in her personal life and she has a lot of ridiculousness to contend with. To see what she went through as a child, to what she was forced to deal with as an adult. It wasn't an easy life and having the past breeze through like it did, it caused some whiplash of emotions to go through me. From happiness to anger, I felt it all for and against Emma.....that is until I got the entire story. My head is shaking. Poor Emma.
Keegan doesn't exactly have it easy either, even though he works SO hard to make sure his life stays on the up and up, but he makes the best of what he has and he lives a straight life. Keegan is a standup man. He is all man and is true to his word, but one thing that I think is amazing is that his emotions are genuine. I loved seeing how heartfelt he was with his feelings towards Emma. He made me smile and sigh and giggle like a little girl batting her eyelashes. I loved seeing the carefree candor they had when they talked. He's such an honest man and super swoon-worthy. I'm still giggling thinking about him!
Love is so important when you can't let go, when your heart still wrestles with the truth of the matter and the reality of the situation. My heart was so twisted up in this book! Lexi Ryan wrote another page turner that is a must read. It is gripping, emotional and heart-consuming. I whole-heartedly recommend this book, as well as this entire series!
"And she taught me what it was like to love without expectation, what it was like to be loved by someone with a pure heart."
December 7, 2017
Wow! The level of deceit in this story was up in the strastophere. Every man in Emma's life betrayed her-even Keegan. At what point do you scream, "Enough", at these self-centered vultures? Awesome series!
June 15, 2018
Angsty read.
Full of miscommunication, omition. Bit frustrating, "just talk it through".
Bit of ex/ triangle drama, sort of, as he has a daughter with another woman.
No intimate scenes with anyone else.
I skim read bits.
Full of miscommunication, omition. Bit frustrating, "just talk it through".
Bit of ex/ triangle drama, sort of, as he has a daughter with another woman.
No intimate scenes with anyone else.
I skim read bits.
May 19, 2017
Falling Hard is book 4 in the Blackhawk Boys series, but each book can be read as a standalone. This book does heavily feature the marriage of characters from book 1, however, so if following along with the side character's story you may want to begin with book 1.
Keegan and Emma both have secrets, and these secrets tore them apart five years ago. Neither of them have great role models for parents, so being apart meant trying to find a way to live a normal life without the other and create a family with the friends around them. Then Keegan is surprised to look up at a club in Vegas and see Emma across the way. She broke his heart five years ago, but it's as if no time has passed when he sees her. Secrets from both the past and the present raise up to try and tear them apart again, but second (third and fourth) chances, along with a huge dose of communication, can help overcome any obstacle.
In past books of the series, Keegan is described as the ultimate playboy, which was curbed when his daughter comes along. Seeing his relationship with Emma evolve, it's easy to understand why he couldn't give his heart to anyone else. Olivia has some work to redeem herself in my eyes, and I'm hoping she gets a bit of comeuppance in book 5. I can't wait to get Bailey and Mason's story. That cliffhanger!
Lexi is great at squeezing the emotion out of her characters and making the reader feel what the characters feel. The redemption of Keegan and Emma was so necessary for both of them to forgive themselves so that they could forgive and love each other. This redemption was handled well. Five stars.
Keegan and Emma both have secrets, and these secrets tore them apart five years ago. Neither of them have great role models for parents, so being apart meant trying to find a way to live a normal life without the other and create a family with the friends around them. Then Keegan is surprised to look up at a club in Vegas and see Emma across the way. She broke his heart five years ago, but it's as if no time has passed when he sees her. Secrets from both the past and the present raise up to try and tear them apart again, but second (third and fourth) chances, along with a huge dose of communication, can help overcome any obstacle.
In past books of the series, Keegan is described as the ultimate playboy, which was curbed when his daughter comes along. Seeing his relationship with Emma evolve, it's easy to understand why he couldn't give his heart to anyone else. Olivia has some work to redeem herself in my eyes, and I'm hoping she gets a bit of comeuppance in book 5. I can't wait to get Bailey and Mason's story. That cliffhanger!
Lexi is great at squeezing the emotion out of her characters and making the reader feel what the characters feel. The redemption of Keegan and Emma was so necessary for both of them to forgive themselves so that they could forgive and love each other. This redemption was handled well. Five stars.
May 23, 2017
Lexi Ryan knows just how to screw with my head and bring me to my very emotionally distraught readers knees. Falling Hard is just the latest book in the Blackhawk Boys series which has without a doubt been one of my favorites series. It's packed with hot guys (turned SUPER hot men in Falling Hard), strong women, sexual tension, and emotions. ALLL the emotions.
Falling Hard is Keegan's story. Oh this boy held my heart from the get-go in this series. I needed for him to have his happily ever after even before I knew his full story. But what I wasn't prepared for was his woman. Oh wow, Emma was just the perfect brand of feisty and vulnerable to break down Keegan's walls. I just love, love, love what Lexi did with this story. It covered the past, present and future and every hardship along the way. It hurt. It felt the best. It just all around rocked my world and gave me just the book I wanted to read. It's far from any cookie cutter book you would expect. It's straight up unique, sexy, and simply heart-melting.
You won't be disappointed with Keegan's story. Ms. Ryan did him justice in the best way possible and brought to the table and even greater story with his and Emma's love story. It will be hard to top, but I KNOW that Bailey and Mason's story is just going to rip my heart out with the terrific set-up at the end of Falling Hard. But I also know in true Lexi Ryan form she will redeem herself and make every bit of my turmoil worth it. Until I have that book, which I'm CRAVING, I'll be reveling in Keegan's HEA!
Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Falling Hard is Keegan's story. Oh this boy held my heart from the get-go in this series. I needed for him to have his happily ever after even before I knew his full story. But what I wasn't prepared for was his woman. Oh wow, Emma was just the perfect brand of feisty and vulnerable to break down Keegan's walls. I just love, love, love what Lexi did with this story. It covered the past, present and future and every hardship along the way. It hurt. It felt the best. It just all around rocked my world and gave me just the book I wanted to read. It's far from any cookie cutter book you would expect. It's straight up unique, sexy, and simply heart-melting.
You won't be disappointed with Keegan's story. Ms. Ryan did him justice in the best way possible and brought to the table and even greater story with his and Emma's love story. It will be hard to top, but I KNOW that Bailey and Mason's story is just going to rip my heart out with the terrific set-up at the end of Falling Hard. But I also know in true Lexi Ryan form she will redeem herself and make every bit of my turmoil worth it. Until I have that book, which I'm CRAVING, I'll be reveling in Keegan's HEA!
Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
May 23, 2017
3.5 stars
Second chance love stories are one of my favorite tropes. Throw in a single dad and I am one happy camper. But sadly this didn’t work for me as much as I had hoped it would.
The story of Emma and Keegan is told with flashbacks between present and past. Emma is a former child actress who is partying in Sin City and trying to stay incognito. While there runs into her past love Keegan. They agree to hang with each other for the weekend. I struggled in the beginning to get to know Emma and Keegan. I am not sure what it was but the beginning was a little slow to pull in my interest.
As the story progressed I found the flow a bit off. I wanted a lot more time with Keegan and being a dad; his daughter wasn’t really present in this story. I did like Emma’s back story and it explained her issues but she was kind of a mess. Keegan and Emma soon start to uncover why they were separated years ago. Secrets and lies were told on both of their parts and they had a lot of work to do. Their communication was horrible. They had some big and ugly things to deal with. I think it took too long in the story to get there. I think this was in part due to the flashbacks. They took away from the present day timeline. Their personal lives did have a lot of layers. But they had so much baggage between them there just wasn’t enough time in the story to work on it. Perhaps things could have come to light a bit earlier and the ending wouldn’t have felt rushed.
* advance copy provided for a voluntary review*
Second chance love stories are one of my favorite tropes. Throw in a single dad and I am one happy camper. But sadly this didn’t work for me as much as I had hoped it would.
The story of Emma and Keegan is told with flashbacks between present and past. Emma is a former child actress who is partying in Sin City and trying to stay incognito. While there runs into her past love Keegan. They agree to hang with each other for the weekend. I struggled in the beginning to get to know Emma and Keegan. I am not sure what it was but the beginning was a little slow to pull in my interest.
As the story progressed I found the flow a bit off. I wanted a lot more time with Keegan and being a dad; his daughter wasn’t really present in this story. I did like Emma’s back story and it explained her issues but she was kind of a mess. Keegan and Emma soon start to uncover why they were separated years ago. Secrets and lies were told on both of their parts and they had a lot of work to do. Their communication was horrible. They had some big and ugly things to deal with. I think it took too long in the story to get there. I think this was in part due to the flashbacks. They took away from the present day timeline. Their personal lives did have a lot of layers. But they had so much baggage between them there just wasn’t enough time in the story to work on it. Perhaps things could have come to light a bit earlier and the ending wouldn’t have felt rushed.
* advance copy provided for a voluntary review*
May 22, 2017
Lexi Ryan is on a winning streak with FALLING HARD, the fourth book in the Blackhawk Boys series. The boys and their significant others have graduated and head to Las Vegas to celebrate Arrow’s and Mia’s bachelor/bachelorette party. While there Keegan Keller runs into the girl who broke his heart, former actress Emma Rothschild. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult and adult audiences.
Once again, Lexi Ryan does a fantastic job with her character development. I like Keegan. He was given an opportunity to play in the NFL for the Gulf Gators. He is a good dad to Jasmine (Jazzy). He also treats Jazzy’s mom, Olivia Crowe, well; especially, considering all the drama she puts him through. Emma is a compelling character. She is sweet and self-sacrificing. Both Keegan and Emma have secrets from their past that are revealed in this story. The two make each other better people. They are stronger together and make a captivating pair.
The plot was well-executed. I love how this series, always has serious issues that are depicted. FALLING HARD was skillfully written and believable. I enjoyed all the twists and had no idea where the story would take us. I love that Keegan and Emma got a second chance. I appreciated how various individuals changed throughout the novel. I love how the story ended. I’m looking forward to Mason’s story in the fifth book in the series, IN TOO DEEP. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Once again, Lexi Ryan does a fantastic job with her character development. I like Keegan. He was given an opportunity to play in the NFL for the Gulf Gators. He is a good dad to Jasmine (Jazzy). He also treats Jazzy’s mom, Olivia Crowe, well; especially, considering all the drama she puts him through. Emma is a compelling character. She is sweet and self-sacrificing. Both Keegan and Emma have secrets from their past that are revealed in this story. The two make each other better people. They are stronger together and make a captivating pair.
The plot was well-executed. I love how this series, always has serious issues that are depicted. FALLING HARD was skillfully written and believable. I enjoyed all the twists and had no idea where the story would take us. I love that Keegan and Emma got a second chance. I appreciated how various individuals changed throughout the novel. I love how the story ended. I’m looking forward to Mason’s story in the fifth book in the series, IN TOO DEEP. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
March 5, 2019
What I liked…
The chemistry between Emma and Keegan, oh goodness, it was definitely sizzling. You could feel the tension between them from the start.
The…complications…wow what a history between these two, it unfolded oh so slowly but not in a bad way, in a way that kept you guessing and kept that tension sky high. You always expect there to be some kind of obstacles in this kind of book but these weren’t like anything I’ve read before.
What I didn’t like…
Whilst I loved the hurdles that these guys had to go through and getting to see their past through flashbacks, it didn’t leave much room to see them reconnect.
Also I didn’t realise before I started reading it that it was the fourth book in a series, I’m not saying you can’t read it as a standalone but I do feel like there are a lot of characters that get mentioned and unless you’ve read the previous books you’re not really going to connect with that well.
Summary…
I really enjoyed this book, it had a lot more in it than I anticipated and Emma and Keegan were really cute together. I think I would have liked to have read the series in order to get a better feel for the characters but I might still go back and see where it all started.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
The chemistry between Emma and Keegan, oh goodness, it was definitely sizzling. You could feel the tension between them from the start.
The…complications…wow what a history between these two, it unfolded oh so slowly but not in a bad way, in a way that kept you guessing and kept that tension sky high. You always expect there to be some kind of obstacles in this kind of book but these weren’t like anything I’ve read before.
What I didn’t like…
Whilst I loved the hurdles that these guys had to go through and getting to see their past through flashbacks, it didn’t leave much room to see them reconnect.
Also I didn’t realise before I started reading it that it was the fourth book in a series, I’m not saying you can’t read it as a standalone but I do feel like there are a lot of characters that get mentioned and unless you’ve read the previous books you’re not really going to connect with that well.
Summary…
I really enjoyed this book, it had a lot more in it than I anticipated and Emma and Keegan were really cute together. I think I would have liked to have read the series in order to get a better feel for the characters but I might still go back and see where it all started.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
February 6, 2020
"I've been hoping for a family since I was a little boy, and I've only recently realized that family isn't how it looks on TV. It's not the people we were born related to or the ones we live with. Family is who you choose along the way. I spent two years hoping Jazzy and Olivia and I could be family without realizing we already were. My friends are part of my family too. They picked up where you left off in making me a better man, and they do what family should- being there for me even when I don't deserve it. I want you to be my family too. But I want you to be the kind of family I come home to every night. I want to to carry my babies and help raise Jasmine."
This whole quote was so beautiful, I had to include it.
My favourite book from the series so far. Keegan was so much more than I expected, the first three books kind of made him an asshole. HE WAS SO MUCH MORE. And I didn't expect that, probably that's why I enjoyed this book much more than the other three.
I have big expectations for Mason's story. From the first book, the relationship between Mason and Bailey intrigued me the most, so I'm gonna be disappointed if it won't come close to my expectations.
This whole quote was so beautiful, I had to include it.
My favourite book from the series so far. Keegan was so much more than I expected, the first three books kind of made him an asshole. HE WAS SO MUCH MORE. And I didn't expect that, probably that's why I enjoyed this book much more than the other three.
I have big expectations for Mason's story. From the first book, the relationship between Mason and Bailey intrigued me the most, so I'm gonna be disappointed if it won't come close to my expectations.
May 24, 2017
4 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Spinning Out (The Blackhawk Boys, #1)
Rushing In (The Blackhawk Boys, #2)
Going Under (The Blackhawk Boys, #3)
This is Emma and Keegan’s story. Keegan is a single father to a daughter. His whole world revolves around her. Emma is a woman from his past. When she comes back into his life after 5 years’ sparks fly. When they try and work out issues from the past to move on maybe together people around them don’t want them together. People will try anything to get this couple to fail. But Keegan and Emma do everything they can for the relationship to work. This couple will try hard and make you feel all your emotions.
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Spinning Out (The Blackhawk Boys, #1)
Rushing In (The Blackhawk Boys, #2)
Going Under (The Blackhawk Boys, #3)
This is Emma and Keegan’s story. Keegan is a single father to a daughter. His whole world revolves around her. Emma is a woman from his past. When she comes back into his life after 5 years’ sparks fly. When they try and work out issues from the past to move on maybe together people around them don’t want them together. People will try anything to get this couple to fail. But Keegan and Emma do everything they can for the relationship to work. This couple will try hard and make you feel all your emotions.
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
August 21, 2018
4.5 stars. I truly enjoyed this story of a low-end NFL player and an ex-child TV star. Boy, did these two have some baggage. Unfortunately, each of them kept their baggage to themselves, adding to the difficulties. Keegan and Emma fell in love five years earlier, but she abandoned him, causing a great deal of hurt and misunderstanding. When they reunite in Vegas sparks are flying everywhere, bu there are some major obstacles. She is engaged to marry another guy. He has had a little girl and the baby momma wants him back. When you add in her managing mother, his conman dad, and her creepy stepfather it is easy to see why they have a hard road to their HEA.
Not the type of book I usually enjoy, but the engaging characters and situations really make it work for me.
Not the type of book I usually enjoy, but the engaging characters and situations really make it work for me.
May 16, 2017
Falling hard is the second chance redemption love story of Keegan and Emma. Its the fourth book in the Blackhawk Boys series and can be read as a standalone.
Keegan Keller and Emma Rothschild are former lovers who happen to be in the same Vegas bar during a weekend away for Arrow's bachelor party. The whole gang decided to go to Vegas, including the girls, for a meet up since everyone has now graduated and playing in the NFL.
While Keegan and Emma are shocked and happy to see each other in Vegas, it comes with a lot of heartache, lies and regret. The what if's are taking a toll on them and need to be answered. I have loved this whole series and all of the guys and can't wait for Mason's book next.
Keegan Keller and Emma Rothschild are former lovers who happen to be in the same Vegas bar during a weekend away for Arrow's bachelor party. The whole gang decided to go to Vegas, including the girls, for a meet up since everyone has now graduated and playing in the NFL.
While Keegan and Emma are shocked and happy to see each other in Vegas, it comes with a lot of heartache, lies and regret. The what if's are taking a toll on them and need to be answered. I have loved this whole series and all of the guys and can't wait for Mason's book next.
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