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Hard Ball
Arrogant.
Womanizer.
Sexy as hell.
These are all words that have been used to describe Cole Callahan. They might be true, but to me, he’s just my best friend. The one person who has always been there. Now it’s my turn to reciprocate. Coming off an injury, Cole needs me. I won’t let him down.
It’s easy to fall back into old habits with friends, but with Cole something is different. He’s different with me. The touches are gentler. His eyes linger on me. There's something there that wasn't before. My heart flutters just a little too much every time I look at him. What’s the worst that could happen if I stopped overthinking and just let go?
Womanizer.
Sexy as hell.
These are all words that have been used to describe Cole Callahan. They might be true, but to me, he’s just my best friend. The one person who has always been there. Now it’s my turn to reciprocate. Coming off an injury, Cole needs me. I won’t let him down.
It’s easy to fall back into old habits with friends, but with Cole something is different. He’s different with me. The touches are gentler. His eyes linger on me. There's something there that wasn't before. My heart flutters just a little too much every time I look at him. What’s the worst that could happen if I stopped overthinking and just let go?
Unknown Binding
Published April 3, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
dnf
April 6, 2017MCs knew each other for years.
H was a manwhore. He had a gf, but still slept around. He said he cheated on his gf - his words, not mine!
Disgusting.
h knew about his revolving door of women. And she knew he had a gf and had sex with OWs.
Once a cheater, always a cheater. And even if he didn't love his gf, it was not ok to sleep with OWs, under no circumstances! IMO.
I don't want to read about a girl/woman who would fall in love with her male manwhore-BFF.
There is nothing, NOTHING what could explain why any woman would want to be with such man. Nothing!
Another idolization of manwhores.
It's not romantic, it's not sexy!
H was a manwhore. He had a gf, but still slept around. He said he cheated on his gf - his words, not mine!
Disgusting.
h knew about his revolving door of women. And she knew he had a gf and had sex with OWs.
Once a cheater, always a cheater. And even if he didn't love his gf, it was not ok to sleep with OWs, under no circumstances! IMO.
I don't want to read about a girl/woman who would fall in love with her male manwhore-BFF.
There is nothing, NOTHING what could explain why any woman would want to be with such man. Nothing!
Another idolization of manwhores.
It's not romantic, it's not sexy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2017
Best Friends-to-lovers, Cole is a hotshot in baseball and Mackenzie is his childhood best friends who's studying physical therapy. When Cole has an career-threatening injury, Mackenzie comes in to help him recover.
What she doesn't know is that he has been having sinful dreams of her and can't seem to resist her. Mackenzie has never seen him that way but somehow this time the close proximity, is making her lose control.
Mackenzie is a straight-shooter and Cole is all charm. Both are superbly hot and sexy together. But can their friendship survive this new relationship?
A fun and steamy read with all the sexy elements.
*~*~*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange of an honest review *~*~*
What she doesn't know is that he has been having sinful dreams of her and can't seem to resist her. Mackenzie has never seen him that way but somehow this time the close proximity, is making her lose control.
Mackenzie is a straight-shooter and Cole is all charm. Both are superbly hot and sexy together. But can their friendship survive this new relationship?
A fun and steamy read with all the sexy elements.
*~*~*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange of an honest review *~*~*
April 3, 2017
3.5 Stars
I was drawn to this book because Cole is a baseball player and I like a friends to lovers story. I'm going to admit I really didn't like Cole at the beginning. I thought he was a jerk, but he just needed the right woman to bring out the best in him. Who better then his best friend Makenzie. I felt the flow of the book was just a tad too fast, but I still enjoyed the story. Cole had won me over in the end.
I was drawn to this book because Cole is a baseball player and I like a friends to lovers story. I'm going to admit I really didn't like Cole at the beginning. I thought he was a jerk, but he just needed the right woman to bring out the best in him. Who better then his best friend Makenzie. I felt the flow of the book was just a tad too fast, but I still enjoyed the story. Cole had won me over in the end.
April 2, 2017
*This book was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads*
Title: Hard Ball
Author: Heather Stone
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance, Friends to Lovers
Rating: 3.5/5
This was a quick fast paced read that's filled with sexual tension between two friends, when it explodes and trust me it does it's extremely hot and steamy making this one sexy read.
The main characters Cole and Mackenzie are best friends they've known each since they were kids, I thought the way their relationship was portrayed was very good you could really feel the connection between them both everything felt genuine and real, from the banter that flowed between them to their feelings and thoughts regarding how their relationship was changing.
Like I've already said this is a fast paced read and in my opinion that's it's only downfall, it was just a bit too fast paced bringing the timing of certain aspects into question.
Overall Hard Ball is a really good sports themed friends to lovers story with a twist in it that even I didn't see coming. It was hot and sexy and when I say that what I really mean is it was SUPER HOT and SEXY!! I'd have liked a bit more drama but all in all a decent read.
Title: Hard Ball
Author: Heather Stone
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance, Friends to Lovers
Rating: 3.5/5
This was a quick fast paced read that's filled with sexual tension between two friends, when it explodes and trust me it does it's extremely hot and steamy making this one sexy read.
The main characters Cole and Mackenzie are best friends they've known each since they were kids, I thought the way their relationship was portrayed was very good you could really feel the connection between them both everything felt genuine and real, from the banter that flowed between them to their feelings and thoughts regarding how their relationship was changing.
Like I've already said this is a fast paced read and in my opinion that's it's only downfall, it was just a bit too fast paced bringing the timing of certain aspects into question.
Overall Hard Ball is a really good sports themed friends to lovers story with a twist in it that even I didn't see coming. It was hot and sexy and when I say that what I really mean is it was SUPER HOT and SEXY!! I'd have liked a bit more drama but all in all a decent read.
April 3, 2017
3.5 Stars
Hard Ball is a sweet friends to lovers story. It is a easy read with several "awwwwww" moments. The reason I gave it 3.5 stars is I needed a little more. There is almost zero angst.
Cole is a typical athlete that has woman at his beck and call. He enjoyed the company of many woman. He has always been sweet to Mack (Mackenzie) and she has been his best friend forever. Cole is a caring son, even during times when he shouldn't have been.
Mack has dated but never really fallen in love. She has been best friends with Cole forever and rushes to his aid when he is injured.
I like both characters and I liked the story. I wanted a big climax of some sort and didn't get it. Ha ha pun unintended but then it made me laugh so I left it.
Hard Ball has some good humor and witty conversations. I would definitely give Heather Stone another read as the book is well written.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
Hard Ball is a sweet friends to lovers story. It is a easy read with several "awwwwww" moments. The reason I gave it 3.5 stars is I needed a little more. There is almost zero angst.
Cole is a typical athlete that has woman at his beck and call. He enjoyed the company of many woman. He has always been sweet to Mack (Mackenzie) and she has been his best friend forever. Cole is a caring son, even during times when he shouldn't have been.
Mack has dated but never really fallen in love. She has been best friends with Cole forever and rushes to his aid when he is injured.
I like both characters and I liked the story. I wanted a big climax of some sort and didn't get it. Ha ha pun unintended but then it made me laugh so I left it.
Hard Ball has some good humor and witty conversations. I would definitely give Heather Stone another read as the book is well written.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
nope
November 29, 2018CURUZES.. (anti) romance number 4 of the night
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 31, 2017
I just love me some Heather Stone!! She always delivers a hot novella that I can devour in one sitting and this time she gives me something and I love just as much as reading, baseball!! I was in heaven with this steamy sports romance about a baseball player and his childhood best friend. It may be swoon, it was sexy, and I so fell in love with Cole and Makenzie!
Cole is living the dream. He's making a living doing something he loves, playing baseball and never mind all the jersey chasers that come along with it. Women just throw themselves at him and he eats it up! He's got a steady girlfriend that has always been there but that doesn't stop him from getting a little extra on the side. With all of that there is still one constant, his best friend Mackenzie. No matter what, they always check in with each other.
Makenzie and Cole grew up together living next door to each other Makenzie was always there to root on Cole in all of his sports. When college time came, they went to different colleges but they still remained best of friends. She was well aware of Cole's ways and never saw more to him that just a friend.
When Cole is injured and is forced to do rehab, Makenzie is there to assist him every step of the way. That is what she is going to school for so it only made since that she be the one to step up and get him back on course. What neither expected is the heat and sexual chemistry they shared. They never looked at each other as potential lovers but after a night of tequila, everything changes. What was once a friendly relationship turns hot and heavy and holy hotness... it was SMOKIN HOT! Did I mention it was HOT?? Just making sure!!
If your looking for a hot, sexy, novella look no further! Heather Stone hits a home run with Hard Ball! Definitely one to read!
Cole is living the dream. He's making a living doing something he loves, playing baseball and never mind all the jersey chasers that come along with it. Women just throw themselves at him and he eats it up! He's got a steady girlfriend that has always been there but that doesn't stop him from getting a little extra on the side. With all of that there is still one constant, his best friend Mackenzie. No matter what, they always check in with each other.
Makenzie and Cole grew up together living next door to each other Makenzie was always there to root on Cole in all of his sports. When college time came, they went to different colleges but they still remained best of friends. She was well aware of Cole's ways and never saw more to him that just a friend.
When Cole is injured and is forced to do rehab, Makenzie is there to assist him every step of the way. That is what she is going to school for so it only made since that she be the one to step up and get him back on course. What neither expected is the heat and sexual chemistry they shared. They never looked at each other as potential lovers but after a night of tequila, everything changes. What was once a friendly relationship turns hot and heavy and holy hotness... it was SMOKIN HOT! Did I mention it was HOT?? Just making sure!!
If your looking for a hot, sexy, novella look no further! Heather Stone hits a home run with Hard Ball! Definitely one to read!
April 5, 2017
Mackenzie and Cole have been best friends since they were kids. They have a really strong friendship despite Cole been a baseball player and travelling often, they still always make time for each other. I really didn't like Cole at first. He's a player and doesn't seem to care about anyone's feelings...except Mackenzies. With Cole trying to fight his recently discovered feelings for Mckenzie, knowing he hasn't got a chance due to his playboy ways and her new admirer, he realises it's time he changes his ways, fast.
I ended up loving Cole. The friendship between him and Mckenzie is solid and I'm a sucker for a friends to lovers romance. This is a quick, fast paced romance that I really enjoyed.
I ended up loving Cole. The friendship between him and Mckenzie is solid and I'm a sucker for a friends to lovers romance. This is a quick, fast paced romance that I really enjoyed.
April 12, 2017
Since this book was only about 100 pages long, I'm not going to do a full blog post. Can I just say I hate when books appear to be full length and are not!
Hard Ball is the story of Cole Callahan, professional baseball player and manwhore. Cole gets injured during a game, and his best friend, McKenzie Anderson (who happens to be a Physical Therapist) rushes to his aid. Literally drops everything and goes from New York to Milwaukee to take care of him, after she just started seeing a man she claimed to "really like".
It was obvious from the very beginning that Cole and McKenzie were in love with each other. They just didn't realize it. One of the characters had been a cheater and I had a problem with that. I hate cheating and could never forgive it. There was also a side story with Cole's parents that made no real sense.
This is a really fast read and it was ok. I'd give it 2 1/2 stars. Free on KU though.
Hard Ball is the story of Cole Callahan, professional baseball player and manwhore. Cole gets injured during a game, and his best friend, McKenzie Anderson (who happens to be a Physical Therapist) rushes to his aid. Literally drops everything and goes from New York to Milwaukee to take care of him, after she just started seeing a man she claimed to "really like".
It was obvious from the very beginning that Cole and McKenzie were in love with each other. They just didn't realize it. One of the characters had been a cheater and I had a problem with that. I hate cheating and could never forgive it. There was also a side story with Cole's parents that made no real sense.
This is a really fast read and it was ok. I'd give it 2 1/2 stars. Free on KU though.
January 31, 2018
Writing not engaging and too fast to connect with either character. SG Ladies, not for you but not nearly as bad as it’s been portrayed in other reviews. H is all about h once they have their first conversation in the book. Other than the Man-ho chapter at the beginning, it’s seriously sweet. >_<
August 6, 2017
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
Hard Ball is my first book by Heather Stone, and it was an enjoyable read. This one was quick and sweet, and I think a lot of readers will enjoy this one. While I did like this one, there were a few issues here for me. But I am interested in reading more from Heather Stone after reading Hard Ball.
Cole is used to living the dream, getting to play the game he loves for a living and getting the girls that go along with that. But when he gets hurt, his best friend Mackenzie goes to stay with him to help him recover. Kenzie knows exactly how Cole is, though she has always been there for him no matter what. But now that they are around each other more, they suddenly start to see each other in a completely new way.
I liked these two a lot. I felt their connection was real and genuine, and ran deep. They also had great chemistry and were super sexy together. I liked that they were sweet as well, and I just really felt like these two fit well together.
Being a novella though, this one was short and there wasn't a lot of angst or conflict here and I with there would have been a bit more depth to the story overall. I also thought that the pacing was a bit off at times, with things feeling rushed and a bit instant. I do think that Heather Stone is an author worth taking a chance on though, and I would read more from her in the future.
**ARC Provided by Give Me Books**
Hard Ball is my first book by Heather Stone, and it was an enjoyable read. This one was quick and sweet, and I think a lot of readers will enjoy this one. While I did like this one, there were a few issues here for me. But I am interested in reading more from Heather Stone after reading Hard Ball.
Cole is used to living the dream, getting to play the game he loves for a living and getting the girls that go along with that. But when he gets hurt, his best friend Mackenzie goes to stay with him to help him recover. Kenzie knows exactly how Cole is, though she has always been there for him no matter what. But now that they are around each other more, they suddenly start to see each other in a completely new way.
I liked these two a lot. I felt their connection was real and genuine, and ran deep. They also had great chemistry and were super sexy together. I liked that they were sweet as well, and I just really felt like these two fit well together.
Being a novella though, this one was short and there wasn't a lot of angst or conflict here and I with there would have been a bit more depth to the story overall. I also thought that the pacing was a bit off at times, with things feeling rushed and a bit instant. I do think that Heather Stone is an author worth taking a chance on though, and I would read more from her in the future.
**ARC Provided by Give Me Books**
May 18, 2017
I gave this book 4.5 stars!
I love best friends to lovers book and this one did not disappoint. I simply devoured this book with in a couple of hours and I seem to keep turning the pages faster and faster. The characters has chemistry from the start and you could see the struggle Mack was facing.
Mack is Cole best friends, they have been friends since grade school and know that when one needs the other that they will always be there. Cole is a manwhore and has cheated on his girlfriend multi-times but he keeps having dreams about his best friend Mack. When he gets injured and needs to have physical therapy he calls on Mack to help him. Mack know of Cole's ways and she desperately tries to not show her feelings to him. What happens when she lets her guard down, will Cole break her heart in more than one way?
This is first book from this author and I will defiantly be reading more from her.
May 18, 2017
Cole and Makenzie have been best friends since they were kids. Cole is now set to embark on his professional baseball career as a pitcher and Makenzie preparing to write her exams to be a physiotherapist.
Cole is the typical gorgeous womanizer who all the women want to sleep with. He definitely isn’t complaining. But lately all he can think about is Makenzie; in ways he shouldn’t be.
When Cole is injured, it is Makenzie to the rescue. Living together makes them have to confront the feelings that they have kept buried. Once they let go, their chemistry is sizzling.
This was a good romance story. It was sexy but just didn’t have enough angst for me. It just didn’t pull me in enough.
If you like sports romance, this book might be for you.
Cole is the typical gorgeous womanizer who all the women want to sleep with. He definitely isn’t complaining. But lately all he can think about is Makenzie; in ways he shouldn’t be.
When Cole is injured, it is Makenzie to the rescue. Living together makes them have to confront the feelings that they have kept buried. Once they let go, their chemistry is sizzling.
This was a good romance story. It was sexy but just didn’t have enough angst for me. It just didn’t pull me in enough.
If you like sports romance, this book might be for you.
March 26, 2017
Cole and Mackenzie have been best friends since childhood. Sparks fly when Kenzie helps Cole rehab his baseball injury. The chemistry between the two characters leapt off the page and the storyline hooked me in from the beginning. There is nothing better than true love and baseball. I highly recommend this book. Can't wait to read more from this author.
May 19, 2017
I loved this twofer!!
Cole & McKenzie had a great story - best friends falling in love. I enjoyed it very much and found it hard to put down.
The next story "Last Line" went a lot deeper, dealing with the pain of addiction. It was heartfelt, and was well-written. I enjoyed it just as much as the first story. I definitely recommend this book!!!
Cole & McKenzie had a great story - best friends falling in love. I enjoyed it very much and found it hard to put down.
The next story "Last Line" went a lot deeper, dealing with the pain of addiction. It was heartfelt, and was well-written. I enjoyed it just as much as the first story. I definitely recommend this book!!!
October 6, 2017
Hard Ball by Heather Stone was a story about two best friends that finally give in to their feelings for one another. It took an injury and alone time to make it happen. This was a quick paced story without alot of details. It seemed that they hooked up with each other a day after being alone with one another. It was a good story but I wanted a bit more fight for what they both wanted.
October 27, 2019
Mackenzie and Cole have been friends forever. Cole is starting off by being a player and cheating on his girlfriend. Mackenzie starts dating someone else. Than they both realize that might want more than friends. This was just a short little romance book.
This book is narrated by Jeremy York and Brooke Bloomingdale, I love both of these narrators.
This book is narrated by Jeremy York and Brooke Bloomingdale, I love both of these narrators.
November 9, 2019
Five stars
This is my first book by Heather but it won’t be my last. This is a short but sweet read with likeable characters it’s well worth the read
This is my first book by Heather but it won’t be my last. This is a short but sweet read with likeable characters it’s well worth the read
July 11, 2020
DNF @ 65%
I hate the main characters. They are both cheaters and awful people.
I hate the main characters. They are both cheaters and awful people.
April 3, 2017
This is my favorite Heather Stone yet!
March 24, 2017
☆☆Reviewed for Hooked On Books ☆ ☆
I gave this book 4.5 stars!
I love best friends to lovers book and this one did not disappoint. I simply devoured this book with in a couple of hours and I seem to keep turning the pages faster and faster. The characters has chemistry from the start and you could see the struggle Mack was facing.
Mack is Cole best friends, they have been friends since grade school and know that when one needs the other that they will always be there. Cole is a manwhore and has cheated on his girlfriend multi-times but he keeps having dreams about his best friend Mack. When he gets injured and needs to have physical therapy he calls on Mack to help him. Mack know of Cole's ways and she desperately tries to not show her feelings to him. What happens when she lets her guard down, will Cole break her heart in more than one way?
This is first book from this author and I will defiantly be reading more from her.
I gave this book 4.5 stars!
I love best friends to lovers book and this one did not disappoint. I simply devoured this book with in a couple of hours and I seem to keep turning the pages faster and faster. The characters has chemistry from the start and you could see the struggle Mack was facing.
Mack is Cole best friends, they have been friends since grade school and know that when one needs the other that they will always be there. Cole is a manwhore and has cheated on his girlfriend multi-times but he keeps having dreams about his best friend Mack. When he gets injured and needs to have physical therapy he calls on Mack to help him. Mack know of Cole's ways and she desperately tries to not show her feelings to him. What happens when she lets her guard down, will Cole break her heart in more than one way?
This is first book from this author and I will defiantly be reading more from her.
March 24, 2017
I loved this book, it was a great friend's to lovers romance! MacKenzie and Cole have been best friends since they were kids. They both have feelings for each other but never acting on it or telling one another, That all changes once Cole gets injured and Mack helps him out. They had amazing chemistry from the beginning. I really loved them together. The sex scenes were so hot!
April 3, 2017
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this book and chose to review it.
This was a sweet, quick read. Cole is quite the player at the beginning of the book, almost to the point where you dislike him. Mackenzie is a solid character. I think quite a lot of detail, and moments for drama were kept out of this book and for that I was a little disappointed. I would've liked some more drama, or at least, something with a little bit more neat I could stick my teeth into. A solid read but I wanted more.
This was a sweet, quick read. Cole is quite the player at the beginning of the book, almost to the point where you dislike him. Mackenzie is a solid character. I think quite a lot of detail, and moments for drama were kept out of this book and for that I was a little disappointed. I would've liked some more drama, or at least, something with a little bit more neat I could stick my teeth into. A solid read but I wanted more.
March 28, 2017
This was a great friends to lovers story, it had some sad parts but mainly happy and all rolled in with a whole lot of love.
Really enjoyed this fast paced read
Really enjoyed this fast paced read
March 28, 2017
Hard Ball is a friends to lovers baseball story. The book is a quick, sweet and sexy, Cole and Mackenzie are great together.
An ARC was received for an honest opinion.
An ARC was received for an honest opinion.
March 28, 2017
Friends to lovers Heck yeah! Love Cole!
Cole has just come off an injury and has asked his best friend to help him recover and get back into the game.
Mackenzie has always thought of Cole as a womanizer a manwhore what else can she name him but he is also her very best friend. When he asks for her help after injuring his arm she can not say no even though she is currently dating someone else. When things start heating up between the two of them she has to let the other guy go and they both have to bring their fences down and be with each other even if the fear of hurt is there.
This was such a cute book and I love both of the characters, They are funny and so loving to each other. If you are looking for a fun read I would read this one.
This arc was kindly given in exchange for an honest review.
Cole has just come off an injury and has asked his best friend to help him recover and get back into the game.
Mackenzie has always thought of Cole as a womanizer a manwhore what else can she name him but he is also her very best friend. When he asks for her help after injuring his arm she can not say no even though she is currently dating someone else. When things start heating up between the two of them she has to let the other guy go and they both have to bring their fences down and be with each other even if the fear of hurt is there.
This was such a cute book and I love both of the characters, They are funny and so loving to each other. If you are looking for a fun read I would read this one.
This arc was kindly given in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2017
This is a quick read but it certainly packs a punch, you are thrown straight into the story which is short enough to keep you interested but long enough to cover the important bits. Cole and Mackenzie have been friends from childhood, he's a Major League Baseball player and she's one exam away from being a physio. When an injury threatens to cut short his season, Mackenzie offers to help him. Being thrown together, sparks fly, the chemistry between them is off the charts and the sexy times melt your kindle! It does have a few twists, but ultimately it's a super sexy, sweet read.
** reviewed for sweet and spicy reads- ARC provided for honest review **
** reviewed for sweet and spicy reads- ARC provided for honest review **
March 29, 2017
This book had a good storyline but it didn't flow very well and the time line was off where supposedly 4 weeks went by after she arrived to help but it was more like a couple days also details and more sustenance are needed. This book has potential but it needs better flow, correct time line and more to the story. Right now this is about a 2.5 star. Was given ARC for honest review.
March 29, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
This is a nice quick read and lots of hot, steamy sex! Definitely a great one to read if you want to surprise your significant other because if it doesn't put some sexy ideas in your head, them you must be dead! I love that this is a best friend to lovers romance. It flowed well but I think it might have been an even better book if it didn't move along quite as fast as it did but it worked in this book because the H and h had known each other all of their lives. Also for a quick read, the characters were fairly well developed but as I said with a tad bit more work it definitely could have made a 5 star novel instead of the shorter version. But I will most definitely be reading more from this author, this was my first time reading any of her work.
This is a nice quick read and lots of hot, steamy sex! Definitely a great one to read if you want to surprise your significant other because if it doesn't put some sexy ideas in your head, them you must be dead! I love that this is a best friend to lovers romance. It flowed well but I think it might have been an even better book if it didn't move along quite as fast as it did but it worked in this book because the H and h had known each other all of their lives. Also for a quick read, the characters were fairly well developed but as I said with a tad bit more work it definitely could have made a 5 star novel instead of the shorter version. But I will most definitely be reading more from this author, this was my first time reading any of her work.
April 4, 2017
Good book, a little fast paced for my taste, but overall good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews