Review: "Hard to Love You" by Megan Smith

Do NOT read this review if you haven't read the first two books in the series: "Trying Not to Love You" and "Easy to Love You" by Megan Smith. This is the third book in the series and needs to be read after you've read the first two. Although there are no spoilers about the other books, this review is based on you reading the first two.

Clicking on the cover will take you to its Goodreads page.

What do you do when the one you’ve always wanted becomes too Hard to Love? 

Hailey Taylor's heart has always belonged to Mason Cahill, but one secret has changed everything.

Things on the baseball field come easy for Mason Cahill. Why can’t the rest of his life be simple? Mason's finally admitted he wants the one girl he can be himself around, but one secret destroyed that.

Their love isn't sweet and simple. It's hot, loud, and messy. But now, when he's finally all in, she’s folded. Sparks fly. Tempers flare. Hearts shatter. One thing is certain… everything has changed.

Who will be too Hard to Love?

~

If you've been following along, you'd know that this is the third book in the series and that it focuses on MacKenzie's best friend, Hailey, and MacKenzie's brother, Mason.  In the past two books, we get glimpses of their relationship (their very rocky relationship), so it was great to finally know what is going on between the two of them.

The book is told in alternating points-of-view between Hailey and Mason, except for a few random chapters that are told by others. There are also a lot of flashbacks throughout the book that highlight important moments that have happened in either Hailey's or Mason's past. The storyline of the book does continue from where the previous book, "Easy to Love You", left off, so it does not act as a standalone. Although it focuses on two different people than the other two books, you do need to read those first two in order to understand what in the hell is going on.

First off, I love Hailey and Mason together. I also hate them together. They just have wayyyy too much going on between them and it really is frustrating. From reading the first two books, you understand that they have a very up and down relationship, but nothing compares to what you learn in this book alone.  I value the fact that Megan decided to highlight a relationship that wasn't perfect in any way. We get used to reading romance books where girl meets guy, girl falls in love, guy falls in love and happily ever after. I like the fact that Hailey and Mason have a rocky relationship. That they aren't the perfect "lovey-dovey" couple where everything is perfect.  You truly get to see the behind-the-scenes with these two despite what we might have seen in the previous two books. "Hard to Love You" really had me questioning things and wondering what the hell was going to happen with Hailey and Mason.

I love Hailey because she's your typical blond beauty, but she's stubborn as hell. In the previous two books, she's Kenzie's quirky best friend. She may seem all confident and perfect on the outside, but she's so weak and sensitive on the inside.  Mason. Mason, Mason, Mason. These guys in these books will kill you, honestly. They are smouldering and just perfect.  First Hunter and his undying love for Kenzie, and now Mason. Mason, however, is your typical jock who has girls literally dropping at his feet. The good thing is that he only has eyes for Hailey, but his past is what messes him up.

I truly can't decide whether I like Kenzie and Hunter's story or Hailey and Mason's story better.  I think I may need to stick with Kenzie and Hunter though, only because they were the original two and they had two books (lots more to read, yet not enough) and their story continued on indirectly in "Hard to Love You" too.  Oh, and Hunter. Why are there no guys like this in real life? Or more specifically, where are they?

Now that I've finished "Hard to Love You", I've moved on to the next book in the series, "Let Me Love You", which is Jaylinn and Cooper's story. I honestly can't wait to see how this one goes, because Jaylinn and Cooper were always in the background in the first three books. Sure, there were scenes and moments that made you question their relationship, but there was never enough detail to think about. I should be finished this one in the next few days as well, and then I'm screwed. The next book in the series isn't out yet, and then I'll have to find a new book or series to read. I have sooo many books on my "to-read" list on my Goodreads page, but I don't know where to begin...

~

Dare to continue the Love Series with "Hard to Love You" by Megan Smith? Find it at your local bookstore, or online at:

Amazon Canada

Amazon US

Kobo

Thanks for reading!

-BB♡

Review: "Easy to Love You" by Megan Smith

Do NOT read this review if you haven't read the first book in the series: "Trying Not to Love You" by Megan Smith. This is the second book in the series and needs to be read after you've read the first one. Although there are no spoilers about the second book, it does rely on you reading the first one.

Clicking on the cover will take you to its Goodreads page.

Hunter finally has MacKenzie Cahill, the girl of his dreams. A horrible accident finds those dreams threatened. As their lives change, secrets begin to surface. These revelations could prove to be either the downfall of Hunter and MacKenzie or the catalyst that strengthens their bond.

Hunter has painful choices to make. Will he realize what he has before it’s gone? He knows what he must do to save his future, but will he be leaving everyone else in his past?

Will the bond between the two families be strong enough to keep them together?

~

 I'm actually so upset that I wasn't able to finish this earlier...I should have been done on the weekend. Unfortunately, I had a few things to do this weekend and things for school to finish up. I'm so sorry.

Anyways, if you've read my previous review "Trying Not to Love You" then you would know that this is the second book of that series. I literally started reading this book the moment I finished the first one.  This series just keeps getting better and better, and I commend Megan Smith for keeping her readers captivated because most sequels are definitely not as good as the first in the series.

"Easy to Love You" is the continuation of Kenzie and Hunter's story and starts off at that major cliffhanger that I told you about at the end of the first book. Oh. My. God. The storyline could have, honestly, taken off in any direction whatsoever and I found my mind reeling with possibilities as I was reading the first few pages. I would think that one thing was going to happen, then all of a sudden I'd think another thing, and then randomly think another thing. I love the unpredictability in a good story. Keeps you on your toes.

As mentioned before, Hunter is just the epitome of "book boyfriend' and this book just confirms it. He really is that good.  You get a lot more Hunter in this book as there are more scenes that are from his point-of-view and I love it. I love it when you get to experience the guy's side of something.  There is a lot more emphasis on Hunter in this book as well, which is fine by me. The more Hunter the better.  You gather some insight on his past and his family, and although it's not always positive, it really does make you want to bring him into your arms and just...you know. Some of the things that you learn about him and his past are a little emotional.

Kenzie and Hunter have their relationship, finally, and it's just incredible. I love the love they have for each other. It's amazing.  It's even more incredible knowing that they've felt like this since the beginning of time.  Their relationship is strong and loving, but sure enough, they have their rough patches. It's during those rough patches that I get so frustrated. It's almost like when you find yourself screaming at the television when some idiot goes into a dark room (that you know is totally full of zombies). Tonnes of dramatic irony. The reader gets to read both Kenzie's and Hunter's points-of-view, and well, ugh, it frustrates you to hell when they won't work things out because you know they should. I think I may have found myself yelling at my Kobo because of that..."Stupid Hunter, what the hell are you doing?!?" or "Kenzie, just shut up and listen!". Yup. I'm an active reader.

Enough about that. Aside from Kenzie and Hunter, you also gain a little insight into Hailey and Mason's relationship. There are a few scenes that are written from their points-of-view and although they are supposed to add to the current story line about Kenzie and Hunter, those scenes really do help you get a feel for Hailey and Mason (who happen to have their own story in "Hard to Love You", which is the third book in the series...also the book I just started after finishing this one, so be prepared for another review in the next couple of days).

I really wish that Megan Smith would continue Kenzie and Hunter's story, because I feel that they didn't have enough "time". The story could have continued for at least another book or two.  I'm not sure if Megan is going to do another Kenzie and Hunter one, but I know there are two books up on Goodreads that have no summary at the moment (well, one of them has the names of the people who are going to be focused, but the other one doesn't...so hopefully it's another Kenzie and Hunter).

I can't wait to finish this series because it's just so good! I can't get enough! But on the other hand, I don't want the series to finish because I want more, much more...Catch-22. BUT, you should definitely, most definitely check this series out because I can guarantee you that you will love it!

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You can find "Easy to Love You" by Megan Smith at your local bookstore, or online at:

Amazon Canada
Amazon US

Kobo

Keep reading!

Much Love!

-BB♡

Review: "The Hook Up" by Kristen Callihan

I actually literally just finished this book and decided it would make a wonderful first review on BBBB.

Clicking on the picture will take you to its Goodreads page.

The rules: no kissing on the mouth, no staying the night, no telling anyone, and above all… No falling in love.

Anna Jones just wants to finish college and figure out her life. Falling for star quarterback Drew Baylor is certainly not on her to do list. Confident and charming, he lives in the limelight and is way too gorgeous for his own good. If only she could ignore his heated stares and stop thinking about doing hot and dirty things with him. Easy right?

Too bad he’s committed to making her break every rule…

Football has been good to Drew. It’s given him recognition, two National Championships, and the Heisman. But what he really craves is sexy yet prickly Anna Jones. Her cutting humor and blatant disregard for his fame turns him on like nothing else. But there’s one problem: she's shut him down. Completely.

That is until a chance encounter leads to the hottest sex of their lives, along with the possibility of something great. Unfortunately, Anna wants it to remain a hook up. Now it’s up to Drew to tempt her with more: more sex, more satisfaction, more time with him. Until she’s truly hooked. It's a good thing Drew knows all about winning.

All’s fair in love and football…Game on.

New Adult/Contemporary Romance with a HEA - Recommended for readers 17 and older.

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To start off, I absolutely loved this book. Kristen alternates between Anna's point-of-view and Drew's. This way you gain insight into both of their lives and they are both just incredibly real and very easy to relate to. Anna is not your typical "girl-next-door" and Drew is not your typical "jock". They have emotions that take them on a rollercoaster ride, they have insecurities, they aren't perfect. I believe that having that sense of imperfection is admirable because, in reality, nobody is perfect. I really connected with Anna, and a bit with Drew, because I've lived their lives. I know what it was like to be them and I've been that emotional wreck. What am I talking about? You'll just have to read the book to find out. ;)

Although the title and summary of the book aim for a predictable read, I can guarantee you that there is, in no way, a chance that you will predict what Kristen has in store for Anna and Drew.  These twists and turns are what kept my eyes glued to the pages and rendered it impossible for me to put down the book. I. Just. Couldn't. Stop. Reading.  There was a dire need to know what happened next, and after that, and after that.

Reading "The Hook Up" evoked such a plethora of different emotions that I felt myself constantly crying, grinning like the Cheshire cat, laughing, smiling. cringing, crying again, biting my lip, tearing up with joy, sighing, and staring with my mouth agape (yes, I even caught myself smiling at my Kobo on the commute multiple times...I even began to tear up too, but luckily I had my sunglasses on).

I definitely recommend this to absolutely everyone, of age of course (because there are some very steamy, and incredibly well-written scenes).  The one and only thing that I do not like is the fact that I felt it was so short...there should have been soooo much more of Anna and Drew, then again, I get like that with every book I read because I never want it to end.  There actually is a sequel coming out, tentatively in 2015, "The Friend Zone" which is the story of Drew's best friend, Gray and I can't wait.

Definitely give "The Hook Up" a read. It was my first Kristen Callihan book, but it definitely is not my last. There were just so many memorable scenes that were vividly written, almost as if I was living the scene myself.  There are also a million and one quotes that I want to share with you that just resonated with me. Perhaps, I'll start a monthly quote post with a compilation of my favourite quotes from the books I've read during the month. What do you think?

~

If you're interested in reading "The Hook Up", you can find it in your local bookstore, or on:

Amazon CAN (Kindle)
Amazon US (Kindle)
Kobo
iBooks

Thanks for reading! Let me know if there is anything you'd like me to post, change, talk about, etc!

Much love!

-BB♡