Falling Hard

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.

4.5 Second Chance Stars! I was completely captivated by this intriguing, and sexy story about forgiveness and second chances. I loved how expertly Ms. Ryan drew us in with a unique tale that was sexy, sweet, funny, mysterious and at some points horrifying. Each facet of this story was cleverly unfolded to keep you guessing and turning the pages to discover what was either in store or what had happened in the past. Keegan is a wonderful single dad who is kind, sweet, very protective and very alpha. He flies out to Las Vegas to celebrate the coming wedding of his friends from college. It is there that he sees the one woman he never thought he would meet again. Former actress, Emma Rothschild, is the love of his life and the one who suddenly left him, heartbroken. When he falls into the same trap, he swears he will forget her. When she shows up at his door days later soaking wet and distraught, he breaks all his rules and takes her in. Emma fled from a life of loneliness and betrayal. She tried to do what was best for everyone but could never forget the only man who loved her for herself. Now she wants to rekindle what they once had. As they spend more time together they begin to hope they might make it this time. But they both have secrets that could tear them apart, and also those who want to come between them. Will they be able to forgive each other and fight for the love they have never lost or will they fall short again? Ms Ryan expertly moves between past and present, keeping me guessing what really happened. We get to see all of their good friends from previous books. Their banter is clever and their funny and sometimes adversarial interactions made this story feel very genuine and honest. There were several twists and turns that added suspense and kept me intrigued. I felt it wrap up a little too neatly and quickly for one or two characters, but mostly I loved Keegan and Emma's journey back to each other. Mason and Bailey played a huge role in this book setting up their tumultuous and sexy story beautifully. I can't get enough of this series and this group of friends and am excited for Bailey & Mason's story next!

This was by far my favorite book in this series. I could not put it down at all! Easy flow, good vibes, great characters. There's a reason Lexi is my favorite author. I am usually on countdown to her release dates.