bookishlynomes's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars!
If you love sports romances and romantic comedies, you NEED the Trophy Boyfriends series in your life! Hard Fall picks up where Hard Pass left off with Trace "Buzz" Wallace dusting his hands off after successfully matchmaking Noah and Miranda. But now it's Trace's turn to find love...
The heroine, Hollis, was down to earth, stubborn and so damn sassy. I loved learning about her life and seeing her grow as a person. Like so many people, Hollis falls for the stereotype surrounding Trace believing he's really a no-good player and does everything she can to avoid him; but Trace is just as stubborn and he's determined to make her fall for the real him.
Ah, Trace. What can I say about Trace? His personality is so over-the-top, always full of jokes and just being silly. I spent so much time alternating between laughing out loud at his jokes and playfully rolling my eyes. He's got a big personality that was perfectly balanced with Hollis' seriousness and they brought the best out of each other. Basically, they were perfect together.
While Trace's big personality took up so much of the book's focus, readers were also introduced to Trace's amazing family. I don't want to give too much away but will say his mum is hilarious and I need more Tripp! Seriously, I cannot wait for Tripp's book (and am counting down the days to it's release in October).
Of course as a sports romance, you do see some sports (in this case: baseball) but it's not the main focus in the book. The main focus is definitely the romance between sexy baseball player, Trace, and fiercely independent, Hollis.
This story was such a fun, light-hearted read and the perfect pick me up for anyone needing a laugh. Sara Ney creates hilarious, witty characters and steamy storylines. I absolutely adore Ney's writing style and storylines, and I absolutely count the Trophy Boyfriends as one of my all time favourite series. If you haven't read this series yet, pick it up now in preparation of Hard Love coming in October!
Disclaimer: Thank you to the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
If you love sports romances and romantic comedies, you NEED the Trophy Boyfriends series in your life! Hard Fall picks up where Hard Pass left off with Trace "Buzz" Wallace dusting his hands off after successfully matchmaking Noah and Miranda. But now it's Trace's turn to find love...
The heroine, Hollis, was down to earth, stubborn and so damn sassy. I loved learning about her life and seeing her grow as a person. Like so many people, Hollis falls for the stereotype surrounding Trace believing he's really a no-good player and does everything she can to avoid him; but Trace is just as stubborn and he's determined to make her fall for the real him.
Ah, Trace. What can I say about Trace? His personality is so over-the-top, always full of jokes and just being silly. I spent so much time alternating between laughing out loud at his jokes and playfully rolling my eyes. He's got a big personality that was perfectly balanced with Hollis' seriousness and they brought the best out of each other. Basically, they were perfect together.
While Trace's big personality took up so much of the book's focus, readers were also introduced to Trace's amazing family. I don't want to give too much away but will say his mum is hilarious and I need more Tripp! Seriously, I cannot wait for Tripp's book (and am counting down the days to it's release in October).
Of course as a sports romance, you do see some sports (in this case: baseball) but it's not the main focus in the book. The main focus is definitely the romance between sexy baseball player, Trace, and fiercely independent, Hollis.
This story was such a fun, light-hearted read and the perfect pick me up for anyone needing a laugh. Sara Ney creates hilarious, witty characters and steamy storylines. I absolutely adore Ney's writing style and storylines, and I absolutely count the Trophy Boyfriends as one of my all time favourite series. If you haven't read this series yet, pick it up now in preparation of Hard Love coming in October!
Disclaimer: Thank you to the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
cassire's review against another edition
5.0
This book brought me nothing, but joy. The banter was fabulous. I’m obsessed with the hero. Hard Fall was just a fun, light read. I’m ready for the next Sara Ney book.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
aehamilton33's review against another edition
The writing is childish and the characters are annoying. Not for me
maudd's review against another edition
5.0
Buzz is the book boyfriend I hadn’t expected… But now he is my soulmate *swoon*
When I was reading Hard Pass, I liked Buzz, I thought he was funny and cutely annoying, but I couldn’t imagine an epic love story for him, I was seeing him as too much of a goof or a flirt. How wrong was I…. Trace (aka Buzz) is the ultimate romantic! He is so darn cute and sensitive while being HILARIOUS, you could make a joke book with only the nicknames he gives to Hollis, but the funniest thing is not what he says, but what he does (read the book and you’ll get it). Hollis… She is so sassy but so sweet at the same time, she is a book lover and Trace knows exactly what to do to win the heart of this junior publisher.
When I first read their “meet-cute” (that was sarcastic FYI), I had no idea that their story was actually going to be pretty darn cute! I think that what I love the most in Sara Ney’s books is how naturally the love story develops. There is no big revelation or the characters do not magically change for the best, they are just who they are and they fall in love (and let me tell you, Trace does not change one bit from the first page of the book to the last, you just learn so much about this big goof).
For people who adore drama in romance, you might be disappointed. For the others who are OBSESSED with Sara Ney’s low drama books? You’ve just found your next favourite read. I absolutely hate drama, I believe some books would be so much better without it, so you can only imagine how much I love all of Sara Ney’s romance stories.
For a tiny bit of criticism, as for Hard Pass, it was way too short! Sara?! How can you do this to us? I needed at least 200 more pages of Trace and Hollis!
Therefore, if you are looking for a story that will melt your heart and your panties… Hard Fall and Trace Wallace are made for you!
*ARC reveived in exchange for an honest review*
When I was reading Hard Pass, I liked Buzz, I thought he was funny and cutely annoying, but I couldn’t imagine an epic love story for him, I was seeing him as too much of a goof or a flirt. How wrong was I…. Trace (aka Buzz) is the ultimate romantic! He is so darn cute and sensitive while being HILARIOUS, you could make a joke book with only the nicknames he gives to Hollis, but the funniest thing is not what he says, but what he does (read the book and you’ll get it). Hollis… She is so sassy but so sweet at the same time, she is a book lover and Trace knows exactly what to do to win the heart of this junior publisher.
When I first read their “meet-cute” (that was sarcastic FYI), I had no idea that their story was actually going to be pretty darn cute! I think that what I love the most in Sara Ney’s books is how naturally the love story develops. There is no big revelation or the characters do not magically change for the best, they are just who they are and they fall in love (and let me tell you, Trace does not change one bit from the first page of the book to the last, you just learn so much about this big goof).
For people who adore drama in romance, you might be disappointed. For the others who are OBSESSED with Sara Ney’s low drama books? You’ve just found your next favourite read. I absolutely hate drama, I believe some books would be so much better without it, so you can only imagine how much I love all of Sara Ney’s romance stories.
For a tiny bit of criticism, as for Hard Pass, it was way too short! Sara?! How can you do this to us? I needed at least 200 more pages of Trace and Hollis!
Therefore, if you are looking for a story that will melt your heart and your panties… Hard Fall and Trace Wallace are made for you!
*ARC reveived in exchange for an honest review*
kfriend's review against another edition
3.0
<3.5 stars>
I’m loving this new series by Sara Ney- full of all the fun sports romance and rom-com flavor that I love, chock full of the sweet low-drama charm, and delivering on an interesting take on the stereotypical athlete and leading man. This is a series guaranteed to make you smile right alongside your swoon.
We met our hero Trace (aka “Buzz”) Wallace in Hard Pas as the slightly over the top best friend and superstar of the Chicago Steams. He’s a notorious playboy, he’s part charming, part obnoxious, flirtatious, optimistic and funny when’s he’s not grating. He’s the kind of guy who loves to be the center of attention. Just the type of personality to get under the skin of our heroine Hollis, the Steams’ general manager’s daughter whose patience is pretty thin when it comes to the type of guys like Trace. Especially since she wants to distance herself from the privilege associated with her- and the source of that? Well her family’s wealth and baseball fame. Unfortunately, a turn of events put these two in each other’s crosshairs in a fake-date situation, resulting in this two starting to connect as friends. Yet, despite Trace’s indomitable charm, Hollis is determined to resist and run. Can she overcome her preconceived notions and her own reluctance to rely on anyone else? Ney brings us her characteristic humor with some great steam and keeps the plot refreshingly low drama- this book is meant to just be a happy one.
When we get to know Trace, we find a bit more there- he’s not just a jolly attention whore, but he’s caring, and just a kind and generous heart- dare I say he’s sweet. What I used to see as slightly annoying attention seeking I began to recognize as defensiveness and fabricated charm- when he’s just a guy who wants to be seen and liked for him. His charm definitely grew on me. And Hollis, well, she was perplexing for me. One one hand, I related to her motivations- she craves independence and her own identity, she’s hesitant to lean on others and has never felt like she’s been cared for in the way that Trace wants to care for her. I related to that, so hard- but then on the flip side, I found myself having a hard time dialing into her emotionally despite that- she’s so closed off for much of the book, so resistant. And as such, I struggled to get into the couple’s emotional connection. Perhaps that is a bit self-flagellating to not connect to a character who has aspirations I find admirable and relatable (we’ll save that for therapy)- and it is not like I didn’t LIKE Hollis, because I did, I just felt some of the emotional depth wasn’t as strong for me as the prior book.
Even so, the humor was there, the fun was there, and this was a charming and quick paced read that was low on angst- a nice breath of air. I love what Ney is doing with heroes in this series- they are sweet, often more vulnerable and open emotionally, “softer” in a way- which is refreshing and interesting and pretty damn endearing. Buzz’s sincerity and sweetness really encapsulate what she’s doing in this series, and we have plenty of characters to look forward to enjoying. I’ll definitely be checking out the next one. (3.5 stars overall)
I’m loving this new series by Sara Ney- full of all the fun sports romance and rom-com flavor that I love, chock full of the sweet low-drama charm, and delivering on an interesting take on the stereotypical athlete and leading man. This is a series guaranteed to make you smile right alongside your swoon.
We met our hero Trace (aka “Buzz”) Wallace in Hard Pas as the slightly over the top best friend and superstar of the Chicago Steams. He’s a notorious playboy, he’s part charming, part obnoxious, flirtatious, optimistic and funny when’s he’s not grating. He’s the kind of guy who loves to be the center of attention. Just the type of personality to get under the skin of our heroine Hollis, the Steams’ general manager’s daughter whose patience is pretty thin when it comes to the type of guys like Trace. Especially since she wants to distance herself from the privilege associated with her- and the source of that? Well her family’s wealth and baseball fame. Unfortunately, a turn of events put these two in each other’s crosshairs in a fake-date situation, resulting in this two starting to connect as friends. Yet, despite Trace’s indomitable charm, Hollis is determined to resist and run. Can she overcome her preconceived notions and her own reluctance to rely on anyone else? Ney brings us her characteristic humor with some great steam and keeps the plot refreshingly low drama- this book is meant to just be a happy one.
When we get to know Trace, we find a bit more there- he’s not just a jolly attention whore, but he’s caring, and just a kind and generous heart- dare I say he’s sweet. What I used to see as slightly annoying attention seeking I began to recognize as defensiveness and fabricated charm- when he’s just a guy who wants to be seen and liked for him. His charm definitely grew on me. And Hollis, well, she was perplexing for me. One one hand, I related to her motivations- she craves independence and her own identity, she’s hesitant to lean on others and has never felt like she’s been cared for in the way that Trace wants to care for her. I related to that, so hard- but then on the flip side, I found myself having a hard time dialing into her emotionally despite that- she’s so closed off for much of the book, so resistant. And as such, I struggled to get into the couple’s emotional connection. Perhaps that is a bit self-flagellating to not connect to a character who has aspirations I find admirable and relatable (we’ll save that for therapy)- and it is not like I didn’t LIKE Hollis, because I did, I just felt some of the emotional depth wasn’t as strong for me as the prior book.
Even so, the humor was there, the fun was there, and this was a charming and quick paced read that was low on angst- a nice breath of air. I love what Ney is doing with heroes in this series- they are sweet, often more vulnerable and open emotionally, “softer” in a way- which is refreshing and interesting and pretty damn endearing. Buzz’s sincerity and sweetness really encapsulate what she’s doing in this series, and we have plenty of characters to look forward to enjoying. I’ll definitely be checking out the next one. (3.5 stars overall)
tallyvauthor's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the best short trashy romance books I've read in a while.
First and foremost, never has there been a bigger dumbass with ADHD in literature, and I AM HERE FOR IT. Like, a Golden Retriever but really, really likes getting pet.
Also, Hollis Wallace gave me so much joy everytime they said it.
And yes, Hollis is a good strong female heroine, but I was totally in this one for Trace.
First and foremost, never has there been a bigger dumbass with ADHD in literature, and I AM HERE FOR IT. Like, a Golden Retriever but really, really likes getting pet.
Also, Hollis Wallace gave me so much joy everytime they said it.
And yes, Hollis is a good strong female heroine, but I was totally in this one for Trace.
lucyanna's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
syndi3's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is fun. I feel so entertained by Wallace. He is super cute. Perfect boyfriend material. I love how persistent he is pursuing Hollace. Miss Ney brings this book to a different level. Instead of man whore, we got commited hero.
What a fresh breath of air. Hard Fall is the first book I read in this series. Hopefully I can get copy of other books.
Very entertaining reading to start Christmas holiday.
What a fresh breath of air. Hard Fall is the first book I read in this series. Hopefully I can get copy of other books.
Very entertaining reading to start Christmas holiday.