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nadine_booklover's review
3.0
… her touch was like kryptonite. Hitting me right where it hurts most – my heart.
I really don’t know what happened here. I was so excited for this book, because I love each of those Rixon Raiders. But somehow this book left me with mixed emotions. It was like a hot and cold shower.
One time I had hearts in my eyes and only some time later I felt nothing at all. I have no idea how to makes sense of it.
No matter what, with her writing skills and her talent to breath life into her characters, Lianne Cotton managed to draw me into the world of the Raiders so easily.
This didn’t feel like going slow. It felt like falling recklessly and hopelessly into each other, giving no thought to how hard we might crash.
The thing with Mya and Asher is, I expected more. I expected to see more of Asher.
Sometimes I felt him, but didn’t really see him. And Sometimes I really saw him (but that were only quick glimpse of the top of the iceberg) but I didn’t feel him.
Maybe it was because through the whole book I felt something was missing. Some backstory I couldn’t quite grab.
IMO it didn’t quite help that we were thrown right into the story from the beginning. There was no easing in or some background story (some sort of prologue). Seeing that this book can be read as a standalone in a series, and expecting that readers might pick this one before the others, I would have been confused lots of times if I haven’t had read the two books before.
And I had similar problems with Mya. I would have loved to get a deeper insight of her life before Rixon. What really did happen to her and how did it change her? How did she slowly open up to the girls and finding her way into this tight knitted group?
Where was all the fun banter, the flirting, the getting to know each other before Mya and Asher decided to go for it?
Our past and present had collided in a way neither of us saw coming, but the future? The future was ours.
I know it’s hard to read (and believe me, it’s also hard to write) but The Harder You Fall is for me the weakest book in this series. I’m brutally honest here.
I had a great time reading it, no matter what because I love Rixon and their Raiders. And I love the girls with all my heart.
But this book, the story of Asher and Mya held so much potential, which in my eyes, only reached half of it.
Asher had taught me that what people saw didn’t define us. It was what was on the inside that counted. And our souls were the same.
The Harder You Fall is a lovely conclusion to the Rixon Raider series, that closes it with a big bang.
I really don’t know what happened here. I was so excited for this book, because I love each of those Rixon Raiders. But somehow this book left me with mixed emotions. It was like a hot and cold shower.
One time I had hearts in my eyes and only some time later I felt nothing at all. I have no idea how to makes sense of it.
No matter what, with her writing skills and her talent to breath life into her characters, Lianne Cotton managed to draw me into the world of the Raiders so easily.
This didn’t feel like going slow. It felt like falling recklessly and hopelessly into each other, giving no thought to how hard we might crash.
The thing with Mya and Asher is, I expected more. I expected to see more of Asher.
Sometimes I felt him, but didn’t really see him. And Sometimes I really saw him (but that were only quick glimpse of the top of the iceberg) but I didn’t feel him.
Maybe it was because through the whole book I felt something was missing. Some backstory I couldn’t quite grab.
IMO it didn’t quite help that we were thrown right into the story from the beginning. There was no easing in or some background story (some sort of prologue). Seeing that this book can be read as a standalone in a series, and expecting that readers might pick this one before the others, I would have been confused lots of times if I haven’t had read the two books before.
And I had similar problems with Mya. I would have loved to get a deeper insight of her life before Rixon. What really did happen to her and how did it change her? How did she slowly open up to the girls and finding her way into this tight knitted group?
Where was all the fun banter, the flirting, the getting to know each other before Mya and Asher decided to go for it?
Our past and present had collided in a way neither of us saw coming, but the future? The future was ours.
I know it’s hard to read (and believe me, it’s also hard to write) but The Harder You Fall is for me the weakest book in this series. I’m brutally honest here.
I had a great time reading it, no matter what because I love Rixon and their Raiders. And I love the girls with all my heart.
But this book, the story of Asher and Mya held so much potential, which in my eyes, only reached half of it.
Asher had taught me that what people saw didn’t define us. It was what was on the inside that counted. And our souls were the same.
The Harder You Fall is a lovely conclusion to the Rixon Raider series, that closes it with a big bang.
linaru's review
5.0
I love Ms Cotton books. They pull you in and are not letting you got until you read it fully. And this book did not disappoint.
I loved Asher from the beginning. Granted that no one will beat #14 but Ash is really near. And I loved we could get to know him better. His feelings. Hidden thoughts and also his dreams. I felt so bad at times for him as life was just unfair. And it's even worse when it comes from someone who supposed to love you.
I was not a big fan of Mya. It's not that I didn't like her. I just didn't think she is the right for Ash. But I was so wrong and I am glad I was.
The Harder you fall is amazing read and deserves my 4.5 heavenly stars
I loved Asher from the beginning. Granted that no one will beat #14 but Ash is really near. And I loved we could get to know him better. His feelings. Hidden thoughts and also his dreams. I felt so bad at times for him as life was just unfair. And it's even worse when it comes from someone who supposed to love you.
I was not a big fan of Mya. It's not that I didn't like her. I just didn't think she is the right for Ash. But I was so wrong and I am glad I was.
The Harder you fall is amazing read and deserves my 4.5 heavenly stars
beckyrendon's review
5.0
I don't know whether to smile or cry...
I knew I would fall hard for Ash. I knew he would be my favorite Raider even after Cam stole my heart mercilessly. I knew something about that carefree facade called to me. The sweet friend to Flick, taking her under his wing. Asher Bennet is a complicated guy. He's clearly harboring some deep issues and he hides them well behind a practiced facade. But Asher wasnt fooling me, and my heart was calling out to him in the very first book of this series. Part of me was frustrated with LA Cotton for making me wait but not anymore! Asher is worth the wait! And even I can agree Mya is better suited for Asher than I am (will deny ever admitting that FYI!).
But its bittersweet! This overwhelming need to hang with the gang and not grow up because this is the final book in the Rixon Raiders series. Apparently, LA Cotton doesn't love us enough to keep feeding us info on these guys so as happy as I am for Ash, I want to cry for me. It's like losing the friends you just found but knowing they are moving on to bigger and better things!
The Harder You Fall is intense. The emotions, the crippling situations, and the hopelessness are bleeding from the pages. LA Cotton makes sure you will never forget the struggle because every hurt was worth it in the end. So as I sit here deciding whether or not to forgive the author for abandoning me (by not allowing me more books with Jase, Cam, and Ash) with a smile on my face and the tear tracks still visible, I know I'm going to have to reread the series (audiobooks are freaking awesome for a "new" experience) and I'm okay with that...mostly. lol! I hope we get a random novella or anthology with a spot check on these guys in the future. Perhaps we can make a petition...
Either way (and I say this begrudgingly) I'm just happy to have been along for the ride!
Go RAIDERS!
I knew I would fall hard for Ash. I knew he would be my favorite Raider even after Cam stole my heart mercilessly. I knew something about that carefree facade called to me. The sweet friend to Flick, taking her under his wing. Asher Bennet is a complicated guy. He's clearly harboring some deep issues and he hides them well behind a practiced facade. But Asher wasnt fooling me, and my heart was calling out to him in the very first book of this series. Part of me was frustrated with LA Cotton for making me wait but not anymore! Asher is worth the wait! And even I can agree Mya is better suited for Asher than I am (will deny ever admitting that FYI!).
But its bittersweet! This overwhelming need to hang with the gang and not grow up because this is the final book in the Rixon Raiders series. Apparently, LA Cotton doesn't love us enough to keep feeding us info on these guys so as happy as I am for Ash, I want to cry for me. It's like losing the friends you just found but knowing they are moving on to bigger and better things!
The Harder You Fall is intense. The emotions, the crippling situations, and the hopelessness are bleeding from the pages. LA Cotton makes sure you will never forget the struggle because every hurt was worth it in the end. So as I sit here deciding whether or not to forgive the author for abandoning me (by not allowing me more books with Jase, Cam, and Ash) with a smile on my face and the tear tracks still visible, I know I'm going to have to reread the series (audiobooks are freaking awesome for a "new" experience) and I'm okay with that...mostly. lol! I hope we get a random novella or anthology with a spot check on these guys in the future. Perhaps we can make a petition...
Either way (and I say this begrudgingly) I'm just happy to have been along for the ride!
Go RAIDERS!
lauren_soderberg's review
2.0
The Harder You Fall is the third and final installment of LA Cotton’s Rixon Raiders series. It’s poignant and angsty, but unfortunately relies too heavily on ethnic and cultural stereotypes for me to rate this higher.
Mya and Asher both bear the weight of trauma and secrets. While they might seem like polar opposites, they are nevertheless drawn to each other. But can their connection withstand exterior forces?
First off, let me say that I admire Cotton’s willingness to not shy away from issues involving racism and prejudice. I just don’t know if a white women is the right person to tell a character like Mya’s story. Unfortunately, in the case of this novel, various stereotypes were upheld rather than were dismantled. I think that more diverse stories need to be told, not only in romance, but across the board, but I think that white authors need to cede space to writers of color to tell these stories. Or, at the very least, include sensitivity readers in the beta reading process that will help add perspective.
All of those concerns aside, I did enjoy the push-pull dynamic between Mya and Asher, as well as their chemistry. It was a fitting end to the series, but left me feeling a little disappointed.
Mya and Asher both bear the weight of trauma and secrets. While they might seem like polar opposites, they are nevertheless drawn to each other. But can their connection withstand exterior forces?
First off, let me say that I admire Cotton’s willingness to not shy away from issues involving racism and prejudice. I just don’t know if a white women is the right person to tell a character like Mya’s story. Unfortunately, in the case of this novel, various stereotypes were upheld rather than were dismantled. I think that more diverse stories need to be told, not only in romance, but across the board, but I think that white authors need to cede space to writers of color to tell these stories. Or, at the very least, include sensitivity readers in the beta reading process that will help add perspective.
All of those concerns aside, I did enjoy the push-pull dynamic between Mya and Asher, as well as their chemistry. It was a fitting end to the series, but left me feeling a little disappointed.
read_with_cl's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
jennyluvlitbooks's review
4.0
"Two people who were completely wrong for one another. But as I was quickly learning, sometimes wrong felt perfectly right."
"Attraction didn't discriminate based on color or background or life experience. It wasn't black or white but various shades of gray; prisms of color."
The Harder You Fall is the final book in this trilogy and it's with heavy heart that I say goodbye to the series and its characters. As you all well know, this is the story of Asher; the jokester of the group. But, of course, this guy hides his demons behind the mask so well that he fooled everyone around him, except Mya.
The chemistry between the main characters is palpable though Mya did try to resist, and in her point of view, was valid enough. Their love story is full of angst as they fight against the norm despite their vast differences. I thought that there would be no hope at all for these two. They certainly give that you-and-me-against-the-world vibe, but fight these two did.
Overall, a great, angsty sports romance and an amazing series! Looking forward to more of this world (hopefully!). I highly recommend to fans of this series.
"Attraction didn't discriminate based on color or background or life experience. It wasn't black or white but various shades of gray; prisms of color."
The Harder You Fall is the final book in this trilogy and it's with heavy heart that I say goodbye to the series and its characters. As you all well know, this is the story of Asher; the jokester of the group. But, of course, this guy hides his demons behind the mask so well that he fooled everyone around him, except Mya.
The chemistry between the main characters is palpable though Mya did try to resist, and in her point of view, was valid enough. Their love story is full of angst as they fight against the norm despite their vast differences. I thought that there would be no hope at all for these two. They certainly give that you-and-me-against-the-world vibe, but fight these two did.
Overall, a great, angsty sports romance and an amazing series! Looking forward to more of this world (hopefully!). I highly recommend to fans of this series.
read_on_reader's review
5.0
Omg I have been in love with Asher since book one and I knew that behind his humor and laid-back persona there held some issues that he just wasn’t letting anyone in on. He is this all-around perfect football god but the only person he lets into the real him for now is Mya. Mya is running from a rough neighborhood and a past she would love to forget about. She thought she had found love once before with her childhood friend, but that ended with her getting hurt emotionally and physically. So, when Asher wants more from Mya and her to be his she pushes him away time and time again. It isn’t until Asher has gotten to her that she realizes she is already falling for him and she doesn’t seem to mind. They both have to endure so much just to be together and they deal with the pressures of family and society that is hard on them, but they do endure it, until a tragedy occurs, and Mya’s past comes back to haunt her. Will they be able to make it through what society deems as right and the tragic events that caused their issues or will they let things tear them apart for good? I swear Asher is the perfect guy that I loved so much and I was happy that the other couples make a lot of appearances throughout this read and proving to us that family isn’t always blood but those who choose to stand by us in times of trouble.
thebusybookmom's review
5.0
Let me preface this review by saying Asher has been my favorite since we met the Raiders. He was very aloof, and was the life if the party. He put his friends first, and was willing to sacrifice his football dream for his best friends. Who wouldn't love someone who puts others before themselves?
This book shows us just how deep Asher really is, and how real his problems are. His strength to move forward no matter the trouble is a true testament to his character. This book also dives into the mysterious Mya and the demons she is fighting. LA Cotton kept this relationship very real and authentic.
Of course along the way we get more of Cameron and Hailee, and Jason and Felicity. The bond of the six is the definition of friendship goals!
Be prepared to cry, laugh, and feel deep sadness as these two characters face their challenges on an individual level, and as a couple.
Sad to see the series end, but so excited for how bright she left all sixes future!
This book shows us just how deep Asher really is, and how real his problems are. His strength to move forward no matter the trouble is a true testament to his character. This book also dives into the mysterious Mya and the demons she is fighting. LA Cotton kept this relationship very real and authentic.
Of course along the way we get more of Cameron and Hailee, and Jason and Felicity. The bond of the six is the definition of friendship goals!
Be prepared to cry, laugh, and feel deep sadness as these two characters face their challenges on an individual level, and as a couple.
Sad to see the series end, but so excited for how bright she left all sixes future!
taviamorgan's review
5.0
this was definitely my favorite of the three books and their friendship and i just love how they spent a majority of the book together. as i read: asher just wanting someone to love him and really see him ahhhh. i like that she’s a poc and it’s actually talked about and how the town is straight up racist. asher thinking he was expendable made me sad. when asher wanted to hang out with them but everyone was hanging out without them i cried. i really love the friendship between felicity and asher. i hate that he adds baby every time he says fee tho like just say fee it’d be cute. asher basically begging her to just give him a chance was so heartwarming. i’m nervy cause they’re together rlly early so i hope it stays that way. why does she say ass over elbow in love in every book. also i wanted her to say endgame again lololol. i love that she calls him ash and how he asks her to say it again. There’s a lot about Jase and felicity which I love but there isn’t a ton about cam and Hailee and that makes me sad and feels a little off. I like the banter between them all and their little group of 6. I like that when she saw him talking to Kellie she went up and didn’t make a big deal out of it. I really like the chant they always do for the raiders. I love that Jason was the one who tackled Jermaine. i rlly don’t like that he gets mad at mya instead of jermaine. i like that she said then fight for me and that there’s gonna be more of them together. i love the note scavenger hunt it was amazing. i don’t love that they all followed each other to college but at the same time i’m obsessed with it. i love them the most. i love their relationship and just how they talk about marriage and stuff. i want more of them so much i love them. i also weirdly love how sexual they are when talking about their relationships lol. i loved this one so much and like it made sense why they broke up but yes i love asher so much.
bookish_kayy's review
5.0
Cotton scores a complete touchdown in the story of Asher & Mya, the finale for the Raiders.... or is it? We shall see.
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