“Hard Crush blew me away!“One of the best second chance romances I ever read…Fun, emotional, and sooooo hot!”I never thought I’d see her againLet alone find her in the same spot I left her ten years ago, teaching at the high school where we fell in love. Back then I was the geek with too many ideas and one girl I wanted forever. Now I’m the man driving a multi-billion dollar tech industry. And … wanted forever.
Now I’m the man driving a multi-billion dollar tech industry. And these days, one night with a soft body is as close to forever as I get.
It’s all I want. Or it was.
I should have kept walking
But I wanted that laugh. That smile.
I wanted five minutes before I got back to the life with no room for my past.
One kiss was all I meant to take
But then her fingers were in my hair, her breath hot against my lips.
My hands… everywhere.
Now I want more
I want her, but she only wants the guy I used to be.
And just like the first time, I can’t stay, and she won’t leave…
more
“…there are some things worth fighting for. You are worth fighting for. We’re worth fighting for.”
Abby is someone with a very sad past and a lot of emotional baggage, so much she’s unable to trust a man who’d do anything for her. Because she has trusted before and has been let down so many times by someone who should have been there to protect her.
Hank… Hank is the hot, silly, passionate, mind-blowing nerd guy who is not willing to let her go, even after 10 years have gone by. He’s driven, focused on his job, while also being so adoring and so loving you will melt. Seriously.
And their story together, going through what was in the past, what it is right now and what could be in the future will bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes.
Second chance stories are not really my favorite, but this is some flawless writing. It’s steamy and sexy, but there’s a real connection there that can only come from two people who know each other well. The emotions in this book are through the roof, in the best possible way.
If you’re not in love with Mira Lyn Kelly’s writing yet, this will certainly do it for you. I know I already am.
“I want her in every space I’ve been forced to occupy her without her for ten damn years.”
Once more, Mira Lyn Kelly has dazzled me with a love-story that is hot, romantic, and so damn funny. Hard Crush tells Hank and Abby’s lovely second-chance tale.
“Being around Abby still feels like the closest thing to home I can get.”
Hank and Abby fell in love so long ago it feels like it’s always been there. After high-school, Hank left for a promising future at Abby’s request. Ten years have gone by without a word or a glance. Hank works hard and does everything he can to avoid thinking about what he left behind. Abby sees the handsome tech mogul she used to know gracing covers of magazines and paparazzi shots. When the two come face to face for the first time at their high school reunion, they quickly realize their feelings have never left. Will it ever be the right time?
“I was serious about what I said. Just this once.”
“I know. I was serious too. Not a chance.
Hank was perfect. I love how he knew what he wanted and fought to show Abby he could be the guy she needed. Even when she ran scared, he didn’t give up on her. I really liked having both Hank and Abby’s points of view. Hank’s inner thoughts allowed me to see how much he adored Abby and truly wanted a simple life with the girl he’s always loved.
I could understand that Abby was afraid to truly give her heart over to Hank. She breaks her own heart because she’s so afraid that someone else will. She took her time, but she came to see that the chance to fly is worth the risk of falling.
Reading this book was like a Roller Coaster ride. I was hardly able to put it down during my appointment.
This story was exactly what I needed. Abby & Hank’s second chance romance was perfect. Quick but well written listen!
Super quick fun second chance romance.. I could have used a little less player vibes from the so called tech nerd, but it gave me butterflies so I overlooked them since it wasn’t thrown in my face.
Lovely second chance at love read! Hank and Abby have a nice chemistry. The ending was very fulfilling, especially how they had moved forward with things close to their heart.
This a a great book. Just loved it!
12/19/2020 “Hard Crush” (nook) is a great romance filled with angst and heartache. Hank, a high school boyfriend, surprised Abby in her classroom and threw her for a loop. This reunion was bitter-sweet but opened the door to more interaction. Their situation was heartwrenching but I loved how each of them, in spite of their baggage, realized that they wanted a now. Sigh, a happily-ever-after.
Cute, quick read
Loved the story
Loved this book! Lovable characters and good story.
Very enjoyable love story, easy to read. Enjoyed how the writer combined past with present to explain the characters dynamics.
A great book. Just finished reading it for the second time.
This was really really GREAT. Loved reading about Hank and Abby. Persistence paid off.
4.5 Hearts
Hard Crush is the first book in the Back to You series by Mira Lyn Kelly. I have been reading Mira’s Slayers Hockey series and loving it so decided to go into her backlog while I know some characters are in both. First up is Hank & Abby!
Hank and Abby were high school sweethearts. They dated for all four years. They made plans. Plans that would turn their all consuming relationship into a long-distance one. Abby knew Hank’s mind would change the world with his technology so she walked away. They made a deal and now ten years later…he was breaking it. He shows up in an expected place and she didn’t know what to do about it. The pull was still there but nothing had changed. They weren’t kids anymore but she was in their hometown as a high school teacher while he traveled the world as a tech billionaire. They are in two different worlds but it seems he is determined to show her that they are meant to be together. Can she risk her heart again?
Awe! I do love a second chance romance. So innocent in the beginning and steamy in the end. Reuniting and learning about each other while still feeling familiar. Hank and Abby have a fun way about them. They have a flirty banter and lingering feelings. It’s an emotional ride for sure. Oh! And we meet Greg Baxter, pro-hockey player who shows up in Mira’s hockey series but first he gets his own story and I will be reading it tomorrow!
P.S. Hank’s glasses…swoon.
Quotes:
Why is he here? “Uhh… Ms. Mitchel, are you having a stroke? Your mouth is hanging open.” Someone else mutters that it isn’t a stroke if I don’t start to drool.
“You’re ruining my escape,” I say as he closes the distance between us.
“Yeah, sorry about that.”
“Put some clothes on.”
I take a long draw from the beer and look down some forty floors to Times Square, wondering if Abby has ever seen New York. “Yep. Done,” he answers too quickly.
“Bullshit. I don’t hear any rustling. You’re just lying there.”
“Naked. While I listen to your voice.” I can hear the grin on his face as he goes on. “How about you tell me what you’re wearing and I’ll tell you where my hand is.” ~ Greg.
Hank & Abby used to date back in high school. Abby is shocked to see him back in the school they used to go to, and where she works now. It is bringing back feelings she thought she lost. Still attracted, and still afraid, she is not sure whether to trust and go all in.
Hank has never forgotten Abby. She is very much the one who got away. He is hoping this second chance at love will have a different ending. As far as he can tell, the feelings not only went away, they are back in full force.
I thought this was one of the best – most sexy – romance stories I have ever read. I was more than thrilled to see it be put on the app Chapters. Had to come back and review this very hot and very good read. What a great introduction to the Back To You series!
A Lemmon Recommends title! https://www.jessicalemmon.com/all-posts/lemmon-recommends-hard-crush-mlk
Great book. Got tired of Abby pushing Hank away but understood her reasons to a point!! It got better!
Very character centric, but I enjoyed the dynamic between the two. A quick entertaining read perfect for vacation.
Very good book. Loved the plot to it. Must read