“Katie Rose writes sexy, skilled sports heroes who know how to treat a woman right!” raves Wendy S. Marcus. Now the award-winning author of the Bad Boys of Baseball series introduces a team of soccer stars who score on and off the pitch. New Jersey Hurricanes striker Logan Hart lives for the grind of training, the adrenaline of competition, and all the perks of the road—until his ex hands him a … his ex hands him a baby and tells Logan to raise her on his own. He’s eager to pass this bundle of joy into more capable hands and get back to his hard-playing, hard-partying ways. But when a beautiful, blond drill sergeant of a nanny turns Logan’s life upside down, he sets a new goal: winning her heart.
Isabella Bennett takes pride in teaching the rich and famous how to become loving families. Her no-nonsense style is just what Logan and his crying, copper-haired cutie need. So why can’t she get the image of Logan’s tanned, muscular body out of her head? Isabella’s here to whip a new father into shape, not fall for a sexy ladies’ man. But their chemistry is too tantalizing to ignore, much like the temptation to trust someone with her deepest secrets—and embrace a loving family all her own.
Praise for Hard to Hold
“Fast-paced and scintillating with plenty of romantic angst, this novel is an ideal read for anyone who likes their romance on the steamy side.”—Publishers Weekly
“An entertaining read and I’m looking forward to more in this series. Bring on the hot soccer guys, please! Preferably shirtless, when possible.”—Becky on Books . . . and Quilts
“I would recommend Hard to Hold by Katie Rose—TOP PICK”—Harlequin Junkie
“Hard to Hold, overall, is a classic contemporary romance that will give you everything you want from a good book: swoony moments, cute babies, sexual tension, and a happy ending!”—The Book Disciple
“Hard to Hold is a wonderful beginning to Katie Rose’s new Hard to Play series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next installment.”—Always YA at Heart
“A sexy trek into the world of major league soccer with Katie Rose! I really enjoyed this story and the characters.”—Thoughts of a Blonde
“Five stars—I loved reading this book. The heat between Isabella and Logan is hot but this book doesn’t have an overabundance of explicit sex and the story itself kept me interested enough I didn’t want to put it down. . . . I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.”—Xtreme Delusions
Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
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Hard to Hold is a mostly angst free, sweet, sexy sports story. Luke is a major league soccer player that gets a baby literally dropped upon him one day when her mother insists that Luke is the baby’s father, and that she can’t take care of her anymore so she’s giving her to Luke. Isabella is the nanny he hires to help him. She’s a no nonsense kind of woman who’s great with babies and children, intent on only helping Luke with his new baby, not looking for a relationship. But, they have an immediate attraction and can only resist for so long.
I enjoyed reading how Luke slowly developed into a great dad. I understand how having fatherhood being thrust upon you can mess with your head, as I became an aunt when I was a freshman in high school, and it was a really hard, trying time for my brother and my whole family. Like my brother, though, Luke eventually adjusts and becomes a loving, devoted father.
I like how the baby is the central link between Luke and Isabella, and how even though they’re attracted to each other, they resist at first because they know it wouldn’t be the best idea. But, when they give into their attraction, it’s pretty hot. And when their attraction leads to real feelings, it gets even better.
4 stars for this sweet, sexy sports romance!
Logan Hart thought his life couldn’t get much better… he’s living out his dreams on the soccer field, has steady stream of beautiful women ready to share his bed for the night, and a healthy paycheck to boot. But then in the blink of an eye his world is completely turned upside down when his ex unexpectedly waltzes back into his life pushing a stroller with a beautiful baby girl that she claims belongs to him. Before he can even digest the news that he’s a father, she then hands over the baby and her meager belongings and says she’s all yours, I’m out! Now he’s left scrambling to pick-up the pieces of his once perfect life, and trying to adjust to being a dad to a little girl he never knew existed, and the first thing he realizes is there’s no way he can do it alone! So he enlists the help of a nanny, and before long his once perfect life is taking on a whole new form… one he hopes will include the love of a certain beautiful nanny, he just has to convince her he’s worth the risk!
The minute Isabella Bennett meets Logan Hart and his beautiful baby girl, she knows she has her work cut out for her, he’s a clueless first time father attempting to raise his daughter on his own and hasn’t the slightest clue where to begin. So, she does what she does best and starts working her miracles and begins to whip their chaotic little world into shape, but the more time she spends with the two of them the harder she starts to fall. She tries to ignore the sparks that are flying around every time Logan is near, because getting involved with him would be very unprofessional, and guaranteed to lead to a broken heart… but he is determined to change her mind!
Once again Ms. Rose has created a touching story that is sure to score a place in the hearts of readers, and lure them a little closer to the sports world!! The instant I started this story I felt an addiction settle over me, one that I knew wouldn’t be quenched until I have devoured every last word, and BOY OH BOY did I enjoy every minute of it!! Mr. Logan Hart is a sexy as hell soccer hero that is sure to have you swooning from the second he enters your world, and have you looking at soccer players in a whole new light!! ! I highly recommend you give this read a try, Ms. Rose’s captivating story line and endearing characters are sure to win you over and reaffirm your belief in happily ever afters!!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Random House Publishing – Loveswept in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.