New York Times bestselling author, K. Bromberg, is back with a heartfelt, standalone romance and a new hero to steal your heart . . . The contract with Major League Soccer was supposed to help repair my damaged reputation. Then I discovered that I’d made a deal with the devil: the player I’m supposed to recruit is none other than the bad boy, star Premier League footballer, Rush McKenzie. … boy, star Premier League footballer, Rush McKenzie.
British. Tattooed. Sexy. A man currently at the center of a huge scandal.
The goal? To convince him to stay in the States.
But what’s wrong with a little fun in the meantime? No strings. No sweet nothings. Just a way to pass the time while we’re both struggling to prove our true selves to the world.
If someone found out our relationship was anything more than professional, it would only serve to prove all our critics right.
***
I never should have agreed to take the fall.
But I did and I’m a man of my word.
Even if it means risking everything I’ve worked for.
The only bright side is Lennox Kincade.
Gorgeous. Defiant. Rumor-tainted. Totally off-limits.
Sharing a house with the gorgeous sports agent should have been a fun distraction from the turmoil. Someone to help pass the time while the tensions back home die down.
But what started as nothing, ends up as something I never saw coming.
Are you ready to fall for the Kincade sisters and then men who love them in K. Bromberg’s sexy, contemporary, sports romance series? These books can all be read as standalones, but you’ll enjoy reading them as a series!
Hard to Handle (Hunter & Dekker’s story – hockey romance)
Hard to Hold (Rush & Lennox’s story – soccer romance)
Hard to Score (Drew & Brexton’s story – football romance)
Hard to Lose (Gunner & Chase’s story – baseball romance)
Hard to Love (Finn & Stevie’s story)
more
4.5 Stars!! Kristy delivers once again with another fabulous read. I really enjoyed Lennox and Rush. This is book 2 in her Hard to Play series. Each book can be read as a standalone.
This was another wonderful love story in this series. I definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
Lennox and Rush I enjoyed reading their second chance story. A imperfectly perfect for each from the beginning to the end. Rush an English foot baller and Lennox a wanderer that is an agent. Both escapes to L.A. and end up working to complete the end goal.
Bromberg has a way of writing characters that leave a little bit of themselves with you. Who knew that fictional characters could invade your heart and almost become living breathing people. Like friends you’ve kind of lost touch with but think of them fondly and often wonder what they’re up to, how they’re doing. Lennox and Rush are those friends.
This story was able to help me escape and get lost in their world. The writing is top notch, the characters are complex and well written. The angst is palpable. I love strong characters who have a bit of internal struggle.
I know I will be listening to the audio as well!!
Hard to Hold by K. Bromberg was DELICIOUS from start to finish!
Rush is SWOONWORTHY. Seriously, I had to check myself for drool on more than one occasion while I devoured this book!
And Lennox? I adore her sassy and feisty and fiery nature! She’s a spitfire, and truly herself, but has taken a knock or two and is finding her way back to herself. And I am here for this journey!
From a rocky start, this story took me on one HECK of an emotional rollercoaster ride of a journey as I got to know and fall in love with these characters and see how they grew and developed.
These two? Their chemistry is COMBUSTIBLE! It sizzles and ebbs and flows like the tide and had me HOOKED. Each conversation was filled with banter and thought, both of them having so many layers that were delightful to witness being revealed!
The twists and turns, the difficult decisions, the sheer temptation of being in the same room; all of this and more is just the start of an infinite list as to why you need to read this book STAT!
And that Kincade family? I’m in love with them and how they show their love!
This story hit me square in the FEELS and I know it can do the same for you. So, if you’re looking for a book that packs a punch and will keep you enthralled from start to finish, look no further than Hard to Hold!
P. S. Don’t mind me, just going back to reread the first in the series and impatiently wait for the next two Kincade sisters’ stories!
Rush McKenzie is a bad boy soccer player who’s running from a scandal.
Lennox Kincade is an ex-beauty queen who’s trying to revamp her reputation.
What starts as a bit of fun, ends with something they never saw coming.
This is book 2 and can be read as a stand alone but if you read the first book you get a little more back ground. Lenneox Kinkade works for her father in the business of Sports managemnt. As a sports agent she needs to be on top of her game , smart and beautiful . She cares about her clients. But has had some bad luck getting new ones lately . While at a confrence her nemesis Finn who used to work for her family and is stealing their ckients spread rumors that she does more the help her client she sleeps with them to get what she needs. When she talks to her sister she mistakes something and believs her family doesnt believe in her thinks of her as just a pretty face. So she decides to take a contract with the MLS, to prove herself . In L.A she staying with her friend Johnny and meets his other roomate Rush. Rush McKenzie is trying to lay low after a scandle with his team . There are pictures that make it seem like he is having an affair with teammates wife. He is in the LFC in liverpool . While he waits for what will happen with his soccer career he signed a contract with the MLS to help bring it more in spot lite. While agent Finn finds a way for him to stay in the LFC.But Finn seems to be only looking out for himself not believing him.He meets Lennox on her first day in LA and the two have crazy chemisty the attraction is there. But when they find out they need to work together Len tries to fight the attraction. This book is great ride of emotions as you learn Rush’s past and how he got to where he is . While you learn of Lennox’s insecurities and how the two become friends. The sexual tention between the two and when they give in. This is a very well writtwn book that will make you not want to put it down. I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
When it comes to sports romance, I am 100% down, every time. This genre is my kryptonite. So when the Play Hard series was announced, I couldn’t be more excited.
Hard to Hold centers around Rush and Lennox. Rush, an English football player finds himself the center of a scandal, and temporarily leaves the country to find a little peace in California. Lennox is a sports agent who is looking for bigger and better things. Feeling as though her family views her as not good enough, she runs off to visit a friend in Los Angeles.
This story was fun and exciting, and I loved every bit of it. Rush and Lennox were two characters who deserved more than they were given, but in the end, it was all worth it. I absolutely adored this book, and I can’t wait for more in the series.
Hard to Hold is the second title in the Play Hard series. The first title featured Dekker Kincade, this time we get her sister Lennox’s story. Lennox and Rush’s story is an angsty sports romance, with equal parts heat, heart and humor.
Lennox is fierce, sassy, strong and bold. She’s a wandering soul, who has a tendency to run from her problems. When she sets off to LA for work and to say with a close friend she finds that he already has an additional house guest.
Rush McKenzie is a talented football player (soccer) who has escaped to LA to outrun a scandal associated with his football club. He’s a sexy, brooding, confident and big hearted hero. This cocky hero has his fair share of secrets.
The chemistry between Lennox and Rush is undeniable, their interactions and banter is full of passion, sass and snark.
An entertaining and heartfelt romance with strong themes of family, friendship and love.
I look forward to the next Kincade sister’s story.
A very steamy love story.
This is the story of Rush & Lennox. Rush is a soccer star. Lennox is a sports agent in her father’s company. They meet when she’s in California staying at her best friend’s house, while being offered a three month job with an agency to try and recruit soccer players to play in the US instead of the UK. Rush just happens to be staying with her best friend, too. He’s laying low from the UK and big problem he is faced with. The attraction is off the charts between these two, but their time is limited, or so it seems. Their lives are complicated, to say the least. Will it all come together for them? This is an excellent and amazing book. K. Bromberg is an excellent writer. I can’t wait for the next book.
The second book in the Play Hard series was a WIN for me! I love a series that revolves around a family dynamic. This dynamic is 4 daughters and a single father. He loves his daughters and they love him. Sometimes – they don’t always see eye to eye.
In this book, we get to know Lennox a bit more. She’s the former beauty queen who lacks some confidence when it comes to the family business. She goes against her father’s wishes and it’s the best decision she will ever make – but it’s not that easy!
We also get to meet one of K. Bromberg’s characters that rate up there with Colton in my mind. He’s sweet and cocky and down to the core – a really good guy. Most don’t know this about him but it’s there – layers beneath the cocksure attitude is a loyal, sweet man. Rush is a hard-working footballer from the UK – the star of his team. He’s been pushing into a situation that he can’t get out of – taking the fall for someone else. His intentions are so good.
The sparks between these two were instant – but there is NO insta-love here – insta-lust maybe! Their attraction is off the charts and they both know it. Lennox doesn’t want to mix business with pleasure, it’s come back to bite her in the ass before – and she has learned her lesson…but it’s RUSH! Both looking for a short-term – fun time! As we know – trying to keep it short term and no strings attached is often hard when the spark is there!
Another great story with characters I love, by K. Bromberg.
Lennox is part of a family of sports agents. She has always found it hard to fit. She feels like everyone including her family think she is just a pretty face. She is always trying to prove herself. A number coincidences cause her to run to LA to soothe her ruffled emotions. She meets Rush who is trying to save his career from a publicity nightmare that can ruin his football career. This story will grab you and keep you engaged. Both Rush and Lennox fight insecurities, loyalties and their own attraction. The story hits you in the feels. It gives background on Rush that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. We experienced Lennox insecurities and humiliation first hand. A good read that will have you smiling, tearing up, getting angry and a little stressed. A definite recommendation
While I struggled with the first 30% of this book, the pace picked up considerably after that, and I finally got to connect with the characters. Lennox is a truly independent, hard working woman in a man’s industry, so she always has to bring her A-game. It wasn’t her intense focus that made me not connect with her — I actually really admired that about her — but she just seemed so cold most of the time, and that was off-putting to me.
Rush however, I loved from the very first page. Who’s doesn’t adore a bad boy with a heart of gold and all the swoon? He’s currently in hiding right now after all the unpleasant rumors have been cycling about him, but the man the media is portraying him to me isn’t who he is at all. He’s one of the sweetest heroes I’ve ever read about, and I could not adore him more! And his love for Lennox, the chemistry and emotional connection they had was just amazing!
So although this was a slow start for me, I definitely ended up really enjoying this story! I can’t wait to see where Kristy takes us next in the series!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
A new sports romance from K. Bromberg with a British hero and I loved it!!
Rush McKenzie is a bad boy soccer player who’s running from a scandal.
Lennox Kincade is an ex-beauty queen who’s trying to revamp her reputation.
What starts as a bit of fun, ends with something they never saw coming.
Hard to Hold is the second book in the Play Hard Series but can be read as a standalone. It continues the story of the Kincade sisters, and the men who sweep them off their feet. Told in dual POV, this novel held my interest from beginning to end and I could not put it down.
Nox and Rush are a force to be reckoned with and I love reading their love story and seeing the relationship blossom between them. They had intense, undeniable chemistry and I was rooting for them through out the story. I loved their push and pull and back and forth banter. They were such a perfect match, each filled with passion and fire and I enjoyed their journey together.
This sports romance was angsty and emotional and gave me all the feels. It was a heart warming tale and I would highly recommend it to all lovers of contemporary romance.
Rush McKenzie is a bad boy soccer player who’s running from a scandal.
Lennox Kincade is an ex-beauty queen who’s trying to revamp her reputation.
What starts as a bit of fun, ends with something they never saw coming.
THIS IS HANDS DOWN A MUST READ!!!
K. Bromberg seriously outdid herself, the characters, the story, everything was perfection. Hard To Hold is the second book in the Play Hard Series, and this so far has to be my favorite. Lennox was AMAZING, I loved how she is out ready to make everyone see that is capable of doing what other’s thinks she’s too naive to do. When she goes to California and makes it her mission to prove her dad and sisters wrong, the last thing she was expecting was run into Rush.
Rush is running from a scandal, the last thing he needs is to get mixed up in more. Rush was EVERYTHING!!!! I seriously loved him so much. He is hiding so much more than people think. I loved how hard he tries to be, but in reality he is soft and wanting others to believe in him. This book had all the feels, the chemistry was off the charts!!! This book is a must read! This series is one of my favorites!!
Rush McKenzie is a bad boy running from a scandal.
Lennox Kincade is an ex-beauty queen who’s trying to revamp her reputation.
What starts as a bit of fun, ends very differently…
Advanced Readers Copy
Title: Hard to Hold
Series: play Hard #2
Author: K. Bromberg
Publisher: JKB Publishing, LLC
Edition: Kindle
Amount of Pages:308
Genre: Sport, Romance, Adult
Date Read: 16-11-2020 – 20-11-2020
Favorite Quote: “Just when I swore off men, one worth breaking the promise to myself comes waltzing right in—and naked at that.”
Review:
This is a very hard review for me to write. I usually love K. Brombergs books and she is an amazing writer but this book didn’t do it for me. I had a hard time connecting with Lennox and Rush. More so with Lennox than Rush I must add. Lennox sometimes felt like a child that didn’t get her way. She talked allot about how she felt like people had an unfair perception of her and that her family didn’t trust her but I didn’t see her do anything to oppose that, atleast not in the beginning in my opinion. When she was told not to do something the first thing she did was hop on a plane and do just that. She signed a contract without really knowing what her job would entail and didn’t like what it entailed after signing. She just didn’t seem to think things through.
I felt like there was to much talk about how great she is etc without much show.
I connected a bit more with Rush but allot of the times he just talked about how amazing Lennox is and I just couldn’t see it. Don’t get me wrong I don’t hate or dislike Lennox, I just, it took a long time to get less annoyed with her. I missed some depth with her. She is however a girl that stands up for herself when needed and she really stands up for her clients.
By the time I did get into the story it was a bit to late for me to really enjoy it and connect with the characters. Kristy is an amazing writer and I love how she creates depth and backstories for her characters and while she did so for Rush, it felt a bit different compared to her other books. Rush was a sweet guy that had a difficult past and while he worked past that he never forgot where he came from.
Overall I liked the story but sadly it isn’t my favorite of Kristy. Don’t let my review withhold you from reading this book. I just probably wasn’t for me or I just wasn’t in the right mood. Many people do seem to love it and that speaks allot about K. Bromberg writing skills.
Rating:
3 Stars
Another great read by K. Bromberg. Hard to Hold is the second book in the fabulous Play Hard series. This sports romance checks off a lot of my boxes. Forbidden. A sexy hero. A fiesty heroine. Some forced proximity. And, a whole lot of chemistry. Yes, thank you! I really enjoyed this one.
I have to admit it took a bit for me to get into this story. I wasn’t fully sold on Lennox to start. As the story continued, I could not put it down. The connection between Rush McKenzie and Lennox Kincade was undeniable. Their back and forth banter pulled me all the way in. What started off as flirty fun turned into something so genuine.
Lennox won me over fairly quickly. There’s a dedication to her work and a determination to make it on her own merits that I can really appreciate. I hate the stigma she faced when it came to her sexuality and her work. It caused her to doubt herself and created some insecurities. But like the total boss lady she is, she held her own against all the naysayers and misogynists.
While it wasn’t love at first read with Lennox, it most certainly was with Rush, an insanely talented footballer (soccer player) who comes from humble beginnings. He risks it all because of loyalty and perceived obligation. Gawd, I fell for this guy pretty hard. He’s not the man others believe him to be. There are some scenes with children where you see what a huge heart he has. I about melted when I read these parts.
The Play Hard series is making a serious push at becoming my favorite K. Bromberg series. Both books have been so incredibly well written and addicting. I can’t wait to read the other two Kincade sisters’ story.