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
What a great story! K. Bromberg knows how to bring out all the feels. Her characters are engaging and this series just gets better and better. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! This is book two in the Play Hard Series and can be read as a standalone.
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Rush and Lennox’s story. Rush is a tattooed, sexy, bad boy star football player who is sent to the US when he is in the middle of a huge scandal. Lennox is a former beauty queen, come sports agent, and the chemistry between these two is off the charts. Lennox listens to what Rush tells her and she believes him which is more than his present agent does. It is also Lennox’s job to convince Rush to stay in the US. No spoilers: – this is a definite must read you will not be disappointed. This is a well written flawless story which has a tad angst, and is entertaining, fun, and an all-consuming read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all readers.
First of all, THAT COVER *fans self* That’s a perfect Rush.
I can always trust in K.Bromberg to bring me back to my love for contemporary romance and she did just that with HARD TO HOLD. I adored Rush and Lennox’s story. This was a fun, sexy and emotional sports romance. It was about finding someone that you can be yourself with. It was about learning how to trust. It was about finding your compass. Your HOME.
“I won’t run.”
“And how do you know this?”
“Because I found my home in Rush, Dad. He’s the one who quiets my restlessness.” -Lennox and her dad.
Rush would be a terrible mistake. A terrible, gorgeous, satisfying mistake. I know it after only one day, but the funny thing is, it’s one I know I’m already going to make. And I don’t feel sorry about it in the least. I’m a woman who goes after what she wants–without shame or fear…and, I want Rush McKenzie.-Lennox.
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Hard to Hold by K. Bromberg
Hard to Hold
by K. Bromberg (Goodreads Author)
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Read in November 2020
First of all, THAT COVER *fans self* That’s a perfect Rush.
I can always trust in K.Bromberg to bring me back to my love for contemporary romance and she did just that with HARD TO HOLD. I adored Rush and Lennox’s story. This was a fun, sexy and emotional sports romance. It was about finding someone that you can be yourself with. It was about learning how to trust. It was about finding your compass. Your HOME.
“I won’t run.”
“And how do you know this?”
“Because I found my home in Rush, Dad. He’s the one who quiets my restlessness.” -Lennox and her dad.
Rush would be a terrible mistake. A terrible, gorgeous, satisfying mistake. I know it after only one day, but the funny thing is, it’s one I know I’m already going to make. And I don’t feel sorry about it in the least. I’m a woman who goes after what she wants–without shame or fear…and, I want Rush McKenzie.-Lennox.
I will say I liked this book better than book 1. Lennox and Rush, and their backstories, worked well to compliment each other and create a connection that deepened as the story progressed. Their relationship felt real and organic and I loved how Lennox took charge from the get go. And there was definitely some fun push and pull that made for steamy encounters. #saunascene
But I do have to say, even though I ended up LOVING these two, I did struggle a bit with the pace in the beginning part of this book. I felt it was hard at times to get lost in the story and would find myself setting it down to do something else, but once I got to the heart of the story, more towards the middle, I came to enjoy it. I came to appreciate the slow transition and ease of their relationship and how it developed. It’s hard to describe… it was at a much more relaxed, but at the same time combustible, pace, which was weird to navigate at first. It took me a hot minute to get into the groove of it, but once I did, I couldn’t stop reading because I loved their attraction and moments together.
Last thing I have to say…at times I would find myself comparing book 1 and this book and found some similarities in plot. I wanted some more variations, some differences from the sisters especially. So far, the reasons they are scared to love and/or let someone in, are basically one in the same and why wouldn’t they be? Idk how Bromberg can deviate from that narrative, considering these are books about sisters and they all will have had the same upbringing and mostly the same personal pains, but I NEED differences as to WHY they fear falling in love/letting someone in. I kinda hope that one of the next books doesn’t directly involve a sister and an athlete that they either are agents for are trying to recruit for their family agency, again. Maybe the athlete’s agent instead or someone that is a part of one of their contracted athlete’s hired team? Idk…I just want something different than a Kincade sister and athlete relationship. That was done in book 1 and 2 already.
Other than those couple things mentioned, I DID enjoy this book and am looking forward to the next sisters book! (HARD TO SCORE, coming February 2021).
4 “to those who wander” stars
Lennox and Rush go into my top books of all times! K. Bromberg writes exactly what I love about romance books. Real people with real issues who fall in love. As I read Hard to Hold, I would be like…. this should be happening ….. and in the next chapter there it was all through the book.
Lennox and Rush had instant attraction but as they grow within themselves and really challenge who they are, they grow together too. I love their personal stories and connection. I love Rush and his loyalty. I love how he is as a person. I love Lennox and her struggles and how she fights within herself to not be affected by other.
This book was amazing and is a must read!
4.5 stars
I was happy to be back in the Kincade Sports Management world. And let me tell you, Lennox’s story hit me in all the feels.
Lennox finds herself restless. Restless and hurt. After hearing a hurtful conversation from fellow agents at a convention and feeling inadequate at her job, Lennox flees to California. Here she takes a job that her family warned her against in order to prove that she is great at her job.
Rush McKenzie is headed toward being one of the greatest soccer players. But after being falsely accused of sleeping with his teammates wife, he flees to America, California specifically. Here he will be a spokesperson for the American Soccer League, then head back to England once his team’s season starts.
Lennox and Rush happen to be staying at the same friends house. What they both don’t realize is that their jobs will have them closer together than just being merely roommates.
I absolutely adored this story. Want to know what happens, one click to find out!
Lennox and Rush may have seemed different on the outside but once the story unfolds, they are so much alike. I love Lennox. She is feisty, strong and doesn’t let others dictate her life. They’re both going through something and together, I felt like they could conquer everything. The story pulls you in and doesn’t let you go until the very end.
My heart can’t take it!!!!
It’s 3am and I’ve just finished Hard to Hold… I didn’t realise I could laugh cry and swoon all at the same time, aw man I wanna be friends with Rush & Lennox!
That was everything
Finding your way in a place that makes your feet itch is extremely difficult, especially to have in the forefront of your mind that you’re ready to run, whenever and however…
For Rush it’s never been about the power and it’s never been about the control! It’s only ever been about football his passion his life, what he lives for but is it something or someone coming Rush’s way to deliver another blow!
It’s funny, theres a line was in this book that I’ve highlighted to show my husband It’s pretty much bang on what we thought of each other years ago and still do now!
You really can love when you’re not looking 😉
Ohmigosh my heart breaks for 15 year old Rush. A kid all alone fending for himself & just wanting to be loved. Our past experiences mold us and what an experience he has to draw from. His past has given him a strong work ethic, moral compass and bond with Rory that he will do anything to protect.
Lennox finds herself on the flip side of that moral compass—according to Rush’s slimy agent Finn. After he makes less than favorable comment about her she finds herself lost and visits her bestie to get centered again.
Rush & Lennox hit it off from the start. They are so good together—as friends, coworkers & lovers. They just complete each other. Rush finally finds his person who will fight for him no matter what
Swoon worthy quote
He gives me the softest of smiles—shy but serious. “McKenzie never meant anything to me, Nox. It was a name given to me by a man I never met. But I made it into something. I made me into something . . . and yes, we don’t need any of that shit, but it would mean everything to me if you were proud to be a McKenzie with me.”
#valentinepr
Lennox and Rush’s relationship was one built on the surface, but grew into such a magnetic, unstoppable connection that couldn’t be denied.
Lennox is just trying to find herself. She is a wanderer, and she doesn’t like being stuck in one situation or place for very long. She loves her job and family, but she has this self doubt that holds her back.
Rush is just trying to outrun the rumors. He is so selfless and trying to do what is right for everyone but himself.
This story was so wonderfully written. It was about family, it was about sacrifices, and it was about finding what you truly want in life and jumping in with two feet.
I am loving this series, and I cannot wait to see the other two Kincade sisters in action.
I am loving this series that revolves around Kincaide Sports Management and the four Ladies determined to keep their father’s business thriving even if they have to fight the stereotypes of modern day sports.
Being the beauty queen of the bunch, Lennox is often known for her looks but she is so much more. This strong smart, sassy and free-spirited woman is determined to make sure everyone knows her worth in this industry. Feeling a little lost and scorned by the boys club & her family, she makes a last minute decision to take her career in her own hands. A temporary position in Los Angeles. She certainly wasn’t expecting Rush McKenzie and all the emotions he brings to the surface.
Rush finds himself repaying a debt he never knew would be held over his head. Taking the fall for his best friend Rory when shit hits the fan. This once orphaned boy turned pro football player in Liverpool has shown the world his strength and determination. Known for keeping things light and not letting people in too close, trust is a hard thing given for Rush. Hiding in Los Angeles while this whole sorry mess fades, he is put front and center for the MLS. His heart is back home in England where he belongs.
The chemistry between these characters is off the charts sizzling. The book is fun and flirty while holding your heart carefully the whole time. Secrets are slowly revealed and trust is slowly won and friendships are formed. Have Lennox and Rush found what they never knew they wanted? Or is this just another quick passing in time?
Can’t wait to see where we go next with this series Ms Bromberg has me hooked.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Absolutely stunning!
An emotion packed book that gets your heart thumping and your pulse racing. It will leave you breathless and so fulfilled while you read it, but craving more as it gets to those final chapters.
Rush McKenzie and Lennox Kincade hold a special place in my heart and their story has been written with so much passion and heart that K. Bromberg is renowned for. It’s the right amount of everything you want in a good book. K. Bromberg has left no stone unturned and has given us a truly exceptional read.
Loved it!!!
Lennox is feeling restless and not trusted by her own family so when an opportunity arises away from home that her family doesn’t think she should take she jumps on it. Some time away to gather her thoughts and gain some perspective. What she doesn’t count on though is Rush.
Rush is in hiding, something huge went down back in the UK and he needs to lay low for a while. When he meets Lennox she is just what he needs someone to help him forgot for a while, but feelings start to happen and for the first time in his life someone wants to fight for him.
How will these two handle everything that life has dealt them including being an ocean apart?
A story about a rebel and a wanderer that will have you wanting more. Rush, the rebel, is an English footballer caught in a mess that is not his own but is bearing the brunt of the fallout. He escapes to LA to lay low in hopes that the media storm he left behind dies down. He is a man who is not at all what he seems and is a better man than others think. His misguided loyalty has led him to this situation. Lennox, the wanderer, is an agent who is desperate for others to see past her good looks to the strong intelligent agent and person that lies beneath it all. She escapes to LA to prove everyone wrong by working with the MLS. Her and Rush work together for a common goal. To get through their obligations and prove all those who under estimate them wrong. That they aren’t just pawns in other people’s game. In doing that they find each other. But can a rebel and a wanderer find a way to make this work. To make them work? You’ll have to read this great sports romance to find out.
Well-written. Great characters. She gets the British language and all its nuances to bring that spice of reality to the story. I couldn’t get enough of this story. The struggles, the laughs, the heart breaks and the triumphs. It’s going to be hard to leave the world of KSM, Lennox and Rush. I’m pretty sure I’ll be rocking a book hangover for the next few days.
K. Bromberg set my heart and soul on fire with this sexy, steamy, heartwarming and exceptionally well written sports romance. Rush and Lennox have won my heart instantly and completely. I am so much in love and awe of this mouthwatering, pantymelting and soul shattering story!
Lennox Kincaid is lost and restless. Working for her father’s sports management agency with her sisters was her passion. But she is feeling no one trusts her ability anymore. And that makes her take the impulsive and dangerous decision to take a job in LA against her father’s wish. To act as an ambassador or advocate for players for still struggling Major Soccer League. Only to find out she has to work with Rush McKenzie, football genius from Liverpool FC. Also her housemate. Also running from a scandal in England threatening his golden career. Also the player she needs to win and whom she is ridiculously attracted to.
K. Bromberg is known for bringing out angsty feels with loads of heartaching emotions in her story. And Hard to Hold is no exception. This story kept me glued to the pages with the fast paced and adrenaline fuelled story line. Lennox and Rush were tackling professional challenges of their own and it was one obstacles after another. Being together was risky and forbidden but they have this insane chemistry that is too big to ignore just for other people. The chemistry is crazy good in this story. Like each time they are in the same room, I could feel this zing through my spine. The whole atmosphere becomes charged and heavy with tension and I could feel that inside my heart. So is the magical power of her writing. They made mistakes and hide behind excuses. My heart was getting wrecked but the ending was so beautiful.
Rush is the kind of K. Bromberg man I fall in love over and over and over again. Gorgeous. Arrogant. Controlling. Bossy. Bad boy with hard edge. Broken but resilient. Oozing sex appeal. Charming. Caring. Protective. Gentleman outside bed and dirty beast under sheets. I just love him more for all the darkness he had to conquer and how it made him a strong and honest and loyal man. I cannot imagine the level of dedication he had to his sports. But he was lonely and under lots of stress from the scandal that he didn’t deserve. And Lennox fought for him! This woman is incredible. Just incredible. She is the powerhouse. Even sassy and fierce woman can have self doubts and this story showed how natural that is. She is an inspiration for every woman. They both had trust issues, closed hearts and untold feelings. And together they are whole and happy and invincible.
K. Bromberg and heartaching romance are synonymous to me. Hard to Hold was an emotional tornado. The intriguing and captivating storyline sucked me. The passion and drama wrecked me. And I was left blissfully happy and satisfied.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
*Received ARC in exchange for an honest review*
5 Stars!
https://bookboyfriendsdoitbetter.com/
It only seems fitting that a book about my favorite sport ends up on my top reads of 2020. I adore Hard to Handle but I just absolutely treasure Hard to Hold!
This might only be my third K Bromberg book, but, it is by far my favorite book of hers. I can’t even seem to come up with the correct words to describe how much I love this book.
I wasn’t very sure about Lennox at first but damn is she my favorite Kincaid now! Rush is everything I want and I do so wish I could have a Rush of my own. Their chemistry was immediate and enchanting. I was immediately hooked on them and I didn’t want to let go.
I’m so happy this was told in dual POV because I loved getting to see both of their perspectives! I’m a bit sad I finished it so quickly but I’m so excited for the next book in the series! I think my favorite part about this series so far is how realistic the relationships between the sisters are. I really like how they view each other, how they fight, and how they love each other.
This was a great read!!! I loved Rush and Lennox so much!! This is a great addition to the series. This book sucked me in from the very beginning! I loved that there was no long drawn out unnecessary drama either! I found myself chuckling and then feeling some feels. I didn’t want their story to end! Looking forward to the rest of the books in this series! I would absolutely recommend this book!
Received an arc for a honest review.
Another amazing book by Kristy. So of all the sports romance books, I was afraid of this one because to any American it is soccer not football. Kristy did an amazing job incorporating this into the story too. Lennox and Rush’s first meeting doesn’t go off as planned, she swimming and he walking around the yard with no clothes on. She immediately thinks he is an arrogant arse, which he is, but it does not take long for Lennox to see the real Rush. She never once believed the media story he is hiding from of sleeping with a teammates wife but he has loyalties to the only family he had as a teenager. Rush and Lennox are combustible when they are together in a room. He plans the sweetest weekend away for the two of them. Next thing you know the British tabloids are at it again and Rush must rush home. They are both heartbroken. Can two people still be that combustible across the pond from each other??? You need to read it!
5 Stars!
Rush McKenzie is an incredibly talented, self made football star in the UK. Football is his dream, and what keeps him grounded. The game is his life and his greatest passion, so when a scandal rocks his world and his career and reputation are on the line, he heads to LA to lay low and stay out of trouble. He’s sacrificed and fought to get where he is, but in his line of work public perception is everything. He’s all caught up in his own drama until a gorgeous distraction catches his full attention. Lennox Kincade is devastatingly sexy, feisty and intelligent. She’s the perfect mix of brains and beauty. She’s off limits but lucky for him he doesn’t usually play by the rules.
Lennox Kincade and her three sisters are sports agents for their family owned business Kincade Sports Management. She’s known as the stubborn, independent, free spirited sister that can be a bit of a rebel. The former beauty queen has felt restless lately. She struggled to find where she fit best and wanted to make a place for herself. She’s constantly surrounded by professional athletes working in a male dominated industry. She’s determined to succeed and is searching for something that challenges her and gets her head back in the game. As she embarks on a new project she encounters British hottie Rush McKenzie. The bad boy athlete is charismatic, and at the top of his game. When he makes it clear he wants her she tries to resist his charms, but soon she accepts they are inevitable. As things turn personal she learns he’s a man with secrets and walls around his heart. They always knew there was a time limit on their no strings fun, but will they be able to let each other go when it’s time to part ways?
Hard To Hold (Play Hard #2) by K. Bromberg is a sexy, friends to lovers, forbidden sports romance with undeniable chemistry and all the feels! I loved this couple so much!!! Lennox is a bold, confident woman who goes after what she wants, and Rush is a swoony alpha with a beautiful heart! This was the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I love this series an can’t wait for more of the Kincade sisters!
Lennox is a sports agent, she’s a woman who is good at what she does, however, given the male dominated industry they don’t treat her equally, they assume she uses her good looks to get what she wants, not because she is good at what she does and puts her clients first. Rush is a professional footballer, but he is also surrounded by scandal within his own team back in the UK. Escaping to the US he and Lennox are forced to work together and the chemistry between them slowly simmering below the surface.
I love Lennox. Yes, she runs from things in her life, she is restless at times, but she is amazing at what she does. She has a hard exterior just to deal with her job. The men in the industry that she has to work with are very anti-women in the industry, but she isn’t afraid to stand up to them and speak out about it. I love Rush, too. He seems like the bad boy who is a magnet for trouble and scandals, but as the story continued there is so much more to his character.
The chemistry between Lennox and Rush is fantastic and is just coming off the pages. There is tension, great banter and plenty of heat all throughout the story. But they are both also super supportive of each other and bring out a different side of each other that no one else would for them.
Hard to Hold is a must read sports romance that brings the heat and the emotions.
Aww I am really loving this new series by K. Bromberg. Hard to Hold is the second book but can be read as a standalone. This is Lennox story and it was bold, fiery, and hot!!! Rush was a force to be reckon with. I love the Kincaid sisters, but Lennox is looking for the next big thing. You can feel her searching and wondering for her passion. And Rush was not expected.
Hard to Hold is full of heart and has so much should I love that Rush and Lennox have this amazing connection where you can feel how much these two are just it for each other. This book is amazing and I highly recommend this as your next read!!!