New York Times bestselling author, K. Bromberg, is back with a new Kincade sister and a swoon-worthy football player in an all new standalone romance that will make you believe in first crushes and true love. I’ve signed numerous players to my family’s agency—I assumed winning over my next client would be just as easy. The last thing I expected was to run into the boy who took my first kiss and … expected was to run into the boy who took my first kiss and broke my heart: only now Drew Bowman is all grown up.
Sexy. Scandal-tainted. Second-string. The crush I never got over.
I tell myself work is the reason I can’t get him out of my head. I tell him his talent far outweighs his position, and I know I can help. I lie and lie, because admitting that I want a second chance at my first love is impossible.
Some lines cannot be crossed, and ours was drawn in the sand years ago.
***
I’m supposed to hate her.
I’ve been told so time and again for ten years – her father ruined our family, smeared my name before my career even began.
But that’s not what I’m feeling now.
Brexton Kincade just strode out of my memories and onto my field.
Driven. Determined. Grown up. The Capulet to my Montague.
Being with her would be an unforgivable sin against my father, but I can’t resist the pull between us. Even if it means hiding what we have. Even if it means confronting the secrets I’ve always feared were lies.
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
Hard to Score is the 3rd book featuring the Kincade sisters; this time, it’s Brexton’s turn. Brexton and Drew’s families were tight when they were kids-they even vacationed together! Brexton develops a huge crush on Drew, but he kind of crushes her by putting her firmly in the friend zone. Then, scandal strikes Drew’s family, and tragedy strikes Brexton’s. Years pass and their paths never cross, despite being in the same industry.
Drew is still carrying a lot of hurt over the scandal that ended his father’s career; he has even let it affect his career! He is a great QB, but never gets playing time. He never even fights for himself! Brexton’s reentry into his life pushes him to want more, both professionally and personally. Brexton, despite swearing off men temporarily, is in love with love. She isn’t jaded like her sisters and she really believes in true love. She never got over her crush on Drew (and his subsequent friend zoning). I loved her! Drew has a LOT going on in his family and I understood his caution. But, I so wanted him to FIGHT!
Hard to Score has childhood friends/crushes, family scandal, and football! Fans of authors like Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy, and Helena Hunting will love this series and Hard to Score.
Oh man, I LOVE this series. There is something about a sports romance that just does it for me and Hard to Score is no different. I loved Brex and Drew’s story. Add in their history and I was a sucker for their story. I couldn’t put it down, I loved every second of it.
We got glimpses of the sisters and their dad again, which made me love the book even more! I know there is only one more book in the series, but I’m not ready for it to be over.
Oh my gosh!!! Can I please have more stars??? Hard to Score is just EVERYTHING!
Drew Bowman and Brexton Kincade were childhood friends. Their families vacationed together. She had a mad crush on him. Until something tore their families apart. A secret never to be spoken about.
Ten years later, the see each other. There is an attraction, chemistry. A seriously hot chemistry. Gah! This book is perfection. It’s not an easy love story, but it’s perfect for these two characters. It’s swoony and sexy, emotional and raw. It is all the feels and a perfect HEA.
“You made me start to believe. You made me want. And now I have to figure out what the hell that means.”
Brexton Kincade and Drew Bowman are my new favorite couple in this series.. I’m typically not a big fan of second-chance romance, but Kristy made me love this story and this couple despite that fact.
This was an emotionally charged and heartfelt story that had me cheering for their HEA throughout the whole story. It was a story about forgiveness and moving on. It was about finding someone to help you feel not so alone. This was the type of story that you can just pick up, read and relax while doing it. There is minimum angst, but at the same time, there’s enough of an “issue” in the background to keep the reader invested and intrigued And the chemistry is PERFECTION. Their shared history allowed for them to just sorta fall into an easy banter and relationship, which was fun to read. I just adored these two together!
This was truly an enjoyable second chance/sports romance, one I would recommend to readers that are looking for a simple romance that will fill up your romance loving heart and leave a contented smile on your face.
4.5 stars
MY HEART!!! So full.
This is my favourite of the series!!
Each time Kristy releases a book I find a new book boyfriend and this is no different. I devoured Brexton and Drew’s story!
I think I just love a good tortured soul story. And they don’t come more tortured than Drew Bowman. Reading his back story as well as his continuing and blooming relationship with Brex made is so difficult to put the book down.
Three down, one to go!!!
This book was a bit different from the first two, in that we didn’t get as much of the female sports agent in the business as a big dramatic problem in the story. Yes, Brexton did deal with a lot of that stuff, but she wasn’t quite as involved in all of the controversy as her two other sisters had been in the other books. In fact, the controversy in this one had to do with a family feud, and other misunderstandings that we didn’t even get to really understand until later in the book when we finally got to hear just what had happpened. But Drew, I adored Drew. And not just because of how much the cover model for this book makes me want to just sit and stare at the cover every time I see it.
I think that this one might not have had the same drama that was really there in the first two, but in a way that was nice. It was one that I was able to read quickly as I the story flowed perfectly and in a way I didn’t want to stop reading even when I had to get back to real life from lunch break, or go to bed at a decent hour for work the next day. I’ve loved all of this story so far, and I look forward to the next book! Now excuse me while I go gaze adoringly at the cover model on this book for a little while longer.
Rating 4.5
Steam 4
Sport romance with ALL THE FEELS. That’s what I get every time I read a book by Kristy Bromberg.
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I finished Hard to Score book 3 in the Hard to Play series and I fell in love more and more with the Kincade sisters. What I love about this book? u2063
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Sport romance about football. u2063
A sassy, intelligent heroine name Brexton. u2063
A sexy hot quarterback, Drew, with a heart of gold. Great son and brother.
Intriguing, swoony and emotional plot. u2063
Star-cross lovers vibe in the story. u2063
Childhood friends to lovers added to the mix. u2063
Off the charts chemistry and banter between MCs. u2063
Angst, secret and family drama to hook you all the way to the end. u2063
HEA u2063
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Don’t want to spoil any second of this read by adding details of the story but know that you will definitely have a story equals part emotional and sexy hot. Relatable characters that will win your heart. A love story that you’ll get the chance to see develope, grow and solidify. Many fun moments between MCs.
I have love every single one of the stories in this series so far. Now I’m reeeeeeeeeally excited to finally been closer to have book 4 since Chase’s story and this is my most anticipated one.
Hard to Score is the third book in the Play Hard series and I’m really enjoying getting to know the four Kincade sisters.
Anyone who has had an unrequited crush as a teenager should appreciate this romance. Brexton Kincade pined over Drew Bowman, the dreamy football player and close family friend, when they were growing up. We get to view their friendship from both their perspectives and it’s sweet, yearning, and naive in the way only adolescence can be.
Fast forward about a decade and Brexton is no longer the awkward and insecure girl Drew once overlooked, but a gorgeous, intelligent, and strong sports agent succeeding in a male-dominated industry. When she crosses paths with Drew, who is now a second string NFL quarterback, it’s her second chance to finally get her dream guy.
The main obstacle between them is a bitter family feud of unknown origin. The mysterious cause is frequently alluded to and the buildup is great, but when the truth is finally uncovered it falls flat for me. It’s difficult to believe the dramatic ripple effect of this one particular incident.
That being said, the bulk of the story is wonderful. Brexton and Drew make a great couple. He is gifted and honorable, and she pushes him to embrace his talent and dream bigger. I loved their flirty exchanges. This book is a winning addition to the series. I received an early copy of this title to voluntarily read.
K. Bromberg holds nothing back and gives you it ALL in Hard To Score! Lies, secrets, and an undeniable push and pull between childhood friends…..I couldn’t get enough! I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
Let’s talk about this amazing series K. Bromberg has given us. I love the different sides of each of these books. Brexton and Drew were everything. I loved every aspect of these two. Brexton is smart, sexy, driven, compassionate, and hard-working. She is devoted to those she represents as well as her family. Like all women, Brexton wants to find her happily ever after. And it doesn’t hurt that she’s had a thing for Drew for as long as she can remember. But something happened in the past that destroyed the bond these two had.
Drew is angry with how things went down with his father and Brexton’s. He harbors so major resentment that is not fair when directed at Brexton. Drew needs to learn to let things go and move on from the past. Because he’s in his own way when it comes to the girl he loves.
I loved everything in this book. I loved when they let their guard down and gave in to the feelings they had for each other. I love this family as well. Brexton has an amazing bond with them all. I can’t wait for the next amazing book in this series.
Beautiful Second Chance Romance!
“I meet his eyes through the moonlight and see everything I want in them—love, devotion, friendship, and respect.”
I fell hard for Brexton and Drew’s second chance love story, from teenage crushes, to first kisses, to rekindling a friendship after years apart, their romance was a beautiful journey. There was no doubt they had a lot of hurdles to overcome with their families messy and intertwined history, the mystery of what caused the rift between them added a twist to the story line that kept me guessing at the truth. But Brexton and Drew’s chemistry was HOT, with the sexual tension leading some to scenes that lit my kindle on fire, helllooooo club scene!
“The same crooked smile I swooned over all those years ago is even more devastating now when accented by a little scruff, eyes full of desire, and a body made to sin with.”
After a scandal rocked his family, Drew carried the weight of those mistakes and responsibilities around like an anchor, putting himself second to make sure he could be everything they needed even if he wasn’t truly happy. I ached for the pain he held inside, he lost so much and deserved so much better. Brexton brought the spark back into his life, breathing hope into his dreams and giving him support when he needed it the most. She was strong and confident, yet there was a vulnerability to her giving love to man that might not be able to return it. Fighting through her own pain, her ability to be the woman Drew needed had me absolutely craving their happily ever after. This sports romance was sexy yet sweet and oh so satisfying! I’ll be dreaming of laying under the stars and falling in love.
Kristy Bromberg has added another great book to the Play Hard series with Hard to Score. The story focuses on Brexton and Drew, these two were once childhood friends spending their summers together until a family scandal tore their world apart. 10 years on Brexton is tasked with scouting a Quarterback for her family’s sports agency. When she see’s someone training hard after a game with skill and finesse she approaches the player only to come face to face with her childhood crush Drew.
What I loved about this book was Drew and Brexton’s connection. As they already knew each other they had an ease about their relationship. This made Drew’s reluctance to get involved with a Kincade clearer to the reader. Of course the chemistry between them is too strong and he can’t resist the attraction he has towards her for long. I just adored these two together, Brexton is a romantic at heart and falls in love easily, she is a strong independent woman in her job and doesn’t let the men she comes into contact with intimidate her. Drew is just an honest to God gentleman, with a big heart; but he is scarred from the wedge the scandal years earlier put between his Father and him, and the brick wall on his pro NFL career too.
Hard to Score was one of those books you can sit back, relax and enjoy. it flows well, the chemistry simmers and it isn’t super angsty but it has just enough to make you root for the couple. A special mention to Finn Sanderson for the first time he was actually a decent human being in this book, there is hope for him yet.
4.5 Stars
Hard to Score is the third book in the Play Hard Series. In this installment we get Brexton and Drew’s story, and I must say this was an emotional one.
Brexton and Drew were childhood friends and it didn’t hurt that their families were close also. Something happened and in turn destroyed their families friendship. It’s sad because it was obvious that something other than friendship was lingering between Brexton and Drew. And because of what happened between their fathers their friendship suffered and in the cusp of everything, it ultimately ended.
Years later when Brexton and Drew see each other again there’s no mistaking the connection they once shared is still there. These two brought the emotions and I felt for both of them. Drew really touched my heart with everything he was going through and I just wanted good things for him. I was rooting so hard for Brexton and Drew and both deserved happiness. Their journey is an emotional one, but it was definitely worth it.
Hard to Score was a sports romance filled with angst. This emotional second chance story brought the heartbreak, but it was wholly filled with love. K. Bromberg did an awesome job with Brexton and Drew’s story. I can’t wait for the final book in this series.
“If love were easy everyone would be in it. But it isn’t and everyone’s not.” ~ Kenyon Kincade
When family secrets from the past haunt you are you able to move on and be with the one you were meant to be with. Drew has to accept what happened in the past does not determine the man he is today. Love the dynamics between Brexton and Drew and how their story unfolds.
I am loving this Kincade Sports Management series, and Brex’s book was the perfect addition.
Brexton is a romantic at heart. She is trying to find the missing piece of her puzzle and usually ends up short.
Drew is hiding from his family’s past and now dealing with repercussions of years of lies and avoidance.
I loved that Brex was determined not to give up. She would dig just enough to get Drew to open up a little, and then she would back off. This allowed both of them to drop their walls and create this relationship where they both felt safe and loved.
I also loved the scenes with the secondary characters. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I really hope Chase’s hero is who I think it is going to be!!
New stat after reading this story: K.Bromberg is now my one-click sports romance. To say she managed to make readers go bonkers after this touchdown sports romance is a simple understatement. Riveting from beginning to end, this author delivers all the feels with this second chance romance that hooked me from the very beginning.
Some truths are just lies wrapped in a transparent cloak … you just need to look a little closer… A story about the first love, the first trembling of the heart, the first unplanned kiss …. and all the memories strike with all their might when Brexton Kincade and Drew Bowman stand against each other after so many years… The desire is stronger than ever, the hearts want, the bodies are more than willing but the reasons against it are too strong… Will they manage to ignore that strong spark that threatens to envelop them in its flame of passion and love? Will the hidden truth strengthen or destroy their love?
Mixing parts of the past and the present, the author leads us through the story of Brexton Kincade and Drew Bowman, not sparing us from the emotions that literally drip from every page, from every scene, from every expressed and unspoken thought. The plot as well as the whole course of the story are very intriguing, with enough drama and vicissitudes to keep the reader’s attention until the very end. Brexton Kincade and Drew Bowman are characters who simply captivate with their uniqueness and freshness. The sexy-as-sin QB Drew Bowman is a character who causes a variety of emotions in the readers. Condemned by a mistake that wasn’t his, he hides in the shadows, scared of the past, lonely, and stuck in a dizzying routine. But he is also the man who manages to shake the ground under the feet of the fearless Brexton Kincade. A woman who manages to shine in that male world without any difficulty and deals with all the setbacks that the profession brings with it. The added aspect of a childhood crush and families who are torn apart by lies further intensifies the emotional aspect of the book, which is simply present from beginning to end. And what about the chemistry between them? …. Whenever these two are close to each other, there are explosions and fireworks on all sides…
If you are looking for a story that will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face, that will manage to awaken the romantic in you, then this is definitely the right choice for you … With snarky and flirty banter, enough angst and drama, this book promises to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you panting for more
4.25 stars—HARD TO SCORE is the third instalment in K. Bromberg’s contemporary, adult PLAY HARD erotic, romance series focusing on the Kincade sisters who work for the family owned Kincade Sports Management (KSM). This is twenty-six year old, sports agent Brexton Kincade, and second string, professional quarterback Drew Bowman. HARD TO SCORE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Drew and Brexton) using present day and memories from the past, HARD TO SCORE follows the rekindling friendship, relationship and love between twenty-six year old sports agent Brexton Kincade, and quarterback Drew Bowman. For years the Kincades and Bowmans were best friends, two families who did everything together but approximately ten years earlier a scandal destroyed the football career of Drew Bowman’s father Gary, and in the ensuing years, our hero was led to believe it was all Kenyon Kincade’s fault. With the reappearance of Brexton Kincade, Drew Bowman struggles with the memories of the woman he once loved, and the betrayal he believes that destroyed his father’s career and the family dynamic. As Drew navigates a floundering career tainted by the actions of his once-beloved father, Brexton struggles knowing that whatever happened is affecting her relationship with the man that owns her heart. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Drew and Brexton, and the potential fall-out as Drew must come to terms with what happened and why.
Meanwhile, Brexton is tasked by Justin Hobbs to broker a trade, a first string quarterback she doesn’t represent but a man who is desperate to move to the west coast. As Brexton battles between head and heart, Justin begins to flounder on the field, and pushing all of our heroine’s buttons, off the field.
The relationship between Drew and Brexton is one of second chances. Childhood friends torn apart by secrets and lies, Drew and Brexton’s journey to rekindle their relationship is threatened by the sins of the father, and the humiliation that ensued. When the truth is revealed, our hero is devastated realizing he had lost so many years with the woman he loved. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text-there is definitely a palpable sexual energy.
The secondary and supporting characters include Brexton’s sisters Dekker, Chase and Lennox, as well as their father Kenyon Kincade; Drew’s parents, sister Maggie and her daughter Charley; quarterback Justin Hobbs; and sports agent Finn Sanderson.
HARD TO SCORE is a story of betrayal, secret and lies; desperation and humiliation; second chances, relationships, family and love. The premise is wonderful, captivating and heart breaking; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are animated and charismatic.
Hard to Score is the third book in the Play Hard series, following the 4 Kincade sisters in their family sports management agency. This is Brexton’s story but can still be read as a standalone. It’s a second chance romance trope, with Brexton and her childhood friend, Drew, reconnecting after 10 years apart. There is some major family animosity still lingering, all stemming from a breakup between their parent’s friendship after a scandal. There are some alternating chapters based in the past. You are really trying to figure out what exactly happened between these two couples to warrant this drama. We do get answers towards the end of the book though.
Brexton was an easy character to love. She was driven but kind and thoughtful and did not hold a grudge about the past. Drew was still stinging from the past family drama that he kept putting the brakes on their relationship. He was very down because of his career, his family and previous scandals. Brexton was like a salve for him. Both characters did keep their relationship secret for as long as possible. The storyline unfolded in a very unique way. It was an emotional and sweet second chance trope and I would definitely recommend this book as well as the entire series.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you’re looking for a book that will consume you from the very beginning to the very end, then you definitely must read Hard to Score. The third book in the Play Hard series by K. Bromberg, this heartfelt and emotional second chance story has a steady flow of family drama, secrets, lies, heartbreak, angst, witty banter, off-the-charts chemistry, steamy scenes, that all wraps up with a happily ever after.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
A chance meeting put Brexton face to face with her childhood, unrequited love. Drew notices that Brexton is all grown up and wants to get reacquainted. But, he has one condition, the past is the past. Can she forget about their history to pursue a relationship now?
Their complicated, tangled history makes Brexton a Juliet as Drew believes her family led to Drew’s family’s demise. Brexton and Drew’s journey is a hard one, but it is full of heartwarming romance. This friends-to-lovers tale has features refreshingly honest communication and minimal angst. I appreciated the strong friendship between these childhood friends despite the years apart.
Drew is just the kind of hero that I like — complex and romantic. He can teach a master class on romance and grand gestures. Get ready to swoon! I couldn’t help but feel for Drew as he deals with his family issues though. His devotion to his troubled family was moving. Drew did everything possible to keep his family together.
This story of love, forgiveness, and second chances has all the feels. Brexton and Drew’s story is a special one in a series that keeps getting better and better.
I received an early copy of this book. This voluntary review reflects my unbiased, honest opinion.