Cocky football players, school rivalry, and the girls who get in their way. Get ready … The Raiders are back for one final play!Mya Hernandez has scars.The kind that run deep and leave marks.Rixon is only supposed to be a temporary place to hide, but it’s quickly becoming something more. She’s almost certain it has nothing to do with the blond-haired, blue-eyed football player who makes her … blue-eyed football player who makes her laugh. Who makes her believe in fairy tales again.
Even if she knows her life is destined to be nothing more than a tragedy.
Asher Bennet has secrets.
Not the scandalous kind, but the ones that fester, slowly eating away at your soul.
On the face of it, he’s Mr Popular, always down for a party and causing a little mayhem.
But on the inside, he just wants someone to see him. Really see him. Too bad the one girl who sees past his facade has already friend-zoned him.
It’s probably for the best though.
She’s different.
A fighter.
She’s everything he wants but can never have.
Until Mya’s past and Asher’s present collide in ways neither of them saw coming.
And suddenly the thing you need most is the very thing you’re supposed to hate.
The Harder You Fall is the third book in The Rixon Raiders series. All books in this series can be read as standalones!
The Trouble With You
The Game You Play
The Harder You Fall
more
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What a great ending to this fantastic trilogy. We have become quite acquainted with Asher through the guys in the first two books as he was part of the main group. Mya was also introduced though the two of them together is all new even if it was a long complicated process to accomplish. Not only do they have history to tackle first but there are also a few surprise twists that will truly test their passion to be together. It gets a little dicey for awhile but they do eventually get their HEA. A great read for fans on angsty romance. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
I don’t know whether to smile or cry…
I knew I would fall hard for Ash. I knew he would be my favorite Raider even after Cam stole my heart mercilessly. I knew something about that carefree facade called to me. The sweet friend to Flick, taking her under his wing. Asher Bennet is a complicated guy. He’s clearly harboring some deep issues and he hides them well behind a practiced facade. But Asher wasnt fooling me, and my heart was calling out to him in the very first book of this series. Part of me was frustrated with LA Cotton for making me wait but not anymore! Asher is worth the wait! And even I can agree Mya is better suited for Asher than I am (will deny ever admitting that FYI!).
But its bittersweet! This overwhelming need to hang with the gang and not grow up because this is the final book in the Rixon Raiders series. Apparently, LA Cotton doesn’t love us enough to keep feeding us info on these guys so as happy as I am for Ash, I want to cry for me. It’s like losing the friends you just found but knowing they are moving on to bigger and better things!
The Harder You Fall is intense. The emotions, the crippling situations, and the hopelessness are bleeding from the pages. LA Cotton makes sure you will never forget the struggle because every hurt was worth it in the end. So as I sit here deciding whether or not to forgive the author for abandoning me (by not allowing me more books with Jase, Cam, and Ash) with a smile on my face and the tear tracks still visible, I know I’m going to have to reread the series (audiobooks are freaking awesome for a “new” experience) and I’m okay with that…mostly. lol! I hope we get a random novella or anthology with a spot check on these guys in the future. Perhaps we can make a petition…
Either way (and I say this begrudgingly) I’m just happy to have been along for the ride!
Go RAIDERS!
Omg I have been in love with Asher since book one and I knew that behind his humor and laid-back persona there held some issues that he just wasn’t letting anyone in on. He is this all-around perfect football god but the only person he lets into the real him for now is Mya. Mya is running from a rough neighborhood and a past she would love to forget about. She thought she had found love once before with her childhood friend, but that ended with her getting hurt emotionally and physically. So, when Asher wants more from Mya and her to be his she pushes him away time and time again. It isn’t until Asher has gotten to her that she realizes she is already falling for him and she doesn’t seem to mind. They both have to endure so much just to be together and they deal with the pressures of family and society that is hard on them, but they do endure it, until a tragedy occurs, and Mya’s past comes back to haunt her. Will they be able to make it through what society deems as right and the tragic events that caused their issues or will they let things tear them apart for good? I swear Asher is the perfect guy that I loved so much and I was happy that the other couples make a lot of appearances throughout this read and proving to us that family isn’t always blood but those who choose to stand by us in times of trouble.
So good and so relevant to today’s society of interracial relationships!
Oh…………my…………god . What an epic final book! I love everything about the Rixon Raiders and boy did Lianne deliver on this! Asher and Mya had all the feels. Like heart in my mouth feels . I loved how they both developed in this book and we got too dig deep into Asher and Mya’s back ground. Asher is such a charmer and is very lovable while Mya is a very sassy strong woman! They both complimented each other wonderfully. It was an emotional roller coaster for sure but even though I didn’t want it to end I loved how it did. Hopefully this isn’t goodbye forever and just goodbye for now as these characters have a special place in my heart #rixonraiders #raidergirlforever #araiderstolemyheart
I have loved this whole series and if you love a young adult sport series this is for you.
Surprises, unexpected relationships, kindness, it shows people can change and some don’t. This series show you what happens, the good and the bad at a younger age.
After Cam story I was excited for both Jason and Asher story. Jason for some reason will be my favourite but Asher is a close second. I love how sweet he is and how he loves his friends. Maybe he tied with Jason the more I think about him and they completely opposite to each other.
I love the girls from each book but Mya showed what strength she had and what she went through. Am glad she didn’t fight much to be with Asher cause he deserved someone special.
The feels from this book was a good ending for 2019!
“I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.”
Oh my heart .
I found this really Emotional.
It is such a fantastic story by L.A.Cotton,and my mind and my heart was all over the place.
I really Love Asher in the first two books he stole my heart with his easy going lighthearted ways.Always the life of the party and always there for everyone with a smile and a joke..so no-one actually knew his life was a mess and falling apart.
Mya came to Rixton to escape from her past and an ex boyfriend who got into a bad crowd and was leading a dangerous life.She needed to get away and make a better life for herself and she happens to catch the eye of Asher.
They come from different worlds but when they are together they are perfect,but there are so many obstacles in their way and their relationship is not seen as conventional.
I Loved Mya and Asher and how no matter what they faced they handled it together,until a tragic accident tears them apart.
My heart was in bits and pieces reading this book,I just felt so many emotions and L.A.Cotton navigated this story so well.
It was such a rollercoaster and a beautiful story too..the ending had me choking up and tears spilled down my eyes…it is Amazing.
Its a spectacular book that I highly recommend.
5 stars
3
Style: Sports Romance (High School)
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: No
Violence: No
Male: Popular & Football Player
Series: Book 3
Pages: 436
Audio: GOOD (f/m)
Kindle Unlimited: Nope
STORY:
I enjoy the storytelling of the author for all 3 books and the way she always kept all couples involve in each other’s story. With that being said, I like Asher’s and Maya’s story, I just wasn’t in love with it. Asher, Cameron and Jason are 3 different individuals, but I really enjoyed Jason’s because of his intensity. Asher seemed very tamed to me. That doesn’t mean I don’t like him because I do. I liked the way he treated Maya and stood up for her. I think I felt a little salty coming into Asher’s story because he felt like he had a little connection to Felicity, and it just looks like he went to what was left. Even when Maya transferred in book 2, their connection was as strong:
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes were satisfactory.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I always enjoy seeing all 6 together. When they are together, their chemistry always makes you smile. Sorry the Rixon players doesn’t continue, not that I know of because I really like Grady.
OVERALL:
Not bad, likable, but also not great. I am debating reading The End Game is You. I am only maybe interested in seeing how Jason and Felicity works out.
TRIGGERS:
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
“Asher had taught me that what people saw didn’t define us. It was what was on the inside that counted.And our souls were the same.”
I knew Asher was going to blow my mind. I waited for this moment since the first book.
He is the joker , the easy going guy, always with a smile on his face .
But like everyone, he’s also wearing a mask, hiding his real feelings.
On the outside he seems to have the perfect life but on the inside secrets are slowly eating him alive.
Then something changed, Mya happened . She was different than any girl he had ever seen.
She also was a broken soul on the inside, and broken souls recognize each other .
The bond between Asher and Mya was something else. They just made sense together.
“If you were mine, I’d chase you to the ends of the Earth before I ever gave you up”
I loved how Mya stood up against immature people who looked her different only because her skin was of a different color. She was a force of nature, strong , impenetrable .
But there’s always an exception , and Asher with is cuteness and just his way of being himself got to her heart.
Their journey wasn’t easy , it was filled with obstacles , but once they realized they were end game nothing could stop them.
“Our past and present had collided in a way neither of us saw coming, but the future? The future was ours.”
The chemistry and the passion between them was off the charts , I was on a constant rollercoaster of emotions and I loved every second of it.
I gave it 5 stars
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!
Humbling. Hopeful. Hot.
As the last book in the Rixon Raiders series, The Harder You Fall, Asher and Mya test their friendship and connection when the present collides with expectations, and the past.
Ash is the joker, who hides his feelings better than most can see, and yet is the most receptive from his friends. He’s also the guy who wears his heart on his sleeve, and deserves to be just as treasured as he loves. Mya is on the defensive and strives to break free from social constraints, which only challenges her to seek deep within, to find her true happiness. Together, Ash and Mya, have much to overcome, but hopefully not at the sacrifice of one another.
This was a burning tale of two friends deciding on whether being more than, is worth the sacrifice. Be sure to read the extended epilogue, The End Game is You, for more sizzle and HEAs.
“I will always want you, Mya. You own my heart and I don’t ever want it back.” ~ Asher Bennet,
The Harder You Fall (Rixon Raiders Bk 3)
Don’t forget to start the next generation of Rixon Raiders in the amazing prequel, Blurred Lines! Available for free for a limited time. Off Limits is Book 1 in the Rixon High series, coming March 30th.
L. A. Cotton
Brilliant Story & Narration Gripping & Heartfelt!
The Harder You Fall
Rixon Raiders, Book 3
By: L A Cotton
Narrated by: Sarah Puckett, Wen Ross
Series: Rixon Raiders Series, Book 3
I loved everything about this book, from L A Cotton’s wonderful writing style to the characters and storylines she created to the perfectly casted narrators who bring it all to life from the pages to your ears. I also loved the first two book of the series and it is great to back in Rixon for Asher Bennet and Mya Hernandez’s story, it is also great to see the characters from the earlier books too. Mya came to Rixon to live with her Aunt, she needed to leave the city and her old life behind, for her own good and safety. Her ex was getting caught up with the local gang and it put her in danger. Ash has been one of my favorite characters in this series, so it was great to learn how much there is to him. Starting a new school was not easy for Mya but she was paired with Felicity and with Hailee they became quick friends. Ash and Mya clicked but Mya was not looking to get involved with anyone, so they agreed to be friends, Ash was not giving up on her though. I loved these two together, they were great for each other and the chemistry between them was electric. He opened up to her and she to him, the two come from completely different worlds and each had issues and drama going on but they understood each other and what they were going through. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story is beautifully plotted and there is never a dull moment, in addition to the drama, there is some angst, some thrilling & suspenseful moments with Mya’s past, lots of heartfelt and emotional moments and some great romance. L A Cotton does a great job touching on race issues and prejudices. Mya and Ash is the perfect example that the only thing that matters is what is in the heart. Thank you for the wonderful story and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
And for the fabulous narration, Sarah Puckett and Wen Ross continue to bring these characters to life, giving each their own voice and personality, as well as heart and attitude. Their portrayal of the characters is spot on, sounding just as I picture them to sound. Sara Puckett played a K.A and fierce Mya. Wen Ross’ Ash was perfection, he brought out another side of him. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters emotions and projected them in to their performance. These two mega talented narrators are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen
Thank you @AudiobookObsession AudiobookObsessionReviewer
3.5
Spanish & English Opinion
ESP ::
Nunca es suficiente de los Raiders de Rixon High. Lo mejor es que seguimos sabiendo de Cam con Hailee y Jason con Fee.
Asher es el amigo que nos cae increíble y merecía su HEA. Mya cae bien, es un personaje distinto y con una historia intensa, y con Asher hace sentido.
Me había gustado el final, pero saber que habría un cuarto libro a modo de epílogo me hizo feliz. ¡Lista para leerlo!
ENG ::
We can never have enough from the Rixon High Raiders and their universe. The best part of the book is that we continue to know about the previous couples.
Asher is the guy we all wish could be our friend. He deserved his HEA and Mya has it for him. She’s a different character and her story is intense, but with Asher she made sense and he became better.
Learning that there would be a new book as an epilogue made my day. Ready for it!
Book 3) Maya & Asher
High school bully romance, football, racism, old drama, presumptions, friendships, a blast from the past, gangs, survivors.
Asher is the best friend of Cameron and Jason, and while he made besties with Felicity, he is hungry for his own love, but it’s not without struggles and consequences to love that deeply
This book has so many ups and downs, and give you all the feels …
Characters grow, the story intriguing and the drama’s from the first two books that go as an red line threw the books will come to conclusion…
5 star read
** spoiler alert ** in this book I read a whole new asher bennet, he went from the happy and funny guy to someone who had too much sadness in him and secrets he was ashamed to reveal to his friends, this book shows us the vulnerable part of asher bennet and how strong he is, it also shows us how strong mya is and honestly she’s one of the best female characters I’ve ever read.
anyway, this book made laugh and cry and laugh again, one of my favourite parts is the kiss between asher and Jason I just love those two assholes.
I’m so sad this is the last book of the rixon boys but I’m so happy they had their happy ending with their girls.
Wow this book really brought all emotions out of me. It made me cry, angry, happy, sad, and want to throw my kindle at the wall at times. I love these characters so much and they feel as though they are my best friends. We meet Mya the new girl and she catches Asher’s eye. So much happens in this book that I loved every word. Highly Highly Highly recommend this book but definitely need to read this series in order.
Asher Bennett has never known love well he thought he did with Felicity but everybody can see she belongs with his best friend Jase Ford. They think he has a great life which in many ways he does he has the money, good looks and hello he is part of the Rixon Raiders all time football team. The thing is that he doesn’t have it all and Mya Hernandez is the missing piece to making all things right. Being with her, talking to her and just hanging out with her he is showing the real him nobody has seen before. The more time he is with her though is making him see that senior year is not just the last time as a Rixon Raider but his time in football is running out. He has the skills to make it all the way to the NFL but his father is on his back and only Mya can save him. Now Mya is not only a fighter but man love her feistiness and take charge attitude. Just like Ash she has her own demons to fight and as a Latina her past will not go away. Fighting for a new life is harder than she thinks and she must fight not just for love but for possibly a life with a football player she never expected. Book 3 was more than just fighting for love and new possibilities but L.A Cotton at her best and shining moment. Asher is more than just a football player he is everything that well Mya needs in her life. Seeing him at his best, lowest and oh my God the broken side of him was just WOW. Loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
The Harder You Fall, the third book in the popular Rixon Raiders Series, is an entertaining take on the Friends to Lovers trope. It is emotional, with several highs and lows, and plenty of angst to work out along the way. Asher is an interesting lead character with his happy go lucky attitude which masks a much deeper, flawed soul. And Mya is such a tough, fiesty heroine that I really fell in love with. I really enjoyed everything about this Sports Romance and look forward to the final book, The Endgame is You! 5 Stars!
3 dramatic stars
I really loved Asher in the first two books and I had high hopes and expectations for his book! And although I enjoyed it it didn’t quite hit the mark for me .
So in the previous books Asher is the playful flirty , loyal to the bone self sacrificing other best friend . And although he was still that somewhat in this
Book we also got to see the other side of him where he feels like all of that is his facade and no one really knows him .
Maya is a Latina girl who’s running away from a dangerous past , she’s a tough nut but Asher quickly breaks down her walls.
Their story is a friends to lovers romance mixed with some angst and their pasts catching up with them .
I liked ashers deeper secrets but wished that instead of a sudden change of heart brought on by circumstances Asher was the one that made that change happen In a different way (I can’t say more without spoilers but it kinda brought the story down for me ) , I also wish he’d let him friends in on it earlier to really solidify their bro bond that felt a lot stronger in the first two books .
All in all this series has been a good one . 🙂
Cotton scores a complete touchdown in the story of Asher & Mya, the finale for the Raiders…. or is it? We shall see.
“ . .“
Asher Bennet is a hurricane force of a guy, a charming smile hiding his secrets.
When the two come together, it’s an epic love story, not without its twists and turns, or enough emotions to gut punch us readers.
I laughed, I cried, my heart broke, and was pieced back together, and we all survived. Cotton definitely didn’t hold back on us, giving us turmoil, and angst, but also so many good feelings.
“’ , .”
“ , ’ .”
The push and pull between the two was a delicious build up to when they finally did give in.
The plot twist wrecked me.
But I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our other Raiders, seeing how their relationships have evolved.
I’m sad to see the end of this series, but beyond happy with each book, and this one is no exception.
I’m going to hold my hand up and admit that I haven’t as yet read the first two books in this series. Did that spoil my enjoyment the reading The Harder You Fall? Absolutely not. I’m just kicking myself for not doing so and am now heading straight over to one-click those books to rectify this.
A adore Mya. I have watched her throughout the book, having to deal with situations that no teen should have to go through. It broke my heart many times witnessing this. She is the most amazing person and I just want to hug her. I wish that her life had been so different and pray that it is in future. I adore her strength and determination. Felicity and Hailee are so lucky to have her as their friend, as she is to have them.
Asher has stolen my heart. What an incredible young man he is. He doesn’t have it easy at all but this loveable joker is someone who you know will have your back when you need him to. As like Mya’s friendship group, I love seeing Jason, Cameron and Asher together – they are brothers in every sense except sharing the same genes.
I love the connection and chemistry between Mya and Asher. I could see that they were meant for each other from the very beginning but they have so many obstacles standing in their way. This book was a real page turner and I couldn’t see which way the story was going to go. The drama in some scenes had me on the edge of my seat, and I loved this.
I honestly did not want to put my kindle down when reading this book. I have felt every emotion possible and I have had to reach for the tissues a few times too. I would love to see where the group are in a few years’ time, to see if their dreams and wishes have come true, hopefully the author will pen another book in the series and update us one day. One thing I feel is that they all deserve to be happy, and I’m certain that with the attitude and determination they display they will achieve the success that they desire.