My friends used to tell me ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.’ Clearly they lied, because there was no way the chemistry I had with Mel could ever be left behind.However, my children, her career, and nine hundred miles between us meant that for seven years, Melanie Holstein was the one who got away.I was Aiden Shaw, first-round draft pick turned the best quarterback the league had ever seen. … league had ever seen. I worked hard to secure my position in football history while balancing life as a single dad. Through it all, my Vegas spitfire was never far from my mind.
And considering her best friend was now with my best friend, it was pure and utter torture.
When my career took a devastating turn, Mel was the first person at my side. I was broken and defeated, but that stubborn woman was determined to piece me back together.
I liked to pretend Mel and I were destined for greatness, but Lady Luck had never been on our side. And the tragedy that followed might have been the hardest hit of all.
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Aiden and Mel met in Vegas and the chemistry was intense. They lived 900 miles apart but couldn’t forget each other and they saw each other cause there friends were together. After an accident Mel goes to Aiden and they are finally together but than something unexpected happens. Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Amazing Book.
The beauty of this book is that it happens pretty simultaneously with The Hardest Route, and it’s as fantastic as that one. We also have an age difference, since Mel is the same age as Brooke, and they’re both eight years older than their guys. In this case, Mel and Aiden don’t have a one-night stand, what they had was an all night awesome conversation where they connected and became great friends with a lot of possibilities. The distance was a concern, since they practically lived on opposite sides of the country, but once their weekend was over, Aiden was determined to make it work.
Melanie is a physical therapist with a very heavy work schedule and Aiden is a famous college quarterback who was drafted to the Bay Packers. Melanie was thirty to Aiden’s twenty-two. In spite of their hopes, Aiden’s life became complicated when an ex-girlfriend appeared, pregnant with his babies, twin boys. He had to put his romance with Melanie on hold to face his situation and deal with the ex-girlfriend Shay, who was a manipulative, selfish and self-centered witch with a b.
Seven years later, Brooke and Griff are married, and Melanie and Aiden sometimes meet at birthdays, parties and football events. They still keep in touch sporadically through texting, but Melanie has decided to cut it because it keeps her hoping and waiting. However, this time Aiden is determined to make it with her. After a couple of stand-ups, Melanie finally decided to call it permanently off, but then tragedy strikes and Mel rushes to his side. Aiden acts like a jerk, like all men do when they’re struck down and their pride forbids them from accepting help. Luckily, Mel is of sterner stock and keeps her cool and handles the bear.
What makes this story so juicy is the personalities involved. Melanie comes from the foster system and has trusting issues. When combined with the frequent stand ups she got from Aiden, caused by issues with his children and the witch, it made her distrust Aiden’s feelings. On the other hand, Aiden always felt like second best in his house, with his parents favoring the oldest brother and the golden child in football. This caused Aiden to always put up a happy front where he kept his insecurities inside and this didn’t let him be upfront with Melanie on his kids issues. Once they are together, they start working on all their issues and start forging a strong couple.
This was a great story! I loved both Aiden and Melanie, although sometimes I thought Aiden was a chump, and loved the little kids. I also loved the frequent glimpses into Griff and Brooke’s life with Ally Bean. Hope there’s more stories coming up!
Five stars! What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas baby!
Holy batman! Once again I fall in love with a single father character. It seems like they are chasing me or am I chasing them? The Hardest Hit by A.S. Teague is literally a punch to readers’ heart. I fell in love with Aiden Shaw from the very first page. He is just the perfect book boyfriend for all those beautiful book addicts out there in the wild who have a thing for hot, sexy as hell single daddies. It is impossible to not love Aiden. He is the epitome of a single dad! Let’s focus and carry on with this review because Aiden could be very distracting and this book deserves all the good vibes because it’s a book gem not to be missed!
This book was a very surprising journey! A great, sweet, dramatic read that evoked all the right feelings. The plot is refreshingly unexpected, the pacing is fast and the characters were wonderful and complex. The writing is flawless and pours all emotions in a raw and naturally way. A.S. Teague managed to bring through her words a heartfelt and beautiful romance with plenty of details and challenges. She has given us a story of love found and life getting in the way of it.
The Hardest Hit is a slow-burning love story between a super-hot football star and the girl who got away. This novel explores how deep and complex love can be and how frustrating life can be. Loving someone requires a lot of hard working. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Aiden who happens to be an expert on this topic.
Mel and Aiden’s story is about missed chances, it is filled with hot sensual tension, angsty moments that keep you at the edge of your seat, turns and twists that you never imagine coming and overall it is about two souls destined for greatness. Time and life weren’t in their side although they belonged together. Their story began in Las Vegas. Sparks flew when they first meet. Chemistry between those two was scorching hot and out the charts nevertheless fate and Lady Luck had other plans for them.
Mel is a strong heroine, self-assured and hard working. She is feisty and does not take anything for granted. She is a very independent woman who has made a career as a physical therapist. Her life is settling but her love life was null. Meeting Aiden will turn her life upside down. It took one spark to evolve into a bonfire! It didn’t matter the age gap between them. As they said, age is only a number. She will carefully navigate the consuming desire because she is not sure if she and Aiden will be an item. I liked Mel, I could see myself being friend of her because her loyalty made her real and human.
Aiden, oh my, he was my kryptonite and Mel’s two because who can resist a hot star NFL player. On the surface he seems quite immature and so full of himself but as the story develops he shows his real heart. His dedication and devotion toward his boys melted my heart. The way he treat everyone around him was a plus to his character despite of the awful examples he has. I loved how persistent he was with Mel. How he was sure they belonged together. How he fought for her. How he worked to convince her they were destined soul-mates. Every effort he made was inspiring.
This wasn’t a simple and cliché story where boy meets girl and everything is colour pink. It is so much more. It is so much deep. It is everything! Sorry not sorry but I do really loved this book so much. The Hardest Hit is one of those books that will make your heart ache and gasp for air.
The same night her best friend, Brooke, meets Griffin (The Hardest Route), Mel (Melanie) meets Griffin’s best friend and fellow future NFLer, Aiden. She’s instantly attracted to the hottie with a cocky smirk, but alas, their timing isn’t right, and unlike Brooke and Griff, Mel and Aiden don’t have a hot night. Nope, they have a night filled with talking, telling each other secrets, and imprinting themselves on the other’s soul. But, like I said before, the timing was not right for them, and isn’t, for literally years. They spend those next long years never getting together for various reasons including his NFL schedule, her crazy work hours (she’s a physical therapist), and one big secret of his. Until one time too many, Aiden finally blows her off for the last time and Mel is just done. DONE. Done with letting him con her into thinking he’s finally going to come through for her and take her out. So she’s does her damndest to avoid him. Until that hit, that potentially career-ending hit. Will Mel take the emotionally easy way out and keep avoiding the man who’s never had the right timing? Or will she man up and go be there for him, the way he said he would have been there for her had she truly needed him.
Damn…The Hardest Hit was an emotional roller coaster! I fully admit to shedding a few tears (maybe more than a few), especially toward the end and during the epilogue. Mel and Aiden’s story is angsty and full of push and pull, back and forth and lots of UST, so much ust. I felt for both of them, and more than once I wanted to smack Aiden upside the head for toying (although not purposely) with poor Mel’s heart. But Mel? I just loved her plain and simple. She’s so f-in strong, and loyal, and about the perfect heroine in my eyes. She was there for her bestie and her honorary niece, she was there for Aiden even when honestly he didn’t much deserve it, and she stayed true to herself. She was freaking perfect. And I admit to finally falling in love with Aiden once he finally took his head out of his ass and got things right with Mel. Their story is a bit heart-rending, super sexy, and really the perfect romantic read. 5 stars!!
“Nine years ago, the most stunning woman I’d ever seen stole my heart…”
ARC via Social Butterfly PR.
Do we ever know when our next surprise is going to spring up? Of course not, because surprises are as much a part of life as breathing, eating and being alive. No matter what life hits us with, we are bound and destined to address and resolve each issue in one way or another. Emotional, physical, mental, does not matter the hits will keep on coming. But what is The Hardest Hit? AS Teague, you have spun a web of interest and challenge that left me speechless. I could not turn the pages fast enough, yet with each turn, I always wondered, what next, what next, and again what next.
Time waits for no man…or woman. Talk about an understatement, this story shows just how fast time can fly. But it also shows the power of love and that there is strength in knowing who your soulmate is. Aiden and Mel are powers in their own rights and their own fields of business, but together, they are nothing less than explosive. How they were able to endure and grow with each misstep left me speechless. Anyone that knows me knows, speechless is not a word used in conjunction with my name.
AS Teague brings suspense and angst to the page with clarity and emotion. She also does the same with passion and revelation. No way was I putting this book down. Sleep because a waste of time. I was hooked till the very last page and the very last sentence.
What an amazing story of perseverance, strength, patience, emotions, and love. There are not enough stars to give to this story but I place it high on my list of best of the year.
This was different in a good way. An emotional, engaging romance that spans years and is heartbreaking in it’s delayed gratification between two terrific characters. Melanie is a fantastic heroine. Smart, sassy and doesn’t take any crap while being sympathetic and charges in when Aiden needs her the most. Aiden is a dreamy hunk with such a demanding life and an unexpected event that prohibits his pursuit of a relationship with Mel. Distance, work and responsibilities keeps these two, who have so much chemistry and a growing connection, from finding out if they could work as a couple until a tragedy brings them together. I loved their text conversations and banter and their sexy sizzle when they are together. A few things bothered me though. Why didn’t Mel date and look for love? She didn’t seem to be waiting on Aiden. I know it was part of this heart wrenching story but I think if they really wanted to be together I think they could have found a way. Aiden and Mel were always connected through their friends but sometimes was always thrown in their way. One obstacle after another plus a nasty ex causes problems for these two. Aiden seemed to roll over to easily and he had enough money to solve a manufactured problem created by his ex. After seven long years of missed chances they finally are in the same place at the same time. This was a heart wrenching, emotional romance with wonderful characters both main and secondary. I loved the group of supportive friends and can’t wait for the next story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
This one hit right in the feels! what a great story!.
The Hardest Hit by A.S. Teague is a standalone contemporary romance. A single dad, missed connections, second chance romance that will pull you in, tease you a little, make you wonder “Will they ever get their crap together?” and then slap you upside the head with all the emotions and feels in the space of a heartbeat. I thoroughly enjoyed Mel and Aiden’s story. Itw as emotional and deep, secy and sweet. Hit me in all the right places and has definitely got me on the lookout for more books from this author, who was a first-time read for me. Enjoy!
I loved this book. The storyline and characters felt so relatable with realistic situations. An amazing single dad and the cutest little boys.
The Hardest Hit by A.S. Teague is LIVE AND FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED!
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A breathtakingly, realistic, and relatable book that kept me quickly turning the pages to see how it was all going to play out.
Aiden and Melanie have been dancing around each other for years. They had one great night together in Vegas. Each of them have a friend that share a child, and through these two friends their lives keep being thrown together. However, their timing just never seems to be right. They’re the perfect example of modern day star crossed lovers. It’s disheartening to see them struggle. Then life throws Aiden for a devastating ride and Melanie can’t help but be there to help him through it.
This series is outstanding! They can all be read as standalones but in my opinion are better together (read in order). A series you definitely don’t want to pass by.
After one very memorable night in Vegas, NFL Quarterback Aiden Shaw is unable to shake the memory of the woman he spent some quality time with. Their time together brought unexpected feelings and a deep connection that he wanted to hold onto, but with their career’s just taking off, neither of them were in the right place to explore what was happening between them. So they said goodbye… for the time being.
But now fate is about to reunite them… and it might finally be the right time to do a little exploring!
This little reunion brings heart penetrating emotion, and palpable feeling to every page! These two came into my view and I found myself instantly obsessed with them, and their beautifully crafted story. The lost chances to explore their feelings, the lingering passion from their first night together, the constant craving for one another… I felt every ounce of it. This expertly weaved story line was always engaging, fueled by intense passion, humorous at times, and perfectly paced…there wasn’t a moment of it that I didn’t love. If you love sports romance stories, then I have no doubt this one will score serious points with you, it’s a emotionally driven story that will satisfy on all fronts!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Once again A.S. Teague shows us that her sports players are hot in every way. We see a young man on the brink of stardom and all his dreams coming true and a woman getting all her dreams fulfilled. These two are beautiful and we see more than a player having his life turned upside down we see a forever between them. All in all these two and the kids are so good together making it into this readers heart. 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.”
A great first read by this new to me author. Drawn in instantly with the chemistry between Aiden and Mel. The push and pull and angst will have you hooked throughout this story. I can’t wait to read more from this series.
Aiden and Mel, I love them, love the story how it went from Vegas wrong timing to the rest of the story, where a tragedy finally makes them see what they need. Then we have age gap, where the heroine is older than the hero and I love those combined with sport romance this is a jackpot for me. The story believe me is so good, it has you on edge of an emotional rollercoaster, the angst, chemistry and drama combined with an explosive chemistry was amazing. Single dad is not much of my cup of tea, yet this story was a 5 star for me.
Mel and Aiden’s story is one filled with a lot of lust and heartache. From the night they met they couldn’t quite seem to be at the Sam place at the same time. Being tied together through their best friends they have kept touch over the years. When tragedy strikes Aiden and his world comes crumbling down Mel realizes that she has to be the air to his lungs. Running to his side, fighting for him when he wants to give up, promising he doesn’t have to do it alone.
I fell so madly in love with these two characters. Every time I thought it was their time something would interfere. Seeing how these two fell in love and all the heartache from past experiences had me keep turning the pages. This is a definite must read and I can’t wait for Quinn’s story.
Wow! I need a breather after reading what just played out in this book. Absolutely crazy yet riveting in the length of time these two took to finally get it right. Aiden and Melanie met in Vegas and both had a strong attraction to each other yet the night was spent with laughter and shared childhood stories. Fast forward to 8 years later and guess what? Still no date worth talking about or sex between these two. Missed opportunities, shady behavior and lies would be an understatement of the saga that dragged on for so long. Melanie was older than Aiden but her behavior in the way she let herself be kept dangling by Aiden’s antics wasn’t very realistic. Aiden really needed to man up and let Melanie know what was happening in his life. Trying to shield her from his baby mama drama only created friction and resentment from Melanie. The emotions over everything that occurred was raw and powerful. Somebody needed to be winning both onn and off the field and darn it, these two had been through enough. So glad Melanie had the time and was willing to put forth the effort in making Aiden feel wanted, needed, important, but most of all loved. She wholeheartedly opened her heart and mind to loving all that encompassed Aidens world. Loved the characters and plot despite the crazy ups and downs and jumping through hoops everyone went through. This story can give hope to others who’ve met someone but for whatever reason the timing was never right..
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
They meet in Vegas, he’s a young quarterback superstar, she’s an older women, secure and established in her career. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas right? I was really intrigued by this book and was totally looking forward to the fireworks. After their amazing connection, the next 7, 8, 9 years this couple spend time either failing to meet for arranged dates or seeing each other socially with other friends and always missing their chance to be together because of other life commitments. I really struggled with this couple, although they were never really a couple and found myself becoming more and more irritated by their childish excuses and failures to even attempt one proper date with apparently the love of their life? By year 3 or 4 of their failed attempts and nothing happening i felt that neither the great Aiden Shaw nor Melanie Holstien would ever or even should be a couple. Yet i continued to read, because the book was well written, i was curious how this non drama would play out. So yes the book was well written, but i never found any passion or nor could i invest in these two characters as a couple. I felt the time they spent, growing their OWN lives whilst at the same time keeping each other in a virtual hook, just felt overly played out, i mean 7 or 8 years down the line and not even one solid attempt to properly date? Ermm no it just couldn’t work for me, that isn’t a couple in love that will beat the odds to be together, thats two people who always put their own needs first, but this is just my own personal feelings and i’m sure many many will love this book
I think from start to finish this book had me feeling every emotion. Aiden and Mel has this amazing connection from the moment they met. It was heart breaking all the time that they couldn’t be together. They really went through a lot to finally get together. I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I wrote this review based on an advance reading copy that the publisher sent me.
The Hardest Hit really surprised me. I loved the blurb and especially this trope, a Sports Romance featuring a single father and the one that got away. What I didn’t expect to find was an emotional and beautifully written, slow burn, love story that spanned eight years. I loved this poignant romance, told in dual POV, and featured two unforgettable main characters, Mel and Aiden. This story will hit you hard, so be sure to have tissues on hand, you’re going to love it!
“Times change, and life has a way of telling you what you want instead of the other way around.”
Melanie Holstein and her best friend, Brooke, decide to go to Las Vegas for a fun-filled girl’s weekend, to celebrate her thirtieth birthday, never imagining that decision would change their lives. Mel is a successful physical therapist, with a doctorate, something she couldn’t imagine while growing up in foster care. The night before heading back to Atlanta they meet two handsome younger men.
“I remember the way it felt when your eyes met mine. Like I’d suddenly been thrust into outer space and there was no oxygen to be had.”
Aiden Shaw and his friends, all Oklahoma State football teammates, are in Las Vegas celebrating getting drafted by the NFL. Aiden just signed with the Wisconsin Green Bay Packers and his best friend, Griff, is heading to Chicago. The NFL is part of his family legacy, both his grandfather and dad are Hall of Famers and his older brother Maxwell is the highest paid quarterback in the league. He’s definitely feeling lucky when they meet two beautiful women and convince them to go back to their rooms.
“I’ve been on my knees for you since the first time I saw you”
Aiden and Mel stay up all night talking, sharing secrets, and making a deep connection. Aiden is smitten with Mel and wants to see her again, despite the age difference and long distance between Georgia and Wisconsin. They text occasionally for months, and he tries to see her, but they just can’t seem to be able to get together, something always comes up. And then something huge happens, that convinces Mel she needs to end things permanently with Aiden and cut him loose.
When Brooke realizes she’s pregnant she moves to Chicago to be with Griff and Mel decides to move too, Brooke’s her only family. Over the next seven years Aiden and Mel run into each other occasionally, something inevitable due to their best friend’s relationship. Aiden has never gotten over Mel, but she knows the score and is wary of falling for Aiden, knowing he has too much going on and has never been truthful with her.
“It’s the same old song and dance, Aiden. And unfortunately for you, I didn’t wear my dancing shoes tonight.”
These two were meant to be! When push comes to shove, Mel drops everything and rushes to Aiden’s side. She proves to him how much he means to her, something no one has ever done before. I loved this story; it’ll break your heart in tiny pieces and then glue it back together, without a crack showing.
“If you’re not careful, you’re going to let the good things in your life slip right through your fingers…again.”