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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I absolutely loved this one. Mel decides that she is going to Las Vegas to ring in her big 30th birthday with her best friend. While there she meets Aiden. Aiden just become a big time football player. But instead of a one night stand between these two it ends up being a night neither one of them will forget. But it is not for reasons you may be thinking. These two stay in each others lives no matter what. Even if it may be just a text asking a simple question they are still in each other lives. Until one day when something happens to Aiden. Mel realizes that she needs to be there for him. So she takes off to help him but because he is stubborn at first things are rocky between them from the start. Will these two see what is right in front of them? Or will Aiden end up losing everything important to him? I absolutely loved this one. It was a great storyline. Heart wrenching towards the end. But Aiden and Mel are two amazing characters. I absolutely loved their story
This is a new to me author and I will be reading more of her books. The blurb had me excited to get my hands on this book and didn’t disappoint.
Mel and Aiden’s story pulled me in from the beginning. These two had intense chemistry. They met in Vegas and after going back home they couldn’t stop thinking about each other. Things weren’t easy for them it seems every time the took a step forward they ended two steps back.
Their relationship wasn’t an easy one and I kept hoping things would work out for them. I am looking forward to reading more of A.S Teague books.
I absolutely devoured The Hardest Hit by A.S Teague. I loved Aiden and Mel so much, though every missed opportunity drove me nuts, this was their journey. When they met in Vegas, their chemistry and connection was undeniable but life had different paths for them. Though they are never far from each other’s mind, life went on. But when Aiden suffers a big blow, she is there for him every step of the way. Is this finally their chance?
I loved this book so much. The journey was not easy for them, but I loved taking it with them. The story was charming, emotional, and captivating.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
4.5 stars
Although I wanted to strangle Aiden several times throughout the book, it’s only because I loved he and Melanie so much! This story is a pretty incredible case of bad timing and missed opportunities and although it took a pretty rough circumstance for these two to get their act together, they really were dynamite together. I loved the other characters and the family they’ve all formed as well! Great read! Can’t wait to read more from this series!
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
I would definitely read book 1 before starting. Solange is trying to settle in and also come to terms with her new normal. She is trying to keep as much of her old normal as possible and it backfires big time. I loved that Solange didn’t just bow down to the mating and I think thats awesome make him work for it. It was also awesome that Evan respected her boundaries. When his life is put in danger though it all falls on Solange to save him. Check them out!
ARC REVIEW
Push. Pull. Score.
‘The Hardest Hit’ by AS Teague was a first time read from this other for me. And man oh man was this a full and double ride on an emotional rollercoaster.
The plot twists and just the context, in general, will make your head spin and your eyes water, while your heart either breaks or swoons.
This book talks about how the right moment might never come. How we can ruin something by simply letting something or someone in between. How we have to actually put the effort and work hard if we wanna achieve our dreams, let it be work goals or the person of your dreams.
Aiden is a sexy as sin, arrogant quarterback with a heart of gold and the best intentions. He’s sweet and caring, loves fiercely and adores proving people they were wrong about him. He’s got a smart mouth and a funny (almost too funny) character, but lucky for him he might have found just the right woman who doesn’t stand for his b*llshit.
Melanie is a gorgeous, strong and independent woman. She doesn’t take sh*t from anyone, works hard to achieve her dreams and is focused on her goals. She’s fierce and witty, always has a come-back ready and enjoys annoying the h*ll out of a certain football quarterback.
Although their first encounter might’ve been perfect, everything that came after was a far cry from it.
Timing is always wrong for them, and if it isn’t ‘emergencies’ happen.
The push and pull between these two characters are crazy, despite all that fate has thrown at them, the chemistry is undeniable and the tension they create when in a room is almost suffocating.
But no matter how hard they try, neither can move on, neither can stop thinking about the other and neither is ready to let whatever that thing between them is go.
Almost 8 years. That’s what it takes them to finally come together.
Tragedy after tragedy, fight after fight, they can’t deny this any longer. No matter how much the other has changed, no matter what factors come into play now, their passion is stronger.
This book is a page-turner that intrigues the h*ll out of you. It is a very unique and well-designed book, and no matter how many times I’ve said ‘I don’t agree with this’ while reading this book, I still couldn’t put it down until I was assured a HEA.
This is a strong book that might not be for everyone. But if you give it a chance you’ll see how beautiful it is and you won’t be able to let it go.
One day I’ll be able to read a book by A.S Teague and not get wet eyes…today was not the day and this was not that book. This book is so packed with emotion it’s hard not to feel every single thing these characters are feeling. Mel and Aiden are fantastic characters and like all the characters this author creates, they are extremely easy to fall in love with.
Mel and Aiden meet randomly one night in Vegas and the connection is instantaneous. But sometimes the timings not right and this is sadly the case for these two. Over the years they’ve stayed in touch and their connection has grown even stronger but still the timing is off and it seems these two aren’t destined to ever get together but neither can let go either. When Aidens life crashes down around him, Mel steps up and proves she isn’t going anywhere. Is the time finally right? Or will Aiden succeed in pushing her away for good?
I absolutely loved this book and the characters. I was completely captivated with this story. It’s so well written, it had me laughing out loud and I’m not even ashamed to admit that it brought tears to my eyes. An amazing read that I highly recommend.
The Hardest Hit was a phenomenal read! Very well written, amazing characters and an all around great storyline. AS is a wonderful author whom I first read when she release The Longest Route and loved Brooke and Griffin. I was so excited to hear we were going to get Aiden and Melanie’s story in THH.
Aiden and Mel have a fire starting chemistry from the first time their eyes meet that continues to build for almost a decade of wrong timings and life altering happenings. Many things keep them apart but they always keep that “door of possibility” open.
This is a great slow burn romance with off the charts wit and a fabulous HEA!
Highly recommend!!
4.5 Stars
Aiden and Mel’s relationship has always been hard. When they met in Las Vegas the chemistry between them was undeniable. They spent the whole night talking and telling each other secrets. Aiden had just been drafted to the NFL. He was so excited about his future which he hoped might involve Mel. However they lived thousands of miles apart and both were settled in with their careers. When Aiden receives news that his ex-girlfriend is pregnant with his children he goes home to take care of them, even though he wanting nothing to do with the mother. Aiden and Mel promised to keep in touch maybe one day their paths would collide and they could be together. Text messages now and then was their only communication for many years.
Seven years after they met Aiden’s life changes. He takes a hard hit in a game that ends his football career. Mel rushes to his side to help him through this terrible time in his life even though he does not want her there. Mel knows there is more to Aiden then just football, but he needs to figure it out for himself. It takes awhile but he finally sees what Mel has done for him and their relationship. This might be the time in their lives that they can be together. Mel fits into his family. His boys take to her right away. They are finally able to be happy together.
When tragedy strikes again their love will be put to the test. Will they make it through the pain and sorrow and find their happily ever after?
This was a great book to read.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
5 Star Review The Hardest Hit by AS Teague
A.S.Teague is a new author to me and why that is I have no idea.
Eyes meeting across a crowded room, Melanie Holstein and Aiden Shaw, have no idea that fate has changed both their lives forever. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas doesn’t always come true. Or it won’t if the stars ever aline for them.
This story was a compelling read with strong, likeable characters that drew me me in and had me captivated from the first to the last chapter.
There were times that I laughed, I cried and I wanted to yell in frustration whilst reading The Hardest Hit. I fell hard and fast for Aiden, he is totally swoon worthy and ticked all the boxes for me. Mel was a great character, fiercely loyal and caring, I loved her. My heart just about broke for Aiden’s children and my tears were not pretty.
Will luck finally be on Aiden and Mel’s side? Or are they destined to be like ships passing in the night?
This may have been my first read by this author but it won’t be my last.
If you love an amazing slow burn rom-com well then Aiden & Mel are an absolute must read for sure! Sizzling angst so brilliant I was squirming in my seat with anticipation!
A.S. Teague has quickly become a go to author for me. I am following her releases because I need the next characters book like yesterday. Her writing is intelligent, witty and completely entertaining.
Aiden & Mel met in The Hardest Route (which I freakin’ adored) and I knew they had something with earth shattering potential. I had no idea I was in store for such an action packed, beautifully written, complex story. These characters were completely relatable and intriguing. Their journey spans yearrrrrssss omg imagine how brutal that would be in real life gah! And as much as I wish both or either of them had had the gumption to make a move and let go of their reasons for holding back – the way their story built up and ultimately unfolded is all due to the years of longing, yearning and growth these two wonderful people had to endure.
This is a really fantastic sports romance that has a single dad that loves his boys so much and always puts them first even ahead of his own needs.
Aiden Shaw is the quarterback for Green Bay he has everything he needs he is on top of his game, he has his boys, and he has the confidence to make everything to go his way.
What he doesn’t have is the one women he always wanted Melanie Holstein, Mel has been just out of reach for 7 years. They met one night in Vegas and have texted or met up but something always happens. After Aiden takes a hit she finally realizes he Needs her not only as a PT but as someone who won’t give up on him. Mel never wanted kids, she makes her own money and really doesn’t need to the punching bag that Aiden uses her for. She is relentless and is a team player a Team Shaw player.
Mel deserves a standing ovation for her heart, grid and overall strong will that she showed. She was an amazing character who stood her ground and never let team Shaw down. This was a one of akind relationship that these two had to fight for. So worth the read.
Wow!!! What an emotional rollercoaster this book just took me on. Mel and Aiden are such wonderful characters and you will fall in love with both but you will also want to strangle both of them. They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but what happens when you meet the one your destined to be with just at the wrong time. That seems to be the problem with Aiden and Mel the entire time that their excuses are it’s just not the right time for them. And ex’s and job’s and everything else comes in between them and they keep letting it. Until a tragedy happens and they might finally see they light. But has the hits keep coming will it push them farther away or finally bring them closer together. Sometimes the worst thing that you think can happen in your life might just be the best because it can bring you to where you’re exactly supposed to be. I loved this book so hard and I highly highly recommend it!!! By Tina
Wow! This story pulled at all my heartstrings. This is Aiden and Mel’s story that spans quite a few years. They meet in Vegas but life gets in the way. This book gives you it all. From the minute they meet, the texts, the miss connections, the chemistry, you learn so much from the author’s writing that I gained new friends and loved ever bit of their story!
Aiden and Mel took such a long time to get together. It was never the right time with them and too many obstacles and circumstances. But Aiden never stopped loving her. He tried every time to get her to go out with him but something will come up and Mel felt disappointed. Then a life changing event happens and Mel is at his side thru thick and thin. These two were perfect for each other. Mel was very independent and successful. She didn’t let her upbringing interfere with her future. Aiden learned from Mel how to handle family disappointments. These two were awesome just like the little boys.
OMG buckle up and hang on because Mel and Aiden are going to take you on a crazy ride. This story is span over years which is appropriate as you experience its telling.
Plan to feel frustrated with this couple. They play a cat and mouse game supported by poor communication for years. At times I wanted to shake them both and say snap out of it. Truthfully it wasn’t malicious though but they didn’t want to look weak to the other.
Mel is so feisty and represents a strong woman most the time. Aiden is a hot single dad football play. When things blow up, well I will say I was filled with anxiety. Eek. So good. When Aiden’s boys are added to the mix, an ovary explosion occurred. Yikes!
These two characters know how to spice up the page and I love that it has a full cast of supporting characters that I am sure we will hear from again. Wink!
Happy Reading Everyone!
Aiden and Mel’s story had a lot to live up to with Griff and Brooke’s topping my list. But wow!!! I knew I would catch some feels because The Hardest Route had me crying my eyes out but I was really taken on a huge roller coaster of emotions with this story. This series is was my first glimpse of Ms. Teague’s writing and this book has definitely guaranteed her spot as a one click author for me. Definitely a must read!!
The Hardest Hit is full of missed connections when it comes to Mel and Aiden. They met in Vegas, of course, their “relationship” didn’t stay in Vegas. Aiden couldn’t get enough. He was smitten with Mel from the very beginning, but Mel had other thoughts.
I loved these two and wanted to know more about their relationship, especially after first being introduced to them in Griff and Brooke’s story. I completely devoured this book. I was hooked. Mel and Aiden’s story was one failed attempt after another, yet I loved the bond they formed. I loved the fact that that constantly told each other secrets to know more about each other.
This story was so much more than I expected. It took a tragedy to finally make the timing right. Mel stepped up big time this time around and I loved that. I loved that she didn’t take no for answer and she fought for what she knew was right from the very beginning. Aiden is so much more than a star quarterback. He and Mel had opposite lives growing up, yet they both felt ignored in a sense.
I loved every single thing about their story. It was sweet, charming, their chemistry was perfect and their road was a struggle, but they kept fighting for each other. A.S. Teague has a way of bringing out every single emotion in me when I read but I can’t get enough.
The Hardest Hit is a MUST READ.
A.S. Teague brings the feels with this one, y’all. The Hardest Hit is the kind of book that sinks its claws into your heart and doesn’t let go. Five well-earned stars from me.
The cliche “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” could not have been more wrong for Aiden and Mel. Finding each other across the room in the casino is only the beginning of the romance. But when other family obligations need to come first the two embark on text messages to remain “just friends”. When tragedy strikes and his career is in jeopardy, Mel takes it upon herself to be the strength that Aiden needs to pick up the pieces, but unfortunately that is not the only tragedy they must go through. Will it be enough to change them from friends to lovers? Can Mel put everything on hold in her life to help Aiden in his time of need? WARNING – do not read this book if you do not have Kleenex or wine nearby. There were many times I found myself going from laughter to tears and quite a few times I had to yell at my kindle and at A.S. Teague as she took the plot on a definite roller coaster of emotions. This book will be one I will re-read again and again. Absolutely loved it!!!