Hard Count by S.R. Grey

 

Title: Hard Count

Series: A Men of Fall Novel

Author: S.R. Grey

Genre: Sports Romance/Romantic Comedy

Release Date: May 24, 2022

Pro footballer Mike Vinceton desperately wants to get away before the Comets’ new season begins.

Lucky for him the tropical destination he chooses turns out to be perfect.

Not only does he find himself rested and refreshed, but he just met the most tantalizing woman. Her name is Lexi, and their connection is insane.

Too bad their time is cut short—before Mike can learn her last name . . . or where she lives.

Alas, such is life.

Resigned that he’ll never see Lexi again, Mike returns to Ohio to head off to training camp. But what he doesn’t know is he’s about to run into her again, in a most unexpected place.

See, Lexi is the Comets’ owner’s daughter. And though her dad would love for her to take more of an interest in the team, that definitely doesn’t include her dating a player.

Hell no!

Cue the sneaking around . . . and Mike and Lexi praying her dad doesn’t find out.

Hard Count is the fifth novel in the bestselling Men of Fall football romance series and can be read as a standalone.

REVIEW

Rating: 3.5*

Mike is about to start in his new team the Comets as their back-up quarterback. On holiday, he has a quick fling with Lexi before flying him. Lexi is there to let off steam after graduating college and decides to act on the chemistry she feels for Mike. Lexi is the daughter of the owner of the Comets but she has no idea who he is and he has no idea who she is. With their return home, their paths are bound to cross again.

Whilst this was part of a series I have really enjoyed, I struggled a little with this instalment. Lexi was a character I went back and forward on. Her stance in not wanting to work with her dad  because she is not interested in football is admirable and she would rather be waitressing, yet she is happy for her dad to support her lifestyle with the car and holiday she wouldn't be able to afford on a waitressing salary. When she does give in to having some role in the organisation, she is content showing up for social events and the shopping that goes with that. Equally I struggled with the owner's daughter never watching a football game until Mike encourages her to go and learn about the game. 

Mike was a character I liked.  He was supportive towards Lexi, compassionate, empathetic and more, along with with encouraging. As back-up quarterback, he doesn't get much game time but it doesn't dent his enthusiasm for the game and his planning for his future.

The first half of this book didn't seem to flow as easily as the second half or other books in the series. It felt stilted at times in terms of the description and the conversation between characters. But once you get through this you end up with a decent read and a decent story and liking the characters.

Goodreads Review - “I was riveted from the first to the last chapter….”

Goodreads Review - “It was a true love story.”

Thelma and Louise Book Blog - “This is a captivating read with wonderful characters and it will appeal to a wide range of audiences.”

S.R. Grey is a USA Today Bestselling Author of the popular Boys of Winter hockey books and Men of Fall football novels. Both series can be read in any order or as standalones. Other New Adult and Romantic Suspense works of hers include the Judge Me Not books, the Promises series, the Inevitability duology, A Harbour Falls Mystery trilogy, and the Laid Bare series of novellas.
When not writing Ms. Grey can be found reading, traveling, running, and cheering for her hometown sports teams. Sometimes all at the same time!

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