Hard to Lose

I have read the other books in this wonderful “Play Hard” series about four sisters who all work with their father at a successful sports agency in NYC representing professional athletes. Dekker, Lennox, and Brexton found love in the previous books, and now it’s Chase Kinkade’s turn in Hard to Lose.

This book was the most emotional of the series and had so many layers. The build-up was wonderful, and don’t worry, this was no slow burn. They meet unexpectedly as she literally walks into the bar that Gunner, our hero, owns, and these two strangers were smitten and acted on their electric chemistry from the start.

What is so emotional and the crux of the plot is a letter that was just delivered, years later, to her agency from a potential baseball recruit. She goes in search of him feeling such a strong connection and a need to learn his story. But meeting Gunner derails her plans as she finds she is enjoying her stay in this small West Virginia town, and getting to know the hot, sensitive, mystery man who is sharing the personal details of his life for the very first time, all while she is keeping secrets.

I don’t want to give too much away, but just know I stayed up past 1 am on a work night to finish Hard to Lose! I couldn’t stop and had to know what happened. I love this author’s writing style, and the interconnected characters she has created. Each has their own unique personality and they complement each other so beautifully.

I adore the close relationship Chase has with her sisters and her dad, and that she’s able to be honest and lean on them. How they encourage her spread her wings and follow her heart. She’s a smart and savvy businesswoman who is not afraid to admit when she makes a mistake and ask for advice. Love her sassiness and wit, and the two of them together.

Gunner has to be one of the best book boyfriends ever. Ever, ever. I love how even though he had such a horrible childhood and had to enlist in the military, he did it with honor. He did his very best with his circumstances and you will route for them the entire time. Instead of being bitter about his misfortunes, and trust me, your heart with bleed for this man, he was honest, humble and hardworking, and such a loyal, selfless, giving human being.

I loved the sweet dates he planned and how he opened his heart up to be loved for the very first time. Chase was guarded from a past relationship, and she couldn’t help but fall in love with this sexy war hero. I loved their banter and the ease of their relationship, and how they just naturally fit together. But his life is several states away and she needs to return home to NY. The bubble they created is about the pop once her truths are revealed, and tears will be shed.

This book is filled with so much tension, angst, passion, joy and hope, and I highly recommend it.

Best book in the series... could not put it down for a sec.

Gunner had my whole heart in this book. Talk about a fairy tale of a man!