Falling Hard (The Blackhawk Boys Book 4)

4.5 STARS"Tonight, Emma isn’t the woman who once broke my heart. She isn’t the girl who wrote me off with a simple goodbye note and apologies I didn’t want. Tonight, she’s a dream, my fantasy in the flesh, my reward for surviving the hardest year of my whole life."Falling Hard is a second chance romance between a former child star and an NFL football player. I'm not sure I'd call this story angsty in the same way I typically use the word, but this book is tumultuous, with layers upon layers upon layers of difficulty and secrets and lies and mistakes and heartache. Lexi Ryan has brought all of the Blackhawk boys through their own personal versions of hell, through some serious drama and out the other side to their happily ever afters, tugging the heartstrings of the reader the whole way through. Keegan's story is no different. Rife with heartbreak and longing, Falling Hard is an intricately woven romance full of complicated secrets, gut wrenching truths, and blissfully romantic second chances.Every time I close a Lexi Ryan book, I'm convinced her writing and storytelling can't get any better. I'm repeatedly proven wrong. The writing in this book is simply stunning and the manner in which this story was so meticulously crafted is truly on another level. I've loved every book in this series, but there's something about Falling Hard that felt more layered, more complex, more intense. I'll say it again, I've loved every one of the Blackhawk boys and their stories, but this book showcased Lexi Ryan's writing talents in a whole new light for me.Falling Hard pulled me in IMMEDIATELY. A surprise reunion in Vegas between Keegan and Emma, whose brief romance was cut short before it really ever had a chance to begin, spirals into something no one could've seen coming. In fact, with each turn of the page, I was kicked in the gut with more of the unexpected... more heartache, more information about the past, more side characters threatening what might be. As the story unfolds, as this messy dynamic evolves, I found myself turning the pages at rapid fire speed, ravenous for this puzzle to piece itself together for me. Keegan's life is messy. Emma's life is messy. Their brief romance was messy, full of secrets and deception. When they see each other again for the first time after five years, so much has changed, but the secrets keep coming, the emotional hits relentless. What was once messy grows exponentially more so with each omission, with their renewed attraction, with all that was done in the dark starting to come into the light. When I say this story is complicated, it's an understatement. This story is devastating in many ways, infuriating in others, but always hopeful. Always romantic. Always riveting.I love this series because of how very different every single book is. I love this series because I never know what I'm going to get when I open the newest book, but I'm always swept away in another gripping storyline. I love this series because of how heavy each book is. These characters are pushed to the brink, facing devastating situations that kick the reader right in the gut. And Lexi Ryan nails it every time, delivering stories that are as romantic as they are emotionally torturous. Falling Hard is another winner in one of my top favorite series, a story of hope and forgiveness, acceptance and love. It's riddled with pain and drama and steam and lush romance, all woven seamlessly together by polished writing. I can't get enough of this series and I'm already sad I read this book so quickly. I loved it. I couldn't put it down. And I can't wait for the next!

Falling Hard explains so much about Keegan. His immaturity in preceding books made him hard to like. His story was of young love lost and having a second chance at the love of his dreams.Five years has seen Keegan mature into an adult, responsible for a child, the child's mother, a home, a business and a career in the NFL. As a dad, he will melt your heart. As a business man, you will be somewhat surprised at his work ethic. As a man, he loves a woman he lost and has no heart to give another and has only shared his story with one friend. Trust does not come easily, so his secrets stay hidden.Emma is not who she seems. The child actress all grown up continues to lack self-esteem and confidence and is willing to sacrifice love and true happiness to marry her best friend. She has secrets buried deep. Secrets so painful that even one of the people she told did not believe her. She loved Keegan so deeply she walked away to protect him, as well as herself; not feeling deserving of all he could give her.Las Vegas is the start of something more. His friends accept her willingly into the fold (yes, even Bailey after she tests her). She sees him as a dad and falls even deeper. But both are holding back so much, secrets, lies, and their true feelings.Their love story is fraught with mistakes of their own making, their fear of telling their secrets, their fear of being hurt. This only opens the door for outside influences to tear them down. Running seems the only option.His dad's reappearance can't be good. Can he ever be worthy of Keegan's trust? Olivia never really wanted him, despite how hard he tried to make a family for Jasmine. Olivia only wants now what she can't have.Secrets and lies are revealed. Can they survive it? Is it worth risking your heart; risking the biggest rejection? Maybe the biggest risk is walking away from something so beautiful.Kegan has redeemed himself and has become a better man. He and Emma and Jazzy will melt your heart. Olivia? Still don't like her. Keegan's dad? Well you'll just have to read and decide for yourself. Bailey and Mason? Well, things just got interesting! I can't wait for their story!!

Oh my goodness talk about complicated, I think I have a book hangover after Keegan and Emma's story.!Falling hard is brilliantly written, nothing is straight forward or as it seems, you get caught out so many times, there are plenty of secrets, lies,and surprises and as the past gradually catches up with the present it becomes absolutely torturous, I became so anxious wondering if all is going to end well and with certain characters like Keegan's father, Harry and Olivia waiting to pounce at any given time it's easy for doubt to creep in.Talking about surprises, Keegan's dad was one of them... couldn't trust him but I was holding my breath hoping he would show up on the beach for the second time and he did. It was a touching moment as he confessed to Emma he'd not only been wrong but wanted to make it right between Keegan and Emma... Handing over the evidence that was needed to get Harry arrested was a start.I think Falling Hard has been the most complex story in this series so far... not taking anything away from the others but honestly so much thought has gone into this plot, Lexi Ryan must have been exhausted afterwards.Keegan and Jazzy are on the beach, all he can think about is how he's messed up, blown his chances you can only hope that Emma will come back and she does... it's another touching and emotional moment it's the reunion we've been hoping for add to that the fabulous epilogue and it was superb.!Looking forward to Mason and Bailey.!.

Oh goodness! I loved this book! I was drawn in and didn't want to put this down. While it is book 4 in the series it could be read as a stand alone - but Lexi Ryan writes such wonderful stories I'd recommend them all!Keegan and the Blackhawk boys (and girls) are older, and having graduated have gone their separate ways. So Vegas is a reunion, and while the gang are out partying, Keegan sees Emma - someone he hasn't seen for 5 years. Told from both POV, and with flashback's to that summer five years ago. Both have secrets. There are lies. And there are complications.I loved this book! Lexi Ryan always writes such wonderful, imperfect and complex characters. The story is one where each character has grown and matured. But they are both hiding so much.Looking forward to the next book!

Keegan and Emma rollercoaster ride recommended to read all three books and to continue the journey of the Blackhawk boys never judge a person by the appearance as they have many secrets to unfold excellent

What a good read, filled with angst and oh no moments and secrets you just have to know but the sweetest happiest of endings. Good job.

I love The Blackhawk Boys series and this was no exception. A great read - Not to be missed!! Looking forward to Lexi's next installment.