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The Hardest Route
My friends used to tell me ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.’ Clearly, they lied because a few months later, I found out my one-night stand was pregnant.
I couldn’t handle a baby. I was Griffin Rockwell, the best wide receiver the league had ever seen. But what choice did I have? My baby girl was coming whether I was ready for her or not.
Brooke turned out to be an amazing woman and mother. For seven years, we were the MVP of co-parenting—and even better friends.
That all changed when tragedy struck our makeshift family and I was faced with the terrifying possibility of losing the one woman I was quickly realizing I couldn’t live without.
I was at the height of my career and on the path to becoming the greatest of all time.
But keeping my family together, with Brooke by my side, might prove to be the hardest route of all.
I couldn’t handle a baby. I was Griffin Rockwell, the best wide receiver the league had ever seen. But what choice did I have? My baby girl was coming whether I was ready for her or not.
Brooke turned out to be an amazing woman and mother. For seven years, we were the MVP of co-parenting—and even better friends.
That all changed when tragedy struck our makeshift family and I was faced with the terrifying possibility of losing the one woman I was quickly realizing I couldn’t live without.
I was at the height of my career and on the path to becoming the greatest of all time.
But keeping my family together, with Brooke by my side, might prove to be the hardest route of all.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2019
About the author
A.S. Teague
12 books610 followersAuthor. Wifey. Mama. Wino.
Not necessarily in that order.
Not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
March 21, 2019
What an absolute joy this book was to read!
I wasn't expecting to love The Hardest Route as much as I did. Shame on me because this book was an absolute joy to read!
I'll be honest, I was expecting Brooke and Griffin's story to be the quintessential rom-com that a typical romance with an unexpected pregnancy but colour me surprised because this book is STUNNING!
This is my first book by the author A.S. Teague and I enjoyed it so much!
This book is so sexy, so heartwarming and has so much strength and so much heart!
The Hardest Route is emotional and romantic at the same time.
Brooke is such a wonderfully awesome character. I love her character so much! Griffin is freaking swoon worthy! And when the scenes with him and his daughter Allie? Oh my ovaries! so cute!
I have to be honest here and say that I don't like reading books that have a huge age-gap where the female protagonist is way older than the guy but this book was definitely an exception because oh my word! I can't stop smiling over this story. I loved Brooke's maturing and yet she had this sense of vulnerablity that made me almost protective of her.
You guys have GOT to Read this book.The Hardest Route was an absolute pleasure to read!
March 22, 2019
“I’m asking you to choose the hardest route so that we can spend the rest of our lives dancing in the end zone.”
The Hardest Route was our first read by A.S. Teague and we’ll be exploring more of her work following this sports romance which took us in a direction towards the end which we didn’t see coming! Oh, the emotions in this unexpected pregnancy, friends to lovers’ story between a successful woman and a young man on the cusp of football greatness.
“I’m not giving up, Brooke.”
“Well, I’m not giving in.”
Brooke Spires is on a Vegas trip with her friend, Mel, when she does something completely out of character. She sleeps with a guy she meets in a bar, who happens to be twenty-two year old Griffin Rockwell a talented player recruited by the Chicago Bears as their wide receiver. Being totally clueless about sport, especially football, Brooke isn’t starry-eyed over his potential fame, though she is totally smitten with his looks and his personality, not to mention how he later rocks her world! Brooke sneaks out of his room the next morning doing the walk of shame, never to see Griff again, or so she thought. What she didn’t count on was a little surprise from that night, and that surprise is that she’s pregnant and the baby is Griffs. Queue the awkward stalking via Facebook to contact the now, somewhat famous Griff, telling him he’s her baby Daddy. Just how will that go down? Well, we’re not going to tell you that, you’ll have to find out for yourselves!
“We can’t.”
“Why can’t we?”
“Because I’m afraid.”
We enjoyed this sweet and easy to read story and thought the epilogue was a superb ending to Brooke and Griff’s somewhat arduous slow burn love story. Arduous in that Brooke could certainly be stubborn! Griff’s heart was in the right place, he may have missed the mark now and then, but his thoughts were always for his girls. We did want to urge Brooke to let her guard down and give Griff a chance, this man was more than ready and certainly mature enough to take on the responsibilities he shouldered. If you enjoy a friends to lovers that will test the heartstrings, The Hardest Route is one to check out!
“I don’t care what it takes. We are going to be the two best parents this baby will ever know.”
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April 5, 2020
3.5
A good sports romance.
Mature characters, a simple plot and a bit of sadness that only made the HEA even sweeter.
I’m gonna keep on reading this series.
I like the author’s writing style. It’s simple, concise and the plot is not contrived.
A good sports romance.
Mature characters, a simple plot and a bit of sadness that only made the HEA even sweeter.
I’m gonna keep on reading this series.
I like the author’s writing style. It’s simple, concise and the plot is not contrived.
September 24, 2022
2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The daughter. The side characters. It was free!
The Not-So-Good: The pacing. While I appreciate that the author had this span a longer period of time, I felt like the time jumps were way too many that made the book feel choppy. The writing for the H was also a not so good for me. I felt like he was supposed to be this alpha, but tbh he just felt like a woman writing a man being "alpha" if that makes any sense...I just didn't buy it, I guess.
The Bad: Too many dramatic elements with not nearly enough focus devoted to working them out properly. It also just felt fluffy...a little too fluffy for the level of angst it was potentially bringing. Idk, it could have just been a me thing 🤷🏻♀️
Overall: This was just alright for me. While I like the overall premise of a ONS-to-more scenario, I felt like the author just tried to put way too much into this with not nearly enough time and thought devoted to the big issues thrown in. I didn't hate it or anything, but I'll probably not remember its details later 🙈
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Brooke and Griffin's story. They meet in Vegas and have a ONS that ends up changing their lives forever because Brooke ends up pregnant. Griffin is a newly drafted NFL player in Chicago and Brooke is a biomedical engineer in Atlanta, and neither of them can uproot their lives to be in the same city. They make it work and end up co-parenting their daughter long-distance. Only when something happens to Griffin's mom and Brooke steps in to care for them, Griffin realizes that it is no longer just a friendship between them and starts a strong pursuit. Thee are some big life changes, some secrets revealed, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Brooke and Griffin's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Not the best (see above "not so good" section)
Instalove: No, they become friends that develop stronger feelings years later.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Griffin. I thought he was kind of surface level and we didn't get into his character enough. And see above "not so good" section.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Brooke. She was just alright for me. Nothing too deep into her character either and I didn't really feel like I connected with her.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. Some tears shed but not enough to need tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but very many scenes and not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Not really
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place with what I would call a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The daughter. The side characters. It was free!
The Not-So-Good: The pacing. While I appreciate that the author had this span a longer period of time, I felt like the time jumps were way too many that made the book feel choppy. The writing for the H was also a not so good for me. I felt like he was supposed to be this alpha, but tbh he just felt like a woman writing a man being "alpha" if that makes any sense...I just didn't buy it, I guess.
The Bad: Too many dramatic elements with not nearly enough focus devoted to working them out properly. It also just felt fluffy...a little too fluffy for the level of angst it was potentially bringing. Idk, it could have just been a me thing 🤷🏻♀️
Overall: This was just alright for me. While I like the overall premise of a ONS-to-more scenario, I felt like the author just tried to put way too much into this with not nearly enough time and thought devoted to the big issues thrown in. I didn't hate it or anything, but I'll probably not remember its details later 🙈
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Brooke and Griffin's story. They meet in Vegas and have a ONS that ends up changing their lives forever because Brooke ends up pregnant. Griffin is a newly drafted NFL player in Chicago and Brooke is a biomedical engineer in Atlanta, and neither of them can uproot their lives to be in the same city. They make it work and end up co-parenting their daughter long-distance. Only when something happens to Griffin's mom and Brooke steps in to care for them, Griffin realizes that it is no longer just a friendship between them and starts a strong pursuit. Thee are some big life changes, some secrets revealed, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Brooke and Griffin's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Not the best (see above "not so good" section)
Instalove: No, they become friends that develop stronger feelings years later.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Griffin. I thought he was kind of surface level and we didn't get into his character enough. And see above "not so good" section.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Brooke. She was just alright for me. Nothing too deep into her character either and I didn't really feel like I connected with her.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. Some tears shed but not enough to need tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but very many scenes and not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Not really
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place with what I would call a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
March 11, 2019
4.5 stars!
From the moment I read the blurb for this book I was so excited to read it, and it was just what I was hoping for – sweet, fun, emotional and gorgeously romantic. The storyline is super cute, and I couldn’t put this book down, finishing it in the early hours of the morning. It’s my first read by this author, and I loved it!
Brooke and Griffin meet in Vegas where they are holidaying separately with friends. Straightlaced and ‘vanilla’ Brooke has been dragged away to have some fun by her best friend, and Griff and his four buddies are there celebrating the fact that they’ve been drafted into the NFL. Sparks fly, and Brooke and Griff share a hot night together before she sneaks away in the morning, wanting to avoid an awkward goodbye. Neither of them ever expected to see each other again, but months later Brooke learns that her very first one-night-stand has resulted in an unexpected pregnancy, and when she tracks Griff down to let him know, he is right there by her side, all-in and determined to be there for everything and raise their baby together as friends.
I loved the way both Brooke and Griff handled their difficult situation. There’s no hiding anything, no messing around or game playing. They are both loving, dedicated and committed parents, and though they clash (as all parents do), they have the best interests of their daughter at the forefront of everything, and they work hard to make it work – despite living in separate states and the harsh demands of Griff’s NFL career. For years they rock the long-distance co-parenting thing, raising a healthy and happy little girl, talking every day and becoming a pivotal part of each other’s lives, and developing their own unique little family. Best friends… until one day they’re not.
It’s a sudden shift, but it’s one that’s been a long time coming, and when Griff realises what has been in front of him all of this time, he pulls out all of the stops to win the girl who owns his heart.
It’s fun, sweet and beautifully romantic, and with Griff’s charisma and the simmering chemistry between them, and the fact that he’s fighting hard and refusing to take no for an answer, it doesn’t take long for Brooke to examine her own feelings.
I loved this romance! It’s sweet, natural and passionate as Brooke and Griff act on all of their pent-up feelings, and I loved watching everything change for them.
But life takes a vicious twist, putting the new couple to the test before they can even enjoy their new happy. They have a battle on their hands and they’re going to have to dig deep to get through it and find the HEA that they both so desperately want. It’s an emotional ride that had me tearing up more than once, but I love the way it was handled, and I was glued to my kindle as it all played out – the feels enhanced by the fierceness of these characters and their beautiful, intense feelings for each other.
I love these characters so much, and little Allie is just adorable. Any scene with her and Griff together just melted me! And Brooke and Griff’s friends are just fantastic! Supportive, but no-nonsense, teasing and so, so funny, Brooke’s best friend and Griff’s football buddies are a great bunch and I’m hoping that this book becomes a series so that we get stories for each of them. The seeds have already been planted, and I’m excited by the possibilities! And, even though there’s an epilogue which finishes off Brooke and Griff’s story beautifully, I’m desperate to see more of them!
This is such a great read. A beautifully heartfelt sports romance that completely captured my heart.
I loved it! 4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
From the moment I read the blurb for this book I was so excited to read it, and it was just what I was hoping for – sweet, fun, emotional and gorgeously romantic. The storyline is super cute, and I couldn’t put this book down, finishing it in the early hours of the morning. It’s my first read by this author, and I loved it!
Brooke and Griffin meet in Vegas where they are holidaying separately with friends. Straightlaced and ‘vanilla’ Brooke has been dragged away to have some fun by her best friend, and Griff and his four buddies are there celebrating the fact that they’ve been drafted into the NFL. Sparks fly, and Brooke and Griff share a hot night together before she sneaks away in the morning, wanting to avoid an awkward goodbye. Neither of them ever expected to see each other again, but months later Brooke learns that her very first one-night-stand has resulted in an unexpected pregnancy, and when she tracks Griff down to let him know, he is right there by her side, all-in and determined to be there for everything and raise their baby together as friends.
I pulled away and looked into the face of the woman who had just given me the greatest gift I never knew I wanted. “I don’t care what it takes. We are going to be the two best parents this baby will ever know.”
She dipped her chin as a tear rolled down her cheek. I caught it with my thumb and stroked her chin.
“We can do this, Griff.”
I kissed her forehead. “We can totally do this.”
I loved the way both Brooke and Griff handled their difficult situation. There’s no hiding anything, no messing around or game playing. They are both loving, dedicated and committed parents, and though they clash (as all parents do), they have the best interests of their daughter at the forefront of everything, and they work hard to make it work – despite living in separate states and the harsh demands of Griff’s NFL career. For years they rock the long-distance co-parenting thing, raising a healthy and happy little girl, talking every day and becoming a pivotal part of each other’s lives, and developing their own unique little family. Best friends… until one day they’re not.
My heart told me what my head refused to admit.
There was something between Brooke and me. And fuck if I didn’t want to see it grow now that the seed had been planted.
It’s a sudden shift, but it’s one that’s been a long time coming, and when Griff realises what has been in front of him all of this time, he pulls out all of the stops to win the girl who owns his heart.
“Brooke, we’ve never only been Allie’s parents. Whether we realized it or not, we were always together.”
“You better believe that everything is about to change.”
It’s fun, sweet and beautifully romantic, and with Griff’s charisma and the simmering chemistry between them, and the fact that he’s fighting hard and refusing to take no for an answer, it doesn’t take long for Brooke to examine her own feelings.
The corner of Griff’s eyes crinkled as he smiled over the top of our daughter’s head. “There is nowhere else I would rather be than here with my two girls.”
A mere three hours ago, I would have bristled at him calling me one of his girls.
We were just friends who happened to share a child.
But as I stared into eyes that burned with a longing I felt deep inside. I knew the truth.
I was his girl.
And I had been for a long time.
I loved this romance! It’s sweet, natural and passionate as Brooke and Griff act on all of their pent-up feelings, and I loved watching everything change for them.
“You were more than I could have asked for, and you’ve been right in front of me the whole time, and I didn’t even see it.”
But life takes a vicious twist, putting the new couple to the test before they can even enjoy their new happy. They have a battle on their hands and they’re going to have to dig deep to get through it and find the HEA that they both so desperately want. It’s an emotional ride that had me tearing up more than once, but I love the way it was handled, and I was glued to my kindle as it all played out – the feels enhanced by the fierceness of these characters and their beautiful, intense feelings for each other.
“You are the absolute love of my life. Somewhere, deep down, I think I’ve always known that I loved you.”
I love these characters so much, and little Allie is just adorable. Any scene with her and Griff together just melted me! And Brooke and Griff’s friends are just fantastic! Supportive, but no-nonsense, teasing and so, so funny, Brooke’s best friend and Griff’s football buddies are a great bunch and I’m hoping that this book becomes a series so that we get stories for each of them. The seeds have already been planted, and I’m excited by the possibilities! And, even though there’s an epilogue which finishes off Brooke and Griff’s story beautifully, I’m desperate to see more of them!
This is such a great read. A beautifully heartfelt sports romance that completely captured my heart.
I loved it! 4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2019
No hay romance hasta desp del 70%
Desde ahí todo es muy rápido y demasiado drama para mi.
NO ME GUSTÓ.
Desde ahí todo es muy rápido y demasiado drama para mi.
NO ME GUSTÓ.
March 12, 2019
Brooke and Griff meet in Vegas one night. He is adorably handsome with an ‘icing on the cake’ dimple. Their eyes meet across the room and there is a connection made. This leads to night that neither of them will forget. Firstly, because it was the sexiest night of their lives and secondly, because it results in an unplanned pregnancy. Well shit…
Brooke had returned to her busy, career driven life in her hometown, where she lives with her best friend Mel. She never expected to hear from or ever see Griff again. However, a positive pregnancy test changes things pretty quickly and after struggling to get hold of him for a while she finally does, sharing the news that will change the course of their lives.
Griff has recently been drafted as the wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. His career is just beginning to take off so hearing from Brooke completely blind sides him. However, I have to give credit to the guy. He makes a promise to always be there to support her and their yet to be born daughter.
They manage to figure out a system that works for all of them and despite him being based in Chicago, 700 miles away from where Brooke & Allie live, he has been able to maintain a loving relationship with his daughter. He visits regularly, fitting in with his training and game times, and face times Allie every day he is not with her. He absolutely adores his wee girl and loves being a father.
Over the following six years the co-parenting relationship between Brooke and Griff blossoms into a wonderful friendship. They can count on each other to be there when they need someone to lean on or confide in. For all intents and purposes they are a real couple, without the intimacy and sex. In fact Griff’s team mates call Brooke his ‘wife.’
There has been nothing but friendship between them over the years but when Brooke steps in to help Griff out with a family situation he begins seeing her in a different light. It’s like he has been asleep for years and finally woken up. He has been so focused on his career and being a good dad that he is finally realising what has been right in front of him all along. A beautiful, loving woman who truly cares for him.
Brooke doesn’t know what to make of his seemingly sudden change around her. The friendship lines between them are getting blurred. She has always been attracted to him, but why is he now trying to change things. What if it ruins what they have? She doesn’t want to confuse their daughter if this is just a short term exploration of feelings. It would devastate them both if he walked away. However, they will soon discover that the hardest route is yet to come.
Well this story snuck up on me and had my complete attention. I somehow managed to read this, work an 8 hour day and go to my pilates class. All within 12 hours. I could not put this book down! It had all the wonderful book feels and I loved every moment of it ☺
“I’m asking you to choose the hardest route so that we can spend the rest of our lives dancing in the end zone.”
Brooke had returned to her busy, career driven life in her hometown, where she lives with her best friend Mel. She never expected to hear from or ever see Griff again. However, a positive pregnancy test changes things pretty quickly and after struggling to get hold of him for a while she finally does, sharing the news that will change the course of their lives.
Griff has recently been drafted as the wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. His career is just beginning to take off so hearing from Brooke completely blind sides him. However, I have to give credit to the guy. He makes a promise to always be there to support her and their yet to be born daughter.
They manage to figure out a system that works for all of them and despite him being based in Chicago, 700 miles away from where Brooke & Allie live, he has been able to maintain a loving relationship with his daughter. He visits regularly, fitting in with his training and game times, and face times Allie every day he is not with her. He absolutely adores his wee girl and loves being a father.
Over the following six years the co-parenting relationship between Brooke and Griff blossoms into a wonderful friendship. They can count on each other to be there when they need someone to lean on or confide in. For all intents and purposes they are a real couple, without the intimacy and sex. In fact Griff’s team mates call Brooke his ‘wife.’
There has been nothing but friendship between them over the years but when Brooke steps in to help Griff out with a family situation he begins seeing her in a different light. It’s like he has been asleep for years and finally woken up. He has been so focused on his career and being a good dad that he is finally realising what has been right in front of him all along. A beautiful, loving woman who truly cares for him.
Brooke doesn’t know what to make of his seemingly sudden change around her. The friendship lines between them are getting blurred. She has always been attracted to him, but why is he now trying to change things. What if it ruins what they have? She doesn’t want to confuse their daughter if this is just a short term exploration of feelings. It would devastate them both if he walked away. However, they will soon discover that the hardest route is yet to come.
Well this story snuck up on me and had my complete attention. I somehow managed to read this, work an 8 hour day and go to my pilates class. All within 12 hours. I could not put this book down! It had all the wonderful book feels and I loved every moment of it ☺
“I’m asking you to choose the hardest route so that we can spend the rest of our lives dancing in the end zone.”
March 14, 2019
4,5
Fiquei interessada nesse livro logo que li a sinopse e a autora não desapontou! É uma história leve, com boas pitadas de drama e romance.
Griffin tem só 22 anos e está começando sua carreira profissional no futebol de Chicago. Brooke é uma engenheira de 30 anos, com a vida estável e que vive em Atlanta. Eles se conhecem em Las Vegas, passam uma noite juntos e depois de seguirem com suas vidas sem manterem nenhum tipo de contato, descobrem a inesperada gravidez que os conectará para sempre.
Mesmo com a distância geográfica que os separam e as demais dificuldades que surgem no caminho, eles concordam em criar juntos a criança e pelo bem dela manterem um relacionamento de amizade e nada além disso.
Os anos passam e graves acontecimentos surgem, ao mesmo tempo que eles constatam o que já era óbvio a todos os amigos ao redor.
De completos estranhos eles se tornam melhores amigos e descobrem um amor que não perceberam por anos existir.
A história é uma delícia de acompanhar desde o início prende a atenção. Adorei acompanhar como Brooke e Griff se conhecem, a personalidade mandona dele, suas atitudes imaturas e também responsáveis, o jeito teimoso e forte de Brooke, o choque ao descobrirem a gravidez e os conflitos entre eles sempre envolvendo o bem estar de Allie.
Fiquei curiosa com os demais personagens do livro , torcendo para ter livo para todo eles, em especial para a Mel e Aiden.
Arc cedido pela autora e Social Butterfly PR. Obrigada.
Fiquei interessada nesse livro logo que li a sinopse e a autora não desapontou! É uma história leve, com boas pitadas de drama e romance.
Griffin tem só 22 anos e está começando sua carreira profissional no futebol de Chicago. Brooke é uma engenheira de 30 anos, com a vida estável e que vive em Atlanta. Eles se conhecem em Las Vegas, passam uma noite juntos e depois de seguirem com suas vidas sem manterem nenhum tipo de contato, descobrem a inesperada gravidez que os conectará para sempre.
Mesmo com a distância geográfica que os separam e as demais dificuldades que surgem no caminho, eles concordam em criar juntos a criança e pelo bem dela manterem um relacionamento de amizade e nada além disso.
Os anos passam e graves acontecimentos surgem, ao mesmo tempo que eles constatam o que já era óbvio a todos os amigos ao redor.
De completos estranhos eles se tornam melhores amigos e descobrem um amor que não perceberam por anos existir.
A história é uma delícia de acompanhar desde o início prende a atenção. Adorei acompanhar como Brooke e Griff se conhecem, a personalidade mandona dele, suas atitudes imaturas e também responsáveis, o jeito teimoso e forte de Brooke, o choque ao descobrirem a gravidez e os conflitos entre eles sempre envolvendo o bem estar de Allie.
Fiquei curiosa com os demais personagens do livro , torcendo para ter livo para todo eles, em especial para a Mel e Aiden.
Arc cedido pela autora e Social Butterfly PR. Obrigada.
December 7, 2020
Spoilers ahead,3.5*
Brooke is a 30 year old biomedical engineer, she goes to Vegas on a trip with her best friend and has a totally uncharacteristic ONS
Griff is a twenty two year old who's worked his ass off to achieve his dream, he's finally been drafted as a wide receiver of a professional football team. On a trip to Vegas with his buds he meets Brooke and they have a ONS
2 months later their lives changed forever
********
Ok so we get a baby from the ONS 2 months after it happened, the mcs reactions were genuine and well written....they weren't pleased lol
We see the pregnancy progress, their arguments and their eventual resolution at the birth of their daughter to establish some rules and do their best for their child
They then embark on a six year stint as friends/co-parents. On one hand I was pleased with this separation, Griff was so young and his career was now taking off, and they both agreed that despite great chemistry during their night together they were better off as friends. On the other hand, given how the latter parts of the book went my romantic heart bled at those wasted years
Then Griff suddenly realised he'd loved the h all along, I didn't like this transition,it was a BAM in your face moment and then we had a beautiful yet heart breaking romance. I think if the author had had them stop dating other people and started spending time together we could have seen them actually fall in love not the sudden and unrealistic realization they both experience
With that being said,after Griff realised he loved her we get the kinda stuff that had me sighing, smiling and shedding tears. The h's diagnosis surprised me but I loved them together as she battled her illness. There were blowups, moments where I found Griff could've been a bit easier but it all worked together wonderfully.
In terms of secondary characters,I loved Griff's relationship with his daughter and Allie as her own little person. Griff's friends however,especially Aiden grated on my nerves with their immaturity
My favorite person aside from the mcs was Mel, she was one of the most well written bffs I've had the pleasure of reading in a while. She was a truly wonderful friend and I love to see women supporting women ( I wish she'd ended up with someone beside Aiden though) ,
Epilogue (yay)
All in all this book pleasantly surprised me in a time when I was desperate for a good read. I'd give this author another try
H/h hookup and end up with a baby
He was 22 and she 30
They spend 6 years as friends both seeing other people during that time
When they get back together absolutely no one else
Cancer
HEA
3.5* rounded up because I really needed a win lol
Brooke is a 30 year old biomedical engineer, she goes to Vegas on a trip with her best friend and has a totally uncharacteristic ONS
Griff is a twenty two year old who's worked his ass off to achieve his dream, he's finally been drafted as a wide receiver of a professional football team. On a trip to Vegas with his buds he meets Brooke and they have a ONS
2 months later their lives changed forever
********
Ok so we get a baby from the ONS 2 months after it happened, the mcs reactions were genuine and well written....they weren't pleased lol
We see the pregnancy progress, their arguments and their eventual resolution at the birth of their daughter to establish some rules and do their best for their child
They then embark on a six year stint as friends/co-parents. On one hand I was pleased with this separation, Griff was so young and his career was now taking off, and they both agreed that despite great chemistry during their night together they were better off as friends. On the other hand, given how the latter parts of the book went my romantic heart bled at those wasted years
Then Griff suddenly realised he'd loved the h all along, I didn't like this transition,it was a BAM in your face moment and then we had a beautiful yet heart breaking romance. I think if the author had had them stop dating other people and started spending time together we could have seen them actually fall in love not the sudden and unrealistic realization they both experience
With that being said,after Griff realised he loved her we get the kinda stuff that had me sighing, smiling and shedding tears. The h's diagnosis surprised me but I loved them together as she battled her illness. There were blowups, moments where I found Griff could've been a bit easier but it all worked together wonderfully.
In terms of secondary characters,I loved Griff's relationship with his daughter and Allie as her own little person. Griff's friends however,especially Aiden grated on my nerves with their immaturity
My favorite person aside from the mcs was Mel, she was one of the most well written bffs I've had the pleasure of reading in a while. She was a truly wonderful friend and I love to see women supporting women ( I wish she'd ended up with someone beside Aiden though) ,
Epilogue (yay)
All in all this book pleasantly surprised me in a time when I was desperate for a good read. I'd give this author another try
H/h hookup and end up with a baby
He was 22 and she 30
They spend 6 years as friends both seeing other people during that time
When they get back together absolutely no one else
Cancer
HEA
3.5* rounded up because I really needed a win lol
February 12, 2022
2.5
During the first half, it was hard to get into the book considering most of the characters were annoying, the romance was nonexistent and there were barely any pregnancy/child-related scenes.
Thankfully, things got slightly better during the second half. I liked how the hero and heroine always talked things through and how supportive they were of each other. I especially liked that the heroine didn’t have to give up her aspirations just to make the hero’s life easier.
The angst towards the end was also a nice surprise and it made the romance seem more deep and believable. All in all, this was an enjoyable book, but I still wish it had focused more on the family aspect because that’s why I read the book in the first place :(
During the first half, it was hard to get into the book considering most of the characters were annoying, the romance was nonexistent and there were barely any pregnancy/child-related scenes.
Thankfully, things got slightly better during the second half. I liked how the hero and heroine always talked things through and how supportive they were of each other. I especially liked that the heroine didn’t have to give up her aspirations just to make the hero’s life easier.
The angst towards the end was also a nice surprise and it made the romance seem more deep and believable. All in all, this was an enjoyable book, but I still wish it had focused more on the family aspect because that’s why I read the book in the first place :(
Shelved as 'nope'
April 3, 2019Pregnancy from a one-night stand is not a good way to start a relationship for me.
March 23, 2019
“I’m asking you to choose the hardest route so that we can spend the rest of our lives dancing in the end zone.”
The Hardest Route was our first read by A.S. Teague and we’ll be exploring more of her work following this sports romance which took us in a direction towards the end which we didn’t see coming! Oh, the emotions in this unexpected pregnancy, friends to lovers’ story between a successful woman and a young man on the cusp of football greatness.
“I’m not giving up, Brooke.”
“Well, I’m not giving in.”
Brooke Spires is on a Vegas trip with her friend, Mel, when she does something completely out of character. She sleeps with a guy she meets in a bar, who happens to be twenty-two year old Griffin Rockwell a talented player recruited by the Chicago Bears as their wide receiver. Being totally clueless about sport, especially football, Brooke isn’t starry-eyed over his potential fame, though she is totally smitten with his looks and his personality, not to mention how he later rocks her world! Brooke sneaks out of his room the next morning doing the walk of shame, never to see Griff again, or so she thought. What she didn’t count on was a little surprise from that night, and that surprise is that she’s pregnant and the baby is Griffs. Queue the awkward stalking via Facebook to contact the now, somewhat famous Griff, telling him he’s her baby Daddy. Just how will that go down? Well, we’re not going to tell you that, you’ll have to find out for yourselves!
“We can’t.”
“Why can’t we?”
“Because I’m afraid.”
We enjoyed this sweet and easy to read story and thought the epilogue was a superb ending to Brooke and Griff’s somewhat arduous slow burn love story. Arduous in that Brooke could certainly be stubborn! Griff’s heart was in the right place, he may have missed the mark now and then, but his thoughts were always for his girls. We did want to urge Brooke to let her guard down and give Griff a chance, this man was more than ready and certainly mature enough to take on the responsibilities he shouldered. If you enjoy a friends to lovers that will test the heartstrings, The Hardest Route is one to check out!
“I don’t care what it takes. We are going to be the two best parents this baby will ever know.”
The Hardest Route is now available to purchase
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August 1, 2021
**4.5 estrellitas
Bueno hay unas cosas que siempre chequeo antes de empezar un libro es que NO haya mucha diferencia de edad entre los protagonistas y que la protagonista NO SEA MAYOR que el hombre y con esta historia no busqué mucho sino que la empecé sin más..... y la AMÉ!! La pareja de Brooke y Griffin, fue maravillosa!!
En los primeros capítulo PUM! aparece o aclaran las edades de los protas y la mujer le llevaba 7 AÑOS al tipo.... ugh, eso me desinfló un poco porque la premisa del libro me había gustado mucho, creo que por eso lo continué para ver que más pasaba porque los personajes me habían agradado desde el primer capítulo.
.... y tengo que decir que qué bueno que no lo dejé porque fue tremendo libro.... Caramba, NUNCA PENSÉ que este libro me iba a hacer llorar como lo hizo... me dejo super emocional, esos últimos capítulos fueron tan uffff... me pegaron muy fuerte. Sobre todo ese pedacito en el cap 33 me llegó demasiado:
Es una historia muy bonita, sobre seguir adelante con lo que te arroja la vida e igual lograr ser feliz aunque no sea como lo hubieses planeado.
Me encantaron los personajes TODOS, es una historia de amor hermosa y lo recomiendo pero léanlo con pañuelos al lado jajaja
Bueno hay unas cosas que siempre chequeo antes de empezar un libro es que NO haya mucha diferencia de edad entre los protagonistas y que la protagonista NO SEA MAYOR que el hombre y con esta historia no busqué mucho sino que la empecé sin más..... y la AMÉ!! La pareja de Brooke y Griffin, fue maravillosa!!
En los primeros capítulo PUM! aparece o aclaran las edades de los protas y la mujer le llevaba 7 AÑOS al tipo.... ugh, eso me desinfló un poco porque la premisa del libro me había gustado mucho, creo que por eso lo continué para ver que más pasaba porque los personajes me habían agradado desde el primer capítulo.
.... y tengo que decir que qué bueno que no lo dejé porque fue tremendo libro.... Caramba, NUNCA PENSÉ que este libro me iba a hacer llorar como lo hizo... me dejo super emocional, esos últimos capítulos fueron tan uffff... me pegaron muy fuerte. Sobre todo ese pedacito en el cap 33 me llegó demasiado:
Es una historia muy bonita, sobre seguir adelante con lo que te arroja la vida e igual lograr ser feliz aunque no sea como lo hubieses planeado.
Me encantaron los personajes TODOS, es una historia de amor hermosa y lo recomiendo pero léanlo con pañuelos al lado jajaja
August 4, 2019
4.5 Eye Of The Tiger Stars
The HARDEST ROUTE might seem like any other sports romance by its cover—it wasn’t—it was SO much more!!! The storyline was unconventional enough to draw me in, and keep me fully engaged. Actually, each chapter just got better and better. There were even a few FRIENDS references...I would’ve missed out;)
I’m not usually a fan of older woman/younger man, but the age difference wasn’t by too much, and actually was a nonissue—the H 100% grew on me!! The premise was luring, and the twist jarring. This book was both cute and sweet, yet unexpectedly gripping and emotional, with just the right amount of angst! A pleasant surprise for sure, with the best feel good ending!!!
“I’m asking you to choose the hardest route so that we can spend the rest of our lives dancing in the end zone.” -Griff
The HARDEST ROUTE might seem like any other sports romance by its cover—it wasn’t—it was SO much more!!! The storyline was unconventional enough to draw me in, and keep me fully engaged. Actually, each chapter just got better and better. There were even a few FRIENDS references...I would’ve missed out;)
I’m not usually a fan of older woman/younger man, but the age difference wasn’t by too much, and actually was a nonissue—the H 100% grew on me!! The premise was luring, and the twist jarring. This book was both cute and sweet, yet unexpectedly gripping and emotional, with just the right amount of angst! A pleasant surprise for sure, with the best feel good ending!!!
“I’m asking you to choose the hardest route so that we can spend the rest of our lives dancing in the end zone.” -Griff
November 12, 2019
This was my first read by this author, and I'm pleasantly surprised.
It has that trope that I have read many times "surprised one-night stand pregnancy" but done with a twist, in a new way that I enjoyed.
A solid read!
- older woman younger man
- they don't suddenly fall in love just because she gets pregnant
- there is some twist at the end
- HEA
trigger warning ;
It has that trope that I have read many times "surprised one-night stand pregnancy" but done with a twist, in a new way that I enjoyed.
A solid read!
- older woman younger man
- they don't suddenly fall in love just because she gets pregnant
- there is some twist at the end
- HEA
trigger warning ;
July 28, 2020
The book so so much more than what the cover and the synopsis show. It was actually a very unique version of the one night stand with the athlete. I absolutely loved the audio narration for Griff. Alex Kydd has the perfect rough country boy type voice!!!!
This book had maturity and fun. Hilarious banter, but tackled a lot of relationship issues with NO drama! What a breath of fresh air!!! This is not marked as being part of a series - but it absolutely is a book 1 of a series of characters! book 2 -The Hardest Hit and book 3- the Hardest Play. I borrowed this through Hoopla and I am sad they don't have the second book - I'll have to get it through KU on ebook, because I really want to read about Melanie and Aiden!!
This book had maturity and fun. Hilarious banter, but tackled a lot of relationship issues with NO drama! What a breath of fresh air!!! This is not marked as being part of a series - but it absolutely is a book 1 of a series of characters! book 2 -The Hardest Hit and book 3- the Hardest Play. I borrowed this through Hoopla and I am sad they don't have the second book - I'll have to get it through KU on ebook, because I really want to read about Melanie and Aiden!!
September 27, 2021
Que lectura tan bella, me atrapo y me gusto desde el comienzo. Aquí un romance slowburn de 300 paginas muy bien escrito sin necesidad de ser tan descriptivanete largo para ser bueno. Estos son mis favoritos, ya que noy hay mucho drama, con son ver el progreso lento de la relacion entre los protagonistas es para disfrutarlo, ame a Griff y Brooke junto con su hija, tuvo momentos divertidos, tristes, romanticos, de preocupacion, de lucha y todos fueron muy emocianales, y ese final, oh ese final fue todo lo que mi corazon necesitaba.
August 9, 2019
Preciosooo! Justo lo que necesitaba leer ❤
September 3, 2019
I'm not emotionally stable look away
June 26, 2019
3,7 stars
November 6, 2019
3.5
I absolutely loved this until about 70% at which point, the plot took a turn I didn't like. Nothing wrong with the writing, just not something I like to read. Tbh, it just hit too close to home with me as my sister is going through the same fucking nightmare right now and so I have zero desire to experience the horror while I'm in my reading bubble.
That aside, this was really engaging and had fab chemistry.
I absolutely loved this until about 70% at which point, the plot took a turn I didn't like. Nothing wrong with the writing, just not something I like to read. Tbh, it just hit too close to home with me as my sister is going through the same fucking nightmare right now and so I have zero desire to experience the horror while I'm in my reading bubble.
That aside, this was really engaging and had fab chemistry.
March 25, 2019
3.5 stars
My brain missed the co-parenting part of the blurb and I thought that Brooke was Griffin's friend and he had a child with some other woman, who didn't want the kid and left it at his doorstep or something and Brooke was just helping him. Then after years, she realizes that Griffin is only going to be friends with her and wants to leave him or maybe she got a job offer or something. Boy was I wrong... 22-year-old Griffin had a one-night stand with 29-year-old Brooke 7 years ago and that resulted in them making a child. Through a lot of effort and arguing, they decided to do the co-parenting thing and for the past 6 years Griffin has been traveling from Chicago to the city his daughter and baby mama live. The situation certainly wasn't easy and caused problems between the two parents, but they were able to work everything out.
What really bugged me was the "we are friends" part of the book. They liked each other enough to have a one-night stand, but they didn't even bother to have a relationship and see if they would work things out? Also, they were telling each other about their dates and I honestly believed that these two were better off as friends. I was expecting the "almost losing Brooke" line to be the reason why Griffin finally decides to persuade Brooke, but it wasn't.To be fair, Griffin almost lost Brooke forever and my heart was breaking at that point.
Half(?) of the story is about how Brooke and Griffin met and her pregnancy. The rest of the story is covered by the blurb. This is a stand-alone book, but there were mentions of Griffin's friend having baby mama troubles himself, but we didn't get any details about what was going on and it bothered me. I wanted to know more because there were a few mentions, but nothing solid or informative.
The book had some parts that I loved and others that I disliked. The good outweighs the bad though and I had a rollercoaster of emotions while reading this story and that's why I will go for the 3.5 stars.
My brain missed the co-parenting part of the blurb and I thought that Brooke was Griffin's friend and he had a child with some other woman, who didn't want the kid and left it at his doorstep or something and Brooke was just helping him. Then after years, she realizes that Griffin is only going to be friends with her and wants to leave him or maybe she got a job offer or something. Boy was I wrong... 22-year-old Griffin had a one-night stand with 29-year-old Brooke 7 years ago and that resulted in them making a child. Through a lot of effort and arguing, they decided to do the co-parenting thing and for the past 6 years Griffin has been traveling from Chicago to the city his daughter and baby mama live. The situation certainly wasn't easy and caused problems between the two parents, but they were able to work everything out.
What really bugged me was the "we are friends" part of the book. They liked each other enough to have a one-night stand, but they didn't even bother to have a relationship and see if they would work things out? Also, they were telling each other about their dates and I honestly believed that these two were better off as friends. I was expecting the "almost losing Brooke" line to be the reason why Griffin finally decides to persuade Brooke, but it wasn't.To be fair, Griffin almost lost Brooke forever and my heart was breaking at that point.
Half(?) of the story is about how Brooke and Griffin met and her pregnancy. The rest of the story is covered by the blurb. This is a stand-alone book, but there were mentions of Griffin's friend having baby mama troubles himself, but we didn't get any details about what was going on and it bothered me. I wanted to know more because there were a few mentions, but nothing solid or informative.
The book had some parts that I loved and others that I disliked. The good outweighs the bad though and I had a rollercoaster of emotions while reading this story and that's why I will go for the 3.5 stars.
March 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this smart, cute and hilarious story!
Brooke & Griffin have a chance meeting in a casino in Vegas. She's there to celebrate her best friend (Mel.....who I freaking love! ) Mel's birthday and cut loose for once. Griffin is there celebrating being signed to the NFL with his best buddies.
The moment their eyes meet it happens and they have a hot and steamy night together, except Brooke doesn't want to have that awkward the morning after conversation so she bails, thinking she'll never see the very charming and sexy Griff again.
Shocker of all shockers Brooke finds out she's pregnant months later and now she's wondering what the hell she's going to do. I knew I liked Griffin immediately but his reaction to the extremely shocking news made me love him.
They barely know anything about each other but they're about to raise a child together!
The Hardest Route is realistic, funny, swoon worthy and sweet! My first book by A.S. and I loved it!
Brooke & Griffin have a chance meeting in a casino in Vegas. She's there to celebrate her best friend (Mel.....who I freaking love! ) Mel's birthday and cut loose for once. Griffin is there celebrating being signed to the NFL with his best buddies.
The moment their eyes meet it happens and they have a hot and steamy night together, except Brooke doesn't want to have that awkward the morning after conversation so she bails, thinking she'll never see the very charming and sexy Griff again.
Shocker of all shockers Brooke finds out she's pregnant months later and now she's wondering what the hell she's going to do. I knew I liked Griffin immediately but his reaction to the extremely shocking news made me love him.
They barely know anything about each other but they're about to raise a child together!
The Hardest Route is realistic, funny, swoon worthy and sweet! My first book by A.S. and I loved it!
March 24, 2019
Entãoooo esse livro não me agradou muito não. Não consegui me conectar com os personagens nem com a história, infelizmente.
:(
:(
April 29, 2019
SPOILERS
I read this because someone recommended it to me. I am not always a fan of friends to lovers, because I like my hero and heroine to know immediately they want the other. Also, generally in friends to lovers it is always the heroine who is pining, and I hate that. I went in with an open mind tho, and honestly it really was a good story if you don't mind the tropes it used (unplanned pregnancy, friends to lovers, illness).
Brooke and Grif met in Vegas, were very attracted to each other and had a one night stand. She left before he woke up, and he was disappointed about that. Two months later she discovers she is pregnant, and tries to get ahold of him to let him know. The main front half of the story is them learning how to get through this when he lives in one state and she lives in another. He is also 7 years younger than her about to start his NFL career, she also has an important career, so in some ways it made sense that dating didn't really make sense to them at that moment, but co-parenting did.
I felt it was a good use of the friends to lovers troupe, it worked for me. The transition from them having the baby to present day is 6 years later so it was a little disjointed there when it turns to them seeing each other differently. There was six years of them just co-parenting, getting to know each other, and becoming best friends really. I got that, but it felt sudden to go from "hey just friends" to "hey I love you" They both dated in that time, but nothing serious. I liked that most of the six years of their loves lives wasn't detailed. It was implied they had sex with others, but never outright said it, so I could deal. While the transition to the present day was disjointed I did like how Griff realized he loved her, it made sense, and he never wavered from that point on. I also LOVED that he acknowledged all the work she did raising their daughter while he got to go be a football star, he made as many sacrifices as he could to never leave her hanging to go on boys trips and stuff like that. He stepped up and took responsibility of his daddy duties to give her a break. They had great chemistry, and it was a really sweet story where I believed in their love for each other and how they got there.
The plot twist was a little much, and I am not sure it was needed, but I understood the point was to kind of solidify them to each other, but it was a tad on the depressing side.
The only thing I really didn't like is one of the friends of his was a little slut shamey about Brooke having a one night stand when no one was saying anything about Griff having one, but he did call it out so I let it go.
The book has some tropes people don't like and it is safe with exception, but if you can get past what I explained above, I would recommend it. It was my favorite one in this last batch of books I read. .
I read this because someone recommended it to me. I am not always a fan of friends to lovers, because I like my hero and heroine to know immediately they want the other. Also, generally in friends to lovers it is always the heroine who is pining, and I hate that. I went in with an open mind tho, and honestly it really was a good story if you don't mind the tropes it used (unplanned pregnancy, friends to lovers, illness).
Brooke and Grif met in Vegas, were very attracted to each other and had a one night stand. She left before he woke up, and he was disappointed about that. Two months later she discovers she is pregnant, and tries to get ahold of him to let him know. The main front half of the story is them learning how to get through this when he lives in one state and she lives in another. He is also 7 years younger than her about to start his NFL career, she also has an important career, so in some ways it made sense that dating didn't really make sense to them at that moment, but co-parenting did.
I felt it was a good use of the friends to lovers troupe, it worked for me. The transition from them having the baby to present day is 6 years later so it was a little disjointed there when it turns to them seeing each other differently. There was six years of them just co-parenting, getting to know each other, and becoming best friends really. I got that, but it felt sudden to go from "hey just friends" to "hey I love you" They both dated in that time, but nothing serious. I liked that most of the six years of their loves lives wasn't detailed. It was implied they had sex with others, but never outright said it, so I could deal. While the transition to the present day was disjointed I did like how Griff realized he loved her, it made sense, and he never wavered from that point on. I also LOVED that he acknowledged all the work she did raising their daughter while he got to go be a football star, he made as many sacrifices as he could to never leave her hanging to go on boys trips and stuff like that. He stepped up and took responsibility of his daddy duties to give her a break. They had great chemistry, and it was a really sweet story where I believed in their love for each other and how they got there.
The plot twist was a little much, and I am not sure it was needed, but I understood the point was to kind of solidify them to each other, but it was a tad on the depressing side.
The only thing I really didn't like is one of the friends of his was a little slut shamey about Brooke having a one night stand when no one was saying anything about Griff having one, but he did call it out so I let it go.
The book has some tropes people don't like and it is safe with exception, but if you can get past what I explained above, I would recommend it. It was my favorite one in this last batch of books I read. .
March 21, 2019
Marie’s Review
I was so excited to read The Hardest Route by A.S. Teague because I love a good sports romance and from my experience with Ms. Teague’s writing, I knew it would be great. I was not disappointed, this book was marvelous.
Brooke and Griffin’s relationship did not start by any normal means, a one night stand in Vegas that leads to a baby. The story of the night in Vegas was truly charming.
When Brooke lets Griff know that they are expecting a baby, he handles it like a champ. Partnering with Brooke to co-parent their child leads to a true friendship that over time has each of them questioning their true feelings for each other.
Their story has a twist to it that throws everything out of whack and will bring you lots and lots of feels. As they work their way through, you can’t help but cry the tears, feel the feels and end up with a smile on your face when they get their HEA.
A.S. Teague writing is, as always, brilliant. Her characters are well thought out and entertaining. The story line is well defined and the book moves at a steady pace. This book will be very high on my top reads of the year list and I will be recommending it to everyone. 5 Stars #2OCCMS
Jessica’s Review
Wow. The author really pulled no punches when it came to this book. She had me giggling, she had me angry and she had me in tears for Griff and Brooke. Their loved spanned years but in the end, though the fights, the anger, the disbelief and the fighting, they became such a sting couple that could withstand anything. This book was so much more then a surprise baby, sports romance. It was about friendship, love, working together and opening your eyes, and fighting for what’s important. I had to sit for a while and really digest what I read but I can say that this is one of the easiest 5 stars that I could give. I would love to see some of the secondary characters get books. They are all amazing and really helped the main characters from start to finish. 5 stars #2OCCJD
I was so excited to read The Hardest Route by A.S. Teague because I love a good sports romance and from my experience with Ms. Teague’s writing, I knew it would be great. I was not disappointed, this book was marvelous.
Brooke and Griffin’s relationship did not start by any normal means, a one night stand in Vegas that leads to a baby. The story of the night in Vegas was truly charming.
When Brooke lets Griff know that they are expecting a baby, he handles it like a champ. Partnering with Brooke to co-parent their child leads to a true friendship that over time has each of them questioning their true feelings for each other.
Their story has a twist to it that throws everything out of whack and will bring you lots and lots of feels. As they work their way through, you can’t help but cry the tears, feel the feels and end up with a smile on your face when they get their HEA.
A.S. Teague writing is, as always, brilliant. Her characters are well thought out and entertaining. The story line is well defined and the book moves at a steady pace. This book will be very high on my top reads of the year list and I will be recommending it to everyone. 5 Stars #2OCCMS
Jessica’s Review
Wow. The author really pulled no punches when it came to this book. She had me giggling, she had me angry and she had me in tears for Griff and Brooke. Their loved spanned years but in the end, though the fights, the anger, the disbelief and the fighting, they became such a sting couple that could withstand anything. This book was so much more then a surprise baby, sports romance. It was about friendship, love, working together and opening your eyes, and fighting for what’s important. I had to sit for a while and really digest what I read but I can say that this is one of the easiest 5 stars that I could give. I would love to see some of the secondary characters get books. They are all amazing and really helped the main characters from start to finish. 5 stars #2OCCJD
July 22, 2019
This was a bit of a different listen for me as it a sports related romance and I’m not a sporty person. Also it was rather steamy which I wasn’t expecting! It was told from Brooke and Griffin’s point of view with two new to me narrators reading the story.
I really liked Brooke and her best friend Mel, they had such a great relationship and felt like real people. I loved the way they had fun together but also supported each other through the difficult times.
The romance was lovely in this story, but I must confess I found the sex scenes a bit much after a while and fast forwarded them. Also there was a lot of the ‘F’ word throughout the story, which I’m not keen on. What I did really enjoy was the banter between Brooke and Griffin as they became close friends and then so much more. Towards the end of the book the plot takes a dramatic twist which had me feeling very emotional and brought tears to my eyes. I won’t tell you what happens as I really don’t want to spoil it for you. Just to warn you that you might need tissues for this one.
I loved Elizabeth Hart’s narration, she was brilliant at portraying all the different characters and I will definitely look out for more audiobooks she narrates in the future. I wasn’t so keen on Alex Kydd’s narration as his voice was a bit too deep and slow for my liking. I did however enjoy his portrayal of Griffin and thought he sounded just right for that part.
If you enjoy steamy romances with a sports theme then I definitely recommend this audiobook.
Thanks to Hope Roy at Tantor Media for my digital copy.
I really liked Brooke and her best friend Mel, they had such a great relationship and felt like real people. I loved the way they had fun together but also supported each other through the difficult times.
The romance was lovely in this story, but I must confess I found the sex scenes a bit much after a while and fast forwarded them. Also there was a lot of the ‘F’ word throughout the story, which I’m not keen on. What I did really enjoy was the banter between Brooke and Griffin as they became close friends and then so much more. Towards the end of the book the plot takes a dramatic twist which had me feeling very emotional and brought tears to my eyes. I won’t tell you what happens as I really don’t want to spoil it for you. Just to warn you that you might need tissues for this one.
I loved Elizabeth Hart’s narration, she was brilliant at portraying all the different characters and I will definitely look out for more audiobooks she narrates in the future. I wasn’t so keen on Alex Kydd’s narration as his voice was a bit too deep and slow for my liking. I did however enjoy his portrayal of Griffin and thought he sounded just right for that part.
If you enjoy steamy romances with a sports theme then I definitely recommend this audiobook.
Thanks to Hope Roy at Tantor Media for my digital copy.
March 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. Griffin and Brooke took a one night stand and turned it on it's ear. I loved their friendship and how it took them seven years to be brave enough to make it more.
March 22, 2019
FULL REVIEW SOON
March 21, 2019
I’ve been a massive fan of A.S. Teague ever since I read her debut book. Her characters and their stories captivate me and The Hardest Route did exactly that.
Brooke and Griffin meet one night in Vegas and Brooke has no intention of ever seeing him again...until she finds out she’s pregnant. Doing the right thing she gets in touch and so begins their friendship. Co parenting over the years means these to have formed a strong, respectful, platonic relationship. When Griff can’t be there for Brooke and their child, Brooke’s best friend Mel steps up. This woman! Every woman hopes to be the kind of friend Mel is. I have mad respect for Mel and I’m praying she gets her own books at some point. It isn’t until Brooke drops everything for Griff that he starts to see what his friends have been saying about him and Brooke for years. With his eyes opened we see a different, more determined Griff. But sometimes we don’t always get what we want without a fight and Brooke and Griff have a battle to win.
This book was exactly what I’ve come to expect from A.S. Teague work. Her stories are beautifully written, the emotions always hit me hard because she brings her characters to life and makes you love them and I’m not even ashamed to admit I welled up reading this book. As emotional it is there’s also plenty of humour and the friendships between the main and secondary characters will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Another amazing book from this author.
Brooke and Griffin meet one night in Vegas and Brooke has no intention of ever seeing him again...until she finds out she’s pregnant. Doing the right thing she gets in touch and so begins their friendship. Co parenting over the years means these to have formed a strong, respectful, platonic relationship. When Griff can’t be there for Brooke and their child, Brooke’s best friend Mel steps up. This woman! Every woman hopes to be the kind of friend Mel is. I have mad respect for Mel and I’m praying she gets her own books at some point. It isn’t until Brooke drops everything for Griff that he starts to see what his friends have been saying about him and Brooke for years. With his eyes opened we see a different, more determined Griff. But sometimes we don’t always get what we want without a fight and Brooke and Griff have a battle to win.
This book was exactly what I’ve come to expect from A.S. Teague work. Her stories are beautifully written, the emotions always hit me hard because she brings her characters to life and makes you love them and I’m not even ashamed to admit I welled up reading this book. As emotional it is there’s also plenty of humour and the friendships between the main and secondary characters will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Another amazing book from this author.
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