4.5

Kevin is new to Galway and decides to spend an evening out with some of his teacher coworkers when they go to the bar that Andi happens to be singing at for the night. Kevin is immediately smitten and ends up falling into bed with Andi. Andi is definitely not looking for a relationship though and doesn't acknowledge Kevin's attempts at having more. When Andi and Kevin's paths cross again at the school, Kevin strikes up a friendship with her and they begin to get to know each other better.

I absolutely adored both Andi and Kevin. Kevin is definitely the kind of "ideal" man and I felt so bad for the reasons he moved to Galway. He definitely strives in this small town though he was probably not that realistic of a man but definitely a sweetheart in every way, shape, and form! Andi has a rougher life that she's lived and that's definitely affected some of her outlooks and feelings towards men and life in general but she was a strong character and was always working towards helping others in any way possible while also working towards her own things.

Plot-wise this book was really mostly character driven and had more of a journey through Kevin & Andi's first meeting, then friendship, then partnership for the baby, to their final romantic relationship step. There was one major plot thing near the end that totally surprised me though and I'm not sure if I think it worked? I kinda would have preferred it not happening because I don't think it helped move the story in any significant way.

I have really enjoyed every book in the Big Love From Galway series though and can't wait for the next book from Laura Moher!

Hard to Get
by Laura Moher

This is the third book in the *Big Love from Galway* series, and it marks my second read in this captivating collection; I previously enjoyed the first book, which centres around the characters Rose and Angus. In this book, we are introduced to Andi Salazar, a complex character grappling with profound emotional turmoil, and Kevin Mahoney, a charming newcomer to the small town of Galway.

I must admit, I found myself drawn to Kevin’s character far more than Andi’s. While he embodies a genuine sweetness and offers unwavering support, Andi’s struggles are deeply rooted in generational trauma inherited from her mother and grandmother, which often pulls her into bouts of insecurity and emotional conflict. As a reader, it became easier for me to empathize with Kevin’s plight as he tried to provide Andi with the understanding and care she desperately needed.

It’s worth noting that the story contains triggers for readers who have experienced domestic violence or abuse, making it essential to approach this story with caution. Similar to the first book, *Hard to Get* is an emotional journey and quick to read, with moments of humour that lighten the overall tone. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces from the first book, which added a sense of community and depth to the series.

4.5 Stars. This is book three in the Big Love from Galway series, although it can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this emotional read, that had me crying and laughing along with the characters.

Laura Moher is so gifted at creating realistic, flawed characters that you cannot help but root for. What was special about Andi and Kevin is that they have non conforming gender stereotypes. She is stoic and independent and he is a people pleaser who wants love. After their one night stand, he wants more, but she’s a one and done kind of woman. I love the switch in dynamics.

Kevin is a big, athletic man with a golden retriever personality. His attention and consideration for Andi is heartwarming, and had me wishing he could pop into existence. When he was doubting himself, I wanted to reach through the pages and hug him.

Andi’s life experience has made her weary of men. Her struggle between her growing feelings for Kevin, and her need for safety are relevant and tugged at my heartstrings.

The found family aspect with the characters from the first two books was my favourite part. How they support and love Andi and embrace Kevin, albeit after they test him out, makes me want to live in Galway and call them all friends.

This book does take on the serious issue of domestic violence. Andi works at a woman’s shelter and has life experience with this all too prevalent problem. I found that the topic was dealt with accuracy and sensitivity, but please check trigger warnings before reading.

It was such a pleasure to experience Andi and Kevin finding each other and growing as individuals and as a couple.

Hard To Get releases on March 11th. Thank you to @netgalley and @sourcebookscasa for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Hard to Get by Laura Moher deals with some deep and relevant issues while delivering a sweet romance. I think the contrast of Andi's work and past with Kevin's sunny energy made the romance more enjoyable. The spice surprised me a bit but I am so happy to see all the fire and passion. It's a journey of healing and new beginning.

* small town romance
* one night stand to more
* she is grumpy
* he is sunshine
* accidental pregnancy
* TW - DV/ mental health issues.

Kevin moved to Galaway for a new Maths teacher job after a bad break up. His coworkers convince him to listen to the local band and that's where he is instantly attracted to the singer. It was supposed to be one night of fierce passion but Andi and his paths cross again as she runs the local shelter for abused women and children. And she was never ever going to get into a relationship. Her own truamtic past is responsible for the decision. But sweet Kevin is something else. And the precious new life changes everything. But will she really let him in?

It was a trial by fire for Kevin. Honestly I cannot think anyone can be this level of perfect. Caring. Attentive. Protective. Charming. Full of empathy and morality. It's so sad that his past relationship made him feel inadequate or boring. He is a complete sweetheart. Andi was too cautious and scared. She is a fierce woman who helps so many broken souls everyday and fights the battles together. But when it comes to her own heart, she is lost. The pregnancy was making everything more difficult. A lot of changes were coming. It was one step forward and two steps back for them. But Kevin was solid through it all. So patient and kind. May be that's what Andi needed. Someone to show her that love isn't always messy and toxic. Love is actually beautiful.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

A person goes through a myriad of emotions and responses to their circumstances and surroundings as they are growing up and dealing with life.

The writer of a story has carte blanche in how they want their characters depicted. I have to say I had some mixed feelings about the main female character and how the author chose to show up for her.

Family influence is a lot in any character or real life development. This female main character (FMC) had a lot of powerful influence carrying over into her. There are definitely triggers in the story for women who have experienced domestic violence, abuse, or more, and the female lead carries a lot of barriers around her heart due to circumstances.

I understand it from the author’s point of view, but the reality is the FMC character wasn’t just playing “hard to get”. It was practically impossible to break her barriers and I’m not sure if any real person that would be interested in her would go through what she put this guy through. She made him work ridiculously hard. Drama, trauma, and fear ran this story.

I loved him. He was so sweet and kind and she shut him down over and over. Thankfully, from about the midway part, she started letting him in and he became a big support for her.

For me, the award goes to him. He’s the type of male character that we want in our stories. I wish the author would’ve been kinder with the female lead so that she would have trusted herself to believe in him much earlier in the story. For me, that would’ve made it a more enjoyable read.

The plot was great. It had some surprises along the way, but I just wanted more of the 1-1 romance, the letting go, and being yourself. For me, that was a big deal.

Hard to Get is the first book I have read by this author. I would read her again as the story was enjoyable.

This was a good book. I think I am a little bit pickier when it comes to how I like my small town romance, but this was a really good attempt at it. The storyline flowed really nicely and my heart was happy at the end.

Hard to Get was such a nice title to describe this book though. I usually don't really spend much time thinking about the title of the book, but this was such a good title that I had to include a little bit about it (and very accurate).

Andi Salazar was such an icon. Period. The sheer independence this woman has and wants is *chef's kiss*. I love when a woman is strong and independent without having to depend on a man! She reminded me of myself more than once so the relatable element was also done well!!

I felt bad for Kevin at the start because of the description. My heart goes out to people who were told they were "boring" because they don't fit the other person's definition of "fun".

Life lesson: never let anyone dim your light because you are worth it and when the right person comes along, they will see you for you!

Thank you to Laura Moher, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for this arc! 💕

At first, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this story. Andi struck me as a bit too much—like she was trying incredibly hard to be different from who she really was. Unfortunately, this made her come off as mean and a bit stuffy, rather than the mysterious and likable character I hoped for. Kevin, however, was an instant favorite. He was charming and kind, but sometimes he felt a little too perfect—almost overly infatuated with Andi.

As I delved deeper into the story, I started to understand Andi's complicated feelings about her relationship with Kevin. By the end, she became more relatable and enjoyable, but there was still a lingering disconnect. Despite Kevin being a wonderful support for her, many aspects of the plot felt underexplored, leaving me wanting more. Overall, while the journey had its ups and downs, I found layers in their relationship that made me curious about their story.

Hard to Get is the third book in the Big Love from Galway series, centering around Andi, friend of the FMCs of the first two books, and Kevin, new to town MMC. Andi runs the local domestic violence shelter and its associated programs. She comes from a generational history of domestic violence, which has led her to be interested in short liaisons and no entanglements. Kevin was recently dumped by his fiancé former being to “vanilla”. His pain in the aftermath led to his moving from Nebraska to Galway, North Carolina.

Andi and Kevin meet one night at the local bar, hook up, and then Andi goes on her way. They end up connecting in various situations after that night, and begin a platonic friendship. Then they find out their one night stand led to pregnancy.

I will be honest-accidental pregnancy is one of my least-liked plot lines. But I gave this a chance because I like the author’s previous books. It was ok for me. I liked the characters, the shelter plot line was good, the chemistry of the couple was good, and it was nice to see characters from previous books. I appreciate that the pregnancy was noted as happening even with the characters taking responsible precautions, as happens in real life. There was no discussion of options (or the lack there of) other than carrying the pregnancy, which I found a bit disappointing.

Overall, while this kind of story is a tough go for me, I thought it was handled better than some I’ve read. I plan to continue reading the series. Note that there is frank discussion of domestic violence and abuse for those who may have difficulty reading about these topics.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are solely my own.

Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for the Net Galley ARC!

This book had me in my feels in the best way. Hard to Get is a small-town romance with deep emotional layers, a swoony cinnamon roll hero, and a plus-size heroine who fully owns who she is, basically everything I love in a romance!

Andi Salazar is a badass, independent woman who’s not here for anyone’s nonsense. She runs a women’s shelter by day and sings sultry jazz numbers at a bar by night, and romance is not exactly on her radar. Then there’s Kevin Mahoney, a math teacher who’s been written off as "too vanilla" by his ex-fiancée. He’s determined to figure out who he really is, and that journey leads him straight to Andi. A steamy one-night stand should’ve been the end of it, but because small-town life means you can’t escape anything, Andi and Kevin keep crossing paths, and let’s just say... the tension is tensioning...As Kevin and Andi are thrown together again and again, their chemistry is undeniable, but so are their walls. Andi doesn’t trust easily, and Kevin has been burned before.

Andi is a curvy heroine who is unapologetically herself, and I loved how the book celebrates that. If you love a soft, patient, determined hero, Kevin will steal your heart. Moher doesn’t shy away from real-life struggles, she addresses domestic abuse, trauma, and self-worth with thoughtful nuance and care. If you love tight-knit communities where everyone knows your business (for better or worse), Galway will feel like home. Hard to Get is an emotional, heartfelt romance with incredible character growth, sizzling chemistry, and a hero who loves with his whole heart. If you’re looking for a romance that’s both steamy and meaningful, this is 100% worth the read!

Trigger Warning: This book deals with heavy topics like domestic abuse and sexual violence. It’s handled thoughtfully, but it’s something to be aware of.

Tropes:
- Curvy Heroine Who Owns It
- Cinnamon Roll Hero
- Small-Town Romance
- Opposites Attract
- One-Night Stand to More
- Slow Burn Goodness
- Found Family
- Emotional Baggage
- Surprise Pregnancy
- Second Chance Love

I did not like this one at all! There was little to no plot, the spicy scenes were just completely uncomfortable and just all around lacking everything.

This one is a sweet, slow-burn romance with just enough charm to keep you turning the pages. Andi is fiercely independent and reluctant to let anyone in, while Kevin is the perfect mix of steady and endearing as he tries to rediscover himself. Their dynamic is fun to watch unfold, especially as they navigate the shift from attraction to friendship to something more.

The small-town setting adds warmth, and the emotional depth—especially with Andi’s trust issues—gives the story weight. There a slight twist but still adds a nice layer of drama. If you enjoy heartfelt, character-driven love stories with a Southern touch, this one is for you!

This story draaaaaged for me. I couldn’t connect with the characters emotionally, I felt detached from the story and the intimacy of the relationship.

The pacing was choppy and all over the place, with attempts at contemporary language that didn’t work for the characters or their personalities.

The spice/dirty talk just cringed me out. I felt like I had to detach from the moment where these characters were intimate because I felt uncomfortable.

I did enjoy the characters and their honesty, connection and chemistry but the rest fell flat for me.

this is beautiful romance read. its has lighter bits and deeper bits and covers more realistic relationships well.
i felt for Andi and felt she was really relatable. she helps domestic violence survivors and its worth noting that this is something that is mentioned in some detail but definitely in a really well thought out and informed way. this need to help others came about from her own past. and i thought once again this was handled brilliantly. one thing she does to escape is having her singing persona. and shes good at it.
Kevin is our other main character. and swooooon if ever there was one. hes been told hes vanilla, boring. blah blah blah. why pray tell me is it that nice, thoughtful and good men are seen in society as boring? or are encourage by mates and other to go have some fun or get "unboring". but this does lead our Kevin to seeing Andi on stage. and the connection is immediate and continue on.
the characters are brilliant. their connection is amazing. and they both support and adapt to each others need. picking each other up at all the right moments.
Andi has alot to work through. and i liked how Kevin being gentle with and for that was never seen as him "weakening" himself to be sensitive and compassionate.
this is a heartfelt topic and id recomend.
i didnt know its part of a series and so i shall be trying to find the others as soon as.

I really enjoyed this book. The beginning went kind of fast for me which was unexpected. After that the book had a good pace and I liked watching the characters interact and find each other in a way differently from how they originally met.

I love this series SO MUCH!!! This book is no different. I absolutely love Laura’s writing and will read anything she puts out. I’m so grateful to have been able to get an ARC of this book!

This was such a fun, easy read!
Although I don’t have a similar past to Andi’s, I also have the urge to be so reserved and over protective of my inner world. Andi’s progress and her trusting Kevin eventually healed my heart and gave me hope.

The character arcs. Dual POV. Trust!!! No third act breakup. So good, so much depth. Standalone but the characters from the earlier books make epic appearances. I have to read the earlier books.

Well thought out, great information for domestic violence. I need to take Krav Maga classes now! Seeing how both Andi and Kevin's past made such an impact on their personality and decisions was interesting to see. I love that Kevin grew into himself, and I love that he knew who he needed to be for Andi. Andi had such an amazing development, and her finally allowing someone into her life was great.

I had the opportunity to read this book thanks to NetGalley. This was my first book by the author, and I have to say it left a good impression on me. While this is the third book in the series, there weren’t many major spoilers from what I noticed, and all the couples and side characters received brief introductions as the story progressed.

The beginning felt a bit odd to me because there were no immediate explanations or introductions to the main character, Andi, or the town—you’re just thrown right into the middle of things. This made it slightly difficult to understand what was happening in the first chapter, but after that, with the introduction of other characters, this “issue” didn’t persist.

I appreciated that the characters had deeper backstories that actually aligned with their behavior. I felt that Andi was very well-written and an interesting character, but some of her thoughts and actions didn’t sit well with me, which made me dislike her at times. The women’s shelter plot was both meaningful and unique, managing to be educational while still engaging.

Kevin was easily the biggest green flag cinnamon roll I’ve ever read about. He was incredibly polite and considerate of Andi’s feelings while still having opinions of his own. I loved that he had a body-positive mindset (like some of the other characters) and maintained a strong connection with his long-distance family.

Hard to Get by Laura Moher, published by Sourcebooks Casablanca, is book 3 in the Big Love from Galway Series.
Witty and fun, heartwarming and gives all the feels. A great read, 4,5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with an ARC of this book.
The story idea was good, but the plot flow did not work for me…
The books talked about many subjects, such as domestic abuse, accidental pregnancy, philophobia, fear of standing out. Maybe that was why I found that there was a lot of information at once but at the same time, no subject was throughly expressed. I also could not really connect with the characters.