This was my first Laura Moher book and I really enjoyed it! Hard to Get is technically book 3 in the Big Love from Galway series, but you can still read it as a stand alone. I’m excited to go back and read the stories about Andi’s friends though!

This book includes representation of some really important topics, and I loved the size inclusivity and body positivity in the book. Andi works at a women’s shelter and domestic abuse is a big theme of the book. I love how Kevin, the MMC, took everything he learned from her to heart.

Andi and Kevin’s story was so fun to read, and this is so random but I love that they were just normal, real people navigating life.

Big thanks to Dreamscape Media for providing the audiobook ARC! The narrators did a fantastic job as well 👌🏽

A great story about living life and trusting and love. What loveable characters! It was frustrating at times, but trauma can make a person frustrating AND frustrated. It was an accurate description of what people can experience and I just loved the growth of both characters.

Andi has been through hell, and back again. But once in a while she lets her hair down and dons a persona of Andrea hot singer with the band when they need a fill in. That's where Kevin meets her for the first time.

Kevin is smitten from the moment he lays eyes on this curvy goddess (thank you author for depicting curvy girls in such a wonderful light). But after a night of unbridled passion, Andrea disappears and Andi comes back. It isn't until football season starts that Kevin runs into Andi again, and even though Andi isn't all dolled up Kevin is still entranced.

The only problem I've had with this book is that the author didn't include trigger warnings in the beginning of the audiobook which I think are more than needed.

While it did seem to take FOREVER to get Andi to loosen up and let Kevin in, I loved the chemistry the two had in this book. The portrayal of the hypervigilent person, and also the talk they had with the football players in the beginning of the book... *chef's kiss*

Michelle Price and Paul Bellantoni were excellent narrators in this book. Thank you for giving me something that I can listen to at even my 1.75% and still love every single word. You are amazing and your talents are well used.

I'd like to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read/listen to this book.

I received an advanced copy of the audio version of this book. This is my own opinion. Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the ALC.

**Because I received an ALC, I'm not sure if the final version will have content/trigger warnings. If you are interested in this book and are triggered by domestic violence, I will provide more information below the full review. If you're not interested in this, don't read below the line as it contains mild spoilers for the sake of warnings.

<b>Genre:</b> Contemporary Romance

<b>Tropes:</b> only one bed, unexpected pregnancy, snowed in, golden retriever x black cat, he falls first and harder

<b>Spice Level:</b> 1.5/5 there are a couple of on page scenes, but I noticed a lack of words other than breasts and nipple I think. The spicy scenes were there and kind of descriptive but without using genitalia words. I feel like that's kind of hard to accomplish, honestly, so kudos for that.

<b>Content Warning:</b> stalking, gun violence, mentions of abuse and domestic violence, baiting of a character in an attempt to provoke/see if they can be provoked to anger/reaction

Don't go into this one expecting a kink exploration if you, like me, saw the whole Vanilla Kevin thing in the blurb and thought we were going to get something totally different than what we had. Kevin is a people pleaser, and as such has no clue what he actually likes, and that's where the vanilla thing comes in. It's not like...bedroom vanilla, if you catch my drift. I'm not disappointed by the lack of sexual exploration or kink, but I just wanted to put that out there for anyone who may also have thought that's where we were going!

Hard to Get is mostly cutesy fluffiness, with both MCs pining over each other, and neither willing to cross what they perceive as the other's lines (with a bit of miscommunication). Kevin falls fast and HARD, and Andi is slower to come around. Overall, this is cute and sweet. I'd have to recommend it with a lot of caveats, as I'm not sure this is for all readers, given the heavy emphasis on domestic violence and abuse throughout. Some readers may be triggered or upset by it. I do think some people may benefit from the way the author uses the shelter's education for volunteers and the community as a way to educate readers who may not be aware of what domestic violence/abuse may look like.

Overall I enjoyed it, but the way Andi and her friends treated Kevin before they officially got together rubbed me the wrong way. I understand Andi's reluctance to begin a relationship and let him in after her family history, and I wonder if I, as a reader, am supposed to find their baiting him humorous. I understand what they were trying to accomplish in their protection of their friend, but I don't know...it just didn't sit right.

This one would be good for fans of Katherine Center who maybe want a touch of spice in their books.
3.5/5 stars.





______________________________

The FMC of this book is the director of a women's shelter in a small town. Because of this, she constantly checks her surroundings, checks her car for people hiding, etc. Early on, she shows a video to the high school football team about the members of their family who've experienced violence/abuse. It's not detailed, but the MMC thinks about the implications and how he never realized what abuse might look like outside of the obvious physical evidence. Kevin thinks about this sort of thing A LOT, and becomes very self-conscious about it. When he volunteers at the shelter for a positive male influence for the kids there, he goes through training that has a lot of similarities but apparently goes into more depth. Again, not super descriptive, but we get a lot of Kevin thinking about what he's learned.

Andi the FMC receives threats in the form of letters until it escalates to a man catching Andi alone in a parking lot and attacking her with a gun. She kicks his a$$ though.

This was an overall very cute and engaging read. I liked both main characters and all the depth that was attributed to them individually. However, at first I was really into what they had going as a couple. The chemistry was off the charts, Kevin was very gentle and honestly just adorably nervous, Andi was a complete badass that knew exactly what she wants. The dynamics were working so well in their favor and I was excited to see what they’ll give.

Unfortunately for me, when their relationship started getting serious is where they lost me, because I personally feel like all the levity and fresh air I got from their initial interactions was overpowered but the underlying plot points. At this point, instead of focusing on actual relationship development in the present— their focus was heavily planted in the past and it’s reflection on their relationship now. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but I would’ve liked if the past and present were more balanced all round.

The audiobook on its own was really great. The narrators voices were indeed very phenomenal especially the voice of the FMC. There was something about it that I particularly enjoyed which made me so excited to be in her POV for the sake of just listening to the narrator do their thing. I do which the tones used for expressing emotions like fear, frustration and anger throughout the story was clearer but it doesn’t take away from the general enjoyment of the story.

Thank you Dreamscape audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for my #gifted (free) copy of the audiobook.

The main female character, Andi, loves her small town, her job and has a fierce work ethic passed down from her grandma. Occasionally, she sings at a local bar. That is where she meets Kevin Mahoney, the main male character. He is recovering from a breakup and trying to rediscover himself. He runs into Andi onstage and off, and that leads to a steamy night he cannot forget.
Andi shuts things down fast, but when work throws them back together, a reluctant friendship sparks. As trust builds and feelings grow, both fight the pull toward more until something happens (no spoilers, right?), and it forces them to face what they really want.
The narrators did an excellent job, and the plot of the book moves fast. This was an excellent audiobook even though it has some trigger warning – please review before you start.
This was book #3 in the Big Love From Galway series. I did not read the first two and was just fine jumping into this one.

ARC for Net Galley and Dreamscape Media

There are so many element of this book that I loved. Andi may be one of my all-time favorite FMC's in the contemporary romance category. She is confident, strong willed and thoughtful. Kevin is the ultimate cinnamon roll MMC.

The book kicks off with Andi and Kevin meeting at one of her last minute performances. They are immediately drawn to one another and can't resist it. He makes her break all of the rules that her Grandma made her promise due to a horrible abusive past.

She initial wants to push him away after one night but he just keeps showing up as the good hearted man that he is. When a positive pregnancy test surprises her, she needs to decide if she can trust him to be in their lives.

Andi and Kevin are so great together. There are many moments of miscommunication and misunderstanding until nearly the end. Totally loved this book.

I listened the audio version of Hard to Get. Michelle Price and Paul Bellantoni played the perfect Andi and Kevin.

Hard to Get Honest ARC Review:

Southern Small Town Romance with strong FMC.
Andi is hardworking and independent. She loves her small town and enjoys singing on stage once in a while.

Math teacher, Kevin Mahoney just moved to the small town of Galway, NC after a bad breakup with his fiancé.

The two take their time getting to know one another until unexpected events intensify things.

Characters are complex and develop further throughout the novel as the two must overcome obstacles. Sub characters are interesting and entertaining.

Filled with heartfelt love and joy, self reflection and overcoming obstacles, this story is an entertaining small town romance. This is definitely one to add to your TBR.


⭐️Small Town Romance
⭐️Cinnamon Roll MMC
⭐️ Strong FMC
⭐️Unexpected Pregnancy

Thank you for sharing this ARC with me. I really enjoyed it!

Andi is a woman with a family history of abuse and violence. She lives everyday of her life being cautious and protective of her privacy, while championing other women and children going through rough times. When teddybear Kevin comes into her life, she slips up one night and let's him in, but then spends the rest of the book holding him at arms length. Kevin is persistent, but the conversations about her reluctance to get involved got pretty repetitive. Despite that, the characters were well-developed and their backstories were fleshed out. I loved the town of Galway too!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC audiobook.

I generally like romance, but this one didn't quite hit for me. When I look at other reviews, plenty of readers love it, so I may be an anomaly. A big piece for me was probably the male narrator. His delivery felt very cheesy to me. And then the male lead, Kevin gave me the ick - even without the narration. I just have very little patience for the particular flaws he brought to the relationship, and I would have dumped him in a hot second - hahah. BUT! I think it's the right book for some., and not poorly written (though the dialogue was clunky to me), so if you're into the other books in this series, this may be a good one for you.

Hard to Get by Laura Moher
Big Love from Galway series #3. Contemporary diverse romance. Curvy female.
Math teacher Kevin Mahoney moves to Galway, NC to start over, even though he’s leaving his parents, siblings and their families behind. Kevin is determined to make this new home a place he wants to be, and forget about his ex his lack of exciting life. He stops at the local bar for dinner and is entranced by the voluptuous bombshell singer on the stage. He decides to talk to her and their exchange is sizzling. They spend the night together and Kevin is smitten. He can’t wait to see her again.
Andi Salazar has been warned over and over about the bad choices the women in her family make with men. She has seen and experienced the heartbreak and swears she’s going to treasure her independence and stick to work to keep her busy and happy. She didn’t exchange numbers with Kevin and didn’t even tell him her real name. But it’s a small town and he wants a second chance.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version which is narrated by Michelle Price and Paul Bellantoni. Both do a fantastic job with their performance enabling me to “see” the character and all their reactions. I could clearly hear Kevin’s puzzlement, longing and lust. Each of the narrators did their chapter POV and had voices for both characters that were distinctive.
I listened to the story at my usual speed of 1.5 to better match reading and comfortable conversation speed.

I loved the inclusion of the football team in the training against bullying and domestic violence. The story also included some language to turn a phrase around on the subject that was educational.
Sexy, sentimental, and a swooney big math teacher. A dishy and dreamy romance.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Dreamscape Media.

This book hit me hard. It dives deep into the impact of generational trauma—specifically around abuse and assault—and how those wounds don’t just disappear with time. They linger, they shape relationships, and they often show up in the quietest, most painful ways.

Andi’s journey is incredibly powerful. Her deep-rooted belief that she’s not enough was heartbreaking to witness, and it felt so real. But honestly, it was Kevin who really got to me. My heart broke for him. He’s patient, steady, and willing to do the hard emotional work, yet still met with resistance and fear. And I get it—I’ve felt that same ache of not feeling good enough in a relationship, of wondering what else you could possibly do to prove your love.

There’s also an unexpected pregnancy, which adds another emotional layer to an already vulnerable story. It’s handled with care and honesty, showing how life doesn’t wait for people to be fully healed before throwing curveballs their way.

I listened to the audiobook and felt the narrators did a beautiful job showcasing the emotional depth of both characters. Their performances brought so much authenticity—it made Andi and Kevin feel even more real.

And when these two finally find their way to each other? I got emotional. After everything they’ve been through, seeing them choose love—messy, imperfect, hard-fought love—was so deeply satisfying.

The beauty of this story is that it doesn’t offer easy answers. Andi makes Kevin work for her trust, and the book respects that process. Healing takes time, love, and a whole lot of grace. I felt every bit of it.

This book was really good!

The way that Laura Moher explores generational trauma, importance of community nurture, and building TRUST in a relationship is unmatched. This story did a great job layering in significant experiences with comedic relief and genuine human growth. Andi is the epitome of independent, badass woman who can do anything. Kevin is peak cinnamon roll energy. So gooey and sweet! His entire self made me laugh out loud with his goofiness and sincerity. You gotta love seeing a respectful and intentional man.

Paul Bellantoni truly brought him to life and his expressiveness made everything about Kevin even more endearing. This Nebraskan, country boy is a doll. Michelle Price beautifully brought Andi to life with every bit of her emotive nature - when she was being vulnerable, strong, scared, empowered. The production was excellent and I am so grateful for the opportunity to listen to this ARC thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media

Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by Laura Moher and I will go back and read the first two books in the series. This book has a lot of heart and emotions.

Andi is an independent woman and purposely single. She moonlights as a singer at the local bar, which is where she meets the new handsome teacher in town, Kevin. Sparks fly that first night and Andi is forced to cope with healing past trauma in order to ultimately be with Kevin.

What you’ll find:
⭐️small town, North Carolina
⭐️FMC with family history of past trauma (TW!)
⭐️Cinnamon roll/golden retriever MMC
⭐️Open door 🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️Surprise Pregnancy (attn: divisive trope!)
⭐️Forced proximity
⭐️Mutual pining

Rounded up. It’s a cute story. The FMC is a bit frustrating until you get her back story. MMC is the cinnamon roll of all cinnamon rolls and is just wonderful. The female narrator was perfect. The male narrator was fine but I prefer a more gruff male voice.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This a great quick contemporary romance.
TW: lots of discussion around domestic violence but it is done very well.
The plot was well done and structured well.
Characters are well-developed with some complexity.
I had a hard time the first 1/4 of the book getting into the groove but really enjoyed the last 3/4.
I did have a hard time feeling the chemistry between the two main characters - sometimes I thought I was starting to feel it but then something just didn’t let me fully connect. I did however love both of the characters. I love the way Kevin takes care of tough girl Andi and steps up. Trying not to give away spoilers!
I do think this is a great palate cleanser and I would recommend!
Had a bit of trouble with the accents of the narrators at the beginning - but it grew on me as the book went along. The pace was done well and the narrators stayed consistent throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

A small town, dual POV, romance that turns a one night stand into an accidental pregnancy romance featuring a plus size FMC and a swoony male lead. This was fun, emotional and heartfelt and a great (possible) end to the Galway series. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

🎧Audiobook: Hard to Get- Book#3 Big Love from Galway

✍🏾Author: Laura Moher-I read Curves for Days and gave it 5 ⭐

📆 Publication date: 4-15-25 | Read: 4-11-25

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Adult/Women's Fic

Tropes: plus-sized h, friends to lovers, 1-night stand, surprise pregnancy, small town, H falls first, cinnamon roll H, open door, found family

🗣️Narrators: Michelle Price and Paul Bellantoni voice all the characters with standouts from Andi and Kevin. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrators worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrators paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.

🏃🏾‍♀️‍➡️ Run Time: 9:45

🌎 Setting: Galway, NC

👆🏾POV: 1st person, dual-Andi and Kevin

⚠️TW: DV, abuse, SA. mental health issues, therapy

Summary: Andi has seen and experienced the deeds of bad men, so she guards her heart. Kevin has just moved from Nebraska to start over after his break-up with his fiancée. They meet at a local bar and have instant chemistry. They spend the night together and reunite when their jobs bring them together. Andi works at Galway's Women's Crisis Center and Kevin is a math teacher at Galway High School.

👩🏾Heroine: Andrea "Andi" Salazar- occasionally sings in "The Blue Shoes" -the local band.

👨🏾Hero: Kevin Mahoney- 35, ex-fiancée called him "vanilla" and he's looking to add some spice to his life. He is also a general fitness trainer for high school students.

Other Characters:
*Rose + Angus-bk. #1 couple, Andi's friend
*July + Joe-bk. #2 couple, Andi's friend
*Tisha-Vice Principal at Galway High School
*Pete+ Cece-Kevin's brother and niece
*Cheryl-Kevin's ex-fiancée
*Gram- Andi's grandmother (deceased 2 years ago)

🤔 My Thoughts: Andi was so guarded, sometimes being outright mean. Kevin was a patient, caring, gentleman who learned about abuse and what happened to victims. Andi's grandmother taught her to never trust men because her grandfather was abusive. Andi became more open once she and Kevin spent more time together and the threatening letters plot added a little mystery.

⭐Rating: 4/5
🌶️Spice level 4/5

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Laura Moher for this ALC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

Alright, so I picked up "Hard to Get" by Laura Moher thinking, "Ooh, a good romance with some tension!"... and well, let's just say my expectations were a bit... off.
Two stars. That's generous.
Look, I'm all for a bit of cheesy romance, but this one just didn't land for me. The dialogue? Oh boy. I swear I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly saw my brain. There were moments where I had to put the book down and just stare at the wall for a minute to recover. It felt like the characters were speaking in some kind of weird, overly dramatic script, not like actual humans.
And speaking of characters... yikes. I found them pretty unlikable. Like, I get that characters can be flawed, but these two were borderline cringe-inducing. I couldn't find anything to connect with, and honestly, I was more annoyed than anything.
Then there's the title. "Hard to Get"? Seriously? They were hooking up like, 10% into the book. Where's the "hard to get" part? It felt like a bait-and-switch.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. But it just wasn't for me. If you're looking for a super fluffy, over-the-top romance with zero subtlety, maybe give it a shot. But if you're like me and appreciate some realistic dialogue and relatable characters, you might want to look elsewhere.

Curvy strong dominant FMC. Major golden retriever MMC

I usually loath the miscommunication troupe… like with a passion, but I found this one was well done!

The perspective is well told through each of the main characters. You understand their fear and trauma and why they are handling the situations the way they do.

There are laugh out loud moments. Especially, when people yell Kevin! Makes me think of Home Alone.

It’s a realistic love story for a modern day romance.