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.

Andi lives a very regimented and protected life meant to keep her safe from men. Raised by a grandmother who always pushed her to be wary of men and working at a battered women's shelter, she knows just how awful some men can be. But when a very hot one-night stand turns into friendship and so much more, Andi will have to decide if she's willing to trust her safety (and heart) to a man who feels too good to be true.

Andi and Kevin have a very sweet relationship even as Andi is always trying to put the breaks on it. The story gives you little hints as to why she's the way she is and eventually drops a bomb that makes you think she's totally right to have the trauma she does, but it does make the romance drag a bit. Kevin is so pure that understanding Andi's reticence is hard. Her reasons are valid, I just wish we could have gotten more story with happy Andi and Kevin. Although I guess it wouldn't have been as impactful if we didn't fully explore both their traumas and healing journeys.

This is how you do cinnamon roll heroes. I've been reading so much romance with good guys who are so annoying in their niceness that Kevin felt like a breath of fresh air. He's genuinely a kind, loving, and generous man willing to learn and grow to be the man Andi needs. But a nice guy isn't all he is, as he's also looking to define himself after his fiance broke up with him for not having opinions and one too many people told him he's vanilla. He's on a quest to find his likes and dislikes and it adds so much to his growth as a character that getting attached to his story is almost easier than it is for Andi's.

Both Michelle Price and Paul Bellantoni do a great job of bringing the characters and story to life. Some of the inflections chosen for side characters were a little too high and screechy for my poor ears, but it was tiny moments on the overall fantastic narration.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the great romantic read!

I just didn’t super connect with this book. The relationship building between the two leads felt non-existent beyond the surface level for so much of the book. And it was definitely an entire book of him trying to convince her to let him in, and while I understand the trauma and fear side of things, it just didn’t work for me. I also listened to the audiobook and the narrators did well. I think the content just lacked heart overall.

Andi Salazar and Kevin Mahoney meet in the bar where Andi was singing for the Blue Shoes. She just wants a one-time fling but Kevin wants more. Kevin a high school math teacher has just moved to Galway after a break up. Andi works at the domestic violence shelter and doesn't want to be in a relationship after what her grandmother and mother had been through in the past. Kevin and Andi decied to be just friends until that doesn't work for them either. This was a quick audiobook to listen to and whilie I didn't read or listen to the other 2 books in this series it was easy to follow along. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for letting me listen to an advanced copy of this audiobook.

Hard to Get is a fantastic romance with tear jerkiing chapters as well as perfectly timed spicy scenes. This led me to want to read or listen to all of Laura Moher's books!

Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

3.25 stars

This was a sweet story with both maon characters overcoming their own baggage to come together. At times it did drag a bit but i appreciated the emotional journey they go through to be with each.
It was a sweet story.

Accidental pregnancy
One night stand
Friends to lovers
Spicy

Dual narration- Paul Belantoni & Michelle Price
Great southern accent. Male narrator was good but seemed to read the lines in almost a questioning way. Still enjoyable though.

Book 3 in Big love from Galway series. Interconnected standalones.

Andi and Kevin are the MCs in this book.

Andi is a sort of social worker during the day and a sexy singer by night. Kevin is a big man former football player turned coach.

Kevin is newer to town and goes out for drinks with a coworker the first time he sees Andi sing and he is hooked. He can’t take his eyes off her.

Andi thinks her family has a sort of hex on the women in her family that they only attract bad guys. She doesn’t do relationships.

Instant attraction on both sides leads to a one night stand. They don’t know that they will be seeing each other more and after they try to become friendly she finds out oops 👶

This was a cute and steamy listen. I enjoyed the story. The MMC personality was a little off for me. His inner monologue felt younger, insecure… but the storyline was good.

The narrators did a wonderful job bringing the story to life. This is a beautiful book! It hit me in all the feels. It's so good and definitely worth the emotional rollercoaster. Andi is a very relatable character. I felt seen while reading her story. If you like heartfelt romance books then I highly recommend this!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to this book ahead of release in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed that this book was more this just a love story, but addressed a serious issue such as domestic violence. Kevin was new in town when he went out with some co-workers to a bar and Andrea' happened to be filling the singer of the band playing. Sparks fly and they spend one magic night together that neither of them can stop thinking about. Kevin tries to pursue her, but Andi has sworn off relationships so she rejects him at first. Then they slowly start a friendship. What other surprises will they discover along the way? you will have to read for yourself and find out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC of Hard to Get—I really enjoyed this heartfelt and quietly powerful story.

This book surprised me in the best way. It blends small-town charm, slow-burn romance, and deeper emotional undercurrents with authenticity and care. The MMC was endearing in his quiet strength, and I appreciated how the story allowed him to be both emotionally vulnerable and supportive. The FMC brought her own spark to the dynamic—independent, guarded, but gradually softening in a way that felt earned and satisfying.

Their relationship builds slowly, but that tension and emotional layering made it all the more rewarding. There are some heavier themes woven in, but they’re handled with care and add weight to the romance without overwhelming it.

As for the audiobook: the narration was solid, with voices that matched the characters well and enhanced the story’s emotional tone. It made the story even more immersive and easy to fall into.

If you're a fan of emotional slow burns with strong character development and a touch of small-town romance, Hard to Get is worth picking up. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on more from Laura Moher!