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Bragan University #3

Falling For You

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Zack Hayes was taught that hard work pays off. He lives by that adage, working a part-time job, playing football and taking a full load of courses in the hope that his parents can stop working themselves to the bone.

However, when things start to go wrong, Zack begins to believe that when you come from nothing, working hard doesn’t get you anywhere.

Emma Wilson has spent her whole life hiding in the shadows because she isn’t who her parents wanted her to be—who her father wanted her to be.

She loses herself in her studies and in the piles of romance books she devours. It isn’t until her roommate begins dating a football player that the worlds she’s worked so hard to separate inevitably collide.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2019

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About the author

Gianna Gabriela

34 books450 followers
Writer of the sexy alphas you want and the strong heroines you need.

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5 stars
240 (46%)
4 stars
181 (34%)
3 stars
81 (15%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
1,568 reviews29 followers
May 11, 2019
Wow! What an incredible story! This series is such a breath of fresh air. Zack and Emma meet one night at a party, but when they meet up again, Zack doesn’t remember her. Emma isn’t surprised, she is the type of girl who keeps to herself and loves to read. She’s not into football because of her Father, but doesn’t let anyone know who he is. Zack needs to pass a class, and lo and behold, who is his tutor, Emma?! He knows there is more to her, and she seems familiar, but not sure how he knows her. Can two totally opposite people become friends or even more? Can Zack bring Emma out of her shell? You will have to read this truly enjoyable story to find out. I loved these characters and this series, and you will too!
Profile Image for Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews.
1,784 reviews30 followers
May 4, 2019




I’m open to read all kinds of stories as long as it does have an HEA. I don’t read too many young adults stories because they are close to my kids age. I’m very cautious with them. I have enough drama at home. Gianna Gabriela’s stories are different due to the fact that her writing is mature and creates characters that are too. This 6 star story had me hooked and kept me reading non stop.

Zack is a football player that does not fit the Bragan University norm. He works hard for what he has accomplished. Things are not easy for him. Emma loves books and she’s a studious girl. She is forced to tutor Zack. The more time they spend together the more they get to know each other.

This is a first love kind of story that made me sigh a few times. This is the kind of story that I would safely let my 15 yo read. It doesn’t need to be filled with sex scenes in order to make this an amazing romantic story. The level of writing is well thought out and beautifully executed. The characters are mature and level headed. It’s not full of teenage drama. Not many authors can get me hook like Gianna can.

The storyline was beautifully well written. It kept me addicted until the very end. Bottomline this is a must read.

This is the third story in the series but I can safely say it can be read as standalone. The focus is on the Zack and Emma. The first 2 story are worth a read too. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Profile Image for Lorena Fuentes.
Author 40 books102 followers
January 23, 2023
Preciosa

Las historias son hermosas, me gusta lo rosa que son.
Se leen súper rápido y esperando por la siguiente historia.
Profile Image for Heather Dee.
422 reviews
April 28, 2019
Every time I read a book by Gianna Gabriela it gets better and Falling For You was definitely no exception!

Gianna writes books that a heartfelt believeable and oh so sweet that I never want it to end ....

Another major hit that I know I'll have a book hangover for a while lol...

there is always a hot alpha male and I know that's never a bad thing lol and a sweet girl that always feels not good enough for whatever reason but Gianna loves to prove opposites do attract...

I personally have loved each and every book she has released so far and Falling for you is absolutely awesome do yourself a favour and read it!
Profile Image for Katrina Haynes.
664 reviews16 followers
January 7, 2024
Omg, This book melted my heart when I read this.. Of course Zach was always my favorite which I love him even more reading his and Emma story.. I wish I could give it more then five stars because that what it needs.. I don't want to give to much away but please check it out when it comes out.. 🖤🖤🖤
Profile Image for Lisa  Lyle.
450 reviews6 followers
April 27, 2019
Gianna as done it again a truly wonderful story I love how she captures the characters and makes you fall in love with them two people forced together from two completely different backgrounds yet they find love and I loved it even found my self crying at one point. If i could give this book more then 5 stars I definitely wouldn't
498 reviews9 followers
January 10, 2023
Una novela muy dulce, para las romanticas de alma y corazón. Una hermosa pareja que se enamora Emma y Zack, jóvenes viviendo su vida al máximo. Adoré que no tenga dramas absurdos, que el lenguaje sea acorde a las edades de los protagonistas, que la.linea de tiempo se mantenga y que sea un amor muy puro sin necesidad de caer el.lo sexual para mantener la atención del lector. Una novela bien pensada, fresca, bella, sin duda voy a leer mas novelas de esta autora.
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,134 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2019
Zack Hayes is a football player who came to Bragan University on partial scholarships and works super hard at his studies, working at his job and playing football in hopes that he can succeed and help out his parents as much as possible. When he finds out he is failing biology his coach gets him a tutor in hopes of pulling up his grades and being able to play in the championship game.

Emma Wilson has felt like she never measured up to what her father wanted in a child, specifically a son. Now she hides away in her books and studies and tries to keep to herself as much as possible but her roommate, Zoe, is dating a football player and soon Emma finds herself at football parties.

When Emma is forced to tutor Zack will she discover a different side of him and realize that not all football players are the same?

I really liked Zack and I loved his dedication to his family and how hard he worked to earn money to make life easier on his parents and that he didn't want them to know. I felt bad that he was struggling in biology as he really was trying to manage everything going on and his need for bigger things was driven by helping his parents. He didn't want anyone to really know what was going on as he didn't want pity or handouts.

Emma was great and I hated how her dad made her feel and how he treated her in general. He demanded she tutor Zack and never once asked her to do it. This definitely had an impact on how she viewed sports guys and also how she let very few people get close to her.

I liked the email correspondence that began for Zack and Emma and there were a lot of laughs. I liked how much humor Zack had and I think that was partly done to cover what he doesn't want to let people know.

I liked how Zack invited Emma to his place so she wouldn't be alone and I absolutely loved Zack's mom!! She was so awesome! I felt bad when Emma's secret was revealed but I really liked that Zack never let it known that he had no idea and how they talked about it all after.

The huge fight with Emma's dad was epic and I loved everything that went down with it. Everything that came about because of it was awesome.

The end was so awesome and I was so happy for how things ended but I really wished we knew how it would turn out in the future!!

Profile Image for Nora Fresse.
298 reviews10 followers
May 13, 2019
My heart was crying for Emma having to grow up knowing her father wanted a son but instead got a girl that he couldn’t play football with. She learned to dislike the sport and not associate with any football players. Kind of hard to do when her roommate, Zoe is dating a football player and also kind of hard to do when her father forces her to tutor one of his precious football players who failed biology. This should be fun.

Zack comes from a poor but loving family. The financial burdens are so dire that on top of his course work, and football practice he works long hours to be able to help with the bills. The last thing he needs is a failing grade in biology and have the coach pull him from a very important game where he could possibly be drafted to the NFL. When the coach assigns him a tutor he’s not sure what to expect. He certainly in for a big surprise.

Even though Emma and Zack hung around the same circle of friends they never really interacted and if it hadn’t been for their forced interaction they would have missed out on a very special relationship. I love how they interact. She’s so witty with her comebacks and he’s so genuinely humble and kind-hearted. As their relationship progressed I fell more in love with them. Zack’s parents are so great and I love that story about homecoming. Awesome! The epilogue and the unexpected turn her father took in his relationship with his only daughter was truly wonderful. This series is just a great read. I truly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Steph.
510 reviews25 followers
May 26, 2019
Imagine being a star football player, doing whatever you can to ensure that your family is taken care of, and that you get that NFL future you never thought you could achieve, but always wanted? For Zack Hayes, this is his life.

Except one thing stands in his way–his grades. Being forced to work with a tutor is not something Zack has time for, or even wants to do. But with football and his family life on the line, he’s forced into the impossible. What he didn’t anticipate was falling in love with his tutor.

Emma Wilson could probably call herself a star pupil, but she’s never been one to brag about herself. All she’s ever wanted was her father’s love. But instead, she had to deal with coming in second place to his football coaching career. When her father forces her hand and makes her tutor his star player, Emma’s life suddenly goes from boring to wonderful when Zack Hayes becomes the one guy she never expected to fall in love with, but finds she can’t live without either.

In this third book in the Bragan University series, Gianna blends together a perfect romance between these two characters, and shows us that nothing can stop two people from falling in love the way they are supposed to.
Profile Image for Clare Harrison.
1,074 reviews15 followers
May 7, 2019
As youngsters they are no strangers to pain, and tears in a world where they shouldn't know either.

Older, and wiser, living away from home and attending University this should be the time of their lives...

Hes failing Biology, shes unable to stand up for herself and this is how they find themselves thrown together.

Shes a mystery to him, so unlike all the other girls he has known, but shes hiding something.

Hes not the typical jock. Is he all he says he is or has he got secrets too?

Awwww this book is a complete cuteness overload! So sweet and adorable are they. My heart was a goner pretty much from the start.

Gianna never fails to bring you a story that will make you swoon, and sigh happily, and this is no exception to that!

I'm loving this series with an unrivalled passion! Bragan university is one of the best young adult reads I've lost myself to in a looooonnnng time.

I'm so glad this isnt the end and that there is more to come!

Both Emma and Zack stole my heart in this beautiful poignant tale.

Its refreshing to read a book that is so innocent. This to me is my perfect read.

Need I say more?
Profile Image for C Exley Books (Cassandra).
723 reviews78 followers
May 8, 2019
This is the third book in the Bragan University series. GG you have done it again. From the opening pages to the very last paragraph I was hooked. This is my favourite book in this series.

Zack and Emma meet one night at a party, but when they meet up again, Zack doesn’t remember her. Emma isn’t surprised, she is the type of girl who keeps to herself and loves to read.

Zack is a football player. He works hard for what he has accomplished. Things are not easy for him. Between football, classes, work and studying, Zack cannot fit anything more in his schedule. But when he fails his biology final his coach finds him a tutor to help him pass.

Emma is smart, shy and beautiful. During her free time she normally has her nose in a book in her dorm room until she receives and email from her father demanding a meeting with her. Now she is forced to tutor one of his football players over Christmas break and she isn’t happy.

I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Profile Image for Valérie.
1,107 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2019
Allez savoir pourquoi, mais ces temps-ci je m’éloigne de mes lectures habituelles et je redécouvre des genres que je ne lisais plus depuis un bon moment. Le new adult qui se déroule dans les universités était de ceux-là, et pourtant cette petite série de Gianna Gabriela est vraiment «  cute ». Je ne dirais pas qu’elle revisite le genre, mais ces différents couples sont vraiment adorables.

Zack et Emma sont exactement à première vue le cliché absolu : lui, c’est la star de l’équipe et elle, l’étudiante parfaite ( fille de l’entraîneur ) qui ne vit que pour les livres. Il souhaite passer professionnel pour soutenir sa famille et elle ne souhaite qu’une chose que son père la fasse passer enfin avant le football. Emma va devenir le tuteur de Zack à la demande de son père...comme je le disais, la trame convenue.

Et pourtant, cela fonctionne, car les personnages malgré leur âge sont matures, pas de réactions puériles, de véritables dialogues et cette romance tellement douce et attendrissante.
Profile Image for Eileen (Bangor Belles) Robinson.
1,164 reviews27 followers
April 18, 2019
This is the 3rd book in this series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Emma is a grade A student, yes the nerdy girl but underneath you can feel her sadness and her insecurities. She has never and probably would never be what her parents wanted and has had a cold upbringing and feeling unwanted by her football coach Father, If only she had been a boy !!

Zack is dedicated to make the draft to professional football, but he's carrying burdens on his shoulders and trying his best to be everything he needs to be. His upbringing is unlike most of his friends and between working part time, school and football he's pulled in all angles!
This couple are thrown together, through no choice of their own, and what begins as an antsy putting up with each other grows into one of the most sweet romance love stories !! I loved every second, how they brought out the best in each other without even trying, how their souls just belonged together. Emma was able for Zack's ego every step of the way and give him no quarter. Zack was more than capable of bringing Emma out of her self imposed shell. I seriously teared up so many times with how they just naturally became each others light. My heart was left in so many puddles.....

"But you should know you're beautiful when you dance like no ones watching."

I could'nt get enough of both Emma and Zack, they were both as sassy as the other, and i loved their snarky flirting, but what i loved most of all is that their story was just so down to earth, two people who fall in love, and at the same time deal with so many of lifes hiccups, and relationships with family and friends. I have read and loved each book in this series but i have to say that this one is my favorite because I'm left with the hearty eyes and the mushy fulfilled romantic heart !!!

Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,238 reviews166 followers
April 29, 2019
Between football, classes, work and studying, Zack cannot fit anything more in his schedule. But when he fails his biology final his coach finds him a tutor to help him pass. What should have been just one more thing for Zack to fit in his day ends up being a connection with Emma that sets his plans askew he realizes there is more to life than football. Finding true love becomes his priority. But will a secret from her family set the relationship up to fail? Or will it be just the thing that Emma and her family need? Gianna Gabriela you have done it again. From the opening pages to the very last paragraph I was hooked into this emotional roller coaster ride that I did not want to end. Your crate characters that are so honest and real you readers cannot help but fall in love with them. I cannot wait for more in this series!!
Profile Image for Pauline.
827 reviews
May 2, 2019
Zach's family has always been poor, Emma has always known that she's a disappointment as her father wanted a son and got her. Zach is a football player hoping to make it big, and Emma hates football players because her father always preferred football to her. She is more likely to be found nose in her e-reader drooling over her latest book boyfriend. When Zach fails one of his exams, the football coach tells him he has found him a tutor so that he passes the exam on the next try and still be eligible to play. Given no option but to do as she's told, Emma agrees to tutor Zach so that he passes his exam, but as they spend time with each other, the come to realize that our perceptions and stereotyping can be way of base. This book is funny, touching and full of the warm fuzzies. Another reason why Gianna Gabriela is on my must read list.
Profile Image for J. Lynn.
Author 25 books251 followers
May 14, 2019
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Zach and Emma are my all time favorite characters from this series. Emma is someone most females can relate too being a bookworm and loving her book boyfriends. Zach is the perfect all American, hard working college kid who's morals and integrity are rare these days.
Zach is concerned with family issues and college, working hard to make ends meet while staying at top physical condition for football.

Emma is the classic good girl who has a wild streak hidden beneath her.

They are the perfect couple. I dont know how much more I can say, but I do want more from these too.

If you haven't started this series yet, get to it. Chop, chop
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,480 reviews174 followers
May 17, 2019
Where do I begin with this review..... I have to say that I love all the books in this series because Gianna has this way of writing a story that draws you in and keeps you reading straight through to the ending and when you reach the ending you don't want it to end. This is how Falling For You is.

In this story we meet Zack and Emma and these two are both different and the same all at the same time. Zack works very hard at school and having a job and taking care of his family. He is determined to get as degree that will help him help his parents out and give them a chance to retire and relax. Emma is all about the books for school and for reading on the side. She takes her studies seriously and she loves to read romances as she will never put herself out there to be in a relationship.

This all changes when her roommate starts dating a football player. See she and her roommate go to a party and she meets Zack but when she sees him again he doesn't recognize her. But then Zack needs a tutor and guess what yes you got it Emma is his tutor. The more time they spend together the closer they become and this is when the story takes off and the two of them are amazing together.

This is a MUST READ book and series for all romance lovers!
Profile Image for Alicia Harrietha.
546 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2019
Gianna has done it again!!!!! Falling For You, Bragan University Series (Book Three) has taken my heart and made it explode with love and emotion. This younger story of a sweet, cute and not your typically football player Zach and a book loving, keeps to herself Emma will warm your soul with each and page. Talk about opposites attract though, You don’t see Zach and Emma coming and when they connect your over the moon happy and excited for them. This whole series so far has me hooked and with each new character added to the mix I fall more and more in love with Bragan University.
Profile Image for Kayla Busch.
343 reviews5 followers
May 20, 2019
I can't stop thinking about Zack and Emma's story! It was so beautifully written. There are so many things I loved about this book. I loved how their relationship started with Emma tutoring Zack and it slowly progressed to more. I loved how Zack took Emma home for Christmas once he found out that she would be alone for the holidays and I loved the back and forth banter between Zack and Emma (there emails to each other will have you laughing out loud). It melted my heart when Zack stood up to his coach for the way he was treating Emma and it made me swoon when he declared his love for Emma. This book is full of moments that will make your heart melt and renew your faith in love. I didn't want their story to end and I really hope that we will see more of these two in future books! I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Jenny B.
1,286 reviews25 followers
May 23, 2019
And here is another book in this book that pulled and stretched my heart strings to the max. Emma is the daughter of the football coach and there are many issues hidden within that and attending the college where he is coach. She is voluntold by her dad that she will be tutoring one of his players. Zack is trying to fit in and make his way through football and helping his parents. The family dynamics with Zack and his parents is heartwarming with the support and love. The pace at which this relationship developed really allowed the reader a chance to become one with the characters.
Profile Image for Cassie Troy.
33 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2019
Gah I loved this book!! Gianna never fails to draw me in with her words. Emma is the quiet "nerdy" girl. Zack is the aspiring football player. After Emma is forced to tutor Zack they realize the thing they are missing in their lives just might be each other. A secret Emma keeps threatens to destroy what they are trying to build. This is a sweet, HEA, story that you should definitely read! This might just be my favorite of the BU series!
Profile Image for Lisa Reynolds.
148 reviews10 followers
May 1, 2019
What an amazing book. Once again I was sucked into their story. Gianna writes on such a level it's like their so realistic. Zach and Emma are thrown together under unusual circumstances. The nerdy book girl and the football jock. Each have their own little secrets that slowly come out. Their story is heartfelt and passionate though. I devoured this in one day and disappointed when I finished because I could have read about them forever. So looking forward to more. I loved this one.
Profile Image for Ebonie.
267 reviews8 followers
May 3, 2019
This book started out a little slow for me, but that didn’t last long. Within the first 30 pages, I was sucked into the story of bookworm Emma and football player Zach. Watching their love story navigate various circumstances, different worlds, and secrets kept my nose in this book until late at night. I won’t spoil it, but this book is a must-read. It’s sweet, it’s got twists that will keep you reading, and Emma and Zach are perfect for each other in every way (even if they don’t always think so).
193 reviews
April 27, 2019
Wow I love it. Zack and Emma. Two opposite that are perfect for each other. Loved these to a lot. A football player who is fighting a lot more than any one know to help his family and him self to live to make a future. A book warm who loves to read and is very shy. But who can keep up with him and his jokes. You nailed it GG.
Profile Image for Tammy.
901 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2019
Another great book from Gianna - she writes tasteful books full of feeling.

I loved the chemistry between Zack and Emma - the stories of their lives before they knew each other, how they got to know each other - and the love that develops between the two was beautiful. He risks alot standing up for her, but it works out.
Profile Image for Jennifer Gomez.
98 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2019
This is my favorite book in the series. I loved Emma and Zach's story.

Gianna always manages to bring real life situations into her writing making the characters relatable.

I found myself laughing sometimes and angry at others. I couldn't put the story down until it was done. Another fabulous book by Gianna
Profile Image for Karen.
5,384 reviews73 followers
May 12, 2019
You know it's a good sports romance when the main character loves sports romance novels. We love them too.

I love Zack and Emma. I kept thinking of the cover models for them....red hair on Zack...offensive linemen are big guys!!!

Well, nice story and really clean. I didn't miss sex scenes. It was nice kids getting nice things happening for them (finally)!!!
1,378 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2019
Sweet romance

This book goes along with first two of series. I highly recommend reading them, not required but brings more meaning to Falling For You. Way to go for having Zac realize hero's are human and can make mistakes. Emma was awesome for not keeping her judgement in fore front. Highly recommend reading all 3 books of series. This is truly is a series U will keep rereading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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