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Blood, Sweat & Kisses
Hard Knocks
He’s gorgeous, muscled, and a giant pain in the ass.
But when I ask for help, he comes running.
I swore I’d keep my distance from my tease of a neighbor. He’s always pushing my buttons—always trying to get a rise out of me.
But when a spate of break-ins makes me nervous, Dawson is the one I go to for self defense lessons. Can’t believe he’s the one I want at a time like this, but I can’t help it. All my instincts cry out for him.
So we spend time together. Alone, sweaty time. And the more I’m around this man, the harder it is to push him away.
Are we doomed to bicker and fight forever? Or could we have something different?
…Something great.
Hard Knocks is a short and steamy instalove story, starring two enemies next door and all their gooey, inconvenient FEELINGS. Yikes.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2023
343 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Mint
152 books1,371 followersCassie writes outrageous, OTT insta-love with tons of sugar and steam. She loves cookie dough, summer barbecues, and her gorgeous cat Missy.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 12, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐
1/5 🔥
Grumpy neighbours
Insta love-ish (it didn't feel like it)
Badass girl
Hot and Short
Okay, this was much better than the first. Although it was insta-lovey, it didn't seem that way; they argued at first, calling each other names, but finally realized they had feelings for eachother.
Their bond had a dynamism and developed over time. They were bitter rivals who lived next door to one another, but she wanted to take self-defense classes and he was a trainer....*smirks*
KSHKSJSKS The small fight scene was ✋😩.
1/5 🔥
Grumpy neighbours
Insta love-ish (it didn't feel like it)
Badass girl
Hot and Short
Okay, this was much better than the first. Although it was insta-lovey, it didn't seem that way; they argued at first, calling each other names, but finally realized they had feelings for eachother.
Their bond had a dynamism and developed over time. They were bitter rivals who lived next door to one another, but she wanted to take self-defense classes and he was a trainer....*smirks*
KSHKSJSKS The small fight scene was ✋😩.
April 21, 2023
**3.6/5 stars**
There's been a lot of break-ins in the building near where Lara lives for quite some time and she worries that her apartment will eventually be next. To not be left defenseless, she decides to ask her neighbor, Dawson, to teach her some moves. Only thing is that since she's moved there, they've only spoke a handful of times and they don't seem to be getting along. But maybe, spending some time together will change their feelings?
Lara was very relatable with her nerdy and uptight attitude. I liked her. It was a nice contrast between her and Dawson who was playful and teasing her a lot, pushing her buttons. He was also a bit of a caveman when it came to her. I don't have much to say other than I liked their chemistry.
I kind of liked this little novella but I t would've loved if there was an actual explanation as to why Dawson and Lara didn't get along at first. I thought the reason for the 'enemies' bit was very weak and baseless...Other than that, it was a pretty solid story.
✔️HEA
✔️Novella
✔️Dual POV
✔️Age gap
✔️Possessive/Jealous H
✔️Nerd/Virgin h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Safe
🔥 Steam level: 2.5/5
⚡Content warning
Would I recommend this novella? Another enjoyable novella in this series. Definitely worth the read!
**Note that I do not rate novellas and full-length books by the same standards**
There's been a lot of break-ins in the building near where Lara lives for quite some time and she worries that her apartment will eventually be next. To not be left defenseless, she decides to ask her neighbor, Dawson, to teach her some moves. Only thing is that since she's moved there, they've only spoke a handful of times and they don't seem to be getting along. But maybe, spending some time together will change their feelings?
Lara was very relatable with her nerdy and uptight attitude. I liked her. It was a nice contrast between her and Dawson who was playful and teasing her a lot, pushing her buttons. He was also a bit of a caveman when it came to her. I don't have much to say other than I liked their chemistry.
“You’re thinking evil thoughts about me, princess,” my neighbor drawls, leaning against his door frame and folding his arms. “I can always tell. You get this little scrunch in your nose.”-
I kind of liked this little novella but I t would've loved if there was an actual explanation as to why Dawson and Lara didn't get along at first. I thought the reason for the 'enemies' bit was very weak and baseless...Other than that, it was a pretty solid story.
✔️HEA
✔️Novella
✔️Dual POV
✔️Age gap
✔️Possessive/Jealous H
✔️Nerd/Virgin h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Safe
🔥 Steam level: 2.5/5
⚡Content warning
Would I recommend this novella? Another enjoyable novella in this series. Definitely worth the read!
**Note that I do not rate novellas and full-length books by the same standards**
Blood, Sweat & Kisses Series
1. Fight Dirty - 2. Hard Knocks
3. Going Rogue
March 9, 2023
3/5 🌟 1.5/5 🔥
In this book, there's Lara and Dawson who are neighbors. There have been recent break-ins so she goes to Dawson for help, even though they don't really get along. He agrees to teach her self defense. They have a hate-love relationship that slowly changes to just love.
The spice level in this one is really low. I wasn't a huge fan because of the push-and-pull and also the rushed feeling it gave me.
SAFETY:
Age: 24h
OM/OW drama: none
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, unknown past for hero
Tropes: neighbors, reverse grumpy/sunshine
HEA?: HEA & epilogue!
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
In this book, there's Lara and Dawson who are neighbors. There have been recent break-ins so she goes to Dawson for help, even though they don't really get along. He agrees to teach her self defense. They have a hate-love relationship that slowly changes to just love.
The spice level in this one is really low. I wasn't a huge fan because of the push-and-pull and also the rushed feeling it gave me.
SAFETY:
Age: 24h
OM/OW drama: none
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, unknown past for hero
Tropes: neighbors, reverse grumpy/sunshine
HEA?: HEA & epilogue!
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
October 24, 2023
I love bickering ugh
March 10, 2023
Reading a CM book feels like trying to scratch an itch, but just lightly touching the surface.
The writing's just too normal to be OTT, but too short to really be good. Her books are also realllyyy low smut, so there isn't really a climax 🤷♀️. I feel like a broken record: but I just want more from them 😭.
-=-
This one was sweet. It was up there for me in terms of characters and their dynamic with one another, but it was just so rushed. As usual, it had a lot of potential but wasn't as good as it could have been for me.
I'd love to see CM write a full-length book/ novel. I feel like that would just be so much fun 😭. But yeah, this one was alright, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
The writing's just too normal to be OTT, but too short to really be good. Her books are also realllyyy low smut, so there isn't really a climax 🤷♀️. I feel like a broken record: but I just want more from them 😭.
-=-
This one was sweet. It was up there for me in terms of characters and their dynamic with one another, but it was just so rushed. As usual, it had a lot of potential but wasn't as good as it could have been for me.
I'd love to see CM write a full-length book/ novel. I feel like that would just be so much fun 😭. But yeah, this one was alright, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
March 23, 2023
Very sweet
This story isn't like the first one, well they get their HEA. What I mean is this has really no action. Lara and Dawson are neighbors. They both think each other doesn't like them.
Lara decides to ask Dawson for some lessons as there's break-ins happening.
Like I said this one is almost to sweet, I was just looking for a little more.
This story isn't like the first one, well they get their HEA. What I mean is this has really no action. Lara and Dawson are neighbors. They both think each other doesn't like them.
Lara decides to ask Dawson for some lessons as there's break-ins happening.
Like I said this one is almost to sweet, I was just looking for a little more.
April 24, 2023
Cute but not as good as the first one.
December 1, 2024
This was cute and easy to read. The dynamic between Dawson and Lara was fun and the chemistry was good. I found the external plot a bit underwhelming – I found the one in the previous book in this series quite strong for a novella so I was a bit disappointed in how quickly it fizzled out. But the romance itself was fun.
Content Notes: Instalove / instalust, neighbours.
Warnings:
Other: .
Content Notes: Instalove / instalust, neighbours.
Warnings:
Other: .
March 31, 2023
4 stars
Another cute read in the series.
Me likey.
Another cute read in the series.
Me likey.
September 8, 2023
»You know how hard that is?«
»Stop bragging! You are such a boaster.«
»How else am I supposed to impress you, princess?«
★ ★ ★
Good book with cute scenes and I liked the characters together. Dawson has a big heart and his crush on Lara was adorable.
#1 Fight Dirty ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Hard Knocks ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Going Rogue ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
»Stop bragging! You are such a boaster.«
»How else am I supposed to impress you, princess?«
★ ★ ★
Good book with cute scenes and I liked the characters together. Dawson has a big heart and his crush on Lara was adorable.
#1 Fight Dirty ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Hard Knocks ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Going Rogue ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 6, 2023
Lara lives in a rough neighborhood and when there are new problems in the neighborhood,she asks her grumpy neighbor to give her self defense classes. Dawson is a stunt man and works out at a gym, he likes his neighbor so he helps her. Lara and Dawson are secretly in love with each other, but their insecurities make it hard for them. They bicker back and forth,but when the tension is too high..... 🥵 Instalove, sweet, romantic, fun to read, steamy with a sweet HEA and no drama😍😍😍😍
August 6, 2023
Neighbors to lovers.
For some reading I put off starting this one. I felt like the lead up from the last story was basically a straight repeat of the one before it. Now that I’ve read it I thought it was a cute “enemies” to lovers story so it wasn’t quite as same as the first story as I thought. Like I said, it was cute but I’m definitely looking forward to the next story with Sarge that they’ve set up.
For some reading I put off starting this one. I felt like the lead up from the last story was basically a straight repeat of the one before it. Now that I’ve read it I thought it was a cute “enemies” to lovers story so it wasn’t quite as same as the first story as I thought. Like I said, it was cute but I’m definitely looking forward to the next story with Sarge that they’ve set up.
June 20, 2023
Loved the push and pull.
July 24, 2023
Dawson and Lara
This is a standalone second book of the series. While I loved the first one, this one didn't live up to my expectations.
This features an enemies-to-lovers trope, but it misses the mark for me. I wasn't thrilled with Lara. She just seemed really judgemental, especially with Dawson. I also wasn't thrilled with the scene with Jax, the hero from the first book, because he even seemed in needlessly cruel to Dawson. The story wasn't awful, it's just not my favorite.
This is a safe read with explicit language and sex that can be read in an hour or two. We are introduced to the hero of the next book and I am looking forward to that story. I'd say this book is worth reading as it adds to the series.
This is a standalone second book of the series. While I loved the first one, this one didn't live up to my expectations.
This features an enemies-to-lovers trope, but it misses the mark for me. I wasn't thrilled with Lara. She just seemed really judgemental, especially with Dawson. I also wasn't thrilled with the scene with Jax, the hero from the first book, because he even seemed in needlessly cruel to Dawson. The story wasn't awful, it's just not my favorite.
This is a safe read with explicit language and sex that can be read in an hour or two. We are introduced to the hero of the next book and I am looking forward to that story. I'd say this book is worth reading as it adds to the series.
March 10, 2023
This was a great love hate relationship. I really liked Lara and Dawson together as they were fantastic with their intense connection and chemistry. These was a short yet steamy romance that will have you wanting more! I can't wait to see what Cassie has in store for us next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2023
Laura and Dawson 3.5 *
Sweet romance between neighbours who thought they disliked each other. Laura and Dawson are so different, but the attraction between them is intense. When they finally get together, ...is so cute and sweet. Recommended
Sweet romance between neighbours who thought they disliked each other. Laura and Dawson are so different, but the attraction between them is intense. When they finally get together, ...is so cute and sweet. Recommended
April 17, 2023
Lara and Dawson are neighbours who are both pinning for the other in secret untill a series of break ins causes Lara to ask Dawson for self defence lessons aka a whole lot of excuses to get physical 😂
3/5 stars
3/5 stars
August 22, 2023
El MMC me ha encantado y la verdad lo termine solo por él porque la protagonista no me gustó nada y casi lo dejo de leer!
El epílogo es un poco meh porque pudieron poner mucho más y solo nos mostraron el protagonista del siguiente libro.
El epílogo es un poco meh porque pudieron poner mucho más y solo nos mostraron el protagonista del siguiente libro.
March 11, 2023
It was okay but the first book in this series was better
September 8, 2023
DNF. He came off as a whiny & entitled man-child.
Are we even sure he even liked her or did his ego just get bruised??
Backstory: H likes h when first meeting her. He acts like a tool while watching her move in and is cocky and calls her "princess" while smirking at her while she's hoofing it up the stairs with her stuff. She gets flustered and thinks he was being a cocky jerk (he was) and didn't respond to him treating her like that. Thus begins H's dislike of her. He thinks she's stuck up bc she didn't respond nicely to his cocky flirty when she was busy moving in and he was leering at her. Basically he was being a creepy asshole.
He spends majority of the story being so snippy and mean to her so that she won't pick up on his attraction to her but that's so childish?? Like he couldn't even just be cordial or I dunno a decent human being and been nice to her even when he realized she might not have the same feelings?
Is she's only deserving of being treated decently if she reciprocates his feelings??? Okay entitled mentality. ICK.
What kind of immature bullshit is that? "I don't think she reciprocates my feelings so I'll just stop treating her like a regular ass person and be nice?" Like its the old ass adage of "boys are mean to you because they secretly like you" WHAT THE FUCK???
And then when she was about to practice sparring with him, he freaks out because she might figure out he has feelings towards her if he spends any more time with her. So he stops her self defense training because of his pride. NEVER MIND THERE'S AN ACTUAL GOOD REASON SHE NEEDS HIS HELP LIKE THE MULTIPLE BREAK-IN'S IN THEIR BUILDING. In that moment his last sliver of pride was MORE IMPORTANT THAT HER DEFENDING HERSELF AGAINST A HOME INVASION??
It just kept getting worse. So she's a virgin and a "brainiac" (his words) and is very inexperienced whereas he's very experienced and he makes her feel uncertain/insecure when they share their first kiss bc he's too aggressive. He's not really aware of how she might be feeling in that vulnerable moment and she takes off towards her apartment. And then when they have sex on the floor of his apartment no less, he tells her he loves her and the 180 was just so unbelievable. 👎🏽
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Virgin h
Experience H (gave off manwhore/playboy vibes: he was too flirty/sleazy from the first minute they met & references to how experienced he was)
Enemies to lovers
DNF- H was super insufferable and it was super boring.
Are we even sure he even liked her or did his ego just get bruised??
Backstory: H likes h when first meeting her. He acts like a tool while watching her move in and is cocky and calls her "princess" while smirking at her while she's hoofing it up the stairs with her stuff. She gets flustered and thinks he was being a cocky jerk (he was) and didn't respond to him treating her like that. Thus begins H's dislike of her. He thinks she's stuck up bc she didn't respond nicely to his cocky flirty when she was busy moving in and he was leering at her. Basically he was being a creepy asshole.
He spends majority of the story being so snippy and mean to her so that she won't pick up on his attraction to her but that's so childish?? Like he couldn't even just be cordial or I dunno a decent human being and been nice to her even when he realized she might not have the same feelings?
Is she's only deserving of being treated decently if she reciprocates his feelings??? Okay entitled mentality. ICK.
What kind of immature bullshit is that? "I don't think she reciprocates my feelings so I'll just stop treating her like a regular ass person and be nice?" Like its the old ass adage of "boys are mean to you because they secretly like you" WHAT THE FUCK???
And then when she was about to practice sparring with him, he freaks out because she might figure out he has feelings towards her if he spends any more time with her. So he stops her self defense training because of his pride. NEVER MIND THERE'S AN ACTUAL GOOD REASON SHE NEEDS HIS HELP LIKE THE MULTIPLE BREAK-IN'S IN THEIR BUILDING. In that moment his last sliver of pride was MORE IMPORTANT THAT HER DEFENDING HERSELF AGAINST A HOME INVASION??
It just kept getting worse. So she's a virgin and a "brainiac" (his words) and is very inexperienced whereas he's very experienced and he makes her feel uncertain/insecure when they share their first kiss bc he's too aggressive. He's not really aware of how she might be feeling in that vulnerable moment and she takes off towards her apartment. And then when they have sex on the floor of his apartment no less, he tells her he loves her and the 180 was just so unbelievable. 👎🏽
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Virgin h
Experience H (gave off manwhore/playboy vibes: he was too flirty/sleazy from the first minute they met & references to how experienced he was)
Enemies to lovers
DNF- H was super insufferable and it was super boring.
April 7, 2023
I did not like Dawson. He makes outwardly expressed that his dislike for her for MONTHS, and then when she asks for his help to teach self defense, he was curt and rude. Not at all suportive or worried about her safety (he wasn't for a good part of the book). He just assumed she hated him and thought that she wasn't worth it (wow, alpha male charmer *rolling eyes*).
This beta coward, accepts to teach her self defense,in the middle of teaching her, when it comes to actual scenarios, he refuses. She is upset, hurt and tells him that she knows he hates her but not to the point of not wanting to touch her. He doesn't say anything, she leaves and he thinks, "well, it's for the better". THis dude sucks! She deserved so much better. He never checks on her to see if she is ok, nothing!
He tells her that he cannot let her think he hates her, (even though he did let her think that for days), and when he says that if he touches her he will loose control with lust for her she initiates a kiss, and then seeing how forward and experienced he is *yuck*, she is shy and mutters somthing and he just leaves upset, not wanting to encourage her or be a man about it. (I am already done with this pencil dick, balless fucker!!)
They have sex, blah blah HEA yeah ok, glad it's over...eeeesh!
Safe
NO OM/OW
no cheating?!? I am not sure on the part of the H
short separation (even though they are neighbors)
no love really
virgin h
seems like very experienced H (nothing is said if he was celibate when he first saw her months ago...with his attitude of not wanting to bother with going after her, I wouldn't put it past him of fucking other women after he met her. It was never said, but his attitude towards, her not wanting to bother with her, not even looking out for her when she is scared enough to ask for self defense, why would he keep it in his pants, especially with how experienced he seems).
Will not reread.
This beta coward, accepts to teach her self defense,in the middle of teaching her, when it comes to actual scenarios, he refuses. She is upset, hurt and tells him that she knows he hates her but not to the point of not wanting to touch her. He doesn't say anything, she leaves and he thinks, "well, it's for the better". THis dude sucks! She deserved so much better. He never checks on her to see if she is ok, nothing!
He tells her that he cannot let her think he hates her, (even though he did let her think that for days), and when he says that if he touches her he will loose control with lust for her she initiates a kiss, and then seeing how forward and experienced he is *yuck*, she is shy and mutters somthing and he just leaves upset, not wanting to encourage her or be a man about it. (I am already done with this pencil dick, balless fucker!!)
They have sex, blah blah HEA yeah ok, glad it's over...eeeesh!
Safe
NO OM/OW
no cheating?!? I am not sure on the part of the H
short separation (even though they are neighbors)
no love really
virgin h
seems like very experienced H (nothing is said if he was celibate when he first saw her months ago...with his attitude of not wanting to bother with going after her, I wouldn't put it past him of fucking other women after he met her. It was never said, but his attitude towards, her not wanting to bother with her, not even looking out for her when she is scared enough to ask for self defense, why would he keep it in his pants, especially with how experienced he seems).
Will not reread.
March 11, 2023
Hard Knocks bk 2 [Blood, Sweat & Kisses Trilogy]
These are Sport Romance Novella's around Mixed Martial Arts
This book follows Dawson and Lara. You will find Hero is a Movie Stunt Double, Helps out at his best friends Gym, Virgin Trope, Tattooed hero, Forced Proximity and more
When i read book 1 in this trilogy i could not wait until book 2 was out because this book follows Jax's best friend Dawson and how he finds love so i am glad i read this book because I really like Dawson's character a lot.. I am looking forward for book 3 because it follows Jax and Dawson's other friend Sarge and how he finds love..
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Sports Romance
⦁ Neighbor Romance
⦁ Movie Stunt Double
⦁ Both have feelings for each other
⦁ Virgin Trope
⦁ Love at first sight
⦁ Grumpy/sunshine
⦁ Tattooed hero
⦁ A little bit of steam
⦁ Hero helps out at his best friends Gym
⦁ Possessive hero/Touch her and you die trope
⦁ Forced Proximity
I really liked Dawson and Lara's Relationship because its sweet.. I can't wait for book 3 because it follows Jax and Dawson's friend Sarge.. I am glad they got a happy ending
These are Sport Romance Novella's around Mixed Martial Arts
This book follows Dawson and Lara. You will find Hero is a Movie Stunt Double, Helps out at his best friends Gym, Virgin Trope, Tattooed hero, Forced Proximity and more
When i read book 1 in this trilogy i could not wait until book 2 was out because this book follows Jax's best friend Dawson and how he finds love so i am glad i read this book because I really like Dawson's character a lot.. I am looking forward for book 3 because it follows Jax and Dawson's other friend Sarge and how he finds love..
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Sports Romance
⦁ Neighbor Romance
⦁ Movie Stunt Double
⦁ Both have feelings for each other
⦁ Virgin Trope
⦁ Love at first sight
⦁ Grumpy/sunshine
⦁ Tattooed hero
⦁ A little bit of steam
⦁ Hero helps out at his best friends Gym
⦁ Possessive hero/Touch her and you die trope
⦁ Forced Proximity
I really liked Dawson and Lara's Relationship because its sweet.. I can't wait for book 3 because it follows Jax and Dawson's friend Sarge.. I am glad they got a happy ending
June 2, 2025
✨
Fight Dirty
⭐⭐⭐
Content/Trigger Warnings: Home invasions, explicit sex scene, pregnancy
This is definitely my least favorite book in this whole trilogy so far. I was really hoping to enjoy this more than the first book, but between how shitty the attitude of the male love interest is, the huge lack of chemistry, Dawson treatment and shit-talking of his own coworker for no real reason at all, and the pregnancy - I was over it all. I think the only thing I really liked about this novella was the scenes where Lara is learning self-defense. That's about all I really enjoyed. There were some good quotes, as well, but not enough to increase my enjoyment of this book. I'm still going to read the last book in this trilogy, but oof, this second book was really rough.
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
Content/Trigger Warnings: Home invasions, explicit sex scene, pregnancy
This is definitely my least favorite book in this whole trilogy so far. I was really hoping to enjoy this more than the first book, but between how shitty the attitude of the male love interest is, the huge lack of chemistry, Dawson treatment and shit-talking of his own coworker for no real reason at all, and the pregnancy - I was over it all. I think the only thing I really liked about this novella was the scenes where Lara is learning self-defense. That's about all I really enjoyed. There were some good quotes, as well, but not enough to increase my enjoyment of this book. I'm still going to read the last book in this trilogy, but oof, this second book was really rough.
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
March 5, 2023
I enjoyed Hard Knocks. Lara and her neighbor Dawson are like oil and water, they don’t mix. When a string of robberies happen in their neighborhood Lara turns to Dawson for training. Dawson wants to help Lara but he can’t touch her because he wants her so badly and if he touches her he won’t be able to stop. So he pushes her away until another man is tasked to train her and he can’t take it. So he tells her the truth, he wants her. He’s afraid of how she will react. Will she possibly want him too? This was a quick read. I loved the storyline and the characters. I would definitely recommend this book and I’m looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the Blood, Sweat and Kisses series featuring Dawson and Lara's cute opposites attract romance. Dawson and Lara are neighbors and they couldn't be more different she's an uptight student and he's a stuntman and they're both attracted to each other but they're fighting their feelings. When there's another break-in in their building Lara asks Dawson to teach her self defense but Dawson is worried about how strong his control will be if he touches her. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this cute opposites attract romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2023
This is how you do novella Insta-love. The pacing was fantastic, the writing was so fresh and unique with the two character’s voices so different from others in the series, and the love built naturally.
However, at several points in this book, Lara kind of bothered me. She was having all these complimentary thoughts about Dawson but not voicing a single one of them. He was very clear with his growing feelings once they got past their barriers but when it was chapters in Dawson’s voice, I couldn’t help but feel like Lara wasn’t saying anything but more just Dawson was interpreting queues. It’s fine because they did find each other but one love deceleration from Lara wouldn’t have hurt.
Overall this series is incredible and Cassie Mint deserves a medal.
However, at several points in this book, Lara kind of bothered me. She was having all these complimentary thoughts about Dawson but not voicing a single one of them. He was very clear with his growing feelings once they got past their barriers but when it was chapters in Dawson’s voice, I couldn’t help but feel like Lara wasn’t saying anything but more just Dawson was interpreting queues. It’s fine because they did find each other but one love deceleration from Lara wouldn’t have hurt.
Overall this series is incredible and Cassie Mint deserves a medal.
October 14, 2024
Dawson is a stunt man. Between jobs he helps out in the local gym his friend, Jax owns.
He has been drawn to his neighbor Lara since he first laid eyes on her. The problem
Is, he is convinced she hates him.
When a string of break ins gets a little closer to home, Lara asks her cocky neighbor Dawson for self defense lessons.
The attraction between these two is hot but neither can see it.
I love the chemistry between these two characters. Dawson is so sweet to Lara. Lara is the forever bookworm can’t believe that someone as hot as Dawson would be into her.
After a few misunderstandings can these two find the road to each other?
Such a sweet series. Hot alpha males who only bend to the will of the women they are attracted to.
He has been drawn to his neighbor Lara since he first laid eyes on her. The problem
Is, he is convinced she hates him.
When a string of break ins gets a little closer to home, Lara asks her cocky neighbor Dawson for self defense lessons.
The attraction between these two is hot but neither can see it.
I love the chemistry between these two characters. Dawson is so sweet to Lara. Lara is the forever bookworm can’t believe that someone as hot as Dawson would be into her.
After a few misunderstandings can these two find the road to each other?
Such a sweet series. Hot alpha males who only bend to the will of the women they are attracted to.
March 5, 2023
Amazing!
This book is just amazing!
I loved every second of it. The story was short with plenty of spice, and both characters were so funny. I loved Dawson and Lara's relationship. They complemented each other well. Him being a big stuntman, and her being a book nerd. They "hated" each other, but you know what they say "there's a thin line between love and hate," and they are the living embodiment of this phrase.
If you love short and spicy novellas, this book is for you. You won't be disappointed! ;).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is just amazing!
I loved every second of it. The story was short with plenty of spice, and both characters were so funny. I loved Dawson and Lara's relationship. They complemented each other well. Him being a big stuntman, and her being a book nerd. They "hated" each other, but you know what they say "there's a thin line between love and hate," and they are the living embodiment of this phrase.
If you love short and spicy novellas, this book is for you. You won't be disappointed! ;).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2023
Hard Knocks is a heated enemies to lover romance that steams up the pages as Lara and Dawson give into their real feelings.
There has been break in in the neighborhood, determined to be able to take care of herself she knocks on Dawson's door to ask for help.
Dawson has seen Lara in the hall, and determined to keep to himself, but when she asks for help, he struggles to what he needs to do and what he wants.
This is a good fast read. Love when she watches his movies trying to spot him or when Jax plans on poking the bear matching up Lara with another trainer while Dawson watches.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There has been break in in the neighborhood, determined to be able to take care of herself she knocks on Dawson's door to ask for help.
Dawson has seen Lara in the hall, and determined to keep to himself, but when she asks for help, he struggles to what he needs to do and what he wants.
This is a good fast read. Love when she watches his movies trying to spot him or when Jax plans on poking the bear matching up Lara with another trainer while Dawson watches.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2023
Self-defence moves
Hard Knocks is the second book in the Blood, Sweat & Kisses series and I enjoyed it a lot. The story is about Lara and Dawson and is an OTT, dirty, sexy and passionate hate to love romance. It all starts when Lara is so frightened about break-ins around the neighborhood that she asks Dawson to teach her some self-defence moves. Dawson is a very successful stuntman who has had his eye on his curvy and very intelligent neighbor ever since he moved into the building. He knows how to push her buttons to get a rise out of her, but it will soon be him that is rising to the occasion.
Hard Knocks is the second book in the Blood, Sweat & Kisses series and I enjoyed it a lot. The story is about Lara and Dawson and is an OTT, dirty, sexy and passionate hate to love romance. It all starts when Lara is so frightened about break-ins around the neighborhood that she asks Dawson to teach her some self-defence moves. Dawson is a very successful stuntman who has had his eye on his curvy and very intelligent neighbor ever since he moved into the building. He knows how to push her buttons to get a rise out of her, but it will soon be him that is rising to the occasion.
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