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Hard Living

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Nothing is ever as it seems…

When I first met Miles Ledger, I had no idea he was the famous lead singer of American Thieves.

He fits the image of a sexy rockstar, with his long dark hair and sky-blue eyes driving thousands of women crazy every night during his sold-out shows.

Miles doesn’t care that I think his band is overrated. 

He even likes that I can’t guess his first name correctly.

It’s why he hires me to join him on tour as the band’s photographer for the next month.

At first, Miles seems like a typical rockstar, using his charming words to get whoever and whatever he wants. 

He’s living hard and drinking harder, it’s why nothing more can happen between us.

But, as I learn more details about his tragic past, I realize everything I thought I knew about Miles Ledger was wrong.

Published May 17, 2023

41 people are currently reading
1530 people want to read

About the author

Kate Davidson

3 books13 followers

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5 stars
55 (17%)
4 stars
96 (30%)
3 stars
112 (35%)
2 stars
37 (11%)
1 star
13 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle (Life of a Literary Nerd).
1,598 reviews296 followers
May 21, 2023
Rockstar romances are fun because it's all about the fantasy, and while that was here, the short page count - which made for a super quick read - limited any development or depth to the characters or situations (including severe childhood trauma, drinking/alcohol addiction, and secual assault) . So while I was addicted from page 1 and read the entire thing in one sitting, I didn't feel anything towards Miles or Hailey and don't think the boo kwill linger with me.
Profile Image for Rachel McMahon.
340 reviews15 followers
May 9, 2023
I don’t know how she did it, but Kate Davidson managed to fit a perfectly complete story into only 173 pages. I feel like I got the detail of a 500 page book but in such a succinct way that I don’t feel like I missed anything or that I was shorted part of the story. It was so good!

I love Hailey and Miles’ story. I’ll always love a reformed bad boy, especially one who isn’t really one he just lets everyone believe he is. What I love even more is when two characters come together and just make each other better and motivate each other to be better.

This book does touch on some heavy topics such as substance abuse, SA and DV so do check your triggers.
Profile Image for Maddy Matos.
968 reviews10 followers
March 8, 2025
Miles had the kind of childhood nightmares are made of. As the lead singer of American Thieves, he’s handsome, famous, and effortlessly charismatic, but beneath the spotlight, his past still haunts him. The only way he knows how to cope is by drowning it in alcohol. He and his band were just fifteen when they got their big break—it was the happiest day of his life, but also the saddest.

Hailey is hardworking and determined, stuck in a job she hates. When she meets Miles at a meet-and-greet, something about her fascinates him. In a bold move, he offers her the job of her dreams. But working for him isn’t easy. His drinking is out of control, and his moods are unpredictable. Yet, even through his alcohol-induced haze, their chemistry crackles. Miles is sweet and caring one moment, then moody and confrontational the next. He’s spent fifteen years pushing people away—Hailey included.

This is a slow-burn romance, but one I couldn’t put down. Their journey of self-discovery and healing is raw, emotional, and gripping. The band members add so much heart to the story—each with their own charm. Well, except for Julian… but something tells me his story might be just as heartbreaking as Miles’. I can only hope Ms. Davidson gives each of them their own book.

And when Miles and Hailey finally get together? Melt-my-Kindle hot.

This book was everything—romantic, sweet, heartbreaking, and deeply satisfying. The ending was absolute perfection. Five stars, and a must-read for anyone who loves a rockstar romance with depth and soul.
Profile Image for Sophia Buhrman.
51 reviews
April 23, 2023
This book had a lot going on, to say the least. There should be two different standpoints while reading this-realistic and unrealistic. The writing style itself was phenomenal, besides a few grammar mistakes, my only issues lied with the actual plot line. The tropes in this book were amazing, but how they were executed were less than amazing. It started off with a cute premise, but eventually evolved into something that never would actually happen. And yes, I am aware that this is a work of fiction and is not real-but no one is ever going to just up and leave their job, house, and dog for a tour with a band that she's' known for all of an hour-maybe. However, once you get past all of this, it turns into a cute romance. Miles obviously has a few issues in the beginning, and so does she, but it was nice to see them work it out together.

Ratings:
Overall: 3.5/10
Plot: 5/10
Romance: 8/10
Steam: 2/10

Quotes:

"I get in the way because no one cares about the drummer."

"She cared enough to make sure I was okay and stayed with me when I was struggling. How did I repay her? By falling back into my old patterns and causing pain to the people I care about most."

"I'd give it all away. To have one more day With you The sound of your voice Her laugh, my favorite noise I miss you."

"Miles is everything I never knew I wanted."

" Please come back to me," I whisper. "You're my home now. I'll always come back to you."
Profile Image for Kayla Jean.
83 reviews
April 21, 2023
Hard Living is about a young boy named Miles who has a love and passion for music but has a past that no one wants. His mom is in an abusive relationship with a horrible husband.

Years go by Miles is signed to a label with his friends Julian & Carter named American Thieves when he bumps into a girl name Hailey that he falls for right there and she don’t have a clue who he is until they meet at a meet and great because of her best friend Mia. A few days later everything changed for her when she gets the offer of a life time.

My Review: Hard Living is a book I came across on tik tok and I needed to read because it looked incredible.

Fast Forward… it’s soo good.

This book is basically a really life fantasy. One day being in a grocery store minding your business when you bump into a musical superstar in one of the biggest bands. Every girl dreams about something like this. I loved everything about this book. Started off just at the right pace, it made you feel like you were right there in the book. It was written so well. Definitely hoping this story continues between Miles and Hailey. I have so many questions that I’d leave here but it would spoil some stuff for people who haven’t read it yet.
11 reviews
April 30, 2023
Hard Living is about a rock star who finds his person that not only cares about him but eventually helps him deal with past trauma.

Miles had a traumatic event happen to him when he was a teenager and due to that he has a drinking problem. He and his friends are in a rock band since they were teenagers and that’s what his life had been about.

Hailey does something out of the ordinary and quits her job and follows Miles and the band around and taking pictures of them. Halley has been stuck at a job she hates and she’s never done anything crazy in her life. Her best friend convinced her to go and enjoy life.

Miles and Hailey start off as friends but they both know they want each other.

I absolutely loved this book. I love the drama, the romance, the spice! I really liked how his friend kept telling her to stay away your going to get hurt but she ends up pretty much saving miles and end up together. She doesn’t give up on him and he doesn’t push her away. I liked how he took her to places she wanted to see even tho they had somewhere to be. She was exactly what he needed. It’s all thanks to her best friend for pushing her and being there for her through the whole thing. Check trigger warnings.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica.
251 reviews10 followers
April 23, 2023
I found this author and this book casually scrolling TikTok one day. I didn’t expect to get picked for an ARC, but last week the email came through at 2:30 AM. For some reason I couldn’t sleep and by 7 AM I was halfway through. I can’t remember the last time my attention span allowed me to sit and focus on a book for a one day read - but I absolutely adored this book.

The story starts with Miles Ledger, a now famous rockstar, and the intense trauma he endured as a teenager. He was in the midst of being recognized with his band mates and offered a deal on the same day his mother and sister were murdered by his father. We then fast forward to current day where he has made it as a rock star and meets Hailey. Haileys best friend is one of the bands biggest fans, and drags her along to their concert, even though Hailey has no desire to see them. Hailey has a passion tot photography and decided to utilize this opportunity to take some fun pictures. The events of the concert were like a dream and set the tone for the rest of the book, so I won’t go any further. But it hooks you in.

My favorite part of this book is that even though the MMC has suffered his worst pain, the angst he shows is only for himself. He doesn’t choose to be a grumpy, miserable, asshole. He is still sweet and dreamy and just makes you love him. This is an easy read and absolutely worth it.


Thank you so much @katedavidsonauthor for the ARC and the opportunity 💕

#ARC #bookreview #onedayreads #hardliving #katedavidson #books #booksbooksbooks
Profile Image for Beca Ruiz.
Author 11 books42 followers
May 17, 2023

I love rockstar romances!
I was excited to receive this book about Miles, the lead singer with a bit of a drinking problem, rightfully so as life hasn’t always been easy for him. He’s a part of American Thieves, a band he started when he was fifteen. Except that things obviously have changed, and he barely gets along with the others. He does what he wants when he wants. And as long as he’s on stage every night, doing his job, no one cares.
Hailey isn’t exactly American Thieves biggest fan, she may have expressed how much she hated them within earshot of Miles. But this only intrigues him.
Especially when she shows up to his meet and greet with her best friend, still hung up on another guy.
After getting her on stage and kissing her, Hailey is ready to pretend nothing happened. Except she is going to upload the concert photos she took for her portfolio.
And Miles shows back up again with an offer she can’t really turn down.
Join them on tour for the last month and take their photos.
Hailey isn’t a risk taker and boy does she take this risk.
I really enjoyed this book! Miles isn’t pushy and we can see them both grow feelings towards each other as they work together. Hailey also isn’t timid and she will call things out, even if she’s outnumbered on the bus. Really great dynamic they both have with each other!
Overall:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
7 reviews
April 22, 2023
Road trip of a life time. My heart broke right from the start for Miles and his story. But I have to say it’s also what hooked me. Hailey and Miles have great chemistry and banter that had me wishing for a rockstar of my own. Their enemies to lovers style romance was great with a healthy amount of pining for each other. He falls first!

There is other woman drama which I’m never a fan of and honestly would have made him work for forgiveness a little harder. I wish certain other characters had a little more consequences *cough* looking at you Julian *cough*. Both main characters growth was beautiful to see.

Low level spice and I would have loved to read an epilogue of them in a few years to see where their adventures took them. Overall a fun, quick, enjoyable read. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
4 reviews
May 24, 2023
I received a copy of the book as part of Goodreads Giveaways but my opinion is my own.

This books is very short at only 175 pages but it makes a quick read between larger books. I don't think the plot lived up to the "enemies to lovers" trope since most of the time the main characters liked each other but didn't want to act on their feelings for various reasons. There wasn't really the deep hatred that normally comes with the trope. Most of the time the plot was pretty lighthearted and fun but there is a scene towards the end that involves (spoiler alert) attempted sexual assault that I felt was glossed over way too quickly and really took me out of the moment. I understand that the author wanted that moment to be a catalyst for our would-be lovers but it came across as unrealistic and downplayed such a very serious topic.
783 reviews22 followers
April 18, 2023
Let’s just say in the first few pages in this book it felt like someone reached inside my chest and twisted my heart! So utterly heartbreaking! My emotions were definitely all over the place! This is Miles and Hailey’s story! I can honestly say I love them both! But…. Miles is EVERYTHING!!! The story was very well written, several things that happened I didn’t see it coming at all. I just love when stories aren’t predictable and this one is definitely not. Who doesn’t love a Rock Star Romance? The way it was written I just devoured this book until I was finished!!! Kate is a new author to me and I seriously can’t wait to read more by her. My fingers are crossed 🤞 maybe this will be a series, because I would love to read more about all the character’s in this book!
Profile Image for Narlene Murguia.
82 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2023
Rate: 4.5 ⭐️
Spicy: 2.5 🌶️

Hard Living starts off so tragic… the first few pages in this book felt like my heart was being twisted 😩 #heartbreaking
I devoured this book in a day!!! The plot just grabbed me and didn’t let go. This is the story of Miles and Hailey. Miles is EVERYTHING!!! I love his protectiveness toward Hailey and How he goes for what he wants. Oh and him being a Rockstar doesn’t hurt 😉 But the best is
seeing his growth and development throughout the entire book. As for Hailey she is very relatable. she gives up her stable job and steps out of her comfort zone and goes for her passion of photography. Miles definitely needed and deserves someone like Hailey and vice versa. Overall it was a fun, quick, and enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Autum  Reimer.
49 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this super fast paced read! I managed to finish it in just a few hours and it pulled me out of my slump! Overall it was a good little book with slow burn and an HEA.

It starts out absolutely heartbreaking and I actually teared up at what Miles goes through! Miles is an amazing guy who works his way through his depression with the crutch of his whiskey or any alcohol really.

Hallie is an amazing girl who dreams of being a photographer. So much so she up and quits her job to join a famous band on tour to be their photographer.

Talks about DV, SA situations, and alcoholism throughout. Please be weary of those triggers if you have them!

Only downside in my mind was the spice. It seemed a little lacking. Not in the amount but in the detail and writing of it.
Profile Image for Darla  Carmoney.
31 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2024
Omg... loved it

Ok I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. Hailey went to the concert with her best friend even though she didn't like the band but in doing so she was able to live her dream of being a photographer. She became the bands personal photographer and was able to grow a following and ended up falling in love with Miles. Miles is the lead singer and is tortured because his mom and sister was murdered by his father right before he was able to get them out. He has lived with the guilt and anger for years drowning himself in alcohol. He falls in love with Hailey and goes to rehab and becomes a better man for her and the memory of his mom and little sister.
Profile Image for Helen Phillips.
3 reviews
April 20, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ Read! I loved this rockstar romance! If you’re looking for a beach read this summer ADD THIS TO YOUR LIST! You won’t be disappointed!! I devoured this book in a day! The plot just grabbed me and wouldn’t let go and before I knew it I was done with the book!

The male main character, Miles is SO dreamy! I love how protective he is of Hailey, how he takes care of her, and how he knows what he wants.

As for Hailey, she’s so relatable! Giving up her stable job and stepping out of her comfort zone to develop her passion for photography?! Loveee to see it!
17 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2023
This book is a quick read. I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. I read this book in a few hours.😍😍 Miles and Hailey find themselves meeting each other and growing through the book. Miles has a tragic past only his bandmates know about and makes him spiral into his persona. Hailey doesn’t have the drive to have any adventures and always “plays it safe”. Being close to each other helps them out. Miles is facing his past and Hailey coming out of her shell. There is tension between both of them. It’s a happy ending for them. I recommend this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
123 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2023
I rate this a 4.5 star read. Loved the angsty rockstar romance story with the enemies (or more feigned indifference) to lovers vibe, she hates his music but thinks he is hot. Instant connection with slow burn. Love dual POV in any romance book. I was able to visualize the story and concert scene, my only reason for not rating 5 stars is I would have liked just a little bit more on the side characters and more descriptive features. Overall, loved it and look forward to reading all of the books by this author! Thank you for allowing me to be an arc reader!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tasha Perry.
29 reviews
April 18, 2023
This book is very good. It got me right from the start. I was hooked. I read it a day! I read a lot of romance that has tons of “spice” this one did not it was there but that was not what the book was about and that was great. There is tons of tension and I loved that. 100% will recommend this book to readers for love rockstar romances. It’s a he fall’s first book, love at first sight, kind of a lost cause but not really kind of book.
Profile Image for Lindsay Blackford.
8 reviews
April 18, 2023
I loved this book! It was my first rockstar romance and it will definitely not be my last. I loved the back and forth between Miles and Hailey, and how it grasped so much of my attention I couldn’t put the book down. Between the love, the struggles, the childhood trauma and no idea what was coming next was perfect. A twist at every corner and I loved every page of it! 10/10 recommend to all romance fans.
Profile Image for Caitlyn Frazier.
7 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2023
Good angsty rockstar romance! Miles and Hailey’s story had my crying, swooning and wanting to scream! It is not overly spice filled but just a good amount with amazing plot! Nice to have a cinnamon roll MMC, he has his issues but is so so so sweet! Along with an FMC who overcomes a lot of her own person things holding her back.

If you love rockstar, angsty, he falls first, love at first sight books then this is definitely for you!

Profile Image for Nicole Corwin.
15 reviews
April 19, 2023
I relate to Hailey so deeply that I was able to live the “follow your dreams” life vicariously through her story. This was a nice light read that I couldn’t put down! There were moments where I felt like I was the one in the story. Miles went through so much at a young age and still was able to be a decent man, which was super sweet and lovable. I only wish that the book was longer because I never wanted it to end!
Profile Image for Sydney.
252 reviews
May 3, 2023
I was able to get early access as an ARC reader, it is also my first Kate Davidson book. My heart broke for Miles in the very first chapter, and I knew this would be a bumpy story. But then the story went kind of slow and jumped around a lot. It didn’t really captivate me or pull me in! I felt like I hit the 80% mark and still nothing had really happened. It was a cute story, I liked the ending, and was glad Miles was able to work through some things. But I kept wanting more from the story!
Profile Image for Destinedtoread.
88 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2023
I actually really like this book for it being less than 200 pages! You get all the details you would in a longer story & it makes total sense throughout the entire book!
I love Hailey & Miles😍 . I love the reformed bad boy, especially one who isn't really one he just lets everyone believe he is & the only person to know it & get it is the women he’s with!

This book does touch on some heavy topics : substance abuse, SA and DV. Definitely check your triggers if you have any.
Profile Image for HJ Renee.
2 reviews
April 20, 2023
As soon as I opened the book and read the epilogue, I cried before chapter 1!! It takes off and dives deep into the characters and the love story. I was hooked and COULD NOT put this book down! The roller coaster of emotions throughout the book had my heart thumping. I was super pleased with the story line and want more of Miles and Hailey!!
15 reviews
May 3, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I fell in love with the story when I read the first 4 chapters & I knew I just had to read it. I loved the characters & they were perfect for each other. This book definitely pulled at my heart strings, especially with learning how to heal from trauma. Can’t wait to read Kate Davidson’s other books!!
1 review
May 16, 2023
The beginning had me like "are you seriousss" :( lol right away, so I already knew this book was gunna have sucked in. This is my 2nd rockstar romance book and I loved it. Saw a TikTok bout it and was intrigued right away! If you love angst & rockstar romance etc , you'd like this book! Ps loved the cover art!
Profile Image for Lara.
52 reviews
January 5, 2025
This is such a heartwarming book. I really enjoyed it and it was nice and easy to read. The simplistic style of writing helped me fly through it. Miles Ledger did not deserve his lot in life but I’m so glad he found Hayley to help him along the way. They both grew together and deserve all the happiness in the world.
Profile Image for Hanna Riddoch.
1 review
April 23, 2023
while i absolutely loved the story line and premise, everything about the way this book was written screams fanfic. i personally love fanfic so this book was right up my alley, but some don't so just be aware.
Profile Image for Kate Hurley.
14 reviews
April 24, 2023
This books is amazing! I love the storyline, the characters, especially Hailey and Miles - loved the growth of Miles and just the overall story!! Make this your next read, you will not be disappointed !!
Profile Image for Victoria.
79 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2023
I won this as a Goodread’s Giveaway. This book fell a little flat and the writing was kind of juvenile. I skipped several chapters in the middle and still understood what was happening. There are definitely better rockstar romances out there…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews