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Caroline & West #2
Harder
In Robin York’s provocative new novel, two young ex-lovers find themselves together again in the shadow of tragedy—and an intense, undeniable attraction.
Caroline still dreams about West. His warm skin, his taut muscles, his hand sliding down her stomach. Then she wakes up and she’s back to reality: West is gone. And before he left, he broke her heart.
Then, out of the blue, West calls in crisis. A tragedy has hit his family—a family that’s already a fractured mess. Caroline knows what she has to do. Without discussion, without stopping to think, she’s on a plane, flying to his side to support him in any way he needs.
They’re together again, but things are totally different. West looks edgy, angry at the world. Caroline doesn’t fit in. She should be back in Iowa, finalizing her civil suit against the ex-boyfriend who posted their explicit pictures on a revenge porn website. But here she is. Deeply into West, wrapped up in him, in love with him. Still.
They fought the odds once. Losing each other was hard. But finding their way back to each other couldn’t be harder.
Caroline still dreams about West. His warm skin, his taut muscles, his hand sliding down her stomach. Then she wakes up and she’s back to reality: West is gone. And before he left, he broke her heart.
Then, out of the blue, West calls in crisis. A tragedy has hit his family—a family that’s already a fractured mess. Caroline knows what she has to do. Without discussion, without stopping to think, she’s on a plane, flying to his side to support him in any way he needs.
They’re together again, but things are totally different. West looks edgy, angry at the world. Caroline doesn’t fit in. She should be back in Iowa, finalizing her civil suit against the ex-boyfriend who posted their explicit pictures on a revenge porn website. But here she is. Deeply into West, wrapped up in him, in love with him. Still.
They fought the odds once. Losing each other was hard. But finding their way back to each other couldn’t be harder.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
About the author
Robin York
7 books673 followersRobin York grew up at a college, went to college, signed on for some more college, and then married a university professor. She still isn’t sure why it didn’t occur to her to write New Adult sooner. Writing as Ruthie Knox, she is a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary romance, including RITA-finalists About Last Night and Room at the Inn. She moonlights as a mother, makes killer salted caramels, and sorts out thorny plot problems while running, hiking, or riding her bike.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 623 reviews
November 29, 2013
4.5--Hard On the Heart--Stars!!
We first met West and Caroline in Deeper. I fell in love with their story. Their struggle. Their journey. It was painful, it was cruel, it was filled with hurt...but also hope, and want and desire.
My heart broke at the end of Deeper. When Caroline and West were torn apart. West to return home to protect Frankie from their asshole father. Caroline to remain in Putnam and fight for her freedom. Freedom from the intrusion of having her naked self splashed across the internet.
It's been 2.5 months since West left for Silt, Oregon. I really struggled with the state of West and Caroline's relationship at the beginning of Harder. We left them with hope, with promise, with love. And we returned to them with hatred, anger, sadness, longing, regret.
A tragedy brings Caroline to West and to Silt. West doesn't want her there. But West saved Caroline in Deeper and it's her turn to save West. Whether he knows that's what he wants and needs or not. And she never gives up.
West is ashamed. He hates who he is, where he comes from. What his life represents. If Caroline is good....
West believes he represents the bad...
West's actions towards Caroline made me rage. The choices he made, regardless of the intent were almost unforgiveable. It broke my heart. Shattered me.
In a way what happened was a catalyst. A turning point for West and Caroline. It was the only way for West to push Caroline away. To make her leave. To make her give up. And her reaction was exactly what West needed.
West is stuck. Stuck in Silt. Drowning in the responsibility of caring for Frankie....making a living. He exists. He doesn't live. The only way out for him is to leave Silt. To take Frankie. To finish college. To not let his past win.
While there were times I didn't agree with Caroline's reactions to West, I understood them. She was easy to forgive, easy to forget. Because her love for West meant more than the hurt he caused.
Poor West, he is just so lost. Lost in his duties to Frankie. Lost in his desire to not repeat his past. Lost in his feelings for Caroline. Just lost. Trying to go from surviving to thriving.
West returns to Putnam. Determined to thrive. Determined to make a new life for himself and Frankie. Determined to move on. Determined to forgive and forget.
And so they do, West and Caroline forgive. They let go. They give in to the pull. The connection that keeps them from being apart. They allow themselves each other. To love. To be. To live.
West and Caroline's journey was not an easy one. There were times I was angry, I was gutted, I was heart-broken right along with them. Beat down and kicked. But in the end, West and Caroline came out stronger. Better. They fell harder. They loved deeper.
We first met West and Caroline in Deeper. I fell in love with their story. Their struggle. Their journey. It was painful, it was cruel, it was filled with hurt...but also hope, and want and desire.
My heart broke at the end of Deeper. When Caroline and West were torn apart. West to return home to protect Frankie from their asshole father. Caroline to remain in Putnam and fight for her freedom. Freedom from the intrusion of having her naked self splashed across the internet.
It's been 2.5 months since West left for Silt, Oregon. I really struggled with the state of West and Caroline's relationship at the beginning of Harder. We left them with hope, with promise, with love. And we returned to them with hatred, anger, sadness, longing, regret.
A tragedy brings Caroline to West and to Silt. West doesn't want her there. But West saved Caroline in Deeper and it's her turn to save West. Whether he knows that's what he wants and needs or not. And she never gives up.
"All I can do is stay. Love him. Hope."
West is ashamed. He hates who he is, where he comes from. What his life represents. If Caroline is good....
"The world belongs to Caroline, but it doesn't belong to me."
West believes he represents the bad...
"I'm a villain. I deserve venom. A kick in the ribs. Disgust."
West's actions towards Caroline made me rage. The choices he made, regardless of the intent were almost unforgiveable. It broke my heart. Shattered me.
"I used sex to make you leave me. It was...that was something special between us. Sacred, even. And I turned it in to a weapon. Turned it on you."
In a way what happened was a catalyst. A turning point for West and Caroline. It was the only way for West to push Caroline away. To make her leave. To make her give up. And her reaction was exactly what West needed.
West is stuck. Stuck in Silt. Drowning in the responsibility of caring for Frankie....making a living. He exists. He doesn't live. The only way out for him is to leave Silt. To take Frankie. To finish college. To not let his past win.
"It's not so bad to waste your life. It's not so hard. What's harder--what's fucking impossible--is thinking that you've got a future and then losing it."
While there were times I didn't agree with Caroline's reactions to West, I understood them. She was easy to forgive, easy to forget. Because her love for West meant more than the hurt he caused.
Poor West, he is just so lost. Lost in his duties to Frankie. Lost in his desire to not repeat his past. Lost in his feelings for Caroline. Just lost. Trying to go from surviving to thriving.
West returns to Putnam. Determined to thrive. Determined to make a new life for himself and Frankie. Determined to move on. Determined to forgive and forget.
And so they do, West and Caroline forgive. They let go. They give in to the pull. The connection that keeps them from being apart. They allow themselves each other. To love. To be. To live.
"You feel good to me now."
"That's all I want. To be good to you."
"Be good to me forever."
"I hope I get to."
"We decide. You and me."
West and Caroline's journey was not an easy one. There were times I was angry, I was gutted, I was heart-broken right along with them. Beat down and kicked. But in the end, West and Caroline came out stronger. Better. They fell harder. They loved deeper.
May 24, 2014
2.25 Stars
I'm not sure what to say. I feel like this second book is so far away from where I wanted/expected it to go that it's not even Caroline and West any more...it's some other couple. I feel like the author was trying to teach me a lesson here. Forgive, be passive, forgive, be a doormat, forgive forgive forgive.
I'm just not that forgiving. Certainly not in control of my emotions enough to just have a small, quiet conversation before letting it go. I don't even care about vengeance. But a little begging and groveling are in order. I want proof of shame, guilt, SOMETHING more than what we got here. I want passion, I want fireworks, and I want it in every aspect of a romance, not just between the sheets. I want it when they fight, when they kiss, when they breathe.
I thought they found that kind of zest for each other in Deeper.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦This is my thoughts at 50%♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
I'm at the halfway point and decided to wait a few days before continuing. I'm hoping that the second half of this book finds me happier than I am right now. I wanted to jot some thoughts down first. Deeper was one of my favorite books so far this year, and I've been stalking Harder for months...literally every day waiting to request a copy.
One of the things that really struck me about Caroline and West was how much they leaned on one another and filled each other up. From the first moment they met, really, there was that magnetic pull. And when they became friends over time, it was apparent that they found solace in one another. Both of them were such GOOD people. Regardless of how book one ended, there was no doubt in my mind that they cared for each other deeply.
However, after reading what occurs within these pages, I'm not so sure any more. What happened to the strength that Caroline found before? Where are her big girl panties? Where is her backbone? And West...yes, he was somewhat abrasive at times...it's understandable. I don't have unrealistic expectations. However, there are certain lines that you just don't cross when it comes to your loved ones. West is in some less than savory circumstances, what with his deadbeat parents and vulnerable younger sister. Caroline is there for him in all ways, and not only does he not show appreciation for it, he actively disrespects her to such an extreme that I'm not sure I can forgive him. And it's so deliberate, so calculated and coldhearted. And for what? To save his pride?
So my character descriptions at this point:
CAROLINE: a whipped puppy dog with no pride or sense of self preservation. She pretends to be strong but every single aspect of what made her stronger, she's ignoring at this point.
WEST: At first attempting to be honorable; now, sinking to new lows, whiny, pity-partying incessantly and so, SO disrespectful as to be almost scornful. Stubborn, stubborn, and self destructive.
I know that each of them are, in their own way, trying to do good things. However, just because you are in a bad place in life does not give you the right to treat others with such contempt, nor does it excuse doormat behavior.
I will finish in a few days, hopefully with a sunnier outlook on these two.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦This is my thoughts on the last half:♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
My thoughts haven't changed a whole lot. I appreciate what York was trying to do here, but I just don't agree with it. Life is hard. If you lash out at loved ones in such a harsh manner every time something terrible happens, you lose the faith and trust that they have in you. If these two stay together, get married, have a family...there will be times that are worse than this, I can guarantee it. And beginning your lifelong commitment with such a breach of trust is a hard line for me.
What's really sad is that had a mere TWO PAGES BEEN LEFT OUT OF THIS STORY I'd have probably five starred this. Well, okay, maybe four. What happens is too intentional, too calculated to be as personally devastating as possible. For someone to be able to look at the person they love and demolish their self esteem, confidence, and sense of self in that manner is not okay with me. And again, had the after effects been handled differently, I could have rated this higher. But COME ON! Don't get me wrong. I'm all about forgiveness. It's absolutely necessary in any lasting relationship.
But that forgiveness has to we wanted, it has to be asked for, and in this case, it needed to be begged for. This passive, instant, odd way of handling it was a major turn off.
Imagine for a moment if the gender roles were switched here...I can very nearly guarantee that readers would be singing a different tune.
I was already primed to be upset with the way the romance played out, so it was no surprise that the rest of it left me feeling empty as well. With regards to Caroline's lawsuit against her ex that posted revenge porn pics, I was unsatisfied with that as well. The pride and toughness that she began to display in Deeper just seems to have left her. The two men in her life have both done despicable things, and she seems to be of the mindset that it would be very grown up and mature to just not put up a fuss. The ending, especially, was the last eye roll that I had left in me for this girl.
I'm not being sarcastic or condescending at all when I say that I'm very sad how this was handled. I realize that some readers, and the author, will feel like these characters...some of them...took the high road, and that lessons were learned all around. I suppose a big kudos goes out to them, but I'm just not that compliant. Robin York (Ruthie Knox) is absolutely a wonderful writer...she's evocative and intense and pulls me in. However, she is very hit or miss for me when it comes to her characterization. I end up either loving or hating her protagonists. I'm sad for Caroline and West because at this point, I'm just ambivalent where a few months ago, I felt obsessed.
Copy provided by the publisher for review
I'm not sure what to say. I feel like this second book is so far away from where I wanted/expected it to go that it's not even Caroline and West any more...it's some other couple. I feel like the author was trying to teach me a lesson here. Forgive, be passive, forgive, be a doormat, forgive forgive forgive.
I'm just not that forgiving. Certainly not in control of my emotions enough to just have a small, quiet conversation before letting it go. I don't even care about vengeance. But a little begging and groveling are in order. I want proof of shame, guilt, SOMETHING more than what we got here. I want passion, I want fireworks, and I want it in every aspect of a romance, not just between the sheets. I want it when they fight, when they kiss, when they breathe.
I thought they found that kind of zest for each other in Deeper.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦This is my thoughts at 50%♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
I'm at the halfway point and decided to wait a few days before continuing. I'm hoping that the second half of this book finds me happier than I am right now. I wanted to jot some thoughts down first. Deeper was one of my favorite books so far this year, and I've been stalking Harder for months...literally every day waiting to request a copy.
One of the things that really struck me about Caroline and West was how much they leaned on one another and filled each other up. From the first moment they met, really, there was that magnetic pull. And when they became friends over time, it was apparent that they found solace in one another. Both of them were such GOOD people. Regardless of how book one ended, there was no doubt in my mind that they cared for each other deeply.
However, after reading what occurs within these pages, I'm not so sure any more. What happened to the strength that Caroline found before? Where are her big girl panties? Where is her backbone? And West...yes, he was somewhat abrasive at times...it's understandable. I don't have unrealistic expectations. However, there are certain lines that you just don't cross when it comes to your loved ones. West is in some less than savory circumstances, what with his deadbeat parents and vulnerable younger sister. Caroline is there for him in all ways, and not only does he not show appreciation for it, he actively disrespects her to such an extreme that I'm not sure I can forgive him. And it's so deliberate, so calculated and coldhearted. And for what? To save his pride?
So my character descriptions at this point:
CAROLINE: a whipped puppy dog with no pride or sense of self preservation. She pretends to be strong but every single aspect of what made her stronger, she's ignoring at this point.
WEST: At first attempting to be honorable; now, sinking to new lows, whiny, pity-partying incessantly and so, SO disrespectful as to be almost scornful. Stubborn, stubborn, and self destructive.
I know that each of them are, in their own way, trying to do good things. However, just because you are in a bad place in life does not give you the right to treat others with such contempt, nor does it excuse doormat behavior.
I will finish in a few days, hopefully with a sunnier outlook on these two.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦This is my thoughts on the last half:♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
My thoughts haven't changed a whole lot. I appreciate what York was trying to do here, but I just don't agree with it. Life is hard. If you lash out at loved ones in such a harsh manner every time something terrible happens, you lose the faith and trust that they have in you. If these two stay together, get married, have a family...there will be times that are worse than this, I can guarantee it. And beginning your lifelong commitment with such a breach of trust is a hard line for me.
What's really sad is that had a mere TWO PAGES BEEN LEFT OUT OF THIS STORY I'd have probably five starred this. Well, okay, maybe four. What happens is too intentional, too calculated to be as personally devastating as possible. For someone to be able to look at the person they love and demolish their self esteem, confidence, and sense of self in that manner is not okay with me. And again, had the after effects been handled differently, I could have rated this higher. But COME ON! Don't get me wrong. I'm all about forgiveness. It's absolutely necessary in any lasting relationship.
But that forgiveness has to we wanted, it has to be asked for, and in this case, it needed to be begged for. This passive, instant, odd way of handling it was a major turn off.
Imagine for a moment if the gender roles were switched here...I can very nearly guarantee that readers would be singing a different tune.
I was already primed to be upset with the way the romance played out, so it was no surprise that the rest of it left me feeling empty as well. With regards to Caroline's lawsuit against her ex that posted revenge porn pics, I was unsatisfied with that as well. The pride and toughness that she began to display in Deeper just seems to have left her. The two men in her life have both done despicable things, and she seems to be of the mindset that it would be very grown up and mature to just not put up a fuss. The ending, especially, was the last eye roll that I had left in me for this girl.
I'm not being sarcastic or condescending at all when I say that I'm very sad how this was handled. I realize that some readers, and the author, will feel like these characters...some of them...took the high road, and that lessons were learned all around. I suppose a big kudos goes out to them, but I'm just not that compliant. Robin York (Ruthie Knox) is absolutely a wonderful writer...she's evocative and intense and pulls me in. However, she is very hit or miss for me when it comes to her characterization. I end up either loving or hating her protagonists. I'm sad for Caroline and West because at this point, I'm just ambivalent where a few months ago, I felt obsessed.
Copy provided by the publisher for review
January 24, 2014
5 Deeper and Harder Stars
Wow. Just wow. As much as I loved Deeper, Harder managed to absolutely blow me away. It shattered my heart into a million pieces, and then slowly mended it back together, piece by piece, managing to bring a captivating and emotional story a full circle. Robin York's writing is both poignant and uplifting, and she has easily moved to the very top of my favorite NA authors. I do not recommend reading this book without having read Deeper first, it will simply not be the same. So let's move on to the review, shall we?
It's been some time since where Deeper ended, and although it's not made clear what happened, it's obvious that Caroline and West are not together anymore. Their relationship is stunted at best, tumultuous at worst.
In Deeper we saw West take a broken Caroline, and help put her together. He was her rock, her shoulder, her everything. But when Caroline put herself back together she was stronger, and this book paints that picture perfectly.
I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to read about a heroine in a NA novel that is as emotionally strong as Caro was. Because that's precisely what she was. This was not a girl that flew off at the rails, she knew what she wanted and she fought for it...even if she may never win.
Yes there's an event that happens here that had me screaming and raging in anger and devastation. But as I read more, I understood why it happened and the choices that were took place. I may not have liked it, but it fit the story. It fit THEIR story.
Caro's reaction to this was something that really made me think. She did not react in a typical way that you would expect. She showed an immense amount of emotional maturity and intelligence, which was truthfully a first for me. I think I loved her character all the more for it. It was obvious that she knew West suspected a certain reaction from her, but she knew why he did what he did, and she knew what he needed.
If in the first book West was Caro's rock, then in this one it came a full circle. The depth of Caroline's love for West was evident in every word and action.
As for West? My beautifully broken, hurting, fucked up West. As much as I wanted to hate him for what he did, I just couldn't. My heart hurt for him. The more I read, the more it hurt.
He was so lost in the first half of this book. His heartbreak is palpable. What he does to push Caro away is terrible, don't get me wrong. But you can tell he felt he had no choice. And while he succeeds in one thing, he fails in another, because Caroline refuses to give up on him. Caro was the strong one here, she needed to be, to help West find his way out of the dark
His hope and hopelessness is swallowing him whole. He wants, but he doesn't think he can have it. He doesn't deserve it. But it doesn't stop his yearning.
The first half of the book was an emotional roller coaster. The feels, the pain, the heartbreak, it was devastating. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the second half was the light.
What I truly loved about the book was that Robin York didn't throw in any more additional drama in the end. There was no unnecessary angst, the angst that was there was intricately important to the plot, not excessive. She manages to take the story a full circle while painting a love story that's emotional and touching.
If you loved Deeper, you will love Harder. There are events here that may take you out of your comfort zone and make you question what you feel. It will capture you and draw you in. It will break your heart and then put it back together. I'm in love with Robin's wring, story telling, and her words. I really hope she continues this series with another couple...like perhaps Bridget and Krishna? (Hint, hint. Nudge nudge) LOL!
Highly recommended read. If you want a NA romance that's unlike any you've read before, this is a must read.
**ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
You have to let yourself want what you want as hard as you can, as deep as that goes, even if it scares the fuck out of you.
Wow. Just wow. As much as I loved Deeper, Harder managed to absolutely blow me away. It shattered my heart into a million pieces, and then slowly mended it back together, piece by piece, managing to bring a captivating and emotional story a full circle. Robin York's writing is both poignant and uplifting, and she has easily moved to the very top of my favorite NA authors. I do not recommend reading this book without having read Deeper first, it will simply not be the same. So let's move on to the review, shall we?
It's been some time since where Deeper ended, and although it's not made clear what happened, it's obvious that Caroline and West are not together anymore. Their relationship is stunted at best, tumultuous at worst.
In Deeper we saw West take a broken Caroline, and help put her together. He was her rock, her shoulder, her everything. But when Caroline put herself back together she was stronger, and this book paints that picture perfectly.
I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to read about a heroine in a NA novel that is as emotionally strong as Caro was. Because that's precisely what she was. This was not a girl that flew off at the rails, she knew what she wanted and she fought for it...even if she may never win.
Yes there's an event that happens here that had me screaming and raging in anger and devastation. But as I read more, I understood why it happened and the choices that were took place. I may not have liked it, but it fit the story. It fit THEIR story.
Caro's reaction to this was something that really made me think. She did not react in a typical way that you would expect. She showed an immense amount of emotional maturity and intelligence, which was truthfully a first for me. I think I loved her character all the more for it. It was obvious that she knew West suspected a certain reaction from her, but she knew why he did what he did, and she knew what he needed.
What I can't do is pretend I don't know what you did," I say. "Or pretend I don't still care about you.
If in the first book West was Caro's rock, then in this one it came a full circle. The depth of Caroline's love for West was evident in every word and action.
As for West? My beautifully broken, hurting, fucked up West. As much as I wanted to hate him for what he did, I just couldn't. My heart hurt for him. The more I read, the more it hurt.
He was so lost in the first half of this book. His heartbreak is palpable. What he does to push Caro away is terrible, don't get me wrong. But you can tell he felt he had no choice. And while he succeeds in one thing, he fails in another, because Caroline refuses to give up on him. Caro was the strong one here, she needed to be, to help West find his way out of the dark
I want her
All the time, like a virus, a disease I caught, except the other way around- like a a cure I caught a year ago, and it's inside me, winding through my veins, pumping through my heart.
His hope and hopelessness is swallowing him whole. He wants, but he doesn't think he can have it. He doesn't deserve it. But it doesn't stop his yearning.
The whole time, I was trying to convince myself that the flame didn't look like hope, didn't feel like it, but I've never been any good at that kind of deception.
That spark in the dark, that wavering flicker- Caroline. Hope.
For me, they were always the same thing.
The first half of the book was an emotional roller coaster. The feels, the pain, the heartbreak, it was devastating. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the second half was the light.
What I truly loved about the book was that Robin York didn't throw in any more additional drama in the end. There was no unnecessary angst, the angst that was there was intricately important to the plot, not excessive. She manages to take the story a full circle while painting a love story that's emotional and touching.
If you loved Deeper, you will love Harder. There are events here that may take you out of your comfort zone and make you question what you feel. It will capture you and draw you in. It will break your heart and then put it back together. I'm in love with Robin's wring, story telling, and her words. I really hope she continues this series with another couple...like perhaps Bridget and Krishna? (Hint, hint. Nudge nudge) LOL!
Highly recommended read. If you want a NA romance that's unlike any you've read before, this is a must read.
**ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
January 2, 2014
4.5 Persistent Stars
Ok so originally after reading book one I was like
but now after hearing info about this book
but then my BBB J says I should still read it...IDK WHAT TO DOO!!!!
So I decided to read it and see for myself....
There was that one part where I thought West should:
And Caro did get a little stalkerish:
But overall my final thoughts were:
And just because I found this one and thought it was funny....Do I care whether or not you like my review?
Ok so originally after reading book one I was like
but now after hearing info about this book
but then my BBB J says I should still read it...IDK WHAT TO DOO!!!!
So I decided to read it and see for myself....
There was that one part where I thought West should:
And Caro did get a little stalkerish:
But overall my final thoughts were:
And just because I found this one and thought it was funny....Do I care whether or not you like my review?
May 7, 2017
So confused by the 4 and 5 star reviews, because if you loved the first book, then this one should make you angry! What West did, going down on the bitch wife he had a thing with years ago, while Caroline could hear the whole thing, was just disgusting! I don't care that he did it because he was grieving, or to drive her away! Some things cannot be forgotten or taken back, and this act was just too much! It completely changed how I viewed West and their relationship. He never redeeemed himself to me! There was no fighting for her or grovelling! He actually was pretty rude and standoffish with her. The big apology came after they had sex again for the first time and she broke down! Too little too late! Caroline also became a doormat in this book, still being so sweet and chasing West after what he did! No way! He should have been begging her, but no he barely talks to her and she is read to have sex with him again! This book was a joke! So bad considering I loved the previous one! I think considering the way Caroline And West
Come together In book one, and the pain Caroline was in due to someone she cared about betraying her, this book was a sham. Just because West had issues and was damaged, and wanted to push Caroline away, in no way justified his actions! He
Loved Caroline? If that’s how he loves how does he hate? Not only did I lose respect for him regarding Caroline, but also for betraying his friend, the doctor, again! I also felt that even though he had reason, and it was not the same kind of betrayal Caroline’s ex committed, it was still a massive betrayal that destroyed Caroline. After seeing her pain in the first book, how she was hurt and her trust broken, I felt it made him a bigger asshole for fucking her
Over in this book, and made it that there was no going back for me. He was just as bad, and his lack or apology until he was having sex with her just was the last straw. This book was a write off and either should not have been written or needs re writing, as I just see West as a scum bag now and Caroline as a doormat. I do not know what the author was thinking with this book, completely ruining the characters and their story.
On a re teas this book is even worse. I can only assume that it got rated so highly as toxic love was on a massive high and even more popular among readers when this was released. Books such as the After series etc were being lapped up. The relationships in this book are toxic and worrying. Not just West and Caro, but Bridget and Krish. What makes it worse is that we know Caro was abused by her ex, and instead of seeing her healthily grow, we see her attach herself to a damaged man who lashes out and herts her. I also do not want to hear he loves her, and does it to save her from him. He does it because he wants her gone and away from him and his toxic home town. Instead of being a decent person and actually humbling himself and ebign honest and trying, he destroys Caroline. She becomes a doormat and bends and breaks for a man. So what west is hurt and traumatised and grieving. I get it, he has suffered, buy that is not a shield for abusive behaviour. He never fights for Caroline, she is his martyr who never gives up on him despite him never really deserving her. I just do not believe in the future with West unresolved trauma, that he will not hurt Caro again. Of course she will just take it, and it is a perfect setting for an abusive relationship. This book romantises a toxic dynamic and terrible love stories.
This interaction pretty much sums up the toxicity and weakness of Caro and Bridget's 'relationships':
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“I know, but it feels so disloyal. I like him.”
“You maybe love him?”
She hides her face against my shoulder. “Don’t say it. It’s too stupid.”
“I have the market cornered on stupid.”
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When she looks at me again, her eyes are bright with tears, but she’s smiling. “You know what I used to think? It’s awful. You’re going to think I’m awful.”
“Probably not.”
“I used to think only stupid people made mistakes. Like, people who were too stupid to know what the right thing to do was, so they did the wrong thing, and I was smart enough to see all that stupidity coming, so I would never be like them. I thought my mom was stupid for not knowing my dad was having an affair, and my dad was stupid for having one. And, God, I’m sorry that I’m saying this, but I thought, after what Nate did—”
“You thought I was stupid?” I blurt out.
“Kind of? I mean, not across the board, but about that one thing, yeah. Like, I thought I’d never let a guy do that to me, and I couldn’t see why you had unless you’d just sort of stumbled into a pit of stupidity temporarily, and then stumbled back out.”
“I can’t believe you thought that.”
“I know. But what I’m starting to figure out with Krishna …”
“… is that it’s possible to be smart and still do really stupid things?”
“And know you’re doing them the whole time,” she says. “That’s the worst part.”
“It is,” I say, nodding. “I’ve had this exact same thought. Oh my God, I am being so fucking stupid. I should be arrested for containing this much stupidity in one person. And then, like, God, he’s hot, I love him, I am totally going to do this anyway.”
“It sucks,” she says.
“Donkey balls.”
“Ginormous donkey balls.”
“It sucks ginormous hairy donkey scrotums,” I confirm.
“Hoovers them up.”
"Deep-throats them.”
“While they take pictures and post them on the Internet,” Bridget says.
“And go down on other women to drive you away.”
“And tell you about all the women they’ve fucked while they’re taking off your pants.”
“He did not.”
“He did too.”
“What a vile excuse for a human being,” I say. “You should totally ditch him.”
And then we’re laughing, leaning into each other, holding on tight, and I’m glad I saw her with Krish, even if it was kind of gross.
Just beautiful
Of course the grotesque scene of West going down on a married woman for Caroline to hear:
'No, this can’t be happening.
Her ring taps against the glass again. “Yeah. Yeah, I missed that mouth.”
I don’t hear what West says. I can’t see him.
I can’t see him because he’s down on his knees with his face between her legs.'
'A quiet squeak against glass, and now I crane my head farther around to see something moving against the narrow window of the back part of the cab. A shadow, fuzzed at the edges. I realize it’s a woman’s hair when she says, “No one can see us out here.”
A cloud of black hair, and the back of a dress that would be purple if it were light enough to tell color from shadow. The woman who hugged him too long beside the coffin. Mrs. Tomlinson.
West’s voice replies, “You’ll have to be quiet.”
“You know I can’t.”
“You need something to shove in your mouth?”
'She's noisy when she comes. I didn’t know people were that noisy outside of movies.
This scene is a parody, a terrible movie I can’t turn off.'
This book is messed up on so many levels, in my opinion West does not love Caro, not enough anyway, and he will destroy here. There are enough people who have already hurt Carpline and let her down, if he cannot protect her and she cannot trust him what is the point?
This says it all to me:
'I don’t want anyone but West.
I’d rather fuck up and have something—some messy undefinable not-quite-relationship that feels awful but also transcendent, electric, important—than keep away from him and have nothing at all.
I’m going to figure out a way to get him back. Everyone can think I’m stupid if they want to, and tell me I shouldn’t, and say I’ll regret it. Everyone can believe it’s a bad idea—even me.'
Come together In book one, and the pain Caroline was in due to someone she cared about betraying her, this book was a sham. Just because West had issues and was damaged, and wanted to push Caroline away, in no way justified his actions! He
Loved Caroline? If that’s how he loves how does he hate? Not only did I lose respect for him regarding Caroline, but also for betraying his friend, the doctor, again! I also felt that even though he had reason, and it was not the same kind of betrayal Caroline’s ex committed, it was still a massive betrayal that destroyed Caroline. After seeing her pain in the first book, how she was hurt and her trust broken, I felt it made him a bigger asshole for fucking her
Over in this book, and made it that there was no going back for me. He was just as bad, and his lack or apology until he was having sex with her just was the last straw. This book was a write off and either should not have been written or needs re writing, as I just see West as a scum bag now and Caroline as a doormat. I do not know what the author was thinking with this book, completely ruining the characters and their story.
On a re teas this book is even worse. I can only assume that it got rated so highly as toxic love was on a massive high and even more popular among readers when this was released. Books such as the After series etc were being lapped up. The relationships in this book are toxic and worrying. Not just West and Caro, but Bridget and Krish. What makes it worse is that we know Caro was abused by her ex, and instead of seeing her healthily grow, we see her attach herself to a damaged man who lashes out and herts her. I also do not want to hear he loves her, and does it to save her from him. He does it because he wants her gone and away from him and his toxic home town. Instead of being a decent person and actually humbling himself and ebign honest and trying, he destroys Caroline. She becomes a doormat and bends and breaks for a man. So what west is hurt and traumatised and grieving. I get it, he has suffered, buy that is not a shield for abusive behaviour. He never fights for Caroline, she is his martyr who never gives up on him despite him never really deserving her. I just do not believe in the future with West unresolved trauma, that he will not hurt Caro again. Of course she will just take it, and it is a perfect setting for an abusive relationship. This book romantises a toxic dynamic and terrible love stories.
This interaction pretty much sums up the toxicity and weakness of Caro and Bridget's 'relationships':
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Last visited: Page 48 of Harder (Caroline
Page 49 of Harder (Caroline & West 2)
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“I know, but it feels so disloyal. I like him.”
“You maybe love him?”
She hides her face against my shoulder. “Don’t say it. It’s too stupid.”
“I have the market cornered on stupid.”
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When she looks at me again, her eyes are bright with tears, but she’s smiling. “You know what I used to think? It’s awful. You’re going to think I’m awful.”
“Probably not.”
“I used to think only stupid people made mistakes. Like, people who were too stupid to know what the right thing to do was, so they did the wrong thing, and I was smart enough to see all that stupidity coming, so I would never be like them. I thought my mom was stupid for not knowing my dad was having an affair, and my dad was stupid for having one. And, God, I’m sorry that I’m saying this, but I thought, after what Nate did—”
“You thought I was stupid?” I blurt out.
“Kind of? I mean, not across the board, but about that one thing, yeah. Like, I thought I’d never let a guy do that to me, and I couldn’t see why you had unless you’d just sort of stumbled into a pit of stupidity temporarily, and then stumbled back out.”
“I can’t believe you thought that.”
“I know. But what I’m starting to figure out with Krishna …”
“… is that it’s possible to be smart and still do really stupid things?”
“And know you’re doing them the whole time,” she says. “That’s the worst part.”
“It is,” I say, nodding. “I’ve had this exact same thought. Oh my God, I am being so fucking stupid. I should be arrested for containing this much stupidity in one person. And then, like, God, he’s hot, I love him, I am totally going to do this anyway.”
“It sucks,” she says.
“Donkey balls.”
“Ginormous donkey balls.”
“It sucks ginormous hairy donkey scrotums,” I confirm.
“Hoovers them up.”
"Deep-throats them.”
“While they take pictures and post them on the Internet,” Bridget says.
“And go down on other women to drive you away.”
“And tell you about all the women they’ve fucked while they’re taking off your pants.”
“He did not.”
“He did too.”
“What a vile excuse for a human being,” I say. “You should totally ditch him.”
And then we’re laughing, leaning into each other, holding on tight, and I’m glad I saw her with Krish, even if it was kind of gross.
Just beautiful
Of course the grotesque scene of West going down on a married woman for Caroline to hear:
'No, this can’t be happening.
Her ring taps against the glass again. “Yeah. Yeah, I missed that mouth.”
I don’t hear what West says. I can’t see him.
I can’t see him because he’s down on his knees with his face between her legs.'
'A quiet squeak against glass, and now I crane my head farther around to see something moving against the narrow window of the back part of the cab. A shadow, fuzzed at the edges. I realize it’s a woman’s hair when she says, “No one can see us out here.”
A cloud of black hair, and the back of a dress that would be purple if it were light enough to tell color from shadow. The woman who hugged him too long beside the coffin. Mrs. Tomlinson.
West’s voice replies, “You’ll have to be quiet.”
“You know I can’t.”
“You need something to shove in your mouth?”
'She's noisy when she comes. I didn’t know people were that noisy outside of movies.
This scene is a parody, a terrible movie I can’t turn off.'
This book is messed up on so many levels, in my opinion West does not love Caro, not enough anyway, and he will destroy here. There are enough people who have already hurt Carpline and let her down, if he cannot protect her and she cannot trust him what is the point?
This says it all to me:
'I don’t want anyone but West.
I’d rather fuck up and have something—some messy undefinable not-quite-relationship that feels awful but also transcendent, electric, important—than keep away from him and have nothing at all.
I’m going to figure out a way to get him back. Everyone can think I’m stupid if they want to, and tell me I shouldn’t, and say I’ll regret it. Everyone can believe it’s a bad idea—even me.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2014
4.5 Stars
It’s been 3 months since Caroline and West said goodbye. Caroline is still in Putnam and West is in Silt, and they are no longer together. But when West calls Caroline and tells her his father has died, she jumps on a plane. She is determined to be there for him, even though he doesn’t want her in Silt. When Caroline arrives and is reunited with West, she does not find the boy she remembers. He is distant, angry, bitter, and harder.
He’s so much harder than he used to be. All this armor between him and the world. I want him to know that I see it there. I know what it is, and if he wants to take it off with me, he can.
While Caroline is trying to support West, he is continuously pushing her away. And, oh boy, does he know how to succeed. It was painful. I felt it through the pages. My heart broke – but it was so well written, the hurt, the desperation, it added so much emotion to the story. I would not change a thing.
There is going to be LOTS of West hate. But you won’t find it with me. This boy is broken, all kinds of screwed up. Lost in obligations, and self depreciation. He is drowning.
It sounds easy-telling yourself you deserve good things. Letting yourself want them. Letting yourself claim them.
It sounds easy, but it’s not. For a guy like me, it’s right next door to impossible.
Caroline and West hit rock bottom – but it serves as a turning point. I felt for these characters – the good, the bad – I understood their motivations, right or wrong – I understood. In Harder the reader sees West, his struggle to survive, to let go of his past and grab a hold of his future. To learn how to not only survive, but to thrive.
Go after deep and make it deeper. Accept that life is going to be hard-that everything worth having is worth fighting for- but don’t fucking make it harder than it has to be. Don’t put yourself in between the life you’ve got and the one you want.
When West realizes the changes he needs to make, he heads back to Putnam. Determined to find a way for him and Frankie to thrive. And when Caro and West come together, I rejoiced. I love these characters, and I was proud of them fighting their battles, together and apart. Great story about life, love, forgiveness and the lessons we learn along the way.
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
It’s been 3 months since Caroline and West said goodbye. Caroline is still in Putnam and West is in Silt, and they are no longer together. But when West calls Caroline and tells her his father has died, she jumps on a plane. She is determined to be there for him, even though he doesn’t want her in Silt. When Caroline arrives and is reunited with West, she does not find the boy she remembers. He is distant, angry, bitter, and harder.
He’s so much harder than he used to be. All this armor between him and the world. I want him to know that I see it there. I know what it is, and if he wants to take it off with me, he can.
While Caroline is trying to support West, he is continuously pushing her away. And, oh boy, does he know how to succeed. It was painful. I felt it through the pages. My heart broke – but it was so well written, the hurt, the desperation, it added so much emotion to the story. I would not change a thing.
There is going to be LOTS of West hate. But you won’t find it with me. This boy is broken, all kinds of screwed up. Lost in obligations, and self depreciation. He is drowning.
It sounds easy-telling yourself you deserve good things. Letting yourself want them. Letting yourself claim them.
It sounds easy, but it’s not. For a guy like me, it’s right next door to impossible.
Caroline and West hit rock bottom – but it serves as a turning point. I felt for these characters – the good, the bad – I understood their motivations, right or wrong – I understood. In Harder the reader sees West, his struggle to survive, to let go of his past and grab a hold of his future. To learn how to not only survive, but to thrive.
Go after deep and make it deeper. Accept that life is going to be hard-that everything worth having is worth fighting for- but don’t fucking make it harder than it has to be. Don’t put yourself in between the life you’ve got and the one you want.
When West realizes the changes he needs to make, he heads back to Putnam. Determined to find a way for him and Frankie to thrive. And when Caro and West come together, I rejoiced. I love these characters, and I was proud of them fighting their battles, together and apart. Great story about life, love, forgiveness and the lessons we learn along the way.
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 2, 2014
5 Caro & West stars!
It's one of those 'difficult to read and even more difficult to rate' books. My usual M.O. for books that have this type plot device would be to DNF it so fast or get ragey about it. My friends know this about me and I have stepped on my soapbox on more than one occasion. But once in a while it works and it adds another layer to the story. It doesn't make for an easy read but once the rage is over, you get that nice little HEA at the end, it makes everything worth it.
Harder picks up 3 months after Deeper ended. West is in Silt and Caroline is in Putnam. For all intents and purposes, they were over. Caroline and West was no more. I think this is an important thing to remember, at least for me, in light of happens at 20% in the book.
When West's biological father died, Caroline decided to be there for West even though West doesn't want her anywhere near Silt. When they saw each other, everything was different. West wasn't the same guy Caro fell in love with. He was basically a stranger: bitter, angry and desperate.
Caroline did the best she could to be there for him but West was having none of it. And in what could be the cruelest and most boneheaded move ever, West set out to destroy Caroline's hope for him the only way he knows how:
I'm not going to lie. Many who loved Deeper will probably hate this book because of what West did. I hated what West did. Hated it. I cried when it happened. I raged at Robin York for taking this story in this direction. I couldn't fathom why Caroline didn't rage at him or kicked in the balls. It was tough. I didn't want to continue but I did. And if I may be honest, it was touch and go for me until at about 59% or so when West and Caroline started talking.
It was then that Robin York painstakingly laid bare every motivation, both right and wrong, of each character, West especially. While Deeper was focused on Caroline's fight against those who wronged her, Harder was very much about West's fight for survival. In this book, the reader gets to see his home life (shitty), his mother (deplorable human being) and Frankie (his only joy) in Silt.
I still didn't like what he did but I understood his character more. I felt that Ms. York did a good job of showing me, the reader, how wrong West was in his thinking. She really did. At the same time, she used what happened there as a catalyst for Caro and West's relationship to finally move along.
And when they finally did get their act together, it was absolutely beautiful to read. Add to that Ms. York's majestic writing and it was just smooth-sailing from then on.
Another thing which I loved about this is how Caroline's story finally came full circle. Did she get her vengeance on Nate? No. But what she got out of it was even better. I just loved how that part of the story was resolved. I was a little afraid this would get swept under the rug. And frankly, after what happened in the first 20%, I thought this book was going to be about West "winning Caroline back" and the "revenge porn" element to the story would fall by the wayside. It didn't. In fact, it couldn't have gone better. I felt that Caroline's decision was fitting and it really worked for me.
I also loved that Frankie, West's sister, was a prominent figure in this story. It was heartbreaking to read about her childhood and how West essentially raised her. Her presence in the book also gave added insight into West's character. A big part of his motivation was Frankie and this book afforded the reader a glimpse into their heartbreaking relationship. His whole family really and the place he came from added layers to his character.
In the end, I really did end up loving this book despite its imperfect characters. Great writing has a lot to do with it, of course. But most of all, I loved these characters so much. I hated them and loved them at the same time. I don't exactly know why. Maybe because they were written as honestly flawed people, which made their struggles all the more relatable to me. I dunno. But I loved it.
Definitely one of the best I've read, so far, this year.
*An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Quotes used in this review are from the ARC and could differ from the published copy.
It's one of those 'difficult to read and even more difficult to rate' books. My usual M.O. for books that have this type plot device would be to DNF it so fast or get ragey about it. My friends know this about me and I have stepped on my soapbox on more than one occasion. But once in a while it works and it adds another layer to the story. It doesn't make for an easy read but once the rage is over, you get that nice little HEA at the end, it makes everything worth it.
"All the songs are love songs, and this one is ours."
Harder picks up 3 months after Deeper ended. West is in Silt and Caroline is in Putnam. For all intents and purposes, they were over. Caroline and West was no more. I think this is an important thing to remember, at least for me, in light of happens at 20% in the book.
When West's biological father died, Caroline decided to be there for West even though West doesn't want her anywhere near Silt. When they saw each other, everything was different. West wasn't the same guy Caro fell in love with. He was basically a stranger: bitter, angry and desperate.
Caroline did the best she could to be there for him but West was having none of it. And in what could be the cruelest and most boneheaded move ever, West set out to destroy Caroline's hope for him the only way he knows how:
I'm not going to lie. Many who loved Deeper will probably hate this book because of what West did. I hated what West did. Hated it. I cried when it happened. I raged at Robin York for taking this story in this direction. I couldn't fathom why Caroline didn't rage at him or kicked in the balls. It was tough. I didn't want to continue but I did. And if I may be honest, it was touch and go for me until at about 59% or so when West and Caroline started talking.
It was then that Robin York painstakingly laid bare every motivation, both right and wrong, of each character, West especially. While Deeper was focused on Caroline's fight against those who wronged her, Harder was very much about West's fight for survival. In this book, the reader gets to see his home life (shitty), his mother (deplorable human being) and Frankie (his only joy) in Silt.
"I knew as soon as you came through the door, I'd ruin it. There wasn't any way not to ruin it, and it made me so fucking angry, so that's what you ended up seeing when you did come outside. How angry I was at the world for making me and you impossible."
I still didn't like what he did but I understood his character more. I felt that Ms. York did a good job of showing me, the reader, how wrong West was in his thinking. She really did. At the same time, she used what happened there as a catalyst for Caro and West's relationship to finally move along.
And when they finally did get their act together, it was absolutely beautiful to read. Add to that Ms. York's majestic writing and it was just smooth-sailing from then on.
I love her. Caroline Piasecki.
I always will.
Another thing which I loved about this is how Caroline's story finally came full circle. Did she get her vengeance on Nate? No. But what she got out of it was even better. I just loved how that part of the story was resolved. I was a little afraid this would get swept under the rug. And frankly, after what happened in the first 20%, I thought this book was going to be about West "winning Caroline back" and the "revenge porn" element to the story would fall by the wayside. It didn't. In fact, it couldn't have gone better. I felt that Caroline's decision was fitting and it really worked for me.
I also loved that Frankie, West's sister, was a prominent figure in this story. It was heartbreaking to read about her childhood and how West essentially raised her. Her presence in the book also gave added insight into West's character. A big part of his motivation was Frankie and this book afforded the reader a glimpse into their heartbreaking relationship. His whole family really and the place he came from added layers to his character.
In the end, I really did end up loving this book despite its imperfect characters. Great writing has a lot to do with it, of course. But most of all, I loved these characters so much. I hated them and loved them at the same time. I don't exactly know why. Maybe because they were written as honestly flawed people, which made their struggles all the more relatable to me. I dunno. But I loved it.
Definitely one of the best I've read, so far, this year.
*An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Quotes used in this review are from the ARC and could differ from the published copy.
Want to Read
December 15, 2013July?!? I think I'll die before then! I neeeeeed itttt
March 15, 2014
4 Angsty Stars
Harder was a bit hard for me to read. I’m not a huge fan of angsty reads, but I did find myself glued to the pages and wanting to pull my hair out.
West went back home to take care of his family and Caroline is dealing with a heart break.
What I do love about Harder was that Caroline and West weren’t separated! I really hate it when I read book 2 of series and the main characters aren’t together anyhow. I know Caroline and West aren’t together persay, but a few months later, we pick up where the rocky relationship left off.
West’s father dies and Caroline travels to comfort and be with West.
West
I have a lot of opinions of West. He’s the definition of damaged, tortured, messed-up Hero. He has to take care of his mother, his sister and deal with his terrible dead father. He doesn’t think he’s good enough for Caroline and he does EVERYTHING he can to push her away.
Caroline
I would describe Caroline as a lost puppy. If you ever loved a beaten down Heroine, then she’s perfect for you. Caroline does everything she can to be there for West. She stays where he wants her to, does what he wants her to do and constantly texts him and even gives him a no string-attached sex. I know, I shake my head too.
Overall
For the first half of the book, it’s very hard for me to like West. As much as I love a jerk of a Hero, West does some terrible things (and in my opinion) is unforgivable. I understand why he does what he does, but does he have to be so mean to Caroline?
Caroline stays with Frankie and West stays with Bo. For days, West doesn’t see Caroline and Caroline just wants to comfort and be there to West. Caroline wants West to leave his hometown and go back to school.
West smokes, is mean and basically ignores Caroline. There are a few moments where they have conversation, but it’s really short and your heart breaks for Caroline.
What got me really hooked is just all the tension! You want to punch West in the face and just scream at Caroline to slap West silly. There’s a lot of drama and you feel for both parties (as much as West bothered me, I did feel for him).
It’s not a perfect relationship, but it’s a very intense story. If you want drama, angst and love the series to begin with, then you will be happy with this one.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
For more, http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com
Harder was a bit hard for me to read. I’m not a huge fan of angsty reads, but I did find myself glued to the pages and wanting to pull my hair out.
West went back home to take care of his family and Caroline is dealing with a heart break.
What I do love about Harder was that Caroline and West weren’t separated! I really hate it when I read book 2 of series and the main characters aren’t together anyhow. I know Caroline and West aren’t together persay, but a few months later, we pick up where the rocky relationship left off.
West’s father dies and Caroline travels to comfort and be with West.
West
I have a lot of opinions of West. He’s the definition of damaged, tortured, messed-up Hero. He has to take care of his mother, his sister and deal with his terrible dead father. He doesn’t think he’s good enough for Caroline and he does EVERYTHING he can to push her away.
Caroline
I would describe Caroline as a lost puppy. If you ever loved a beaten down Heroine, then she’s perfect for you. Caroline does everything she can to be there for West. She stays where he wants her to, does what he wants her to do and constantly texts him and even gives him a no string-attached sex. I know, I shake my head too.
Overall
For the first half of the book, it’s very hard for me to like West. As much as I love a jerk of a Hero, West does some terrible things (and in my opinion) is unforgivable. I understand why he does what he does, but does he have to be so mean to Caroline?
Caroline stays with Frankie and West stays with Bo. For days, West doesn’t see Caroline and Caroline just wants to comfort and be there to West. Caroline wants West to leave his hometown and go back to school.
West smokes, is mean and basically ignores Caroline. There are a few moments where they have conversation, but it’s really short and your heart breaks for Caroline.
What got me really hooked is just all the tension! You want to punch West in the face and just scream at Caroline to slap West silly. There’s a lot of drama and you feel for both parties (as much as West bothered me, I did feel for him).
It’s not a perfect relationship, but it’s a very intense story. If you want drama, angst and love the series to begin with, then you will be happy with this one.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
Series Order
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZONFor more, http://jacquelinesreads.blogspot.com
February 6, 2014
DNF at 60%
To say I'm disappointed is a massive understatement. I really liked Deeper - loved Caroline and West - and was interested in seeing where their story was headed. I'm not big on romance novels that are split into multiple books. Invariably, the story drags out, unnecessary drama is added, and you're left wondering what was the point of the second book. Even given my reservations, I was so enamored with West and Caroline that I anxiously awaited book two.
About the only thing I liked about this book is the name, Harder. It fits the book perfectly. It was harder to like Caroline and West, harder to give a shit about what they were going through, harder to actually get through the book, harder to like anything about it.
The Caro and West in this book are not the same. West is a depressing, whiny asshole who pushes everyone away, and yet his friends still want to be friends with him. He spent the first half of the book (and maybe more) complaining about how much his life sucks, yet not doing anything to change it. A few times he mentioned wanting to drive himself off the road and I couldn't help but want to do it for him - just get the misery over with.
Then there's Caroline - who I actually hated more than West. She was worse than a doormat. Letting West treat her however he wanted. Constantly forgiving him because she 'loved' him. Claiming West was only trying to push her away and ruin her. Sounds like the type of guy I'd want to be with.
If you loved Deeper, I'd suggest skipping this book. I wish I did.
To say I'm disappointed is a massive understatement. I really liked Deeper - loved Caroline and West - and was interested in seeing where their story was headed. I'm not big on romance novels that are split into multiple books. Invariably, the story drags out, unnecessary drama is added, and you're left wondering what was the point of the second book. Even given my reservations, I was so enamored with West and Caroline that I anxiously awaited book two.
About the only thing I liked about this book is the name, Harder. It fits the book perfectly. It was harder to like Caroline and West, harder to give a shit about what they were going through, harder to actually get through the book, harder to like anything about it.
The Caro and West in this book are not the same. West is a depressing, whiny asshole who pushes everyone away, and yet his friends still want to be friends with him. He spent the first half of the book (and maybe more) complaining about how much his life sucks, yet not doing anything to change it. A few times he mentioned wanting to drive himself off the road and I couldn't help but want to do it for him - just get the misery over with.
Then there's Caroline - who I actually hated more than West. She was worse than a doormat. Letting West treat her however he wanted. Constantly forgiving him because she 'loved' him. Claiming West was only trying to push her away and ruin her. Sounds like the type of guy I'd want to be with.
If you loved Deeper, I'd suggest skipping this book. I wish I did.
no-thank-you
May 14, 2014Thanks to the magic of ARCs I am now no longer reading this book... which is a shame because I LOVED the first book and so badly wanted an HEA for West and Caroline.
I can't understand why the author would take the book in the direction it heads, or why certain things had to happen. It's like taking the readers' hearts and stomping on them for the sake of drama. I don't have time for that because there are too many other good books out there.
So alas I will not be reading this.
And as for West...
I can't understand why the author would take the book in the direction it heads, or why certain things had to happen. It's like taking the readers' hearts and stomping on them for the sake of drama. I don't have time for that because there are too many other good books out there.
So alas I will not be reading this.
And as for West...
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1448463806i/5557851._CR0,13,200,200_.jpg)
May 25, 2014
April 2017 -- Definitely 5 Stars. Third read. I've read some real stinkers, so really appreciate the books that engage me and keep me engaged. Ruthie Knox at her very best. Wish I had more like this.
10/12/2015 -- Finished the second read for this one and even better the second time, I think. Very good and just what I needed.
05/25/2014 --
Overall Rating = 5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 4 / 5 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars -- [$9.99 pre-order on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Moderate
352 pages
Robin York is Ruthie Knox. I found this out after I had written the review for "Deeper" where I praised this author's "debut" book. I felt a bit silly. Just had to tell you this ..
This book isn't perfect, but it is very definitely a 5 Star read. I connected with this NA read as written by Robin York. Tremendously. I read TONS of NA and so much of it is the same ole' stuff. Most of it lacks true writing talent by the author. Most I rate poorly. Not here. This book is one of the very best I've read -- any book, any genre'. Yes. It is that good.
What did I really like?
1 -- GREAT characters. Most of the time it's all about the Hero in a book for me. In this one, I think I appreciated our heroine more. Caroline was amazing. I loved her in Deeper and fell even further for her in this one. There is a scene -- and if you read the book you'll know exactly which one I'm talking about -- she displayed such emotional intelligence. More than I ever could have. You've heard the term .. cut your nose off to spite your face? Well, when I'm in high emotion, I tend to do this. Regrets abound. I like that she didn't do this. She knew what she wanted. She also knew that it may never happen, but she wasn't going to hurry it along. She was going to have her say and so she did. God. I was so engaged. Amazing writing. I didn't know if I agreed with her, but knew I appreciated her need. GAH!!
West. How do you pull yourself out of a world into another when you really don't know if there is even something else out there? You only know this can't be all there is. There has to be something else. How do you do that? How do you allow yourself that HOPE?
2 -- HOPE. This is the story behind the story here. Hope. If we don't have hope, what do we have? Sometimes hope is the simple things. You take it one day at a time until you see that flicker of something else. Just a flicker. What courage it takes to get to this place. What work. HARD work and to be only 19, then 20 and then 21. To have to figure it all out yourself and to NEED to do this for your little sister. Your heart. This is West. He is amazing. Caroline and West are really perfect for each other. Their love flies off the pages and into your heart.
3 -- The story. This incredible story. I don't even know what to say about it. I just connected. This is why I keep trying NA. There is such joy in watching new young adults figure it out. Learning some of life's tougher lessons. Figuring out what they want and then watching them work hard to get it. When it is done right .. an AMAZING read. This one is DONE RIGHT!
4 -- Secondary characters. I enjoyed them all. One honorable mention is out to Joan. She was doing all she could to help keep things together for Frankie and West. It wasn't enough. She knew it, but it was all she really could do. In the end, her note to West was perfection.
5 -- The title really plays a part in the book -- just as the Deeper title did. I say to my kids .. "don't make things harder than they have to be." Also, "sometimes you have to know when to get out of your own way." It was pretty interesting seeing some of my soul deep life philosophies play out in this story. It is so true. We have to make sure we aren't throwing roadblocks up before we even get started on things that are important to us. A true life lesson -- usually learned the hard way and life is really hard enough without our help in making it Harder.
There are one of two things that weren't perfect.
1 -- The price when it is released in July will be about $10. I really hope you don't let that stop you. The publisher should be ashamed of themselves for charging this. You can guarantee that the author won't get any more than if she had self pub'd this book.
2 -- There were a few clunky places where the book transitioned and lost me for me a minute. Just a few and it didn't knock me off of any of my reading joy. But, it did happen, so I'm mentioning it.
3 -- Nothing else really.
I hear quite a few people say they don't read NA or they try not to. I completely understand. There is a lot of crap out there -- just look at my "less than 3 shelf." Saying this .. this is a really great book that just happens to be about two college age people. You can class it NA if you'd like, but I class it as a really great book / series. This and Deeper are now in my favorite pile and I know I'll read it again. And again. They make me think and make me feel good. These are people I'd really like to know. Talk to. Have a conversation with. What greater praise?
Happy Reading!!
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell via Netgalley in exchanged for an honest review.
A note from this reviewer. Ruthie Knox is hit or miss for me. I've enjoyed a few of her stories, but not every one. I don't think this will be the case for me and her alter-ego Robin York. Robin allows her characters a depth of emotion I find lacking in Ruthie's books. She lets the story play out and doesn't try to artificially trim it to meet some publishing requirement -- or it seems so to me. If you aren't a huge fan of Ruthie, don't let this stop you from trying Robin's books.
10/12/2015 -- Finished the second read for this one and even better the second time, I think. Very good and just what I needed.
05/25/2014 --
Overall Rating = 5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 4 / 5 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars -- [$9.99 pre-order on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Moderate
352 pages
Robin York is Ruthie Knox. I found this out after I had written the review for "Deeper" where I praised this author's "debut" book. I felt a bit silly. Just had to tell you this ..
This book isn't perfect, but it is very definitely a 5 Star read. I connected with this NA read as written by Robin York. Tremendously. I read TONS of NA and so much of it is the same ole' stuff. Most of it lacks true writing talent by the author. Most I rate poorly. Not here. This book is one of the very best I've read -- any book, any genre'. Yes. It is that good.
What did I really like?
1 -- GREAT characters. Most of the time it's all about the Hero in a book for me. In this one, I think I appreciated our heroine more. Caroline was amazing. I loved her in Deeper and fell even further for her in this one. There is a scene -- and if you read the book you'll know exactly which one I'm talking about -- she displayed such emotional intelligence. More than I ever could have. You've heard the term .. cut your nose off to spite your face? Well, when I'm in high emotion, I tend to do this. Regrets abound. I like that she didn't do this. She knew what she wanted. She also knew that it may never happen, but she wasn't going to hurry it along. She was going to have her say and so she did. God. I was so engaged. Amazing writing. I didn't know if I agreed with her, but knew I appreciated her need. GAH!!
West. How do you pull yourself out of a world into another when you really don't know if there is even something else out there? You only know this can't be all there is. There has to be something else. How do you do that? How do you allow yourself that HOPE?
2 -- HOPE. This is the story behind the story here. Hope. If we don't have hope, what do we have? Sometimes hope is the simple things. You take it one day at a time until you see that flicker of something else. Just a flicker. What courage it takes to get to this place. What work. HARD work and to be only 19, then 20 and then 21. To have to figure it all out yourself and to NEED to do this for your little sister. Your heart. This is West. He is amazing. Caroline and West are really perfect for each other. Their love flies off the pages and into your heart.
3 -- The story. This incredible story. I don't even know what to say about it. I just connected. This is why I keep trying NA. There is such joy in watching new young adults figure it out. Learning some of life's tougher lessons. Figuring out what they want and then watching them work hard to get it. When it is done right .. an AMAZING read. This one is DONE RIGHT!
4 -- Secondary characters. I enjoyed them all. One honorable mention is out to Joan. She was doing all she could to help keep things together for Frankie and West. It wasn't enough. She knew it, but it was all she really could do. In the end, her note to West was perfection.
5 -- The title really plays a part in the book -- just as the Deeper title did. I say to my kids .. "don't make things harder than they have to be." Also, "sometimes you have to know when to get out of your own way." It was pretty interesting seeing some of my soul deep life philosophies play out in this story. It is so true. We have to make sure we aren't throwing roadblocks up before we even get started on things that are important to us. A true life lesson -- usually learned the hard way and life is really hard enough without our help in making it Harder.
There are one of two things that weren't perfect.
1 -- The price when it is released in July will be about $10. I really hope you don't let that stop you. The publisher should be ashamed of themselves for charging this. You can guarantee that the author won't get any more than if she had self pub'd this book.
2 -- There were a few clunky places where the book transitioned and lost me for me a minute. Just a few and it didn't knock me off of any of my reading joy. But, it did happen, so I'm mentioning it.
3 -- Nothing else really.
I hear quite a few people say they don't read NA or they try not to. I completely understand. There is a lot of crap out there -- just look at my "less than 3 shelf." Saying this .. this is a really great book that just happens to be about two college age people. You can class it NA if you'd like, but I class it as a really great book / series. This and Deeper are now in my favorite pile and I know I'll read it again. And again. They make me think and make me feel good. These are people I'd really like to know. Talk to. Have a conversation with. What greater praise?
Happy Reading!!
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell via Netgalley in exchanged for an honest review.
A note from this reviewer. Ruthie Knox is hit or miss for me. I've enjoyed a few of her stories, but not every one. I don't think this will be the case for me and her alter-ego Robin York. Robin allows her characters a depth of emotion I find lacking in Ruthie's books. She lets the story play out and doesn't try to artificially trim it to meet some publishing requirement -- or it seems so to me. If you aren't a huge fan of Ruthie, don't let this stop you from trying Robin's books.
June 5, 2014
ARC was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a read that I definitely could've passed on. First, I blame myself because I didn't realize that this was the 2nd book in a series. That puts a lot in context since I didn't think there was enough backstory. Next, for me personally, there was just too much angst and emotional turmoil crammed into this romance. And my brain cried "bullshit" once I remembered that the main characters were supposed to be 21 year old college students. A substantive problem was lack of proper character development.
The relationship of Caroline and West is supposed to depict an atypical romance that faces almost insurmountable odds. Yet, I just wasn't sold on a 21 year old I wasn't sold on a 21 year old being Maybe if Caroline didn't come off as so desperate for West, I could've believed this supposedly intense romance. But for her to be written as this independent young woman that knows exactly what she wants, she sure didn't have a backbone where West was concerned. As human beings, usually we take a minute to sulk once we've been rejected for the 100th time Caroline though? Supernatual ability to forgive and forget without even a tinge of anger. She instead gave a long philosophical rant that is rather uncommon of the typical 21 year old hormonal female.
Anyway, to make a long story short, Harder is just not my cup of tea and I can't genuinely recommend it to anyone. Unless they're in need of a sleep aid.
The relationship of Caroline and West is supposed to depict an atypical romance that faces almost insurmountable odds. Yet, I just wasn't sold on a 21 year old I wasn't sold on a 21 year old being Maybe if Caroline didn't come off as so desperate for West, I could've believed this supposedly intense romance. But for her to be written as this independent young woman that knows exactly what she wants, she sure didn't have a backbone where West was concerned. As human beings, usually we take a minute to sulk once we've been rejected for the 100th time Caroline though? Supernatual ability to forgive and forget without even a tinge of anger. She instead gave a long philosophical rant that is rather uncommon of the typical 21 year old hormonal female.
Anyway, to make a long story short, Harder is just not my cup of tea and I can't genuinely recommend it to anyone. Unless they're in need of a sleep aid.
December 27, 2013
Great conclusion! I LOVED this!! L.O.V.E.D it!
First let me say, there is no cheating in this book. Caroline and West broke things off in book 1, remember??
Now, does West do something that will piss you off? Yes. But, the way Caroline handled it made sense. The more you learn about West, you will forgive him.So please don't let that deter you from reading this book. Please.
Review to come..
First let me say, there is no cheating in this book. Caroline and West broke things off in book 1, remember??
Now, does West do something that will piss you off? Yes. But, the way Caroline handled it made sense. The more you learn about West, you will forgive him.So please don't let that deter you from reading this book. Please.
Review to come..
November 3, 2013
“We go deep and then deeper, falling, spinning. When he’s with me, I’m never lost.”
Harder picks up almost 3 months after the end of Deeper. The West & Carolyn that we fell in love with in the previous book is no more. West is determined to leave his hopes and dreams of what could have been behind and start living his life in reality and that means no more Caro. But then he reaches out to her in the middle of the night when something tragic happens and Carolyn feels she has only one choice… she goes to him and finally sees him in the life that he never wanted her to see him in.
To say this book put me through the emotional shredder would be an understatement. Things happen and are said and done here that completely gutted me and had me on the verge of tears and my heart shattered for these two. (No spoilers here but PM me if you need a heads up) But despite all the emotional trauma that York has had me endure, I’m not sorry I read it, and I will read these books back to back very soon. Ultimately this story is one of redemption and love and hope. Feeling worthy of the love that someone has for you despite a history that may make you feel like you don’t deserve anything good.
“There’s hope in the world.
I just have to find it.”
God West… My heart breaks for this man. There were times I just wanted to punch him in the nuts and run away and I wanted Caro to do the same, but then there are the times that you see how his past has affected his feelings of self-worth and all the things that he does make a sick kind of sense. He’s this completely different person when he’s back in this place he grew up and it’s so heartbreaking to see the difference.
Caro is an amazing character. Normally you guys know I’m all about the boys in my books, but to be perfectly honest I have a total crush on her. She’s so strong and determined and she’s absolutely a bigger person than I could ever be. I love the continuation of her story from Deeper and how she deals with the revenge porn lawsuit and ultimately the resolution she decides on… but in addition to that, you see her growth as a character from the start of book 1 and just how mature she’s had to become and ugh… there is this one scene that completely blew me away and when you read this book you’ll know which one I’m talking about. It’s just a reflection of her love for West and her maturity and it was perfection.
“I can’t ruin her. That’s what she means. I can fuck up, but I can’t ruin her.”
Robin York is an amazing story-teller, she gets inside her characters and shares every single nuance with us readers. You can’t possibly walk away from any of her books feeling like you didn’t know these people she’s sharing with us. She is one of the few authors who I have come to count on to blow me away with deep, meaningful, layered stories. (If you didn’t know her adult pen name is Ruthie Knox & you must read her entire backlist) Deeper and Harder fall into the NA category, a category that I’ve become hesitant to pick up as of late, but once again, Knox reminds me why she’s on my all-time favorites list.
I picked up this book and didn’t put it down until I turned the last page. If you’re looking for a story that has amazing characters and a deeply emotional and layered story you must pick up this series. If you haven’t read Deeper yet, please do so ASAP. Harder is out in July and I can’t wait to put a copy on my bookshelf right next to book 1.
I have to add that I kind of hope we'll get some more in the form of Krishna and Bridget... *crosses fingers*
Thank you to Random House/Bantam for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Harder picks up almost 3 months after the end of Deeper. The West & Carolyn that we fell in love with in the previous book is no more. West is determined to leave his hopes and dreams of what could have been behind and start living his life in reality and that means no more Caro. But then he reaches out to her in the middle of the night when something tragic happens and Carolyn feels she has only one choice… she goes to him and finally sees him in the life that he never wanted her to see him in.
To say this book put me through the emotional shredder would be an understatement. Things happen and are said and done here that completely gutted me and had me on the verge of tears and my heart shattered for these two. (No spoilers here but PM me if you need a heads up) But despite all the emotional trauma that York has had me endure, I’m not sorry I read it, and I will read these books back to back very soon. Ultimately this story is one of redemption and love and hope. Feeling worthy of the love that someone has for you despite a history that may make you feel like you don’t deserve anything good.
“There’s hope in the world.
I just have to find it.”
God West… My heart breaks for this man. There were times I just wanted to punch him in the nuts and run away and I wanted Caro to do the same, but then there are the times that you see how his past has affected his feelings of self-worth and all the things that he does make a sick kind of sense. He’s this completely different person when he’s back in this place he grew up and it’s so heartbreaking to see the difference.
Caro is an amazing character. Normally you guys know I’m all about the boys in my books, but to be perfectly honest I have a total crush on her. She’s so strong and determined and she’s absolutely a bigger person than I could ever be. I love the continuation of her story from Deeper and how she deals with the revenge porn lawsuit and ultimately the resolution she decides on… but in addition to that, you see her growth as a character from the start of book 1 and just how mature she’s had to become and ugh… there is this one scene that completely blew me away and when you read this book you’ll know which one I’m talking about. It’s just a reflection of her love for West and her maturity and it was perfection.
“I can’t ruin her. That’s what she means. I can fuck up, but I can’t ruin her.”
Robin York is an amazing story-teller, she gets inside her characters and shares every single nuance with us readers. You can’t possibly walk away from any of her books feeling like you didn’t know these people she’s sharing with us. She is one of the few authors who I have come to count on to blow me away with deep, meaningful, layered stories. (If you didn’t know her adult pen name is Ruthie Knox & you must read her entire backlist) Deeper and Harder fall into the NA category, a category that I’ve become hesitant to pick up as of late, but once again, Knox reminds me why she’s on my all-time favorites list.
I picked up this book and didn’t put it down until I turned the last page. If you’re looking for a story that has amazing characters and a deeply emotional and layered story you must pick up this series. If you haven’t read Deeper yet, please do so ASAP. Harder is out in July and I can’t wait to put a copy on my bookshelf right next to book 1.
I have to add that I kind of hope we'll get some more in the form of Krishna and Bridget... *crosses fingers*
Thank you to Random House/Bantam for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
February 1, 2014
Rating Clarification: 4.5 stars
What a way to end this series. I was so enamored with Caroline's and West's story and I couldn't be happier with the way it ended. I have to admit that West did do something at the beginning of the story that I didn't like but I don't think it took away from the story at all.
What a way to end this series. I was so enamored with Caroline's and West's story and I couldn't be happier with the way it ended. I have to admit that West did do something at the beginning of the story that I didn't like but I don't think it took away from the story at all.
June 17, 2019
Bene,finalmente dopo anni è arrivata la conclusione della storia di Caroline e West.Nel primo romanzo,lui fa ritorno a Silt,lasciando lei con il cuore a pezzi....
Purtroppo una tragedia colpisce la sua famiglia e lui le chiede aiuto. Caroline ovviamente lascia tutto e lo raggiunge. Qui si accorge che West non è più lo stesso, dopo alcuni giorni se ne ritorna a casa delusa e amareggiata ma ancora perdutamente innamorata.
West ritornerà all'università ,ma con se' ci sarà Frankie ,la sua sorellina di dieci anni....
Un finale piuttosto noioso,senza brio. Troviamo una Caroline forte e determinata che incita West a darsi una mossa:"non sprecare tutta la tua vita,non ne avrai un'altra"....
West stesso pensa che lei sia una persona regale. Puo spezzarle il cuore ma non il suo orgoglio...una ragazza fiera,forte,intelligente e leale.
Una donna che sa quello che vuole:"non sto piangendo. Sto raccogliendo le forze per combattere un altro giorno"...
West,invece è molto confuso e cerca di trovare un posto nel mondo per se e la sua sorellina...
⭐⭐⭐🌠
Purtroppo una tragedia colpisce la sua famiglia e lui le chiede aiuto. Caroline ovviamente lascia tutto e lo raggiunge. Qui si accorge che West non è più lo stesso, dopo alcuni giorni se ne ritorna a casa delusa e amareggiata ma ancora perdutamente innamorata.
West ritornerà all'università ,ma con se' ci sarà Frankie ,la sua sorellina di dieci anni....
Un finale piuttosto noioso,senza brio. Troviamo una Caroline forte e determinata che incita West a darsi una mossa:"non sprecare tutta la tua vita,non ne avrai un'altra"....
West stesso pensa che lei sia una persona regale. Puo spezzarle il cuore ma non il suo orgoglio...una ragazza fiera,forte,intelligente e leale.
Una donna che sa quello che vuole:"non sto piangendo. Sto raccogliendo le forze per combattere un altro giorno"...
West,invece è molto confuso e cerca di trovare un posto nel mondo per se e la sua sorellina...
⭐⭐⭐🌠
January 21, 2014
3.5 stars
Robin York (NA pen name for one of my favorite contemporary romance writers, Ruthie Knox) pretty much kicked my ass with her book “Deeper”. It was so highly emotional for me that not only did I cry, I sobbed…body-wracking, tense, heart-aching wails. And my face was puffy for days. Her characters Caroline and West (oh, my dear dear West) got to me so deeply and impacted me greatly. I almost LOST my shit at the ending until I found out there was a sequel. And I waited for the rest of their story. But, admittedly, I was afraid.
Thing is, though I love this author, these books are almost too…real…and in your face for me. Not the stories themselves…I can usually handle that. But the TRUTHS she tells in her words, the lessons the characters learn (hard, hard lessons), and I feel like I’ve gone through the ringer, or through 12 rounds with a therapist. I need these words. But they’re sometimes hard.
For the first 22% of Harder I did not stop crying even once. I cried so much that I had to stop reading because my head hurt and my eyes were almost swollen shut. I wasn’t sure if my heart could take it. Yes, I’m known to be a wimp. But there was something so…fragile and hopeless about how I was reading this book. So, I stopped, took a break, had something to eat, watched some tv. And then dove back in.
The remainder of the book was much less angsty in story, but so much more…much much more…in words that had their way with me. You see, for all that Caroline and West had gone through, apart, together, apart, trying to find their way back together…Robin York was strengthening and shaping them and refining them and I felt it physically, emotionally, mentally.
Finding a way to go beyond surviving, but instead thriving…West’s lesson. My lesson.
Finding a way to be your own and true self, stronger, birthed by fired and trials, to make choices that feel right for you and not just what others expect…Caroline’s lesson. My lesson.
So yes, there’s a love story here. And you’ll root for Caroline and West all throughout. But you’ll root for Caroline. And you’ll root for West. And then you’ll root for them together. And that’s what makes this book special. There’s just so much to be gathered here.
The story itself, though powerful, kinda took a backseat for me to the message. And so I was less engaged with what was happening with Frankie or Krishna or Bridget or Caroline’s dad or anyone else. And I think that’s ok.
It’s a powerful book. Both Deeper and Harder are must reads for NA fans.
January 19, 2014
3.5 -I have never stopped being hers. Not for a second. Stars!
Harder was one of my most anticipated reads of 2014 so far, having read Deeper and fallen in love with Caroline and West, I was eager to see where the author would take this couples story, especially after the epic cliffhanger at the end of the first book.
There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for West Leavitt.
I almost DNF’d this book @ 23%...West makes an absolutely appalling choice of venues to eat out at whilst in Silt, and I was not sure I could get past this. However after a few conversations with some of my GR friends I decided to persevere and see if West could worm his way back into my heart.
I got it wrong. I got everything wrong, and yet I think nothing I’ve done is as wrong as whatever is wrong with him.
Deeper was a 5 star read for me, the uniqueness of the story, and the strength of both Caroline and West against some pretty strong adversity, pulled me in, grabbed at my heart and kept me emotionally invested right up until the end.
Gratitude. Satisfaction. Contentment.
Although I liked Harder, and I enjoyed the chance to spend more time with this couple I struggled a little. Yes, although I carried on reading West’s actions in the early part of this book pissed me off, and weren’t easily forgotten. I also at points got bored with the interminably long inner monologues. I would safely estimate that well over 50% of this book is taken up with both Caroline and West’s internal musings, some of it was extremely important, but a lot of it became a little repetitive. I got to a point where I wanted them to be talking to each other more about their thoughts and feelings, and not just mulling them over themselves.
I loved her. Every day, every hour, every single fucking awful minute. I loved her.
The addition of Frankie into a more central role in this book did add an extra dimension, but the rest of the characters from Deeper barely figured in most of this book, and I did miss the interaction. Caroline and her father have a pretty close relationship by the end of Deeper, and it didn’t really carry through into Harder.
He was my North star once.
I still really enjoyed the book, and the characters. Things have moved on and the drama in Harder is more focussed on West whereas Deeper veered over to Caroline more. I am happy how it ended, and I hope it is left as it is now.... Although I am never adverse to a little 5 years later novella, and I know this author has a particularly good talent in putting some awesome novellas out!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Harder was one of my most anticipated reads of 2014 so far, having read Deeper and fallen in love with Caroline and West, I was eager to see where the author would take this couples story, especially after the epic cliffhanger at the end of the first book.
There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for West Leavitt.
I almost DNF’d this book @ 23%...West makes an absolutely appalling choice of venues to eat out at whilst in Silt, and I was not sure I could get past this. However after a few conversations with some of my GR friends I decided to persevere and see if West could worm his way back into my heart.
I got it wrong. I got everything wrong, and yet I think nothing I’ve done is as wrong as whatever is wrong with him.
Deeper was a 5 star read for me, the uniqueness of the story, and the strength of both Caroline and West against some pretty strong adversity, pulled me in, grabbed at my heart and kept me emotionally invested right up until the end.
Gratitude. Satisfaction. Contentment.
Although I liked Harder, and I enjoyed the chance to spend more time with this couple I struggled a little. Yes, although I carried on reading West’s actions in the early part of this book pissed me off, and weren’t easily forgotten. I also at points got bored with the interminably long inner monologues. I would safely estimate that well over 50% of this book is taken up with both Caroline and West’s internal musings, some of it was extremely important, but a lot of it became a little repetitive. I got to a point where I wanted them to be talking to each other more about their thoughts and feelings, and not just mulling them over themselves.
I loved her. Every day, every hour, every single fucking awful minute. I loved her.
The addition of Frankie into a more central role in this book did add an extra dimension, but the rest of the characters from Deeper barely figured in most of this book, and I did miss the interaction. Caroline and her father have a pretty close relationship by the end of Deeper, and it didn’t really carry through into Harder.
He was my North star once.
I still really enjoyed the book, and the characters. Things have moved on and the drama in Harder is more focussed on West whereas Deeper veered over to Caroline more. I am happy how it ended, and I hope it is left as it is now.... Although I am never adverse to a little 5 years later novella, and I know this author has a particularly good talent in putting some awesome novellas out!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
May 19, 2014
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The first book in Caroline and West's story had been on my TBR list for a while, so when I had the chance to read and review Harder, I pretty much devoured Deeper in anticipation. It did not disappoint!
Whereas the first book was supposed to be centered around Caroline's sex picture problem, this one was more dedicated to West's family situation. Deeper did a great job setting up the back story (and current story too, I guess) for West's family drama, so you pretty much have an idea of what to expect.
This book definitely has a more mature feel to it than Deeper, even though it picks up only 4 months after the other book left off. The story started with a very depressing vibe, and for me, I don't think it ever completely turned around from that. West reaches out to Caroline after tragedy strikes his family. That may be the reason why I found myself preferring to read the chapters from Caroline's POV instead of West's. It may also be why I never fell in love with this book the way I did with Deeper. Apparently I hold a grudge when it comes to pretend people.
I did love West's (and Caroline's) relationship with Frankie and how he tried so hard to be 'enough' for her and make sure she thrived. I also liked that West and Caroline used their situations to make them stronger people instead of dwelling on the negative.
I enjoyed Harder, but ultimately I wish it went a different direction early on with Caroline and West's relationship and that things with Nate turned out a little differently. I also wish that there was a little more substance toward the end; it felt too much like everything was just trying to be wrapped up nicely.
The first book in Caroline and West's story had been on my TBR list for a while, so when I had the chance to read and review Harder, I pretty much devoured Deeper in anticipation. It did not disappoint!
Whereas the first book was supposed to be centered around Caroline's sex picture problem, this one was more dedicated to West's family situation. Deeper did a great job setting up the back story (and current story too, I guess) for West's family drama, so you pretty much have an idea of what to expect.
This book definitely has a more mature feel to it than Deeper, even though it picks up only 4 months after the other book left off. The story started with a very depressing vibe, and for me, I don't think it ever completely turned around from that. West reaches out to Caroline after tragedy strikes his family. That may be the reason why I found myself preferring to read the chapters from Caroline's POV instead of West's. It may also be why I never fell in love with this book the way I did with Deeper. Apparently I hold a grudge when it comes to pretend people.
I did love West's (and Caroline's) relationship with Frankie and how he tried so hard to be 'enough' for her and make sure she thrived. I also liked that West and Caroline used their situations to make them stronger people instead of dwelling on the negative.
I enjoyed Harder, but ultimately I wish it went a different direction early on with Caroline and West's relationship and that things with Nate turned out a little differently. I also wish that there was a little more substance toward the end; it felt too much like everything was just trying to be wrapped up nicely.
February 21, 2014
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
REVIEW:
A stunning love story that will put readers on an emotional roller coaster. A deep and hard test in the search for one’s self. Harder will shred your emotions. It is important to mention that this is not your everyday run-of- the-mill New Adult reading experience. It’s a unique journey. A number of very real and difficult topics are addressed in an open and informative manner. Robin York’s writing is witty and comical at times, even while our characters are surrounded by gut-wrenching circumstances. She writes believable characters with depth and creativity in achingly everyday life situations. This story took hold of my heart and didn’t release it until the very end. I wasn’t sure what to expect after Deeper. High expectations were a certainty and I certainly wasn’t disappointed where Robin York took us.
More than anything else, this is a story of hope. And throughout, this reader continually hoped that both West and Caroline would never look back with regret – but move forward with hope. Even though they don’t really know where they are going, there was hope that they wouldn’t leave each other behind or alone.
There are so many levels to this amazingly well-written story. Once you begin, you won’t be able to put it aside. When Deeper ended, I felt the pain and agony going through both West and Caroline. And as we pick up their story here, the lights are still dimmed and the mood isn’t giving us much hope. Back in his hometown of Silt, West is making things much harder than necessary and it’s causing pain and hurt to more than just him. He’s returned to some of his nasty habits and Caroline is devastated by his actions. Prepare yourself for Caroline and West to trample on your heart before the mending begins bit by bit.
A fresh new voice in the New Adult genre from a much adored and established contemporary romance writer . . . I loved this book! Such a superb read from start to finish.
Publish Date: July 1, 2014
Robin York, Author, who also writes as Ruthie Knox
REVIEW:
A stunning love story that will put readers on an emotional roller coaster. A deep and hard test in the search for one’s self. Harder will shred your emotions. It is important to mention that this is not your everyday run-of- the-mill New Adult reading experience. It’s a unique journey. A number of very real and difficult topics are addressed in an open and informative manner. Robin York’s writing is witty and comical at times, even while our characters are surrounded by gut-wrenching circumstances. She writes believable characters with depth and creativity in achingly everyday life situations. This story took hold of my heart and didn’t release it until the very end. I wasn’t sure what to expect after Deeper. High expectations were a certainty and I certainly wasn’t disappointed where Robin York took us.
More than anything else, this is a story of hope. And throughout, this reader continually hoped that both West and Caroline would never look back with regret – but move forward with hope. Even though they don’t really know where they are going, there was hope that they wouldn’t leave each other behind or alone.
There are so many levels to this amazingly well-written story. Once you begin, you won’t be able to put it aside. When Deeper ended, I felt the pain and agony going through both West and Caroline. And as we pick up their story here, the lights are still dimmed and the mood isn’t giving us much hope. Back in his hometown of Silt, West is making things much harder than necessary and it’s causing pain and hurt to more than just him. He’s returned to some of his nasty habits and Caroline is devastated by his actions. Prepare yourself for Caroline and West to trample on your heart before the mending begins bit by bit.
A fresh new voice in the New Adult genre from a much adored and established contemporary romance writer . . . I loved this book! Such a superb read from start to finish.
Publish Date: July 1, 2014
Robin York, Author, who also writes as Ruthie Knox
October 22, 2014
On my first read, in October of 2014, I gave this book 5 stars. Not so this go-round. It’s entirely too problematic. And it rides on the goodwill of the first book to even make it readable at all.
I get that Caroline is empowered. And far be it from me to judge her decisions (that’s actually kind of the point of the book, and I get it). But that beginning....it was too much. And then the thing. And then it wasn’t enough. He wasn’t enough. There wasn’t enough.
It’s still an exceptional book. The message is...top shelf. But I’m not willing to forgive and forget.
I get that Caroline is empowered. And far be it from me to judge her decisions (that’s actually kind of the point of the book, and I get it). But that beginning....it was too much. And then the thing. And then it wasn’t enough. He wasn’t enough. There wasn’t enough.
It’s still an exceptional book. The message is...top shelf. But I’m not willing to forgive and forget.
November 20, 2015
Auch von dem zweiten Teil bin ich absolut nicht enttäuscht worden. Ich habe mit Caroline und West mitgelitten, geweint, mich gefreut und die beiden angefeuert. Von der Beziehung der beiden war ich total fasziniert, auch wenn es verdammt schwierig wurde, haben sie immer noch zu einander gefunden. Eine total loyale alles überdauernde und verzeihende Liebe. Ob es sowas auch im wirklichen Leben gibt?
Was mich aber ein wenig an den ganzen ähnlichen Geschichten stört. Gutes Mädchen verliebt sich in Bad Boy und dieser wird dann auf einmal ein ganz Lieber? Wieso bleibt er nicht mal böse?
Was mich aber ein wenig an den ganzen ähnlichen Geschichten stört. Gutes Mädchen verliebt sich in Bad Boy und dieser wird dann auf einmal ein ganz Lieber? Wieso bleibt er nicht mal böse?
March 11, 2016
Goddamn that was good. A highly satisfying sequel, A+ female empowerment and agency, jaw-droppingly beautiful prose.
June 4, 2019
Fortsetzung einer sehr schönen Liebesgeschichte und endlich ein Happy End. Die Autorin hat sich wirklich was neues einfallen lassen und die Charaktere sind für mich lebendig geworden.
June 15, 2019
Mi spiace tantissimo ma l' attesa di tutto questo tempo non è valsa per nulla la pena l' ho trovato scialbo, piatto, noioso senza nessuna emozione stentavo a riconoscere i 2 personaggi che tanto mi hanno fatto emozionare nel primo volume..tre stelle solo in ricordo di loro
May 29, 2014
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
4 1/2 stars!
The word raw is the word that best comes to mind when I attempt to describe the conclusion to the story of West and Caroline: raw emotion, raw “no-holds-barred” reality, and raw truth.
Whereas Deeper focused mainly on Caroline’s character and the crime committed against her, Harder is definitely West’s story (and it’s not a pretty one). As the conclusion to this tale opens, Wes is back in Silt. The Wes in this book is barely recognizable to the Wes that I fell in love with in Deeper. The Wes we are introduced to in this book is not really all that nice. He is bitter, angry, hopeless, and acts like a victim. I was devastated to see this, but after meeting his family, I completely understood why, in that environment, he reverts to this side of himself.
Wes comes from absolute poverty, emotional neglect, and abuse. The things he’s had to endure while in the care of his narcissistic mother and abusive father are more than most people could handle. Wes believes that he is not good enough for Caroline and that it’s his lot in life go back to Silt to care for his young sister and save her from his fate.
Prepare yourselves, because Wes does not treat Carolyn well for the first half of this book. He is distant, rude, and totally removed from her emotionally. He is completely alone, and tries to convince Carolyn that he wants it that way. To be honest, I was extremely disappointed and discouraged for quite awhile, but with this author, these emotions did not stick around for long. With one pivotally written chapter, deftly written words, and a heartfelt dialogue exchange, I was catapulted back into love with this man who has endured so much and finally gains the courage to grab a hold of the one thing that he’s ever wanted for himself: Carolyn.
Carolyn’s character shines in this book. She is made of tough stuff, and I love how she relates to Wes during his emotional “shut down” period. She takes Wes’s sister under her wing and loves her in profound ways. Her strength and fortitude were amazing and I found myself in awe at her transformation from victim to victor.
This is an emotional journey and it was a beautiful ride. The wonder of watching characters survive so many odds and still find the strength and courage to emerge stronger, healthier, and more resilient because of those odds is what makes this book special.
I am a long time fan of this author, but I always try to be objective when it comes to her. Ruthie Knox writing as Robin York has introduced me to a completely new side of her writing, and it’s spectacular. This is some of the best writing I’ve read in the New Adult genre, and I give this series my highest recommendation.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
4 1/2 stars!
The word raw is the word that best comes to mind when I attempt to describe the conclusion to the story of West and Caroline: raw emotion, raw “no-holds-barred” reality, and raw truth.
Whereas Deeper focused mainly on Caroline’s character and the crime committed against her, Harder is definitely West’s story (and it’s not a pretty one). As the conclusion to this tale opens, Wes is back in Silt. The Wes in this book is barely recognizable to the Wes that I fell in love with in Deeper. The Wes we are introduced to in this book is not really all that nice. He is bitter, angry, hopeless, and acts like a victim. I was devastated to see this, but after meeting his family, I completely understood why, in that environment, he reverts to this side of himself.
Wes comes from absolute poverty, emotional neglect, and abuse. The things he’s had to endure while in the care of his narcissistic mother and abusive father are more than most people could handle. Wes believes that he is not good enough for Caroline and that it’s his lot in life go back to Silt to care for his young sister and save her from his fate.
Prepare yourselves, because Wes does not treat Carolyn well for the first half of this book. He is distant, rude, and totally removed from her emotionally. He is completely alone, and tries to convince Carolyn that he wants it that way. To be honest, I was extremely disappointed and discouraged for quite awhile, but with this author, these emotions did not stick around for long. With one pivotally written chapter, deftly written words, and a heartfelt dialogue exchange, I was catapulted back into love with this man who has endured so much and finally gains the courage to grab a hold of the one thing that he’s ever wanted for himself: Carolyn.
Carolyn’s character shines in this book. She is made of tough stuff, and I love how she relates to Wes during his emotional “shut down” period. She takes Wes’s sister under her wing and loves her in profound ways. Her strength and fortitude were amazing and I found myself in awe at her transformation from victim to victor.
This is an emotional journey and it was a beautiful ride. The wonder of watching characters survive so many odds and still find the strength and courage to emerge stronger, healthier, and more resilient because of those odds is what makes this book special.
I am a long time fan of this author, but I always try to be objective when it comes to her. Ruthie Knox writing as Robin York has introduced me to a completely new side of her writing, and it’s spectacular. This is some of the best writing I’ve read in the New Adult genre, and I give this series my highest recommendation.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
October 20, 2014
What did I just read? Deeper just blew me away with the story and the writing and the angst and the chemistry and the everything. Harder was a bit more difficult. There was a point where I wanted to throw up and then throw something and then just lay down and cry and then punch someone. And I thought no fucking way will I come back from this to feel Ok with what just happened. But God, I did. The way these books are written, it's like there is this group of people who are living this life and having these conversations and there's a stenographer who is on the sidelines taking every single thing down. These books read like real conversations, real in your head thoughts. I just would have to put the book down and then read it again and again, because it was so good. Yes I'm rambling. But West and Caroline clawed their way to happiness and dammit they deserve it. The chemistry was just out of this world. Robin York is an automatic one click for me. I absolutely loved this book.
February 10, 2022
this reminded me of "good old new adult days" when a lot of books had twists like this and yeah, fuck this shit...
1,5⭐
June 13, 2019
Caroline ha perso il suo futuro e tutto quello in cui credeva quando il suo ex ha postato quelle foto su Internet. Poi, con l'appoggio di West, ha lottato per riaverlo indietro, si è battuta con le unghie e con i denti, è andata avanti a fatica e se l’è ripreso. Ma West le ha anche spezzato il cuore ed è tornato nella sua cittadina che comunque gli sta stretta. Dopo il loro addio, West è diventato diverso, nervoso e adirato col mondo intero. Ma nutre un forte senso di protezione verso Frankie, a mio avviso la vera protagonista di questo secondo volume. Anche Caroline appare cambiata: è più forte e determinata a salvare l'uomo che ama dall'oscurita, questa volta è il suo turno di stargli a fianco. Lui la ama, la rivuole ma ha paura di scoprire che la speranza è un lusso che non può permettersi.
Un'altalena di emozioni. Si avverte la disperazione di questo ragazzo che si porta dietro le conseguenze disastrose di eventi familiari e il forte senso di responsabilità verso la sorellina. Ma anche il cambiamento di Caroline, rafforzata dagli eventi, decisa ad andare avanti con la causa contro Nate, e a combattere contro il senso dell' onore di West che gli impedisce di vivere serenamente.
Ho apprezzato moltissimo la sua visione delle cose l'autostima che dimostra verso sé stessa nel capitolo finale.
Un'altalena di emozioni. Si avverte la disperazione di questo ragazzo che si porta dietro le conseguenze disastrose di eventi familiari e il forte senso di responsabilità verso la sorellina. Ma anche il cambiamento di Caroline, rafforzata dagli eventi, decisa ad andare avanti con la causa contro Nate, e a combattere contro il senso dell' onore di West che gli impedisce di vivere serenamente.
Ho apprezzato moltissimo la sua visione delle cose l'autostima che dimostra verso sé stessa nel capitolo finale.
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