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Hawthorne Family #2
A Hard Man to Love
Hating him is easy. Loving him is hard.
Derrick Hoffman never quite got over not having a relationship with his biological father. The woman he was seeing is pregnant, and there’s no way he’s going to let her raise his child without him—even if it means coercing her into marriage.
Eva Jacob made the mistake of falling in love with Derrick, a man she knows is incapable of love. After their breakup, she discovers she’s pregnant. When she agrees to a loveless marriage, she tries to shield her heart from further pain. But she soon discovers that the heart wants what the heart wants, and her heart wants Derrick’s love.
Word count: 37,800
Derrick Hoffman never quite got over not having a relationship with his biological father. The woman he was seeing is pregnant, and there’s no way he’s going to let her raise his child without him—even if it means coercing her into marriage.
Eva Jacob made the mistake of falling in love with Derrick, a man she knows is incapable of love. After their breakup, she discovers she’s pregnant. When she agrees to a loveless marriage, she tries to shield her heart from further pain. But she soon discovers that the heart wants what the heart wants, and her heart wants Derrick’s love.
Word count: 37,800
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2012
About the author
Delaney Diamond
112 books9,847 followersDelaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, and dozens of romance short stories. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not spinning tales of romantic fiction, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 2, 2012
I really liked this book, makes me want to read the others in the series!!! Liked that the female character stood her ground and was not a whimpering whimper-puss and the man of course was sexy, and in the end realized his faults and was learning to change. Nice Character development and very and relatable
May 25, 2012
Derrick Hoffman is not a nice guy. In fact, I'd go so far as to call him a mean son-of-a-bitch. Make that a mean, rich son-of-a-bitch. He has a lot of baggage from growing up and feeling unwanted as a child. This fear of rejection manifests itself in his adult relationships. He's a "No-Strings Attached" kind of guy. But when he meets Ava, he starts to fall for her. Oh, he doesn't show it - because that's the kind of man Derrick is. He can't reveal his true feelings because that would be a sign of weakness. Then, Ava breaks up with him, which of course, crushes his ginormous ego.
The plot thickens when Ava finds out she's preggers. Well, Derrick decides he can't let his child feel emotionally neglected the way he was. So, he strong-arms Eva into marrying him. He tells her that if she refuses, he'll fight her for custody. Eva ain't no punk, but she knows she doesn't stand a chance against his money - especially when she only has a part-time job and no benefits. Plus, deep inside, she still has feelings for Derrick. In the end, she finally capitulates, agreeing to be his wife.
Now, I can't tell you what else happened. If you want to know, you have to read the book for yourself. The author does an excellent job of making me hate Derrick, then making my Texas-sized heart swell with compassion for him. From the first page of the story, I was hooked. I admired how Eva put Derrick through his paces too. The love scenes were steamy, despite the fact that Eva was pregnant. I loved how the author included this in the book. Pregnant women can get their freak on too - how do you think all of you got here?! At any rate, pick up this book. You'll be glad you did.
The plot thickens when Ava finds out she's preggers. Well, Derrick decides he can't let his child feel emotionally neglected the way he was. So, he strong-arms Eva into marrying him. He tells her that if she refuses, he'll fight her for custody. Eva ain't no punk, but she knows she doesn't stand a chance against his money - especially when she only has a part-time job and no benefits. Plus, deep inside, she still has feelings for Derrick. In the end, she finally capitulates, agreeing to be his wife.
Now, I can't tell you what else happened. If you want to know, you have to read the book for yourself. The author does an excellent job of making me hate Derrick, then making my Texas-sized heart swell with compassion for him. From the first page of the story, I was hooked. I admired how Eva put Derrick through his paces too. The love scenes were steamy, despite the fact that Eva was pregnant. I loved how the author included this in the book. Pregnant women can get their freak on too - how do you think all of you got here?! At any rate, pick up this book. You'll be glad you did.
April 26, 2012
Having not read book one in the Hawthorne Family Series, I was skeptical about jumping into book 2 which is A HARD MAN TO LOVE. There was no need to be worried. This book can be read as a stand-alone and the story is outstanding!
Derrick Hoffman is a very wealthy man and very much afraid to love and be loved. His relationship with Eva Jacob was on the skids, but now that she is pregnant and Derrick convinced the baby is his, wants marriage or full custody of the baby once it enters the world. Eva still loves Derrick but she wants a marriage that is built on love rather than necessity. Therein lies the struggle and the heart of the story. Two people that are suffering angst because of secrets and lies.
For those that are familiar with the Hawthorne family you'll recognize Derricks step-brothers and sister and you'll probably be privy to some of the reasons why Derrick has such a hard demeanor. I downloaded this book this morning and couldn't stop reading it. It is the most exciting story I've read in a while.
Derrick Hoffman is a very wealthy man and very much afraid to love and be loved. His relationship with Eva Jacob was on the skids, but now that she is pregnant and Derrick convinced the baby is his, wants marriage or full custody of the baby once it enters the world. Eva still loves Derrick but she wants a marriage that is built on love rather than necessity. Therein lies the struggle and the heart of the story. Two people that are suffering angst because of secrets and lies.
For those that are familiar with the Hawthorne family you'll recognize Derricks step-brothers and sister and you'll probably be privy to some of the reasons why Derrick has such a hard demeanor. I downloaded this book this morning and couldn't stop reading it. It is the most exciting story I've read in a while.
June 6, 2012
I enjoyed it, but it was to damn short for me. I love the family and can't wait for Matt story. I wish I had read the lil sister book, that what I lookin for now. Good read just wish they was longer.
January 17, 2016
just like the first book very interesting
April 28, 2024
Derrick was a major buthole!!!! He had more than enough money to go to therapy… sigh! Eva couldn’t been a little stronger nonetheless I did enjoy this book. I will continue with the rest of the series.
February 1, 2012
Description: When cigar-smoking multi-millionaire Derrick Hoffman finds out that his ex-girlfriend Eva Jacobs is pregnant with his child, he does whatever it takes to ensure that the baby remain in his custody, including blackmailing Eva into a marriage of convenience. But, as it turns out, it's a thin line between convenience and passion...
The Good: First off, that cover is the business, a perfect representation of the hero. I actually picked it up, thinking I wouldn't be able to review it, but wanting to read it because of its Harlequinesque situation and fantastic cover. What a page turner! I love a hero with issues, and Derrick had plenty. I also appreciated the story's sweet little domestic touches -- there's an ongoing argument about crumbs in the bed that I've had with my own husband. Last but not least, the resolution was satisfying and felt fully earned.
The Bad: There's a story arc, involving the identity of Eva's father that was introduced late, somewhat tangential, and left unresolved.
The Naughty: Sensual. Pregnant sex.
Editing issues: None.
Publisher: Diamond Press (indie author)
Length: 37,800
Final Grade: A- (4.5 stars)
Happy Reading,
Theodora from irbookreviews.com
The Good: First off, that cover is the business, a perfect representation of the hero. I actually picked it up, thinking I wouldn't be able to review it, but wanting to read it because of its Harlequinesque situation and fantastic cover. What a page turner! I love a hero with issues, and Derrick had plenty. I also appreciated the story's sweet little domestic touches -- there's an ongoing argument about crumbs in the bed that I've had with my own husband. Last but not least, the resolution was satisfying and felt fully earned.
The Bad: There's a story arc, involving the identity of Eva's father that was introduced late, somewhat tangential, and left unresolved.
The Naughty: Sensual. Pregnant sex.
Editing issues: None.
Publisher: Diamond Press (indie author)
Length: 37,800
Final Grade: A- (4.5 stars)
Happy Reading,
Theodora from irbookreviews.com
April 28, 2012
This is a great read for a few hours of my downtime.
I'm one of those readers that have to love the hero on sight when I read a romance novel. It doesn't matter if he's a bad boy celebrity, ruthless tycoon, alpha shifter or hard-nosed soldier, when I meet him on the page of a novel for the first time, I have to like him. It didn't quite happen at the start with the hero, Derrick.
On the other hand, I totally connected with the female lead, Eva. She is a strong character who was bold enough to do the right thing when she found out she was pregnant, despite her fears. I empathised with her right from the start.
But the beauty of this story is that Delaney manages to weave a emotional tale for both characters that transformed Derrick from cold and calculating to warm and loving in the end. And you get to watch the transformation take place bit by bit. By the time we get to the final distressing moment, you know there's only one way it can go...happily ever after.
The only downside was that I found the bit at the end about Eva's father and the private investigator confusing. Perhaps I should've read the first book in the series first. I'm going to read that one soon.
I look forward to reading more books from Delaney.
I'm one of those readers that have to love the hero on sight when I read a romance novel. It doesn't matter if he's a bad boy celebrity, ruthless tycoon, alpha shifter or hard-nosed soldier, when I meet him on the page of a novel for the first time, I have to like him. It didn't quite happen at the start with the hero, Derrick.
On the other hand, I totally connected with the female lead, Eva. She is a strong character who was bold enough to do the right thing when she found out she was pregnant, despite her fears. I empathised with her right from the start.
But the beauty of this story is that Delaney manages to weave a emotional tale for both characters that transformed Derrick from cold and calculating to warm and loving in the end. And you get to watch the transformation take place bit by bit. By the time we get to the final distressing moment, you know there's only one way it can go...happily ever after.
The only downside was that I found the bit at the end about Eva's father and the private investigator confusing. Perhaps I should've read the first book in the series first. I'm going to read that one soon.
I look forward to reading more books from Delaney.
February 22, 2012
I have been waiting for this book sense i read the last one "The Temptation of a Good Man" i alway hoped Mr Derrick got his Story i knew it was much more behind the scene than it apperared more to the man than meet the eye.. an boy did we find about him in an a big way.. this book laughing crying all at the same time. Derrick never wanted to take the chance to love someone because of what his parents did to he took a look at his self an learned how to love but always said he was not perfect but willing to try an learn ..this book made me fall more in lvoe with him behind the Mr tough there was man with a heart and it took one woman to get him to admit it an it was miss Eva i like her too she was sweet but tough at times had to do what was best for her,..i want to say more but wont ruin it for others..what i will say u will not be disapointed with this book it was just as good if not better than the first installment..cant wait for the next one to come out hope soon i am very inpaitently wait for it.. good job well done.. continue with the good work Miss Diamond..
books in order just incase u wanted to read the first one
1.The Temptation of a Good Man
2.A Hard Man To Love..
books in order just incase u wanted to read the first one
1.The Temptation of a Good Man
2.A Hard Man To Love..
September 11, 2015
I loooove a good alpha male in romance, and Delany Diamond is one of my favorites for that. I completely understand other reviewers saying our heroine was too weak-minded and our hero was too much of a bully, but they both redeem themselves by the end. I don't want to give away how these two characters come around, but they do and it's a great read with some satisfying emotional plot points.
PROS: Good pacing, great love scenes, strong emotional impact.
CONS: Confusing as a stand alone book. There are a lot of side characters and back stories I don't understand nor did I care to.
PROS: Good pacing, great love scenes, strong emotional impact.
CONS: Confusing as a stand alone book. There are a lot of side characters and back stories I don't understand nor did I care to.
February 28, 2012
Not a bad story if one has a few hours to spend
March 9, 2012
This is a really great read that stayed with me long after I read it. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
July 25, 2015
The rudest.... But he redeems himself.
October 26, 2015
I love it!!! Falling in love for the very first time is so awesome. Sometime you been hurt to much to let anyone get close enough to hurt you again.
June 7, 2024
Let me just say I still don’t really like Derrick! He was an above until the last 15 minutes of the book. I understand he had some deep emotional scars but that’s no reason to be a jerk. He took advantage of Eva by threat of taking her baby so she would comply. He acted like there was no middle ground where they could both be happy and apart. Now I’m happy they eventually found love and that baby won’t have to grow up in craziness but I think he could’ve gone about it better or at best come around sooner.
June 20, 2018
I am so loving this series!
I am so loving this series! Roarke and Celeste are still my favs but I love Derrick’s transformation. Eva was so good for him. Family hurt can scar us for life if we don’t address it. I’m glad Derrick and Eva got closure on some things so they could open themselves to love on one another.
I am so loving this series! Roarke and Celeste are still my favs but I love Derrick’s transformation. Eva was so good for him. Family hurt can scar us for life if we don’t address it. I’m glad Derrick and Eva got closure on some things so they could open themselves to love on one another.
July 6, 2018
Family Over Everything!
Derrick was a mean son of a gun!!!! But Eva softened him right on up.
I’m really beginning to love Delaney Diamond’s voice when it comes to writing family series.
This was a good continuation in the Hawthorne Family Series and I’m still interested in reading more. Off to book 3!
Derrick was a mean son of a gun!!!! But Eva softened him right on up.
I’m really beginning to love Delaney Diamond’s voice when it comes to writing family series.
This was a good continuation in the Hawthorne Family Series and I’m still interested in reading more. Off to book 3!
February 22, 2022
Derrick was damaged emotionally by the rejection he got from his father. So cruel. Eva was a sweetheart who slid right under his defenses right into his heart. This really was a good story.
My complaint and the reason for the four stars is the introduction of the search for her father and the angst surrounding it and leaving it unresolved at the end.
My complaint and the reason for the four stars is the introduction of the search for her father and the angst surrounding it and leaving it unresolved at the end.
January 23, 2019
Great Read
I enjoyed reading about A Hard Man to Love. Derricks Hoffman was a man who didn't believe in love and felt he only needed his work. Until one night he met a beautiful woman named Eva. Unbeknownst to him this woman who change his life. I definitely recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading about A Hard Man to Love. Derricks Hoffman was a man who didn't believe in love and felt he only needed his work. Until one night he met a beautiful woman named Eva. Unbeknownst to him this woman who change his life. I definitely recommend this book.
November 2, 2019
Derrick & Eva
How can you love a person that refuses to be loved?
How can you love a person wholeheartedly and still be alone.
Follow the bumps, twists and turns to find out if love conquers all
How can you love a person that refuses to be loved?
How can you love a person wholeheartedly and still be alone.
Follow the bumps, twists and turns to find out if love conquers all
September 5, 2020
Finally ice melted
This was a good love story that shows that communication is the key to a relationship. This series is as good as the "Love Unexpected" series. It takes two special people to melt the walls of ice, built up over the years.
This was a good love story that shows that communication is the key to a relationship. This series is as good as the "Love Unexpected" series. It takes two special people to melt the walls of ice, built up over the years.
March 28, 2024
I feel like Eva was a prisoner who was blackmailed into marriage by Derrick, but she enjoyed living with him. Crazy right! Lol. Derrick was definitely an asshole that was redeemed. This is book 2 in the Hawthorne Family series.
July 19, 2025
Hard Love
Derrick, a hard man, but wanted and needed to be loved. Eva, the woman who worked at thawing off the hurt and pain that was in Derrick’s heart and mind. Derrick’s family not giving up hope. Very great read.
Derrick, a hard man, but wanted and needed to be loved. Eva, the woman who worked at thawing off the hurt and pain that was in Derrick’s heart and mind. Derrick’s family not giving up hope. Very great read.
July 13, 2017
Another good read!!!!
Just a totally enjoyable book. Couldn't put down and I especially like how the story flows from book one!!!! Totally would recommend
Just a totally enjoyable book. Couldn't put down and I especially like how the story flows from book one!!!! Totally would recommend
June 14, 2018
Headstrong
That a hard one to followe cause we would have been cussing to no end in
I would have told where to go seat down and am gone fuck the and the car drive in on
That a hard one to followe cause we would have been cussing to no end in
I would have told where to go seat down and am gone fuck the and the car drive in on
August 29, 2019
It's okay
I enjoyed it. Wish the ending had been a bit longer. The ending was a little anticlimactic. Overall a decent read.
I enjoyed it. Wish the ending had been a bit longer. The ending was a little anticlimactic. Overall a decent read.
February 10, 2020
I almost put this book down, I did not like the Derrick at all, if I could I would have slapped the taste out of his mouth for the rest of his life; but I pressed on...
October 17, 2020
moved quick and no one had a real personality. wtf these books always have the lady going through hell and getting over shit with no apology or change of behavior from the asshole hero
December 14, 2020
Hard Man To Love
This was as sweet as it was sad. Derrick needing love so badly and didn't clue what to do with it. Eva was the strong one in this couple Derrick was just rude.
This was as sweet as it was sad. Derrick needing love so badly and didn't clue what to do with it. Eva was the strong one in this couple Derrick was just rude.
April 17, 2021
Loved it
Awesome I'm sending it to my sister. I have lived all of Delaney Diamonds books. Can't wait to start the next Hawthorne family series
Awesome I'm sending it to my sister. I have lived all of Delaney Diamonds books. Can't wait to start the next Hawthorne family series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews