What do you think?
Rate this book
Last Refuge Protectors #1
Hard Knock Hero
He's nobody's hero...except hers.
Out of all the diners in all the small towns, he had to walk into mine.
Aiden Shelborne has left his Army days long behind. He’s out of the warrior business. And he never meant to stop in Hartley, Colorado at all. But when trouble comes for a woman he’s just met, he finds himself stepping in.
Jessi Novo didn’t ask Aiden to play her savior. Now, with a snowstorm bearing down, she’s stuck with him. But some in Hartley have secrets worth killing for. In the battle to keep them both safe, Aiden might lose the heart he’s kept on lockdown.
When they’ve got no one else, they’ll take refuge in each other.
***
In this heart-racing romantic suspense, you’ll find action, a small mountain town, and a tough heroine who wasn’t looking for a hero. If you like a gruff, protective alpha, no cliffhanger, and a happily ever after, then don’t miss the first book of Last Refuge Protecters!
Out of all the diners in all the small towns, he had to walk into mine.
Aiden Shelborne has left his Army days long behind. He’s out of the warrior business. And he never meant to stop in Hartley, Colorado at all. But when trouble comes for a woman he’s just met, he finds himself stepping in.
Jessi Novo didn’t ask Aiden to play her savior. Now, with a snowstorm bearing down, she’s stuck with him. But some in Hartley have secrets worth killing for. In the battle to keep them both safe, Aiden might lose the heart he’s kept on lockdown.
When they’ve got no one else, they’ll take refuge in each other.
***
In this heart-racing romantic suspense, you’ll find action, a small mountain town, and a tough heroine who wasn’t looking for a hero. If you like a gruff, protective alpha, no cliffhanger, and a happily ever after, then don’t miss the first book of Last Refuge Protecters!
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2023
3972 people are currently reading
1936 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Shield
30 books356 followersI write suspenseful romance with pulse-pounding danger, fun & flirty banter, and tons of heart (plus spice!). Both a Californian and a Texan in my past, I now live in the Colorado mountains with my family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
September 10, 2023
This is the first book in a new series, and it was such a fantastic beginning! We know Aiden Shelbourne from West Oaks, and he meets Jessi when he gets stuck passing through Colorado during a snow storm. Jessi's abusive ex-boyfriend is coming back after being incarcerated for two years. Jessi is threatened by his family to leave town. And Aiden comes to Jessi's rescue! They uncover a full blown illegal operation that they work together to stop. Aiden was protective of Jessi, but he also SAW her. He knew she could kick butt, but Aiden made her feel safe and brave all at once. I loved these two! The sexual tension was hot, and Aiden was so swoon worthy! I can't wait for the next book!
*I received an ARC from the author for my honest review*
*I received an ARC from the author for my honest review*
November 19, 2023
Boring
This book moves as slow as molasses in the winter. The characters are average, with mediocre chemistry, that just simmers, but just won’t ignite. The suspense factor is less than intriguing, just an overdone trope about rich bullies. I kept reading until halfway, and then gave up. I need more steam in the romance department, and more intrigue and suspense. Only upside is that it put me to sleep.
This book moves as slow as molasses in the winter. The characters are average, with mediocre chemistry, that just simmers, but just won’t ignite. The suspense factor is less than intriguing, just an overdone trope about rich bullies. I kept reading until halfway, and then gave up. I need more steam in the romance department, and more intrigue and suspense. Only upside is that it put me to sleep.
February 16, 2025
4 Jessi and Aiden Stars
I do love discovering a new series and a new author whose work I enjoy.
With the world appearing to be circling the 7th circle of hell currently, I needed a book to escape into more than ever and the Last Refuge Protectors fit the bill.
Aiden Shelborne (30) is passing through the Colorado town of Hartley when the snowfall scuppers his plans and instead of arriving at his cabin retreat , he seeks refuge in a diner which is owned by Jessi Novo (27). Aiden is the perfect brooding , reserved hero but he absolutely steps up when needed. Jessi is no doormat and when her life is in danger she is quite able to stand up for herself but it helps to have a tall, handsome, resourceful ex soldier on your side. Aiden is a Chef and Jessi has her diner but actually loves baking most so they have some common ground. They are a little bit Grumpy /Sunshine and although the chemistry is there from the start , it's relatively slow burn until they get close.
The secondary characters are interesting. Jessi's brother Trace features as the Hero in the next book, Bent Winged Angel , along with Scarlett who is her best friend. Sheriff Owen Douglas is the good guy of local law enforcement and I am looking forward to his book.
The drama in this book is pretty over the top in places but I didn't care. I needed something that was a bit out there. It reminded me at times of a telenovela because of how things played out but I was thinking about it when I wasn't reading and I cared about the characters and what happened to them.
I read and listened to this novel - it is on Kindle Unlimited. The audio book is narrated by Finnley Cole and Isabelle Turner with a listening time of 10h 8mins. The e-book is 320 pages.
HEA? More HFN but these two are absolutely a forever couple.
Cheating? No
Be aware - Domestic abuse /violence against women is a theme.
I do love discovering a new series and a new author whose work I enjoy.
With the world appearing to be circling the 7th circle of hell currently, I needed a book to escape into more than ever and the Last Refuge Protectors fit the bill.
Aiden Shelborne (30) is passing through the Colorado town of Hartley when the snowfall scuppers his plans and instead of arriving at his cabin retreat , he seeks refuge in a diner which is owned by Jessi Novo (27). Aiden is the perfect brooding , reserved hero but he absolutely steps up when needed. Jessi is no doormat and when her life is in danger she is quite able to stand up for herself but it helps to have a tall, handsome, resourceful ex soldier on your side. Aiden is a Chef and Jessi has her diner but actually loves baking most so they have some common ground. They are a little bit Grumpy /Sunshine and although the chemistry is there from the start , it's relatively slow burn until they get close.
The secondary characters are interesting. Jessi's brother Trace features as the Hero in the next book, Bent Winged Angel , along with Scarlett who is her best friend. Sheriff Owen Douglas is the good guy of local law enforcement and I am looking forward to his book.
The drama in this book is pretty over the top in places but I didn't care. I needed something that was a bit out there. It reminded me at times of a telenovela because of how things played out but I was thinking about it when I wasn't reading and I cared about the characters and what happened to them.
I read and listened to this novel - it is on Kindle Unlimited. The audio book is narrated by Finnley Cole and Isabelle Turner with a listening time of 10h 8mins. The e-book is 320 pages.
HEA? More HFN but these two are absolutely a forever couple.
Cheating? No
Be aware - Domestic abuse /violence against women is a theme.
May 2, 2024
3.75 Stars
I liked it. There were some things that I was like 🤔 at, such as the big illegal drug the bad guys were growing and distributing was just marijuana in COLORADO (I couldn't take this seriously), and how it seemed to be a bigger deal than a DEATH, but whatever 😭. Otherwise, it was good. Pacing could have been a bit quicker, but still good.
Safety:
No virgins/manhos
No ow drama - mild om (ex) drama (the ex is an abuser and he is one of the antagonists)
No cheating/sharing
Only with each other during the duration of the story
I liked it. There were some things that I was like 🤔 at, such as the big illegal drug the bad guys were growing and distributing was just marijuana in COLORADO (I couldn't take this seriously), and how it seemed to be a bigger deal than a DEATH, but whatever 😭. Otherwise, it was good. Pacing could have been a bit quicker, but still good.
Safety:
No virgins/manhos
No ow drama - mild om (ex) drama (the ex is an abuser and he is one of the antagonists)
No cheating/sharing
Only with each other during the duration of the story
September 19, 2023
Jessi runs a diner in this small town, but she’s being harassed by her ex’s family. Aiden passes through town during a snowstorm and he steps in to help her. He stops an attack and she panics and tells the sheriff that he is her brother Trace. I loved how Aiden got the Mayor to have Jessi's diner serve dinner (at his expense) to people who were stranded by a snowstorm.
It’s a great Thriller/Suspense with non-stop action as Jessi and Aiden work together to counter the Rigsby Family who are plotting against them. The attraction between Aiden and Jessi is there but it slowly simmers as they get to know each other amongst all the chaos taking place around them.
It’s a great Thriller/Suspense with non-stop action as Jessi and Aiden work together to counter the Rigsby Family who are plotting against them. The attraction between Aiden and Jessi is there but it slowly simmers as they get to know each other amongst all the chaos taking place around them.
December 18, 2024
Had a hard time finishing this one and started skimming towards the end because it just dragged on and on, and on. I found some of the plot to be unrealistic, like when they find a body in a dumpster and one of the main characters immediately confesses to the killing as a distraction, who does that?!
August 26, 2023
*Received ARC for honest review
I knew Aiden’s story was going to be ride but no way was I prepared for THIS Aiden. So far, we have three stories from the Shelborne family and it has been one of the best decisions that Shield has made. Each sibling’s story just draws you in and before you know it, you find yourself obsessed with the family. I mean, Aiden in the last novel was such a character. His broody/nonchalant demeanor was such a great set up for Hard Knock Hero. What is it with Aiden that just makes everything oh-so-charming and swoon-worthy? In his story, we meet Jessi. She is strong-willed but has been wronged in so many different ways that it would be impossible to not lend her a helping hand and that is exactly what Aiden does but in typical Aiden-style. Absolutely love Jessi as well. Because we know Aiden to be the more serious sibling, anything he does, you know it is genuine and special. No one can make him smile so freely but those that he truly finds comfort in. This story takes you on such a ride that you’ll be fighting to not skip to the end because you need to assure yourself that everyone and everything will be okay. Fighting off an abusive ex and their whole family is just on another level of craziness, but Aiden and Jessi do it all. And the character development is so subtle that you never feel them falling out of character. It feels natural and organic in how they progress. At times, characters go through such a dramatic development that it almost doesn’t make sense, but Shield does a good job at setting up her characters before giving them their full story. I feel that my sincere love for Hannah Shield’s series might not hold value as I say I love all of her novels, but let me tell you. Once you’ve had a taste of the stories Shield offers, your addiction for West Oaks and anyone that comes from West Oaks will take you on an adventure that you didn’t even know would satisfy your romance cravings. Also, Trace and Scarlett? Three words. GIVE. ME. MORE.
I knew Aiden’s story was going to be ride but no way was I prepared for THIS Aiden. So far, we have three stories from the Shelborne family and it has been one of the best decisions that Shield has made. Each sibling’s story just draws you in and before you know it, you find yourself obsessed with the family. I mean, Aiden in the last novel was such a character. His broody/nonchalant demeanor was such a great set up for Hard Knock Hero. What is it with Aiden that just makes everything oh-so-charming and swoon-worthy? In his story, we meet Jessi. She is strong-willed but has been wronged in so many different ways that it would be impossible to not lend her a helping hand and that is exactly what Aiden does but in typical Aiden-style. Absolutely love Jessi as well. Because we know Aiden to be the more serious sibling, anything he does, you know it is genuine and special. No one can make him smile so freely but those that he truly finds comfort in. This story takes you on such a ride that you’ll be fighting to not skip to the end because you need to assure yourself that everyone and everything will be okay. Fighting off an abusive ex and their whole family is just on another level of craziness, but Aiden and Jessi do it all. And the character development is so subtle that you never feel them falling out of character. It feels natural and organic in how they progress. At times, characters go through such a dramatic development that it almost doesn’t make sense, but Shield does a good job at setting up her characters before giving them their full story. I feel that my sincere love for Hannah Shield’s series might not hold value as I say I love all of her novels, but let me tell you. Once you’ve had a taste of the stories Shield offers, your addiction for West Oaks and anyone that comes from West Oaks will take you on an adventure that you didn’t even know would satisfy your romance cravings. Also, Trace and Scarlett? Three words. GIVE. ME. MORE.
November 30, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Want to read
October 11, 2024𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭:
I found this on instagram reels, so I know it’s not going to be amazing (I have been BURNED), but I hope it’s fun at least.
I found this on instagram reels, so I know it’s not going to be amazing (I have been BURNED), but I hope it’s fun at least.
Read
December 13, 2024Don’t worry, I’m judging myself. This book is the equivalent of a burlap and lace covered mason jar…still sweet in some parts i guess
January 25, 2024
I enjoyed it more than I was expecting. It had the perfect amount of romance to suspense. It’s basically insta love. It takes place within 4 days.
Safety
Safe. No OW/OM drama. Neither of them are virgins.
Safety
Safe. No OW/OM drama. Neither of them are virgins.
September 14, 2023
Another suspense romance that I didn’t want to put down. Aiden and Jessi had undeniable chemistry and I loved watching them fall for each other. This was a feel good book for me and I highly recommend Hannah Shield for an enjoyable contemporary romance. I love the way she writes her romances and especially the men in her stories.
Thanks Booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks Booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2025
4.5 out of 5
Upon second reading I dropped this one down to 4.5 out of 5. It’s still very, very good but just missed by a smidge the extra bit that would make it a full 5 book. Still very good though!
+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/
I went back and forth on how many stars to give this book. What decided it for me is I stayed up all night reading last night. And I love to sleep. Any book that keeps me from it has earned 5 stars.
Aiden Shelbourne is on his way up to an isolated cabin he’s rented. He’s really not a people person and the thought of some alone time sounds right up his alley. He doesn’t have far to go when traffic on the highway almost comes to a standstill and he learns a main bridge has been pretty damaged and no one will be getting through for a while.
He veers off and ends up in the small town of Hartley Colorado . He sees a lone diner and heads in for a meal. He’s the only customer in the place, that is until some scary guy comes in and orders the owner/cook/waitress to leave town in a very threatening manner. Well Aiden is a former soldier and you just don’t treat women that way. He shows the other guys who’s boss (he beats him up).
Jessi Novo, said diner owner/cook/waitress, while appreciating Aiden defended her, isn’t too pleased. Seems her ex has just been released from prison, for beating her so bad she ended up in the hospital. And he’s headed for Hartley - and Jessi. She had called her brother to come to her aid and he’s on his way but the storm and damaged bridge has held him up too.
Aiden is a really great guy and says he’ll stand in for her brother until he gets there. Aiden is a grumpy kind of a guy who’s never had a serious relationship before. But even though they’ve just met, he’s developing feelings for Jessi. And she’s feeling something special for Aiden. Because of what her ex did to her, she has avoided guys in general buts finding it’s hard not spending time with Aiden.
This is a romantic suspense so I’m not going to give any more of the storyline. I will say this is a very good book and you can tell by my stars I loved it. Aiden and Jessi are both really great characters and perfect for each other. Although knocked off her feet by what’s going on, Jessi is a strong heroine. She’s not the hand wringing, pearl clutching heroine who sits back while the hero saves her. And Aiden is the kind of hero who takes charge but he totally respects Jessi and truly listens to her. They work as a team.
The villains are bad guys but not over the top, roll your eyes kind of guys. The secondary characters are also well written and are important to the story. This is the first book in a series and it really starts things off with a bang. I’m all ready to get into book 2. They are all available on KU. This book gets a happy thumbs 👍 up from me. Even if you don’t read RS, I say at least try this one. Sometimes in RS, the author will lean too heavily on either the romance or the suspense but this book has the perfect balance.
This is yet another new to me author and I’m glad I found her.
Upon second reading I dropped this one down to 4.5 out of 5. It’s still very, very good but just missed by a smidge the extra bit that would make it a full 5 book. Still very good though!
+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/
I went back and forth on how many stars to give this book. What decided it for me is I stayed up all night reading last night. And I love to sleep. Any book that keeps me from it has earned 5 stars.
Aiden Shelbourne is on his way up to an isolated cabin he’s rented. He’s really not a people person and the thought of some alone time sounds right up his alley. He doesn’t have far to go when traffic on the highway almost comes to a standstill and he learns a main bridge has been pretty damaged and no one will be getting through for a while.
He veers off and ends up in the small town of Hartley Colorado . He sees a lone diner and heads in for a meal. He’s the only customer in the place, that is until some scary guy comes in and orders the owner/cook/waitress to leave town in a very threatening manner. Well Aiden is a former soldier and you just don’t treat women that way. He shows the other guys who’s boss (he beats him up).
Jessi Novo, said diner owner/cook/waitress, while appreciating Aiden defended her, isn’t too pleased. Seems her ex has just been released from prison, for beating her so bad she ended up in the hospital. And he’s headed for Hartley - and Jessi. She had called her brother to come to her aid and he’s on his way but the storm and damaged bridge has held him up too.
Aiden is a really great guy and says he’ll stand in for her brother until he gets there. Aiden is a grumpy kind of a guy who’s never had a serious relationship before. But even though they’ve just met, he’s developing feelings for Jessi. And she’s feeling something special for Aiden. Because of what her ex did to her, she has avoided guys in general buts finding it’s hard not spending time with Aiden.
This is a romantic suspense so I’m not going to give any more of the storyline. I will say this is a very good book and you can tell by my stars I loved it. Aiden and Jessi are both really great characters and perfect for each other. Although knocked off her feet by what’s going on, Jessi is a strong heroine. She’s not the hand wringing, pearl clutching heroine who sits back while the hero saves her. And Aiden is the kind of hero who takes charge but he totally respects Jessi and truly listens to her. They work as a team.
The villains are bad guys but not over the top, roll your eyes kind of guys. The secondary characters are also well written and are important to the story. This is the first book in a series and it really starts things off with a bang. I’m all ready to get into book 2. They are all available on KU. This book gets a happy thumbs 👍 up from me. Even if you don’t read RS, I say at least try this one. Sometimes in RS, the author will lean too heavily on either the romance or the suspense but this book has the perfect balance.
This is yet another new to me author and I’m glad I found her.
July 28, 2025
Aiden is trapped in an unknown city. Jessi is in a city she never wants to leave. Their paths meet when Aiden saves Jessi. What the two don't know is that this mere chance is about to put both their lives at risk. And also what they love most!
I loved Aiden and Jessi. Two characters so different but complete each other so much! I loved!
Aiden is in my new boyfriend book! What an affectionate man!
Romance is slow burn and I loved that!
I loved Aiden and Jessi. Two characters so different but complete each other so much! I loved!
Aiden is in my new boyfriend book! What an affectionate man!
Romance is slow burn and I loved that!
October 3, 2023
Especially an exciting story, but also a story where Aiden and Jessi find each other in the short time they have.
Jessi has had a tough time as she reported her ex after he beat her in hospital. He receives a sentence of 4 years but is released after 2 years. He comes back to the village where they settled together. Jessi has built her life there and refuses to be chased away by his cousins.
Aiden is passing through and gets stuck in the village of Hartley and witnesses the intimidation of several men against the restaurant owner. He seems to distance himself from the situation until he knocks down her attacker and drives his brothers away. Since the bridge is still closed and he has nowhere else to be for the next few days, he decides to stay in the village and work with Jessi to find a way to keep her safe.
Then it turns out that her ex and his family are doing shady business in the village. Together with the sheriff, her friend, her brother and Aiden, they unravel what is happening.
A fast-paced story, a thriller packaged as a love story (or is it the other way around?) and great dialogues that sometimes make you burst out laughing. The ending is great where everything works out for the main characters and can be a start for the others featured in this story. I hope to read more stories from Hannah Shield.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jessi has had a tough time as she reported her ex after he beat her in hospital. He receives a sentence of 4 years but is released after 2 years. He comes back to the village where they settled together. Jessi has built her life there and refuses to be chased away by his cousins.
Aiden is passing through and gets stuck in the village of Hartley and witnesses the intimidation of several men against the restaurant owner. He seems to distance himself from the situation until he knocks down her attacker and drives his brothers away. Since the bridge is still closed and he has nowhere else to be for the next few days, he decides to stay in the village and work with Jessi to find a way to keep her safe.
Then it turns out that her ex and his family are doing shady business in the village. Together with the sheriff, her friend, her brother and Aiden, they unravel what is happening.
A fast-paced story, a thriller packaged as a love story (or is it the other way around?) and great dialogues that sometimes make you burst out laughing. The ending is great where everything works out for the main characters and can be a start for the others featured in this story. I hope to read more stories from Hannah Shield.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2024
After a bit of a slow start, that I am attributing more to my reading slump and not to any fault of this book, I ended up really enjoying this.
After a forced detour on his way to a solo vacation, Aiden meets Jessi at her diner. Jessi’s problems come knocking when Aiden is around, and even though he doesn’t want to get involved he can’t walk away. Jessi is independent and wants to stand her ground but she isn’t dumb, she knows she can’t do it alone and reluctantly accepts Aiden’s help.
I loved the slow relationship building between Jessi and Aiden. Granted the time period is like 4 days but it feels like they take it slow. Their first real intimate moment was just them holding hands and I loved it. Their connection felt real and not just built on lust and attraction. So many books, particularly in this subgenre of romance, rely heavily on a physical attraction and an unexplained draw between the main characters. Jessi and Aiden actually liked each other as people. Despite the fact that Aiden was supposed to leave they opened themselves up to what was happening between them, even knowing it was going to hurt when he left. ***starts slow clap for honesty and emotional maturity***
I love when a random book on KU surprises me! Will definitely be continuing this series.
After a forced detour on his way to a solo vacation, Aiden meets Jessi at her diner. Jessi’s problems come knocking when Aiden is around, and even though he doesn’t want to get involved he can’t walk away. Jessi is independent and wants to stand her ground but she isn’t dumb, she knows she can’t do it alone and reluctantly accepts Aiden’s help.
I loved the slow relationship building between Jessi and Aiden. Granted the time period is like 4 days but it feels like they take it slow. Their first real intimate moment was just them holding hands and I loved it. Their connection felt real and not just built on lust and attraction. So many books, particularly in this subgenre of romance, rely heavily on a physical attraction and an unexplained draw between the main characters. Jessi and Aiden actually liked each other as people. Despite the fact that Aiden was supposed to leave they opened themselves up to what was happening between them, even knowing it was going to hurt when he left. ***starts slow clap for honesty and emotional maturity***
I love when a random book on KU surprises me! Will definitely be continuing this series.
November 15, 2024
I love a good romantic suspense do when I stumbled across this one I was excited to get started! This felt like a slow burn, even though most of the book just spans a couple of days. The suspense part of this book was good, a lot of action and thrills. I didn’t really feel the romance part somehow, the chemistry was off for me. Why? Not sure 😅 Aiden was a sweet, protective alpha male, Jessi a hardworking, independent woman. We also get a few likable side characters and that small town feel.
All in all, not bad, but also not the best romantic suspense I’ve ever read.
Safety:
- No OW
- OM: h’s ex causes some trouble (not in relationship)
- No cheating
- No separation / no third act break up
All in all, not bad, but also not the best romantic suspense I’ve ever read.
Safety:
- No OW
- OM: h’s ex causes some trouble (not in relationship)
- No cheating
- No separation / no third act break up
Read
April 8, 2025Absolute DNF.
June 6, 2025
4.5 stars…I would give it 5 if there ever existed a man like Aiden in this book—LOL
Fun read!
Fun read!
August 19, 2025
2.5 stars. the narration held the story back.
March 27, 2025
2 ⭐️ was a hard choice here.
I want to leave it at that but 😬
Maybe my expectations were HIGH for this book, I wasn't pulled in and dragged through my feelings over it.
The closer it got to the end the more I thought finally and not because things were happening but because it was almost over.
Reviews like this are never easy to write and it is just my opinion but this just wasn't a good read for me.
I felt like so much was lacking from the MMC. The story hit so hard around the FMC and side characters that were essentially pointless to THEIR story. But also without all the side drama characters there wouldn't be a story here.
I want to leave it at that but 😬
Maybe my expectations were HIGH for this book, I wasn't pulled in and dragged through my feelings over it.
The closer it got to the end the more I thought finally and not because things were happening but because it was almost over.
Reviews like this are never easy to write and it is just my opinion but this just wasn't a good read for me.
I felt like so much was lacking from the MMC. The story hit so hard around the FMC and side characters that were essentially pointless to THEIR story. But also without all the side drama characters there wouldn't be a story here.
April 2, 2025
The best part about this book was the cover.
March 24, 2025
Ugh… I barely made it through this. Cheesey and slow
January 14, 2024
great cover dumb story!
H- Aiden Shelborne
h-Jessi Nova
The story quickly got my attention BUT just as quickly it was gone. We have Jessi who moved to the small town with her boyfriend Jeremy. That was 3yrs ago. Jeremy was very hot tempered & one day he hit her & she moved out (good for her) she moved to a motel in the same town & when Jeremy found out he bit her up so bad took her the hospital. She pressed charges & he went to jail. Story is fine til this point. Hw is released from jail & he is telling her that she needs to go. She is refusing to move out of the town since she feels in the 3yrs that she has been there where no one has her back with this Jeremy situation, she feels they are “family”. Stupid. Just move away- 3 yrs is not a long time & this is where his family is from. Yea this is when I lost interest in the story.
H- Aiden Shelborne
h-Jessi Nova
The story quickly got my attention BUT just as quickly it was gone. We have Jessi who moved to the small town with her boyfriend Jeremy. That was 3yrs ago. Jeremy was very hot tempered & one day he hit her & she moved out (good for her) she moved to a motel in the same town & when Jeremy found out he bit her up so bad took her the hospital. She pressed charges & he went to jail. Story is fine til this point. Hw is released from jail & he is telling her that she needs to go. She is refusing to move out of the town since she feels in the 3yrs that she has been there where no one has her back with this Jeremy situation, she feels they are “family”. Stupid. Just move away- 3 yrs is not a long time & this is where his family is from. Yea this is when I lost interest in the story.
June 13, 2025
Abandoned at 41%. Jessi was so annoying. She moves to a small town with her abusive boyfriend where he almost immediately beats her so bad she’s hospitalized. He goes to jail for two years during which time his cousins make her life miserable, and yet she’s so in love with the scene of the crime she refuses to even consider living anywhere else? She keeps blathering about all her friends which as far as I can see is exactly two people, neither of which will stand up for her against her abuser’s family. Then when the MMC comes to town, she lies to the sheriff that he’s her brother despite the fact that her actual brother is on his way to town and will prove her a liar. At every turn she makes the stupidest possible choice. And Aiden has no personality. He’s a black hole of rizz.
October 3, 2023
**4 1/2 stars**
Hard Knock Hero is the first book by this writer that Ive read before and I genuinely enjoyed reading it. A snow storm leads Aiden to taking refuge in Jessi's (FMC) diner which inadvertently drags him into all of her problems including her abusive Ex and his family. Even though this is at its heart a small town romance it also included some engaging plot twists that keep you on your toes. This was a great read and I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
Hard Knock Hero is the first book by this writer that Ive read before and I genuinely enjoyed reading it. A snow storm leads Aiden to taking refuge in Jessi's (FMC) diner which inadvertently drags him into all of her problems including her abusive Ex and his family. Even though this is at its heart a small town romance it also included some engaging plot twists that keep you on your toes. This was a great read and I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
January 29, 2025
I went into this one with high hopes but this one let me down. Not even sure why it did to be honest. There was just something about this one that just wouldn’t hold my attention for more than a few minutes at a time
October 28, 2024
1.5/5*
This book started off well and got progressively worse
This book started off well and got progressively worse
April 23, 2025
Snoozefest 🥱 Facebook reels let me down. Made it to 60% before I gave up.
September 19, 2023
mcs:
- aiden, 30, chef/ex-military
- jessi, baker
book info:
- romantic suspense
- no cheating, opd, third act breakup
- insta-lust / insta-love
- forced proximity
- violence / death
- physical assault (off page)
- non-virgin mcs (fmc - celibate 2 years, mmc - no info but not giving me a manhoe vibes)
- small town politics and corruption
- HFN (living together)
aiden got stranded in a small town because of a winter storm. then he saw a diner and went there to have some hot meal. while in there, three men came and harassed jessi, the diner's owner, and aiden came to her rescue and knocked out the two guys.
these guys are cousins of jessi's ex that she sent to prison after he physically assaulted her. said ex was supposed to serve four years in jail but was reduced to two because of his family's name and connection. her ex's family is like a royal in this small town and ever since she testified against him, the cousins are hellbent on driving her away. but jessi fell in love the with the place despite the constant provocations of her ex's family, so she decided to stay and never let them win.
in the present time, her ex is already out of prison and she's kind of a little bit scared for her safety. she knows he'll go for her the first chance he get. but since aiden came to her rescue that night and there were no other hotels that he could stay, she offered the first floor of the diner to be his temporary place until the storm pass.
the majority of the book happened within 4 days only, and a lot of things unfold in those days. the corruptions and lies in that town because of some politics and family connection. it was so cool reading this book i feel like i was inside in an action film because of the twists and revelations happening along the way.
as for the romance, i actually liked it a lot, the tension, chemistry, and emotional connection between the mcs. this is a slow burn romance mainly because of jessi's past trauma. she's afraid to trust anyone after her ex, but aiden is patient with her and he let her lead them however she wants. it was satisfying to read these mcs because they really connect and converse with each other. i know 4 days is a short time in a grand scheme of things, but these two used these days wisely and they truly did get to know each other. i feel the emotional connection with them despite the instant attraction, and both of them were just likeable overall. they're honest, open, supportive, and respectful towards one another, but what i loved the most is that they know when to listen and follow. it's not always my way or the highway between these two, sometimes aiden takes the lead and other times it's jessi. it's refreshing to read a book where the mcs exhibits true partnership and equality in their relationship.
overall, i enjoyed this book so much and i'm excited to read and get to know more about the characters introduced here. ❤️
- aiden, 30, chef/ex-military
- jessi, baker
book info:
- romantic suspense
- no cheating, opd, third act breakup
- insta-lust / insta-love
- forced proximity
- violence / death
- physical assault (off page)
- non-virgin mcs (fmc - celibate 2 years, mmc - no info but not giving me a manhoe vibes)
- small town politics and corruption
- HFN (living together)
aiden got stranded in a small town because of a winter storm. then he saw a diner and went there to have some hot meal. while in there, three men came and harassed jessi, the diner's owner, and aiden came to her rescue and knocked out the two guys.
these guys are cousins of jessi's ex that she sent to prison after he physically assaulted her. said ex was supposed to serve four years in jail but was reduced to two because of his family's name and connection. her ex's family is like a royal in this small town and ever since she testified against him, the cousins are hellbent on driving her away. but jessi fell in love the with the place despite the constant provocations of her ex's family, so she decided to stay and never let them win.
in the present time, her ex is already out of prison and she's kind of a little bit scared for her safety. she knows he'll go for her the first chance he get. but since aiden came to her rescue that night and there were no other hotels that he could stay, she offered the first floor of the diner to be his temporary place until the storm pass.
the majority of the book happened within 4 days only, and a lot of things unfold in those days. the corruptions and lies in that town because of some politics and family connection. it was so cool reading this book i feel like i was inside in an action film because of the twists and revelations happening along the way.
as for the romance, i actually liked it a lot, the tension, chemistry, and emotional connection between the mcs. this is a slow burn romance mainly because of jessi's past trauma. she's afraid to trust anyone after her ex, but aiden is patient with her and he let her lead them however she wants. it was satisfying to read these mcs because they really connect and converse with each other. i know 4 days is a short time in a grand scheme of things, but these two used these days wisely and they truly did get to know each other. i feel the emotional connection with them despite the instant attraction, and both of them were just likeable overall. they're honest, open, supportive, and respectful towards one another, but what i loved the most is that they know when to listen and follow. it's not always my way or the highway between these two, sometimes aiden takes the lead and other times it's jessi. it's refreshing to read a book where the mcs exhibits true partnership and equality in their relationship.
overall, i enjoyed this book so much and i'm excited to read and get to know more about the characters introduced here. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews