Love Hard: A Memoir

by Monica James

If love is an addiction, your first love is the first hit.

How many of you remember your first love?

Because falling in love for the first time…I remember that. And that’s the thing about your first love—we all have a love story.

But this isn’t a love story.
This is a life story.
The good.
The bad.
The heartache.
It’s all here.

Love is truly a battlefield…

Love is scary, and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. When you love someone wholeheartedly, you leave yourself open to being destroyed…and that’s what I did, what I still do even though I know better.

But it doesn’t make a difference.

The best kind of love doesn’t make sense. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.

This one-in-a-million story is mine, and if you take anything away from this book, it would be to never be afraid to love.

So, let me introduce myself. You may call me Z.
Buckle up, besties, because this will be a bumpy ride.

Love hits you when you least expect it.

Are you ready for the fall?

Genres: Memoir

Unknown Binding

First published May 6, 2024

About the author

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.
When she is not writing, Monica runs her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing twisted AF stories, hoping to terrify her readers...just a little.
She is a bestselling author in the U.S.A., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.
Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her Unicorn, and her three crazy cats. She is slightly obsessed with red lipstick, heels, and crime documentaries, and is that person who always runs late.


Stalk Me:
Website: authormonicajames.com
Facebook: facebook.com/authormonicajames
Goodreads: goodreads.com/MonicaJames
Instagram: @authormonicajames
TikTok: @authormonicajames
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2E3eCIw
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2EWZSyS
Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2nUaRyi
Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/mvjjk6k2

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books]

This is a memoir of sorts, and honestly something I've never read or gravitated towards before, but loving this author's words I wanted to read it.

I’m not sure what to make of this one, I didn’t hate it but I’m not fully blown away by it either, would I recommend it, I’m not sure.

I guess we can all relate to this story in more ways than one though, each of us can take something away from it. Most of us have gotten our hearts broken at sometime in our lives, and it can come about in many forms within our relationships, unrequited love, cheating, the one that got away, death, different paths, the list is endless but we’ve all been impacted at one stage.

The author uses abbreviations so the heroine goes by Z, from her first crush, to meeting her soulmate, who was always in the background, to marriage which ended in tatters, to hooking up with her boss, (BOSSMAN) as he’s named in this, and the constant is the soulmate (MR J) making reappearances then disappearing again in the background, wrung so much sadness out of me, because the heroine time and time again explains that she's an alpha woman but this guy for many years called the shots, I understand the pull they had and the love she had for him so I found that emotionally heartbreaking.

To sum it all up, this may not have been my favourite by this author but many others have loved it, give it a shot and it may become a favorite of yours.

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 "My biggest regret!!!" stars***



"Love hits you when you least expect it... are you ready for the fall?"

Honestly, I don't know how to write a review about this memoir!!!
It was a raw story full of ups and downs, full of love, heartbreak, passion, compromise...
It was a true story and it was one of these kind of stories that anyone can relate with...
Who haven't been in love??? Whose heart hasn't broken???
I believe everyone has made mistakes in love and everyone has won and lost!!!
Everyone has a Mr. J, a weakness that will make you feel like a doormat when you are really not!!! Your first love... Your first everything... The one that you can not forget, no matter what!!!

"We all have a love story..."

Well, Z was our heroine in here and she knew about heartbreak very well...
Her boss demanded of her to write a sort of memoir and she had to open helself and bleed in front of thousands readers, but she had no other choice...
Alongside her, we witness her first crush, her first love, her first heartbreak, the first man she settled down for, the crazy chemistry she had with her boss.... but Mr. J was always in the background of her life demanding attention, and that my friends weren't always healthy...

"When you love someone wholeheartedly, but they don't love you back, it destroys you."

Honestly, I don't know how much of this memoir is the author's true love life, but I was feeling for her... I liked her as a person, but I was feeling sad for her behalf and not because she had a bad life, but because her love for Mr. J had no boundaries and that is dangerous in so many levels...
I personally loved BOSSMAN in here!!! It might be the age that I am at the moment, but he felt the right person for Z...
Mr J. wasn't my favorite person cause I was feeling that he never made Z a priority and that's not a good thing...

"If love is an addiction, your first love is the first hit, and when I look at Mr. J, I know I am fucking hooked."

This book was kind of messy, but I liked the ride...
It was raw, it was real, it was... life and love in the truest form!!!
The ending confused me, but I can understand why the author went there... Love is an unfinished business after all... You never know where it will lead you and there is no real end when there are matters of the heart!!!
I will applause Monica James for exposing herself like that!!! She had bleed in the paper all her raw emotions and that it wouldn't be an easy thing to do!!!

"Love messy.
Love long.
Love spontaneously.
Love without regret.
But most of all, love hard.
Because most things come and go, but love, love stays."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[Judy Portelles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Monica James book and I really want to read more of her books. Love Hard is the perfect name to this book. This was written with so much love and passion. This is her story and she definitely takes you on a ride.

[Ana_books_and_stuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is messy most of the time, and most definitely does not follow reason, even when we try really hard.

This memoir it's exactly that, it's an emotional journey of falling in love and heartbreak, it's not a love story and there is no happy ever after.

This book follows Z and takes us on a ride through her love life and all the choices she made throughout, good and bad. And shows us that the heart wants what the heart wants, and we cannot explain why, is it chemistry? Is it fate? Is it just a case of chance? Is it the universe working in mysterious ways, so that we are in that place at that precise moment? Or just is?

I have a Mr J in my life, hell, I guess we all have a Mr J in our life... The one that got away...

The one that made you feel like you weren't enough to make him stay, that broke you so bad you don't know if you'll ever feel again. That stays in your mind, and you're so hung up on that love, you feel that even when something good, better, comes along you will miss out or sabotage everything.

This is what this book is about, and it will make you feel, your rational self as an outsider spectator will scream at Z and say, “What the heck girl, look what's in front of you”, but as I said before, the heart wants what the heart wants, and no brain is gonna rationalize it, even if your heart keeps breaking, and you keep doing the same mistakes, over and over and over again,

This review is kind of messy and all over the place, I know. But that is what this book made me feel, it took me of balance, my very fine carefully managed balance.

Read this book, you will either love it or hate it, there is no in between.

[Cindy Fong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure if I liked or hated this story. I think I was more intrigued. Z the main character lays her life out and bleeds on the pages. Love is hard to see, hard to attain and often hard to accept. Love comes in many forms and maybe, just maybe we are chasing the ideal of love. As Z documents the men that have come and gone in her life, we bear witness to how fragile she is a person. Her obsession with Mr J colors every relationship she will ever have in her present. People come into your life for a reason, Z fails to truly identify each purpose.

This is a different type of story with no real resolution. You the reader can decide what you feel Z's HEA is.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Never rely on a man to make you happy because they come and go, but you have to live with yourself until the day you die. Never forget who you are."

Love Hard is most beautifully chaotic and messy stories I have read and couldn't love it more, if I tired.

"Love messy.
Love Long.
Love spontaneously.
Love without regret.
But most of all, love hard.
Because most things come and go, but love, love stays."

Monica delivers a very insightful creative work of nonfiction, yet fictionalized memoir. I could honestly feel the emotions of Z through each chapter. I love her for everything she has been through and yet continues to believe in love.

Love Hard is like nothing I have read before and I love this story even more because of that. It is raw, real and authentic. It's love; it's life.

"Love hits when you leave expect it...are you ready for the fall?"

[Heather (getdownwiththefiction) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Hard is a fictionalized memoir following “Z” through the ups and down of her love life and career. I thought Monica gave us a brave retelling of her life and did not hold back. To lay your heart out on paper for the world to see can not be easy, but I just gained a hell of a lot of respect for one of my favorite authors. This is not an easy story to read. I felt every emotion conveyed. I think we all have had a “Mr. J.” In our lives at one point or another. I loved the friendships in this book. If my best friend doesn’t act like “Bunny” I don’t want her. Everything felt so relatable, except maybe all the feet worshiping! There were moments where I wanted to throw my kindle and strangle certain characters! Not Bossman, he’s my favorite and I will die on that hill. All joking aside Love Hard definitely lived up to its title and Monica gave us something raw, blunt and honest that I will recommend.

[Nicki Boyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️ARC REVIEW❤️

"I wanted the love I read about in my Jane Austen novels because that's the love I grew up with. That's the love I deserved."

"His voice was like the spawn of the devil and an angel, and I needed him like yesterday."-Love Hard, By Monica James

Whewww this was a wild ride. Monica told me to buckle up, and she wasn't kidding.

She is so real and raw and vulnerable in this fictionalized memoir. I just commend her for that, cause i know it's not easy. She is a true honest to God bad ass and takes no prisoners. I think anyone who has ever been in love can relate to many parts of this book. Loved the main female character "Z" and most of the side characters. 👀 lol. If you are looking for a roller coaster of epic proportions and some serious female kick-ass-ness. Make sure to read this book. Thanks for taking us on this roller coaster, Monica. ❤️🖤 @authormonicajames



#lovehard #monicajames #memoir #romance #arc #booksandchatswithnickib

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read something similar to the writing style of Love Hard: A Memoir by Monica James. And without a doubt it went straight to the pile of those few books that I love to re- read time after time and yet every time they have something different to tell . Love Hard is written in the tradition of Fear of Flying by Erika Jong and Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell, something that I love so much. Anyway Love Hard is not for the weak at heart, pun intended. Because when you talk about love you have to be honest, most importantly with yourself. Every single one of us can relate with Z . Because everyone has a Mr J in their lives . And we know that when you love like this, when it comes to an end you're left for dead with an open chest, your heart is ripped out and shred to pieces and even breathing is hard. And we know that when Mr J happens to us everything after that is so washed out and meaningless. And yet we still got so much more love to give. Question is why we don't love ourselves first so we can have the love we deserve. But the pattern is already set and we're taught a hard lesson. All the other characters in Z's memoir revealed a different side of her but the one with most impact was Bossman and I have to admit I have a little crush on him . I loved Bossman for forcing Z to write that memoir and to get her power back . Because the more Z wrote the more she came back to herself. The last couple of chapters were such a revelation and I so loved that open ending and the option to choose your end of the story. For me all of them work and in that exact order . Because that way is so Z . Love Hard is a game changer and if you're ready to dig deep in your soul and to start breathing again freely read it how many times you need. Now if you excuse me, I have a few Monica James books on my TBR pile that I have to read.

Side note : I loved all the book playlists . After meeting my Mr. J my personal playlist was full of Alanis Morissette , Billie Myers and Sophie B. Hawkins . After reading made your own playlist as a form of an exorcism . IYKYK

Thanks to the author and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Summerlynn83_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this one all the stars if I could!
I highlighted the heck out of this book. I’m talking almost full chapters are full of pink because so many parts were absolutely relatable and I wanted to go back and read them again.
There were steamy moments and then before I knew it I was laughing and next thing I know I was brought to tears. So many emotions rolling around inside an amazing story of soulmates and unrequited love. About knowing someone isn’t good for you but you just have to have them, even for a moment. This is honestly a book that I could read over and over again because of the highs and the lows kept me entertained from beginning to end.

[Camille (bookish.cami) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a roller coaster ride all about love. This is my ver first book by Monica James and I 10/10 💖
You can absolutely feel the emotions of some parts to this book as well as self discovery.
This is unlike anything I have ever read before it definitely kept me intrigued from start to finish. Ultimately I didn’t know how to feel about MR. J and Bossman cause I wanted to love and hate them both for Z.
Z is definitely one that I absolutely loved reading about.
Something that stuck with me was how first loves always stick with you in someway or another. 🙌🏼🙌🏼 believe that.

Definitely worth reading this memoir.

[Madeline Goldsworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Hard
Monica James
5 stars

Format: ebook
Genre: creative memoir

“You are the most important person in your life. No one else other than you”

Monica James delivers a creative memoir as Z, as she details her experiences with love from her first crush, her first love, her rebound, her husband and everything in between. This is her life story and how love has hit her hard and broken her, but she always remains strong and hopeful about love.

This story is very raw and my heart goes out to Monica. She has been through a lot yet her love still shines through and she is the most genuine person and she is beautiful inside and out. Anyone that doesn’t love you like you deserve is an idiot, you are a goddess. I want you to know you are not the bad guy. We have all been young and made mistakes and done things we are not proud of. People have no right to judge you about what you did during your separation as it is basically a divorce before the sign off so who cares. They need to be equally outraged with him if that’s the case or more so with him. You did nothing wrong my love. I want you to know and believe that you are strong, you are beautiful, and you are sexy. Don’t ever forget that. I love you with all my heart xoxo

[Clayr Catherall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was so different to anything I’ve ever read before. It took me on one wild ride through the pages. I honestly hadn’t a clue what was going to happen next. I just kept flipping pages.

It is definitely a book you need to read and experience for yourself.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑼𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕𝒚, 𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 & 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓...

𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑳𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺 :📑

👠 Brutally honest Confessions (ofcourse, duh... This is a Memoir😉)
👠 Both Angsty and Butterflies inducing emotions
👠 A Bossy Babe's reflections
👠 Funny, Witty and challenging
👠 😍🔥 Chemistry
👠 𝑯𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅/ 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒕 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒌 😈

💕𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 𝑸𝑼𝑶𝑻𝑬💕

𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒊𝒕…𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍?

𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾: 📝

Wow.... I feel like I was truly on an insane rollercoaster ride and after reading that last page, I'm a bit speechless because that's what happens after the rollercoaster has ended, right?😉

This is a non-fiction Memoir and I have to confess, that I've been waiting for a book like this for quite some time.
It brings you personal narrative but with a delectable dose of raw emotions and messiness, taking you on an extremely unpredictable ride that will keep you on your toes as you read each chapter because each chapter brings out drastic truths and brutal confessions that will provoke you to evaluate your very own relationships.

I've devoured this book even though it truly had me questioning so many things that happened, but then when it comes to love and the decisions we take - Brain and Logic rarely have any hand in making decisions.

The story is written in a straightforward way, with loads of sprinkles of good humour and sarcastic barbs that actually had me laughing and helped ease the intensity this book brings to you.

The storyline is written such that it keeps you hooked and compels you to keep turning the pages.
From the men in her life, that have played an important role in her past yet two characters stand out and they are Mr. J and Bossman and let me tell you after reading this one I CAN HAVE A MARATHON DEBATE SESSION WITH HOW BOTH ARE UNIQUE YET WHY ONE'S A BETTER CHOICE THAN THE OTHER.

The chemistry that comes off the pages between our author and her lead characters are off the charts fire and I was truly so immersed in the sincerity behind each confession and the passion that showed me why we make the mistakes in love that we do.
But there's no right or wrong when it comes to love and even though some things that are told might be labelled as "wrong", I'm glad that the author always did what she felt in her heart.

THE BEST PART.... THAT ENDING... I loved the ending because as a reader, I was truly apprehensive to find out how it all plays out and my romantic heart hopes for everyone to find their heart's desire and to end it the way our author did... It was freaking brilliant.

I'm so delighted and have to applaud our author for sharing this vulnerable yet brutally honest story that's raw, filled with so much angst and heartbreak yet has sweet lights of love that keep entering our lives in one form or another and I truly hope, Ms. James, you find that Passion and Love that your heart truly desires soon.
Absolutely loved loved this one❤️❤️🔥🔥

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I love you. No matter what you say or do, I'll never stop. I'll love you even when you don't love yourself," BUNNY says, and f*ck her, my lower lip begins to tremble, but I don't allow the tears to fall.

Is it weird to admit that I love the main character's, Z's, sidekicks more than those heroes in her love life? Well, whenever Monica James has something to deliver, she NAILS it, and this book is no exception. Apparently, love is a relatively abstract concept, the kind of feeling you can only experience without properly describing it in words, and it also happens under the least expected circumstances. Monica tries her best to put all those metaphors and pour her heart & soul in this fictionalized memoir based on true stories, or rather, her own life experiences. Love Hard is unlike anything I've read before, and for that, kudos to the originality and uniqueness.

I have no idea where I'm going, but that's what I love about New York. You never feel lost. There is always something unique and interesting to stumble on. No matter how many times I've walked these streets, I always find something new.

Not only does Monica beautifully weave the storylines featuring different (yet all indispensably important) men in her romantic life together, but provides the readers with vivid and dreamy picture of walking down the memory lane in New York City. Undeniably, NYC has some imperial impact on her life and most memories created there are precious ones, worthy of being worshipped again and again. Thus, I truly appreciate how Monica is brave enough to share her own personal stories that most people won't dare to face head-on, let alone tell them from a third person's POV, especially when painted in the mesmerizing skyline of Manhattan.

Love Hard is quite an enjoyable read for me and as always, Monica's writing is as heartfelt as it can be. The only reason this book doesn't get a solid five-star from me is because--as much as I don't want to say this--I can't fully resonate with the sorts of love Z's seeking. Each type of guys she's with feels pretty experimental to me, and perhaps I just haven't had my fair share of the feeling of love or being loved in such a raw and emotional way. All in all, even though I don't have such strong emotion towards Love Hard, this can be YOUR cup of tea. Please still give Monica's incredible writing a shot and I hope you'll end up enjoying this much more than I do.

***Massive thanks to Give Me Books Promotions and the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Hard by Monica James is a memoir that will relate and connect with every woman who reads it. A really fascinating and interesting story about one woman’s journey through the ups and downs of falling in love. Her experiences from first love, to the love of her life, marriage and divorce. It is a thought provoking and emotional memoir covering her highs and lows, her pain and heartbreak, happiness and sadness.

“This is what love is about - the imperfect moments that make life real.”

The blurb for this book caught my attention straight away and because I’ve meet the author a few times , I really wanted to know the woman behind the author. The moment I started the book I was captivated and couldn’t put it down. I needed to find out who HIM was because it shows how one person can have such an effect on another. I loved how raw and honest the story is, how open she is about her life and the things she wanted even if they weren’t what was best for her.

It is told brilliantly in both the past and the present. The past are her memoirs about the men in her life, based from her journals and written as articles for the magazine she currently works for.
The present is her love life now and how she is ruled by her love for HIM, who has been in and out of her life for years.

"Never rely on a man to make you happy because they come and go, but you have to live with yourself until the day you die. Never forget who you are.”

Bunny and Angel are her best friends and they both made me laugh. One is very open and loves to dissect Z’s exploits while the other worries and is the voice of reason. Neither can work out how she gets herself into the situations she does. Is Z just a hopeless romantic who always falls for the wrong men.

She is very self deprecating and tells it as it is. She even admits when she did something wrong and she knows a lot of what she does she shouldn’t have done. She proves that when you’re in love your heart doesn’t always follow what your mind says it should, especially when MR J is involved. Can she ever move on from HIM? Will he ever see her like she wants him to? How many times does he have to break her heart before she accepts it’s not going to have a HEA?

I adored BOSSMAN and the explosive chemistry they had together. Z certainly does love hard and I totally recommend this amazing look at love.

[Book Surfing Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴 𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙳 𝚊 𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚒𝚛 𝚋𝚢 ℳℴ𝓃𝒾𝒸𝒶 𝒥𝒶𝓂ℯ𝓈

𝙿𝙷𝙾𝚃𝙾𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙷𝙴𝚁: ℳ𝒾𝒸𝒽ℯ𝓁𝓁ℯ ℒ𝒶𝓃𝒸𝒶𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓇 | @𝓁𝒶𝓃ℯ𝒻ℴ𝓉ℴ𝑔𝓇𝒶𝒻

𝙲𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁 𝙼𝙾𝙳𝙴𝙻𝚂: ℳℴ𝓃𝒾𝒸𝒶 𝒥𝒶𝓂ℯ𝓈 | 𝒮𝓌𝒾𝓉𝓏ℯ𝓇𝓁𝒶𝓃𝒹 | @𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒽ℴ𝓇𝓂ℴ𝓃𝒾𝒸𝒶𝒿𝒶𝓂ℯ𝓈

‘Love messy.
Love long.
Love spontaneously.
Love without regret.
But most of all, love hard.’

👠Firstly, thank you Monica for giving us, the readers, a piece of you, a piece of your soul, and a piece of your heart because you, beautiful girl, are the diamond in a vast of coal. You are the queen of your own castle. And you are an extraordinary person, inside and out ,and you deserve all the love and happiness in the world. YOU deserve it!! Another thing let’s not ever forget this astounding person gives THE best and biggest hugs!!

💋As stated in the preface of this book it’s a memoir and is a work of creative nonfiction. While all persons and the situations the author writes about are inspired, in part, by real people and events, no names are used to protect the innocent…and the guilty.

👠Let’s not sugar coat the I inevitable. This is not a love story….at least that’s what we’re told by the author, but I believe it is a love story. Just one that may not come with the ending we want but it’s Z’s love story and her story isn’t over yet. Love Hard gives you an in depth look into the love life of the Z, and mainly focuses on her first love and everyone in between and how it all comes back to…him. I understand where she’s coming from when conflicted feeling comes into play. I for one love Mr. J but I also love BOSSMAN. We want to question Z’s choices but in reality it’s not our choice to make. That’s what makes this book so raw and real, and what makes Z well…Z.

💋This book is 100% worth reading, front to back. If you’re a fan of Monica’s or a new reader, take the plunge and dive into her newest release, Love💗Hard 𝓪 𝓶𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓲𝓻 .

[Georgia♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️♾️♾️★★★★★★★★

♡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨♡

Well... where the actual fk do I begin? I don't think any amount of words I type or try to think of can even come close to how this book touched me!

@authormonicajames AKA 'Z' shares the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to her love life. It's brutally honest and raw, and you can tell that by some things she's written, it's not out there to make herself seem perfect and that these guys are POS (even though she is perfect🤭, and the men have definitely done some questionable things).

It goes through her first crush, her first love, her rebound, her husband, and everything in-between. I really don't know how to say anything without spoiling it for anyone😅

There were times that I cried, there were times that I wanted to tell Z that she is so much better off on her own.... and then... It hit me... these are the things I want to go back in time and tell my younger self. I have never connected with anyone as much I felt connected to Z at the time of reading this, and I didn't know I needed any 'closure' until I read Love Hard.

For all of us who have been fkd over, broken-hearted, let down time and time again, left wondering wtf is wrong with us... this one is for you❤️

I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and I started reading a MJ book last year, and I was LOVING IT, but for some reason I put it down and just didn't go back to it... I think this is why, I think in some way, this was meant to be the first book I needed to read from Monica, and I have so much love and admiration for her😭❤️

I cannot wait for book 2 Love Harder to release🥹

♡𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙞 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙?♡
YES! 100000 x YES! Do I think this book will be for everyone? No, I don't. But I do hope (in some ways), you love and connect with it as much as I did🫶🏻

⚠️𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Sure About This One…

This was my first dive into Monica James's writing, and Love Hard certainly made for an intriguing introduction. Blending elements of memoir with a Sex and the City vibe, the concept intrigued me, but I found myself wavering on whether it truly hit the mark.

Right from the start in chapter one, readers meet Z and her group of FRIENDS, each character uniquely identified by being CAPITALIZED. While this stylistic choice may have been intended for emphasis or anonymity and maybe I’m a sensitive reader, but THIS threw me for a LOOP the ENTIRE book. I found it annoying and distracting, taking away from the lead character the author was trying to get me to like.

Speaking of the lead character, Z was one that had to grow on me. At times she was written as an over the top bad ass. Okay, we get it, you’re an “alpha” get over yourself already. Then there were other times when she was real and true and absolutely heartbroken. When she was real, she was relatable to me, the alpha crap was just that, crap.

Love Hard is undeniably different, and there were aspects that piqued my interest. Yet, the execution felt somewhat cluttered, with the inclusion of song titles as chapter headings, most I didn't know (I understand an author’s playlist, but leave it at the beginning of the book) and a reliance on CAPITALIZED character names. While I can appreciate the author's intention to create a unique reading experience, it ultimately hindered my immersion in the story.

Overall, Love Hard read more like a personal project than a cohesive narrative, and it didn't quite align with my reading preferences.

Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog

[Ria Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is the hardest emotion

"... every person we meet makes an impression on us in one way or another."

I've struggled for days on how to put my thoughts into words, for this book, LOVE HARD: A Memoir, hit heavy and hard. It is the fictionalised telling of a woman's journey and battle with love. "Z's" journey for true love brought joy, heartache, and toxicity, it was honest, brutal, and painfully raw. Z's story is a timeline of the men who have entered her life and the impact they had, some good and some not so good.

Two men had a profound impact on Z's life, Mr. J and BOSSMAN. Mr. J was Z's first love, and continually flits in and out of her life bringing havoc to her heart, but isn't that what a first love does? There was definitely something between Z and BOSSMAN, but sometimes love doesn't show itself when it should. Even though both men had their negatives and positives, they were what Z needed to experience on her journey. They were vital in Z learning to love herself, something that she didn't seem to know how to do.

Then we're introduced to BUNNY, Z's best friend. I'm telling you every girl needs a bestie like BUNNY!!! That girl does not know how to hold back on her thoughts.

LOVE HARD was a different style of read that I'm used to from Monica. Yes, it's emotional, yes, some parts were hard to read, but that's what love is emotional and hard. While not really my type of read, I didn't not like it, and having the choice at the end was a bit confusing, but then again Z's love life is ongoing.

An intriguing read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FOUR STARS

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique take on romance because it lives in an altered reality. It's partly true while also being embellished in a parallel world. I was hooked though, and like all the other readers in the book, needed to know more. Finding out what happens in the next chapter kept me enthralled with the story. It was real and it was honest. Love Hard was full of raw passion and evoked a deep emotional response for me.

I liked the story within a story feel. The past mixing in with the present. Getting to know Z and her lovers while also getting real time with Bossman. Bossman is who I really felt bad for and my heart went out to him. I think he got shafted as I don't even understand why there was so much animosity between him and Z.

This book just proves that you can't predict life. You have to be willing to take chances and take each day as it comes. The good, the bad, and the ugly all bleed together to paint a picture of your life. I can't judge Z because I have also made stupid decisions about a boy but sometimes you need to know when to pick yourself first and foremost.

If I had any critique it would be that it got a little repetitive and I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, I like things to be a little more resolved. That's on me though because this isn't my usual type of romance being that it's a fictionalized memoir. Overall I thought it was poignant and relatable. It was interesting and kept me reading till the end. If you're looking for something different than definitely check this one out!

[Misty (Reds Romance & Mystery Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone of us has experienced some part of Z's life at some point, thinking we found the one only to have them turn out to be anything but. We've poured our hearts into a relationship hoping it's finally our chance at forever, only to learn we are the only ones doing the work to make that forever last. Met the person who became a rebound we didn't know we needed, or met a dud that had so many annoying traits that it made us realize what we do want in a partner and decide we're not settling for less, or the dud. It's a love story everyone can connect to in one way or another.

This story follows Z through her life of first love, dating multiple wrongs, and finally finding the one only to realize he might not be the only one. It's a story with many emotional ups and downs, moments to laugh about or resonate with, and of course moments that'll make you swoon or remember why your partner is your one. It's an honest and eye opening journey, one that will have you entranced the whole way through, dying to know how it all ends. It's a story that you will read and never know just how much you needed to read it. It's love at it's best and worst... and all the things in between. A story everyone should take a chance on, who knows it might just wind up being the best story you read all year! Highly recommend.

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Ashley]

“He never made promises. I was the one who accepted what he gave me because I thought I loved him. This was my first glimpse into love, and it fucking sucked, but I couldn’t walk away. I was trapped, trapped by my own hand when I could have walked away at any time.
But when in his arms, late at night, I would forget all of that because I was an addict, and MR. J was my heroin.”

Going into Love Hard, I honestly had no clue what to expect. This book is a “memoir” – a creative nonfiction… but, what does that even mean? Love Hard isn’t about Monica’s life, but it’s about the loves of her life; however, the characters in this book are loosely inspired by those in real life.

I’ve been a fan of Monica since March of 2021 when I first read Thy Kingdom Come, but I struggled big time with Love Hard. I’ll be honest, I feel super awkward even doing a review for this book because how do you rate and comment about someone else’s life?

The writing in Love Hard is very unique – the majority of the characters just go by letters that are capitalized. And that can get quite confusing after a while. It has the vibe of a first rough draft when you have an idea of what the characters names will be, but you’re not quite settled.

If you’re looking for a love story, you’re not going to find it in Love Hard. Sure, there’s “love”, but it’s definitely not what you’re thinking it is.

Do you see that cover, though?! Monica is absolutely stunning on it!

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unlike anything I have read before from the author and even in general. As I began I was initially confused about the characters names, like our main character Z and then she has names for everyone else like Mr.J, BO, Bossman and Bunny.

The book follows Z as she writes a memoir based on her past experiences with love and everyone she has been involved with and how that has affected her heart and how she is now. I think her experiences will touch every female reader and have something in there that reminds them of themselves.

The book is messy, chaotic, beautiful, passionate and so much more. It’s about finding yourself attracted to what may not be good for you or be healthy yet you struggle with staying away from it, even though you know it’s your downfall.

The book makes you feel as though you are not alone ad the mistakes we have all made in the world still hold a place I your life when you can’t take them back and need to use it as a moment to grow. Maybe that moment changes you for the better and sometimes it is your downfall.

The ending was surprising and part of me wanted to scream at the top of my lungs but at the same time I understood it as it almost showed how nobody’s story can be defined or make everyone happy.

This book definitely hit deep and will stay with me for awhile.- By Rebecca

[Kindle Crack Book Reviews Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Hard: A Memoir by Monica James is the first book in Monica’s duet. This book is a love letter to anyone that dated a jackass or five. Z, the main character, dated her share, and this is her story. Z’s love life revolved around her writing and a few men - Mr. J, Bossman, S, Bo, and R. Every woman can relate to Z because we have all dated a few “winners.”
Z takes us on a raw, very real, and heartbreaking journey through her love life. Z is perfectly imperfect and maddening at times. I wanted to hug her and shake her at the same time. There were times my heart broke for Z. She learns that she is the most important person in her life, that she needs to love herself more than these men, and that this is her journey.

“This is so fxxxing personal, but it’s a memoir, so for it to be authentic, I had to pull back the layers, and like an onion, all it’s done is make me cry.”

Monica’s heartfelt and turbulent storytelling will make you feel. She also had me giggling about her foot kink and her Times Square fortune teller. If you read and loved 44 Chapters About Four Men by BB Easton, you will devour Love Hard. I have to say I loved both books!

The next book, Love Harder, will be released in September and will focus on new and old loves. Z loves her friends, and she know's I adore her ;)

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Sassy Southern Book Blog

This book is unlike anything I have read before from the author and even in general. As I began I was initially confused about the characters names, like our main character Z and then she has names for everyone else like Mr.J, BO, Bossman and Bunny.

The book follows Z as she writes a memoir based on her past experiences with love and everyone she has been involved with and how that has affected her heart and how she is now. I think her experiences will touch every female reader and have something in there that reminds them of themselves.

The book is messy, chaotic, beautiful, passionate and so much more. It’s about finding yourself attracted to what may not be good for you or be healthy yet you struggle with staying away from it, even though you know it’s your downfall.

The book makes you feel as though you are not alone ad the mistakes we have all made in the world still hold a place I your life when you can’t take them back and need to use it as a moment to grow. Maybe that moment changes you for the better and sometimes it is your downfall.

The ending was surprising and part of me wanted to scream at the top of my lungs but at the same time I understood it as it almost showed how nobody’s story can be defined or make everyone happy.

This book definitely hit deep and will stay with me for awhile.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

If love is an addiction your first love is the first hit…

The lead character Z who vaguely reminded me of Carrie Bradshaw – I can’t call her the heroine because for me that means there must be a hero in the story but that’s not the case in Love Hard: A Memoir. Z is a columnist, but her recent divorce has left her with a severe case of writer’s block so instead of matters of the heart, she’s writing about cats, something her boss aka Bossman isn’t happy about. Well considering his magazine is called Love Me Love You Not you can’t really blame him, so he basically gives his star writer an ultimatum – write what sells or find another job and so begins the publication of her memoirs.

This book is one that you’ll either love or hate but right now I’m on the fence. It so wasn’t what I was expecting, and I initially thought that Z was a bit of a drama queen but then I pitied her as she held onto her feelings for her supposed one true love and soulmate Mr J which was probably the reason all her subsequent relationships failed. None of them could measure up to Mr J but she kept looking. I did think she was going to end up with one of the male characters here but no such luck and I’m a bit disappointed she didn’t as I felt they were well matched. Ultimately, Love Hard started with cats and I can’t help but think that Z would end up alone and a crazy old cat lady.

[One Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never read a book or genre like this before "Creative Non-Fiction". Everyone can relate to Z on heart break to all your sweet 1st loves. Love is complex it give you high that you never felt before and when it comes to end. You feel lost on a whole different level.

Z is a talented right and Bossman just want to encourage to write about love because, her best friend send him snips of her journal about her past love. He knew that needs to shared and help those who are just lost about love like he is. (I am team Bossman 😍 its the alpha energy) And he sees it as a good therapy session for Z to move past her past pains on love...no spoilers

“This will be your best work yet. I just know it will be. Think of this as therapy.”
“Gin is a lot cheaper.”
“Two days.”

I love the banter that Bossman and Z have it will make you laugh and shout at the page "JUST KISS ALREADY". You can feel the chemistry off the pages both alphas and who will win?

Get ready for a whole different way of story telling and some comfort that you are not the only one in the world that feels that way. Just like Z we are all clueless about love. And it's okay

I love the postface at the end of the book by the wonderful Momica and I just love this word "abso-fucking-lutely"

☆MUST READ☆

[Felicity 'Flick' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica James, truly knows how to get to your emotions, your feelings. I absolutely enjoyed this book, so many highs and lows. I cried with Z and I got angry with Z. Men are annoying and don’t share their emotions very well 🤦🏼‍♀️
Thank you for speaking to me, as I am one of those girls.

I’ve been that girl, I am still that girl. That one guy you seem to not be able to let go or move on from. Yep I’m that girl!! Everything that Monica wrote in this book, touched my emotions and feelings, woke me up from the dreams I have of a happiness that may never happen. But when I got to the end of the book, I can honestly say, I can’t let go of the guy I have!! Before anyone who knows me says anything, No it’s not my ex. It’s a guy I’ve known for years - that you don’t know about 😊

Monica you truly are an amazing writer and I absolutely adore you, for writing it all out there. I don’t know if this actually happened or if this was a story you thought of. But with it being a memoir who knows. But I can honestly say, you will touch many people’s emotions and get them thinking.

So after reading this…. Who is the heart breaker?? Who broke the heart?? Who mended the heart??

Inside everyone there is a little of everything inside of us, we are our own heartbreakers and heart menders.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Hard: A Memoir by Monica James is a raw and honest account of the author's journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. James writes with a raw vulnerability that draws the reader in and makes them feel every emotion alongside her.

The memoir follows James as she navigates a tumultuous relationship, dealing with the aftermath of betrayal and heartbreak. Her writing is both poetic and relatable, capturing the universal experiences of love and pain.

While the subject matter is heavy at times, James injects humor and wit throughout, providing moments of levity and relatability. Her voice is strong and authentic, never shying away from the messy realities of life.

Where the memoir truly shines is in James' ability to find growth and resilience in the face of adversity. Her journey of self-love and acceptance is inspiring and empowering, reminding readers that they too can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.

Overall, Love Hard is a powerful and moving memoir that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and lost. Monica James proves herself to be a talented writer with a bright future ahead of her. This memoir is a must-read for fans of honest, raw storytelling.