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Falling Hard #1
A Hard Sell
Falling in love with your boss shouldn’t be this easy…and this hard.
Luka Moreno—a cute, vivacious advertising exec—is absolutely crushing it at work. He’s flying up the ladder and nothing can stop him now… except for the terrible decision he made while dating a coworker. So terrible, this ex is now blackmailing him, putting Luka’s job in danger. When Thomas Badgley, an impossibly gorgeous and gruff VP, is temporarily transferred to his office, Luka vows to stay far, far away. Falling in love with his boss would only make the whole mess ten times worse. But the universe keeps throwing them together, in one adorable situation after another—accidental couples costume, fake dating, roommates, and, would you believe, more fake dating. As their friendship grows, Thomas comes to believe in Luka in ways he never believed in himself, and his feelings are becoming harder and harder to ignore. How can Luke continue saying no, when his heart so desperately wants to say yes?
Luka Moreno—a cute, vivacious advertising exec—is absolutely crushing it at work. He’s flying up the ladder and nothing can stop him now… except for the terrible decision he made while dating a coworker. So terrible, this ex is now blackmailing him, putting Luka’s job in danger. When Thomas Badgley, an impossibly gorgeous and gruff VP, is temporarily transferred to his office, Luka vows to stay far, far away. Falling in love with his boss would only make the whole mess ten times worse. But the universe keeps throwing them together, in one adorable situation after another—accidental couples costume, fake dating, roommates, and, would you believe, more fake dating. As their friendship grows, Thomas comes to believe in Luka in ways he never believed in himself, and his feelings are becoming harder and harder to ignore. How can Luke continue saying no, when his heart so desperately wants to say yes?
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2024
6 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Moffatt
9 books99 followersJennifer writes warm and fuzzy stories about LGBTQ+ people falling in love and wishes there were more of those stories on bookshelves. Her short fiction appears in several anthologies and literary magazines. Her debut novel A HARD SELL, book #1 in the Falling Hard trilogy, came out March 26, 2024 from Entwined Publishing and book #2, A HARD FIT, followed November 19, 2024. In March 2024, she announced a three book deal with St. Martin's Griffin. The first book, FLIRTY DANCING, a gay romcom inspired by Dirty Dancing, released May 27, 2025. Book #3 in the Falling Hard trilogy, A HARD NOTE, arrived July 29, 2025. Her next book with St. Martin's is a sapphic rivals-to-lovers romcom called BUMP, SET, SPARKS and is expected June 16, 2026. She is represented by Jordy Albert of the Booker Albert Literary Agency and lives in BC, Canada with her family. Her favourite things, besides reading and writing, are movies, summer, and potato chips.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 26, 2024
Thanks to Jennifer Moffatt for a copy to review! A Hard Sell is out tomorrow, March 26th, and quite frankly, this book was the opposite of a hard sell to my sensibilities. A mostly lighthearted contemporary MLM workplace romance with minimal conflict, I found this a read that was at turns fluffy and hilarious and thoroughly enjoyable.
The dialogue was excellent, and the little details and quirks were well done. There were so many simply memorable, perfect scenes for this kind of romance, a bit of a slow burn but peppered with so much casual, companionable time spent together. The Halloween party was one of my favorites, and then there was a hilarious Christmas shopping trip that read like a scene from a very sardonic Hallmark holiday movie. This story was like a warm hug during a stressful week for me personally.
The main pair were completely charming, with lots of chemistry and just enough opposite traits to fit together nicely. Luka is like relatably chaotic, a character very hard on himself but also super likable and with plenty of friends in the office and a boisterous family. Thomas is a quiet mountain of a man, super calm and a pillar of emotional support; he has no family and has to often be pulled out of his shell by Luka. They're so great together , and nicely complemented by a stellar cast of supporting characters, like Finn the bubbly bisexual, his nonbinary love Rory, and good-hearted best friend Tawney. You just want to root for all these nice people to be happy.
It was great to see some tropes changed just enough to present a refreshing story. Thomas fits the big tall quiet giant archetype, but in a MLM context this time, and with Luka almost as tall. The forced proximity by way of a work project is always fun for me, because as opposed to scenarios like being snowed-in, the pair have to keep it professional but also manage crises together, growing the partnership and romance carefully.
I really have no notes, this story charmed the heck out of me. If you'd like a sweet and humorous queer romance to get you through a rough patch, this one is it.
The dialogue was excellent, and the little details and quirks were well done. There were so many simply memorable, perfect scenes for this kind of romance, a bit of a slow burn but peppered with so much casual, companionable time spent together. The Halloween party was one of my favorites, and then there was a hilarious Christmas shopping trip that read like a scene from a very sardonic Hallmark holiday movie. This story was like a warm hug during a stressful week for me personally.
The main pair were completely charming, with lots of chemistry and just enough opposite traits to fit together nicely. Luka is like relatably chaotic, a character very hard on himself but also super likable and with plenty of friends in the office and a boisterous family. Thomas is a quiet mountain of a man, super calm and a pillar of emotional support; he has no family and has to often be pulled out of his shell by Luka. They're so great together , and nicely complemented by a stellar cast of supporting characters, like Finn the bubbly bisexual, his nonbinary love Rory, and good-hearted best friend Tawney. You just want to root for all these nice people to be happy.
It was great to see some tropes changed just enough to present a refreshing story. Thomas fits the big tall quiet giant archetype, but in a MLM context this time, and with Luka almost as tall. The forced proximity by way of a work project is always fun for me, because as opposed to scenarios like being snowed-in, the pair have to keep it professional but also manage crises together, growing the partnership and romance carefully.
I really have no notes, this story charmed the heck out of me. If you'd like a sweet and humorous queer romance to get you through a rough patch, this one is it.
November 8, 2024
This has been a wonderful, thoroughly enjoyable, and quite well-written read.
This story was everything you want from a queer rom-com, it's been very cosy, swoony, and funny, quite romantic, slightly spicy, and absolutely adorable.
I breezed through it, hardly could tear myself away from it to get stuff done.
Absolutely recommend reading this if you love cosy rom-coms, esp. those of a queer/gay variety (but that's not a prerequisite, I think, as long as you can tolerate that aspect).
Now, onto the second book in the series...
This story was everything you want from a queer rom-com, it's been very cosy, swoony, and funny, quite romantic, slightly spicy, and absolutely adorable.
I breezed through it, hardly could tear myself away from it to get stuff done.
Absolutely recommend reading this if you love cosy rom-coms, esp. those of a queer/gay variety (but that's not a prerequisite, I think, as long as you can tolerate that aspect).
Now, onto the second book in the series...
November 9, 2025
What a lovely and fun rom-com that just happens to be set with LGBTQ/queer characters. It makes absolutely no difference to the enjoyability of this book. It's light. It's fun. The author has done a wonderful job in the character development and the story kept me turning the page. Brava.
August 11, 2024
so flipping cute
*cue the gif of the lady in pink kicking and screaming with joy*
I was screaming, crying, and throwing up over how gosh darn adorable this book was. I can’t wait for more..
JENNIFER, WRITE MORE PLS
*cue the gif of the lady in pink kicking and screaming with joy*
I was screaming, crying, and throwing up over how gosh darn adorable this book was. I can’t wait for more..
JENNIFER, WRITE MORE PLS
February 28, 2024
This book makes my heart sing. I instantly fell in love with Luka and friends. I spent so much time grinning, shed some tears too (happy ones). I cannot wait to see what is next in the Falling Hard universe.
It's the book I'm recommending to everyone this year!
Seriously, if you are considering it, pick it up! You will not be disappointed.
It's the book I'm recommending to everyone this year!
Seriously, if you are considering it, pick it up! You will not be disappointed.
February 28, 2024
This was out of my normal genre, but it had me rethinking my reading choices because this was the sweetest, funniest little romance ever. Luka is so relatable and lovable and watching him fall for swoonworthy Thomas just had me all 🥰🥰🥰.
You will love this!
You will love this!
March 26, 2024
Disclosure: I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I am also a beta reader for the author.
Longing. It's such a tease.
Glimpses and glances, thoughts of tender moments, dreams of one's desires.
Will they? Won't they? Oh come on, why don't they? and, most importantly - WHEN?
It's that long, slow burn between two people, perfect for each other, thrown together by necessity, finding friendship, each knowing from the start there could be more - if only...
Jennifer Moffatt's first book "A Hard Sell" introduces us to Luka, an advertising content creator with a hidden talent for music and a thing for men in suits. Most particularly, he falls quickly and hard for Thomas, the hunky VP who joins Luka's team designing a lucrative campaign for a winery.
Luka's past experiences with music and men have left him scarred and scared, unsure of how to progress in his burgeoning friendship with Thomas. The chemistry is there, oh yes, it is THERE, but - getting serious with a co-worker is a bad idea.
It IS a bad idea - right? Luka isn't sure, and neither are his friends at work.
As their time together moves on through holidays and special occasions, Luka and Thomas find themselves drawn to each other, yet hesitant to take the next step. How can they commit when they know their time will soon end?
"A Hard Sell" is a contemporary workplace romance that hits all the beats, delivering characters you will come to think of as friends. The story is rich with humor, desire and longing, a tale told with a light touch, witty dialogue and moments that pull on your emotions.
Let yourself long for something again - pick up a copy of "A Hard Sell" and give in to the tease.
Longing. It's such a tease.
Glimpses and glances, thoughts of tender moments, dreams of one's desires.
Will they? Won't they? Oh come on, why don't they? and, most importantly - WHEN?
It's that long, slow burn between two people, perfect for each other, thrown together by necessity, finding friendship, each knowing from the start there could be more - if only...
Jennifer Moffatt's first book "A Hard Sell" introduces us to Luka, an advertising content creator with a hidden talent for music and a thing for men in suits. Most particularly, he falls quickly and hard for Thomas, the hunky VP who joins Luka's team designing a lucrative campaign for a winery.
Luka's past experiences with music and men have left him scarred and scared, unsure of how to progress in his burgeoning friendship with Thomas. The chemistry is there, oh yes, it is THERE, but - getting serious with a co-worker is a bad idea.
It IS a bad idea - right? Luka isn't sure, and neither are his friends at work.
As their time together moves on through holidays and special occasions, Luka and Thomas find themselves drawn to each other, yet hesitant to take the next step. How can they commit when they know their time will soon end?
"A Hard Sell" is a contemporary workplace romance that hits all the beats, delivering characters you will come to think of as friends. The story is rich with humor, desire and longing, a tale told with a light touch, witty dialogue and moments that pull on your emotions.
Let yourself long for something again - pick up a copy of "A Hard Sell" and give in to the tease.
March 12, 2024
I loved this story, Jennifer is an extremely talented writer and this was such a beautiful story. If you are a romance fans and love a good slow burn, this if for you!
So full or little twists and turns, sweet and full of heart, and so many moments for them to get together, but was it really a good idea, they really weren’t sure.
I wanted to get to the end because I just needed to know what happened, I won’t lie, I binged this book in two days!
The characters had me captured, I couldn’t put it down, and I may just be friend crushing on them both!
I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So full or little twists and turns, sweet and full of heart, and so many moments for them to get together, but was it really a good idea, they really weren’t sure.
I wanted to get to the end because I just needed to know what happened, I won’t lie, I binged this book in two days!
The characters had me captured, I couldn’t put it down, and I may just be friend crushing on them both!
I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2024
3.5 stars
A HARD SELL by Jennifer Moffatt was so sweet. It had all the tropes I love: fake dating, co-workers, close proximity, friends-to-lovers (though I'm hesitant to say that because they didn't know each other before the beginning of the story). Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down because I just had to know how their love story resolved itself.
A HARD SELL by Jennifer Moffatt was so sweet. It had all the tropes I love: fake dating, co-workers, close proximity, friends-to-lovers (though I'm hesitant to say that because they didn't know each other before the beginning of the story). Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down because I just had to know how their love story resolved itself.
May 5, 2024
give me the second book and more of them or I'll literally die
November 18, 2024
If you want to be left speechless. Read this book. If you like having your heart in your throat when it's 85% and he's STILL leaving. Read this book. Wow. Just wow.
Jennifer Moffat is a new to me author. While I prefer paranormal and alt universe, I still enjoy a good contemporary, office story. And this was a really, really good one.
Luka is such a ball of sunshine, it's impossible to not fall in love with him. From page one. He's good at his job, one he loves. Has great friends. A good boss. Thomas is gruff and gorgeous. A company fixer, he never stays in the same place for long, and his offputting attitude is mostly to protect his heart. The color clashing man with bedhead, an off buttoned shirt with a coffee stain and leftover toothpaste in the corner of his lip, worms his way under Thomas' armor.
There's an equal balance of humor and angst. The book is slow, low burn. Except for Luka's dreams. They certainly are NOT PG rated. The chemistry and the smolder builds throughout the book. Sizzling chemistry. Interesting worldbuilding. The office is supportive, not cut throat. Finn is pure comic relief and Rory and Tawney are supportive allies.
Really enjoyable, a very quick read. Good, swoony fun. I look forward to more Jennifer Moffat.
Jennifer Moffat is a new to me author. While I prefer paranormal and alt universe, I still enjoy a good contemporary, office story. And this was a really, really good one.
Luka is such a ball of sunshine, it's impossible to not fall in love with him. From page one. He's good at his job, one he loves. Has great friends. A good boss. Thomas is gruff and gorgeous. A company fixer, he never stays in the same place for long, and his offputting attitude is mostly to protect his heart. The color clashing man with bedhead, an off buttoned shirt with a coffee stain and leftover toothpaste in the corner of his lip, worms his way under Thomas' armor.
There's an equal balance of humor and angst. The book is slow, low burn. Except for Luka's dreams. They certainly are NOT PG rated. The chemistry and the smolder builds throughout the book. Sizzling chemistry. Interesting worldbuilding. The office is supportive, not cut throat. Finn is pure comic relief and Rory and Tawney are supportive allies.
Really enjoyable, a very quick read. Good, swoony fun. I look forward to more Jennifer Moffat.
March 24, 2024
Jennifer Moffatt self-describes her work as "warm and fuzzy stories about LGBTQ+ people falling in love", and this is definitely that! What she doesn't mention is how funny and cute and awkward and endearing her stories/characters are too. Nearly every character in Jennifer's debut novel, A Hard Sell, could have their own spin-off story simply by being fully realized, quirky, and unique. The dynamics between them play wonderfully, too, and give this workplace rom-com a light and grounded feel. One of my favorite things is the Main Character's italicized inner commentary that's often a stand-in for the reader's thoughts...usually something self-deprecating or chiding when he's done or said something cringe-worthy. It's like if The Office were way more gay...in the best way! Sure they're "working" and pitching their ideas and working on reports...but the interpersonal dynamics between very fun characters who are mostly organically heating up, is quite a pleasant read.
May 10, 2024
Characters are key in pretty much any fiction genre, but it’s certainly true with rom-coms. Without a likeable main character, it’s hard to get into the story. But if the main character is someone the reader cares about, we become invested in their lives.
A Hard Sell gives us exactly that in Luka. He’s a genuine, good-hearted soul who has been hurt before. From the first time we meet him, we want him to be happy. And Thomas, the love interest, is just the sort of guy we want Luka to find. Author Jennifer Moffatt describes her writing as “warm and fuzzy” - and that’s exactly how Luka’s relationship with Thomas develops. It’s a romance built on respect, understanding, and love.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a good rom-com if the main characters didn’t experience a few stumbling blocks on their way to happily ever after. It’s a fun, often funny, ride - and a journey I enjoyed taking!
A Hard Sell gives us exactly that in Luka. He’s a genuine, good-hearted soul who has been hurt before. From the first time we meet him, we want him to be happy. And Thomas, the love interest, is just the sort of guy we want Luka to find. Author Jennifer Moffatt describes her writing as “warm and fuzzy” - and that’s exactly how Luka’s relationship with Thomas develops. It’s a romance built on respect, understanding, and love.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a good rom-com if the main characters didn’t experience a few stumbling blocks on their way to happily ever after. It’s a fun, often funny, ride - and a journey I enjoyed taking!
February 29, 2024
I received an arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was such a warm, funny, sexy, charming book with a lot of heart.
The characters are layered and human and flawed. Luka is outgoing and confident, but he has his anxieties and traumas as well that he tries to hide with jokes and banter. Thomas is a hyper confident professional but he hasn’t been giving the human part of him the space it needs to rest and belong. Also, he loves puns.
These characters may be more gorgeous than most, but they are also just dorks who are trying their best…just like the rest of us.
You’ll laugh and sigh and be glad you read it. It’s a great ride and a sheer delight!
This was such a warm, funny, sexy, charming book with a lot of heart.
The characters are layered and human and flawed. Luka is outgoing and confident, but he has his anxieties and traumas as well that he tries to hide with jokes and banter. Thomas is a hyper confident professional but he hasn’t been giving the human part of him the space it needs to rest and belong. Also, he loves puns.
These characters may be more gorgeous than most, but they are also just dorks who are trying their best…just like the rest of us.
You’ll laugh and sigh and be glad you read it. It’s a great ride and a sheer delight!
March 10, 2024
Do you typically read sweet, fun, romantic comedy novels? Yes? You’ll love A Hard Sell; read this book!
No? IT DOESN’T MATTER, read this book!
I loved every page. A book you don’t want to end because it fills your heart the entire time, but you DO want to get to the end because you have to know how, when, whether love prevails!
Great pace, the tension mounted the entire time. I swooned! I also laughed a lot and there were a ton of pop-culture references which were cleverly placed. Having familiarity with these brought so much joy. Looking forward to future works by the author!
No? IT DOESN’T MATTER, read this book!
I loved every page. A book you don’t want to end because it fills your heart the entire time, but you DO want to get to the end because you have to know how, when, whether love prevails!
Great pace, the tension mounted the entire time. I swooned! I also laughed a lot and there were a ton of pop-culture references which were cleverly placed. Having familiarity with these brought so much joy. Looking forward to future works by the author!
May 3, 2024
A feel good gay romance!
I truly enjoyed this book! It was a very fun read. I instantly fell in love with the characters and would cheer them on throughout the whole book. I would experience their emotional ups and downs with them. The romance is a bit spicy, but not too erotic. It is more than kissing, but only goes far enough to let your imagination take off and imagine the rest. I always appreciate positive lgbtq+ books and this one is a good one. The epilogue left me happy and content. I highly recommend it!
I truly enjoyed this book! It was a very fun read. I instantly fell in love with the characters and would cheer them on throughout the whole book. I would experience their emotional ups and downs with them. The romance is a bit spicy, but not too erotic. It is more than kissing, but only goes far enough to let your imagination take off and imagine the rest. I always appreciate positive lgbtq+ books and this one is a good one. The epilogue left me happy and content. I highly recommend it!
June 27, 2025
This is my second novel by JM Monday and, man, doe she write a cinematic story. This book was like reading every rom com I have loved with two swoony main characters taking the lead. I loved the tension between the main characters and the real feelings they had to contend with and in the end overcome to find love. Morgan was the perfect foil I appreciated the beginning of the redemption arc while still allowing them to have space to feel hurt on both sides of the story. Overall, I think this should be a movie and I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2024
Disclosure: I received an ARC copy of this for an honest review.
I absolutely adore the characters Jenn creates here. They are honest and sweet and warm. And this is the sweetest, slowest burn. I found myself yelling NOW KISS at the characters more times than I can count, and the payoff was wonderful.
Read this. It's warm and cozy and delightful. Jenn's tone and cadence is beautiful and heart-warming and clever.
And never order a Bloody Mary. That thing has like... ten ingredients!
I absolutely adore the characters Jenn creates here. They are honest and sweet and warm. And this is the sweetest, slowest burn. I found myself yelling NOW KISS at the characters more times than I can count, and the payoff was wonderful.
Read this. It's warm and cozy and delightful. Jenn's tone and cadence is beautiful and heart-warming and clever.
And never order a Bloody Mary. That thing has like... ten ingredients!
October 25, 2024
Jennifer's writing style is fluid and easy to follow, which wasn't enough to sell me on this book, and I ended up not finishing it (DNF). The protagonist’s overwhelming thirst in the love interest felt imbalanced, especially since the latter didn’t seem to reciprocate that affection for several pages, which made it hard for me to invest in their relationship.
While the story didn’t resonate with me, I can see its appeal for readers who enjoy romantic pursuits.
While the story didn’t resonate with me, I can see its appeal for readers who enjoy romantic pursuits.
March 26, 2024
I normally don’t read much contemporary romance books, but I was intrigued with this story! It has such extraordinary characters that made you feel empathetic towards them. Jay, is a phenomenal writer and love her work. She doesn’t disappoint with her story. I loved everything about her book. I highly recommend reading this!
April 4, 2024
This book has “rookie writer” traces stamped all over it. The pacing is all wrong and the writing needs tweaking to make the narrative cohesive enough to fit a book and not another medium of storytelling. I wanted to know more about these characters but unfortunately not enough to stick through the writing. To the dropped pile, we go.
May 16, 2024
This book is well outside the genre I generally read (thrillers, crime drama), and I’m so happy I read it! I smiled, laughed out loud and sobbed (happily). Great characters with cool jobs in a fun and current office setting kept me engaged and entertained! What a fun read, I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
November 18, 2024
Luka has the hots for his new boss Thomas and makes a fool of himself over and over. Thomas likes him back but doesn't do commitments and moves on. In a really slow burn book, the two fight their feelings and everyone knows they fit together even if they don't know it. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.
April 8, 2024
I loved the book. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and found self cheering for them. My favourite part was Luka's inside voice, it was exactly all those things you want to say. This is a feel good book that will have smiling and laughing out loud.
May 3, 2024
A book I truly couldn’t put down!
The steamy, suspenseful, slow burn romance had me delaying bed time every night! Easy to read, characters are super likeable!
I’d highly recommend this quick read when you want to get lost in a light romance!
The steamy, suspenseful, slow burn romance had me delaying bed time every night! Easy to read, characters are super likeable!
I’d highly recommend this quick read when you want to get lost in a light romance!
August 20, 2025
Lovely rom-com with convincing, awkward, humane characters. There are some absolute cornball moments that had me grinning from ear to ear. This is a cheesy, cozy, well-paced read.
And bless that HR department.
And bless that HR department.
March 18, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely read more from this author in the future. I loved how easy and fun the story unfolded and loved both the MC and LI.
May 2, 2024
DNF @ 11%.
I’m not enjoying the MC, I’m not enjoying the flashbacks. And overall it’s just been going very meh for me.
I’m not enjoying the MC, I’m not enjoying the flashbacks. And overall it’s just been going very meh for me.
September 11, 2024
What a wonderful book! I loved Luka and Thomas! They were delightful, well-developed, believable, and I 100% was rooting for them. I will definitely be pre-ordering Jennifer Moffat’s next book.
September 30, 2024
I couldn’t put it down (literally finished it in one sitting). It was such a great story — the perfect rom com. I am so excited I found this author, and I can’t wait to read the rest of her work!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews