The Hard Stuff

by Ana Hartnett

Hannah works for one of the biggest liquor brands in the Northwest and is eager to prove herself and get the promotion she has been owed for so long. There’s just one annoyingly gorgeous obstacle in her way—the beloved local distiller, Alexandra Lang.

Alexandra isn’t afraid of a little competition. Okay, a lot of competition. Everyone knows her distillery is an homage to her late father, and she has the unwavering support of the whole community and tight-knit bar scene. Hannah’s charming sales pitch, endless legs, and big city influence don’t stand a chance. Right?

Ambition and passion go head-to-head as they duel for bar placements, local awards, and overall support for their products. But as sparks of friction and attraction fly, Hannah begins to suspect there might be more to small town life, and to Alexandra, than she thought.

Looks like the liquor will be the least of the hard stuff.

Genres: Romance

Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2025

Reviews

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a bit conflicted about this one. As usual, Hartnett's writing is smooth, and the chemistry is sizzling from the first scene. I liked every interaction between Alex and Hannah, my favorite being the third one on the bench. Hannah becoming more vulnerable and turning from a "goals robot" to a human with Alex's help was really enjoyable. We can also sense Hartnett's passion in the details (maybe too many) on how to make bourbon and whiskey, making it immersive. However, some details prevented me from being 100% invested. The relationship's start was a bit slow for my taste. By the 35% mark, Hannah spent more time with Beth than Alex, and the short duration of their interactions made me question the intensity of their feelings.At that point, no real deep talk connected them, their passion about bourbon aside. I was a bit frustrated. To me, Hartnett also didn't take enough time developing how that small town impacted Hanna's well-being, making her want to throw her whole life away. The book is quite short, so everything happened too fast for my taste. Finally, Beth's character was just too despicable for me; her relationship with Alex was toeing the line of toxic friendship, and her getting a happy ending felt unearned. In the end, Alex was the only one I truly liked.
To summarize, I love Hartnett's writing; there is a good balance between drama and chemistry, but this book just didn't work for me like the previous ones.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story about Hannah an assistant regional manager for a Bourbon manufacturer. She goes to a small town in Washington state to make sales calls on restaurants and bars. She meets Alex in a bar on her first night in town. Alex is a small batch local bourbon distiller. Her bourbon has won many awards and is a top notch product. Hannah and Alex have an instant connection, and both find themselves wanting to know each other more. Hannah is all about her goal to become CEO of her company and wants no emotional entanglements, she's only interested in one night stands. Alex is just the opposite, she's overworked with her small business but content in her life and definitely not into any short term relationship.

Alex's best friend Beth is a super needy woman who is dying for a long term relationship, but every woman she sleeps with blows her off after one date. She is constantly asking Alex to help her out emotionally and has no regard for Alex's time or emotions.

This is my first book by Ana Hartnett, I liked the writing style and the storytelling. It was a short book but the emotions between Hannah and Alex were well done and seemed realistic to me. I liked both characters. Beth was a total loser and I couldn't stand her selfishness and how she almost ruined Alex's life.

Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Rosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a romance between two women who are professionally competitors in some way, but unknowing that when they met they feel attraction towards each other. When a potential conflict of interest arises, they handle it maturely. Unlike Alex's friend, who has a somewhat childish personality that not only affects her but can also harm those around her with her attitude. A totally unpleasant character, Beth.

There's quite a bit of whiskey distillery jargon, which is sometimes difficult to follow, but doesn't really affect comprehension either. Rather, it adds a welcome touch of sexiness.

So, even though things could have really ended in disaster, Alex and Hannah embark on a slow relationship, respecting each other's pace and commitments, figuring out how to fit into each other's lives, setting aside excessive ambitions that don't provide as much happiness as they thought.


Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via Netgalley for an honest review

[Kexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite sure how to start this: 3.5 rounded up… Probably suffered as I’m reading 4 books at once, never the favourite. Note to self~: 4 books at once is too many!

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


Hannah is very career focus that she comes off as a robot when she meets Alexandra who is the local bourbon distiller when she assigned for a two month assignment to get locality bourbon into more bars and liquor stores since she wants to be CEO. Hannah and Alex don’t know at first they are in competition and Hannah is thrown on how Alex makes her feel I love how they get to know each other my favorite scene is in the bench the author does a good job going into the details about how to make bourbon and whiskey.

[Michelle Schuler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Ana Hartnett. It was a sweet romance, low angst, and understandable. However, it wasn't necessary. The timeframe for the reconciliation was timely. I respected how it was done.
I enjoyed the secondary characters. They were necessary for the characters to have growth.
The chemistry was noticeably charged on the first meeting. The MCs bond continued to grow.
I will continue to follow this author and look forward to more books in the future.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah is a rep for the biggest liquor brands in the Northwest and her career has always been her main focus. She is not one for distractions or obstacles, that is until she meets Alexandra Lang. Alexandra is a distiller, proudly independent in every part of the life she has built in her small town, and she's not about to give up fighting for the business she has cultivated, especially for someone as obnoxious as Hannah Carver.
I loved the feeling of this read; the two women are so similar in their drive to be successful but at the heart of their passion are two different motives which are unpacked as the two develop their relationship. The way in which Hartnett constructs their competitiveness is bound with banter and compassion, it's something I have come to always find in her books, a compassion for layered characters and heartfelt back stories. Hannah and Alexandra are so different and yet so similar, Hartnett bonds them with their experiences, their passion for whiskey but also the things they have lost along the path to building their careers.
The whole book was a rapid read for me, it was the perfect winter read and the pacing felt very balanced, the way in which the two women opened up about their experiences to each other felt very authentic. I also loved the way in which the plot was pushed along through secondary characters such as their best friends; something else Hartnett excels in. I really enjoyed the way in which attraction simmered but progressed with ease into a hot and heavy intensity for the two MCs.
'The Hard Stuff' feels like it began with a love of distilling and appreciation for craftsmanship but it evolved into so much more. Hartnett has written a gorgeous warmth into this love story, a simplicity into something as complex as love and an elegance in the path to finding what truly matters for Hannah and Alexandria. Another great addition to her body of work and to the shelf of any lover of a great sapphic love story.

Disclaimer: I am an honest reviewer but am in a relationship with the author.

[Lyn Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s quite obvious the author is knowledgeable about distilling, etc, but it doesn’t overpower the romance, just compliments it. The characters are strong but realistically vulnerable. A good build-up while we waited for the MCs to cross paths was nicely done.An entertaining read.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the start. Could see the plot bumps coming, as we were meant to. This added a tension and was well done. I love that Alex has a best friend that’s not perfect, and we see her imperfections clearly when she is getting it on with the other main (nothing back stabby!). The writer has told us about the secondary character, is showing us the secondary character and I like the subtlety of everything. I’m just under 40% in and loving the pacing and plotting. Pacing slipped for me slightly coming up to 60%. I was waiting for the plot bomb with the best friend to explode. The rest is going nicely along so the pacing slip is more “over ready” for THAT to happen than nothing in the plot happening. The mains are getting to know each other, and how much they have in common, well.
Oooh I like the plot move with the third wheel….. that isn’t really known as the third wheel…… Avoiding spoilers is hard stuff! Wow just after typing that, and continuing reading, the plot move was a plot explosion! I liked the explosion and neat resolution. 3.5 but I am torn whether to round up! Up to 60%, deffo up, slight stutter in pacing (for me) then the plot explosion puts it up to 4…… which was a longer section than the stutter but I didn’t really love some of the physically intimate scenes…. So deffo a 3.5. Not rounded up….but maybe I should have?

[TheLisaD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ana Hartnett’s The Hard Stuff is an engaging and well-crafted workplace romance that blends ambition, desire, and personal growth. The novel follows Hannah, a determined professional striving for a long-awaited promotion, only to find her path complicated by Alexandra—her competition and unexpected romantic interest. What unfolds is a dynamic and tension-filled story about career aspirations colliding with undeniable chemistry.

Hartnett does an excellent job of capturing the emotional and professional stakes at play. Hannah’s internal conflict is relatable—torn between her career ambitions and the unfamiliar feelings she develops for Alex. The push-and-pull dynamic between them adds depth to the romance, creating moments of tension, vulnerability, and passion.

While the story is well-paced and engaging, there are moments where the emotional connection between the characters could have been further explored. A deeper dive into their relationship dynamics and personal backstories might have elevated the novel’s emotional weight. However, the romance remains compelling, and the execution of the plot keeps readers invested.

Overall, The Hard Stuff is a solid workplace romance that delivers on tension, personal conflict, and slow-burning attraction. It’s a great pick for readers who enjoy a mix of career-driven drama and romantic intrigue, even if they might wish for a bit more depth in character connection.

[Sharon]

Hannah Carver, an assistant regional sales director for Salish Spirits, is gunning for a promotion that would allow her to continue her career ladder climb towards CEO one day soon. She was sent to the small town of Mountain Gap to promote the company’s bourbon, Locality. There she meets Alexandra Lang, owner and distiller of the local bourbon. The nature of their jobs makes them rivals in their field. However, the spark that they share, would it mean more than the competition that is between them?

This was a great rid. I loved their initial meeting and obvious attraction between the two MCs. Both MCs are likeable and very real. I especially like Alex and the person she is. I could feel how much they liked each other and it they showed it. There is also humor in the story and witty banter between them. The story is told from both pov which is great and what I usually like.

What I didn’t really like was Alex’s best friend Beth, who came across selfish and needy and clingy. Her character was not a great one and was rather cringey. Hannah’s best friend Taylor was not great either but heaps better than Beth.

Loved the romance. Loved the setting. Highly recommend this book.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 Stars) I’ve read all of Hartnett’s previous books and gladly picked up this novel. Hannah Carver works for a large liquor brand and is based in CA. She is sent to the northwest to prove her sales ability yet again for her next overdue promotion. Her base is a small town and she meets Alexandra Lang her first night at the bar. There is some flirting going nowhere till their paths cross again. Turns out that Alex owns and runs her own small distillery. She is almost at maximum capacity and unsure who to take it to the next level. Both women have been work driven and come from different backgrounds.

I like their interaction and the big misunderstanding that you know is going to blow up. I like Alex’s rules including her nothing happening on a first date. But I honestly didn’t feel that I knew either as well as I usually do in a romance. I like the resolution and appreciate how much it tries to tie up things. But it felt rushed, just like the connection between the pair. If you like insta attraction and feelings this book really works. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

[Minna Perälä · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars... I have conflicted thoughts about The Hard Stuff. I really liked the writing style and the story building. I was really into it up until about 80% of the novel. The tension building between Alex and Hannah (and Beth) was delicious and I just waited when and how it all was going to blow up. I don't like how Hannah handled things with Alex but it served the story.

I feel like Hannah's storyline from Taylor's arrival onwards was too rushed. There should have been more and at slower pace. My pet peeve is timeline and pacing problems. Hannah's life changes came too quickly and the finale (epilogue) was oddly minimal for it to take place after a year.

All in all, if I let some things slide, I liked the romance itself. The writing is pleasant and it was refined. I'm new to author's work but will definitely check out previous work in the future.

ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Hartnett's changing major series and this book was the first stand alone book I've read by her and it was enjoyable.

Hannah is a rep for the biggest liquor brands in the Northwest and her career is her priority, nothing else until she meets Alexandra Lang, a small business distiller in her small town.

They are both similar in their drive to be successful, and the competitiveness was written very well. Hartnett writes such witty banter and compassion with great back stories and multi layered MCs. A wonderful read, by a fantastic author and I look forward to her next book.

Only downfall for me was the excessive details on bourbon production and tasting that it took away from the story, but I could tell Hartnett obviously did her research.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging and enjoyable workplace-adjacent romance story, following Alexandra, a small local distiller, and Hannah, a sales rep who comes to town working for a competing larger corporation. Drama ensues - both in and out of their control, and Hartnett does a great job of conveying the conflicting emotions of all of the characters involved. All of the characters had their own arc and personal growth to go through, perhaps setting us up for another book in this universe (maybe? Wishful thinking?)? There was a ton of information coming from both main characters about bourbon and its production, etc. which, as both of their jobs (and with them both having workaholic tendencies), makes sense, though it was a bit much for someone not passionate about it. Though the end felt a touch rushed, this was overall a solid read.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books, and Ana Hartnett for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I have been a fan of Hartnett's work since reading books in The Alder Series, so I was excited to see another new book by the author.

The characters in this book are established in their careers, but of course have had relationship issues in the past. I liked how both are firmly established with their emotional expectations and boundaries, but it turns out that they have to let some walls down in order for this relationship to develop. While the pace of the issue resolution was a bit faster and simpler than what I would have expected (at least if this was real life), I enjoyed the ride. This book also made me want to visit a local distillery pronto, especially if a female is the head of it.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the flow and the love story in the book. However, I think that perhaps too many details on bourbon production and tasting to be a fully enjoyable read. I love to do wine tasting and I am a chemist, so it is not that I do not follow the descriptions, but it is like half of the book and way too little about the MC's and the story. It would have been nice to instead get more about their backstory.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley and leave this review voluntarily.

[Shannon bagnall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, the information on bourbon was abit much for me personally but I did learn something.

My only issue with the book was the flow, I felt like it was quite a good pace and then all of a sudden it went really fast a lot seemed to happen in such a short amount of time, I’d of wanted more about them opening up but maybe a book 2?

Overall it was enjoyable to read.

* full disclosure I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley*

[This · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this.
Hannah is looking for promotion when she is sent to Mountain Gap to sell the company's bourbon.
Mountain Gap is home to a successful but small distillery making bourbon, run by Alex.
Whilst there is sure to be a clash there - initially when they know nothing about each other there is only attraction. Relationships are not in Hannah's plan for her life goals - she just wants to be the CEO. But then in walks Alex.
There is also humour, and lots of information about bourbon and the distilling process. Which is fascinating. And I don't even like bourbon. So much research - I always appreciate research.

There is of course an epilogue.
Everyone is happy with the path they eventually chose.

There is a lot of cold, wintry weather in this book - the story could be happening now and provides a welcome escape from reality at present.

I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.

[Josiah Dapper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hard Stuff by Ana Hartnett came out a couple of weeks ago. I bought it immediately but didn’t start it until Friday because I wanted to be able to truly appreciate what I knew would be a fantastic read. And I was not disappointed in the least. Ana brings a lush beauty to her characters and you can’t help fall in love right along with them. And you can’t help but see the love that she has for these people she brings to life. She even makes me want to try bourbon again. lol. Go and read!

[Cellen A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a bourbon drinker but this book made me want to try it. The connection between the MCs was so genuine and so sweet it had me cheering for them the whole time.