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A Hard Note: A Friends to Lovers Romantic Comedy
FROM EXCITING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANTIC COMEDY JENNIFER MOFFATT
Book three in the Falling Hard series
Trying to find perfect harmony from rock bottom.
Morgan has hit the rockiest of bottoms. Fired from his job, with nothing to show for his life but a broken heart, a failed band, and a box full of his crap from his emptied-out desk, Morgan has to face the ugly reality of how he got to this point—he is a bad person.
While drowning his sorrows, he strikes up an unlikely relationship with Kazio, a cranky bartender who has no problem asking Morgan tough questions about who he wants to be. Their friendship grows over time as Kazio helps Morgan tear down the walls he’s built up around himself and put his life back together, one piece at a time.
Job hunting, volunteering, finding a new band…things are heading in the right direction, until it all comes screeching to halt…because Morgan realizes he has feelings for Kazio. This is the worst idea ever, and could lead to everything coming crashing back down. Can Morgan ignore those feelings for his best friend, or will he ruin it all again?
Book three in the Falling Hard series
Trying to find perfect harmony from rock bottom.
Morgan has hit the rockiest of bottoms. Fired from his job, with nothing to show for his life but a broken heart, a failed band, and a box full of his crap from his emptied-out desk, Morgan has to face the ugly reality of how he got to this point—he is a bad person.
While drowning his sorrows, he strikes up an unlikely relationship with Kazio, a cranky bartender who has no problem asking Morgan tough questions about who he wants to be. Their friendship grows over time as Kazio helps Morgan tear down the walls he’s built up around himself and put his life back together, one piece at a time.
Job hunting, volunteering, finding a new band…things are heading in the right direction, until it all comes screeching to halt…because Morgan realizes he has feelings for Kazio. This is the worst idea ever, and could lead to everything coming crashing back down. Can Morgan ignore those feelings for his best friend, or will he ruin it all again?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2025
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Moffatt
9 books91 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 29, 2025
I didn't think the author could make me like Morgan.
I was wrong.
This is just as adorable as the first two, and to see the growth of Morgan was great!
What a wonderful book to finish out the series with.
I was wrong.
This is just as adorable as the first two, and to see the growth of Morgan was great!
What a wonderful book to finish out the series with.
July 19, 2025
Whatever Jennifer is putting into these books, I want more. I am almost mad at her about how good this was. After reading A Hard Sell, I was expecting to hate Morgan with everything I had for all time - and then I loved him 10% into this book. The sweet mess of Morgan, who is for everyone who was rejected by someone, trying so hard to get it right, always wanting to hear a yes. I also LOVED Kazio with his crispy exterior and endless caring for Morgan. The way these two support each other as friends, have each other's back, and then ultimately admit their feelings in some of the sweetest declarations - I may not recover. I would like endless stories like these please. Thank you to the author for the chance to read this! All opinions are my own.
May 5, 2025
Music will save the world, one person at a time. Sometimes, and even more interestingly, two...
Having been a singer, musician and sound tech most of my life, I know the feeling of being on stage and experiencing the give and take between performer and audience who've found their groove together. And, when it's GOOD, when it's RIGHT, it's one of the most amazing sensations, a life-affirming realization of the power of sound and lyric. Music heals, music unites, and the power of music is at the center of A Hard Note: A Friends to Lovers Romantic Comedy, the third and final book in Jennifer Moffatt's "Falling Hard" series by Pride Publishing.
If you've read the first two volumes of Falling Hard - A Hard Sell and A Hard Fit - then you've already met the two main characters of A Hard Note: Morgan, a self-centered singer / songwriter who got himself fired from his job at Breakpoint Advertising, and Kazio, the owner / bartender at the Breakpoint crew's favorite bar, The Bitter Exchange. At the start of A Hard Note, Morgan is doing his best to drown his sorrows in tequila shots, and Kazio is doing his best to keep Morgan from self-destruction. Kazio also takes an immense interest in Morgan's problems, listening carefully, offering advice, and finally inviting Morgan to go hiking with him to get his mind off his troubles.
That first hike leads to more outings together - a favorite chapter of the book features an overnight camping trip with many stolen glances, a lot of axe hefting, deep conversation, s'mores and shared sleeping arrangements - which lead to more and more time spent talking, hanging out and building relationship. Which you and I as readers, and Kazio as the unacknowledged love interest, all understand should be a huge clue for Morgan as to what is going on, but Morgan has a lot of introspection to do, a lot of growing up to accomplish, and he just doesn't see what's happening.
Until, of course, it hits him right in the feels when he least expects it.
Ultimately, it's Morgan's music that saves him. Music and his quest to become a famous singer push him to recruit a band, to write new songs, and to seek out The Big Gig. All of these efforts, and his growing friendship with Kazio lead to some moments of self-discovery and new maturity, and hint at a promising future. If only he could see where his friendship with Kazio is truly heading...
But that's not for me to explain - that's for you, the audience, to discover as you enjoy Moffatt's tale of redemption and romance. As with all her other books, her talent for conversational dialogue and simple scenarios for the characters to interact creates a feel-good story that will have you rooting for the "prick" of books one and two. I think Moffatt made a great choice in sending Morgan out onto the Falling Hard stage last - its a great way to wrap up the series.
Morgan's music is the one thing that makes sense in his life, and it is the one thing that could help him find healing and happiness. If only he would open his eyes and his heart to the one truly listening to him all along...
A Hard Note: A Friends to Lovers Romantic Comedy comes out July 29th. This review is based on my beta read of the original story, and my own ARC copy of the finished book.
Having been a singer, musician and sound tech most of my life, I know the feeling of being on stage and experiencing the give and take between performer and audience who've found their groove together. And, when it's GOOD, when it's RIGHT, it's one of the most amazing sensations, a life-affirming realization of the power of sound and lyric. Music heals, music unites, and the power of music is at the center of A Hard Note: A Friends to Lovers Romantic Comedy, the third and final book in Jennifer Moffatt's "Falling Hard" series by Pride Publishing.
If you've read the first two volumes of Falling Hard - A Hard Sell and A Hard Fit - then you've already met the two main characters of A Hard Note: Morgan, a self-centered singer / songwriter who got himself fired from his job at Breakpoint Advertising, and Kazio, the owner / bartender at the Breakpoint crew's favorite bar, The Bitter Exchange. At the start of A Hard Note, Morgan is doing his best to drown his sorrows in tequila shots, and Kazio is doing his best to keep Morgan from self-destruction. Kazio also takes an immense interest in Morgan's problems, listening carefully, offering advice, and finally inviting Morgan to go hiking with him to get his mind off his troubles.
That first hike leads to more outings together - a favorite chapter of the book features an overnight camping trip with many stolen glances, a lot of axe hefting, deep conversation, s'mores and shared sleeping arrangements - which lead to more and more time spent talking, hanging out and building relationship. Which you and I as readers, and Kazio as the unacknowledged love interest, all understand should be a huge clue for Morgan as to what is going on, but Morgan has a lot of introspection to do, a lot of growing up to accomplish, and he just doesn't see what's happening.
Until, of course, it hits him right in the feels when he least expects it.
Ultimately, it's Morgan's music that saves him. Music and his quest to become a famous singer push him to recruit a band, to write new songs, and to seek out The Big Gig. All of these efforts, and his growing friendship with Kazio lead to some moments of self-discovery and new maturity, and hint at a promising future. If only he could see where his friendship with Kazio is truly heading...
But that's not for me to explain - that's for you, the audience, to discover as you enjoy Moffatt's tale of redemption and romance. As with all her other books, her talent for conversational dialogue and simple scenarios for the characters to interact creates a feel-good story that will have you rooting for the "prick" of books one and two. I think Moffatt made a great choice in sending Morgan out onto the Falling Hard stage last - its a great way to wrap up the series.
Morgan's music is the one thing that makes sense in his life, and it is the one thing that could help him find healing and happiness. If only he would open his eyes and his heart to the one truly listening to him all along...
A Hard Note: A Friends to Lovers Romantic Comedy comes out July 29th. This review is based on my beta read of the original story, and my own ARC copy of the finished book.
July 15, 2025
I was unprepared to have my heart softened toward Morgan. The author allowed him to be exactly who he always was, but managed to let us inside his noggin enough to have compassion and the urge to root for him. I'm smitten with Kazio. What an outstanding 3rd book for this incredible series! READ IT!
July 25, 2025
I read A Hard Note by Jennifer Moffatt as an ARC reviewer and I am happy to give my honest opinion about the book here.
After reading this heartwarming book, I keep thinking about the themes that it explores and also the intrigue in the setting. Without spoiling anything, the physical tension was so hot! If you don't like a slow-brew, well, you may be squirming a bit but I, for one, LOVE a slow-brew and this was the absolute perfect combination of "here it comes, here it comes" and then WOW delivery! I'm kind of a romantic and a sucker for love, as I imagine many genre readers are. There's no way to describe that hopeful, almost impatient, anticipation, but the author really created characters and a plot that captured that mood.
For personal reasons, this was my favorite book in the series. I related to the main characters so much. I also really felt connected to the events that kick everything off- I love a good internal struggle and redemption.
Some other thoughts:
FROM THE START, I desperately wanted to know more about some of the setting. We're thrown in to one, so where is it, what's the style, neighborhood, customers, the look? I even felt like I was watching a live feed of some bar in a country I've never traveled to. IDK how to explain it but it was truly captivating. I say all of this mostly because a lot of you are like me and if a book doesn't grab you quickly, you might pass. Not the case here. I wanted to know the rest of the story from this initial set up.
It was also really easy and enjoyable to identify with the central relationship as it was budding. I think a lot of readers may have something similar in their love-life history, I know I have! It was filled with such nurturing and caring, mutually selfless, interactions.
Just like the other two books in the series, the pop culture references are sharp and intriguing. I got to wondering a lot about why the author chose to mention a certain band or movie, and why not something else. Was their a message in these intentional choices? In some instances, they're hard to figure out initially and that made it a puzzle within the book for me. Highly satisfying!
Okay, to sum it up, please read this book and reply to me about your favorite pop culture reference and why, I'd love to hear about that!
After reading this heartwarming book, I keep thinking about the themes that it explores and also the intrigue in the setting. Without spoiling anything, the physical tension was so hot! If you don't like a slow-brew, well, you may be squirming a bit but I, for one, LOVE a slow-brew and this was the absolute perfect combination of "here it comes, here it comes" and then WOW delivery! I'm kind of a romantic and a sucker for love, as I imagine many genre readers are. There's no way to describe that hopeful, almost impatient, anticipation, but the author really created characters and a plot that captured that mood.
For personal reasons, this was my favorite book in the series. I related to the main characters so much. I also really felt connected to the events that kick everything off- I love a good internal struggle and redemption.
Some other thoughts:
FROM THE START, I desperately wanted to know more about some of the setting. We're thrown in to one, so where is it, what's the style, neighborhood, customers, the look? I even felt like I was watching a live feed of some bar in a country I've never traveled to. IDK how to explain it but it was truly captivating. I say all of this mostly because a lot of you are like me and if a book doesn't grab you quickly, you might pass. Not the case here. I wanted to know the rest of the story from this initial set up.
It was also really easy and enjoyable to identify with the central relationship as it was budding. I think a lot of readers may have something similar in their love-life history, I know I have! It was filled with such nurturing and caring, mutually selfless, interactions.
Just like the other two books in the series, the pop culture references are sharp and intriguing. I got to wondering a lot about why the author chose to mention a certain band or movie, and why not something else. Was their a message in these intentional choices? In some instances, they're hard to figure out initially and that made it a puzzle within the book for me. Highly satisfying!
Okay, to sum it up, please read this book and reply to me about your favorite pop culture reference and why, I'd love to hear about that!
July 28, 2025
This book was such a fun read. It seemed like a stretch that Morgan could really be the protagonist in book three, after being such a thorn in Luka’s side in book one. But Jennifer wrote Morgan’s character and back story so beautifully in this book that once I got to know him I couldn’t help but love him! While I wouldn’t have predicted this at the outset, I actually think A Hard Note is my favourite book in the Falling Hard Series. I can’t wait to see what Jennifer writes next.
July 5, 2025
I loved this story. Morgan got his redemption arc, the perfect man for him, and two cats which is just adorable. This book was a journey of discovery for Morgan who started to look outside of himself which actually made him self reflect and become the hero of his own story (with Kazio’s guidance and love). Overall, it was a really fun read with a great cast of characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
I was so excited to read this I’ve read for Jennifer before and absolutely had a blast and this was no different I loved every second of it Jennifer’s writing is just amazing, I’m a huge music lover and having music being one of the things that makes the main character happy and heals parts of him was great can’t wait to see what Jennifer puts out next and in the future 🥰
July 27, 2025
This is a book bursting with empathy. It may be my favorite of the series. It is a credible depiction of how a redemption arc is possible with honesty, self reflection, and kindness from friends. The friendship turned to more is genuinely touching. And as always with this author, it is funny, witty, and charming. Highly recommended. 5/5
July 29, 2025
I appreciated the development of the relationship here, as well as the care with which these characters are crafted— going into this book having read previous stories in the series, I was not expecting to like Morgan, but ended up really really rooting for him. An immersive and enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 7, 2025
I read all three in the series back to back, and I'm not gonna lie, after the first two, I was NOT looking forward to reading Morgan's story. That being said, Jennifer sure showed me and made me fall in love with this sweet, vulnerable, flawed man. I loved watching the slow-burn development of the relationship between Morgan and Kazio. Kazio helped Morgan bring out the best in himself, and it was a delight to read. I enjoyed seeing the other two stories in this series woven in with this one as well. Jennifer is a fairly new author to me, but I've enjoyed everything I've read from her so far.
July 26, 2025
I ABSOLUTELY ADORED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK
If you haven't read book 1 yet, please do so first. (ITS A GEM)
But you really need to get to know Morgan in book 1 before you can love to hate how much Jenn makes you fall with him.
Seriously this is one of my all time favorite books and if you give it a chance it will be yours too!
The perfect amount of pining, personal development, and redemption!
5 STARS
If you haven't read book 1 yet, please do so first. (ITS A GEM)
But you really need to get to know Morgan in book 1 before you can love to hate how much Jenn makes you fall with him.
Seriously this is one of my all time favorite books and if you give it a chance it will be yours too!
The perfect amount of pining, personal development, and redemption!
5 STARS
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews