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Hayes Brothers #5
Too Hard
Their hatred is mutual, but the line between hate and desire is thinner than they ever imagined…
CODY
I’ve always hated Blair Fitzpatrick.
When she moves in across the hall, my plan is simple: pretend she doesn’t exist.
But the more I see her, the more I realize she’s not the person I remember. She’s sweet, considerate... and hurting.
One night, she’s crying in my arms, and suddenly, she’s the only thing on my mind.
They say there’s a fine line between hate and love, and may have just tripped over it.
BLAIR
One more year until I’m free. No more humiliation, pain, or jumping through hoops.
That was the plan… until I moved in across the hall from Cody Hayes.
The only thing we agree on? We both hate me.
But as our silence turns into something far more dangerous, I realize I might not survive this year in one piece.
Sometimes, the dreams we chase aren’t as important as the ones we never saw coming.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Past grudge
Secret situationship
Enemies with benefits
Hurt/comfort
Spicy!
Slow-burn
FAQ:
HEA
No OW Drama
No Cheating
An enemies-to-lovers romance full of tension, heartache, and undeniable chemistry.
CODY
I’ve always hated Blair Fitzpatrick.
When she moves in across the hall, my plan is simple: pretend she doesn’t exist.
But the more I see her, the more I realize she’s not the person I remember. She’s sweet, considerate... and hurting.
One night, she’s crying in my arms, and suddenly, she’s the only thing on my mind.
They say there’s a fine line between hate and love, and may have just tripped over it.
BLAIR
One more year until I’m free. No more humiliation, pain, or jumping through hoops.
That was the plan… until I moved in across the hall from Cody Hayes.
The only thing we agree on? We both hate me.
But as our silence turns into something far more dangerous, I realize I might not survive this year in one piece.
Sometimes, the dreams we chase aren’t as important as the ones we never saw coming.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Past grudge
Secret situationship
Enemies with benefits
Hurt/comfort
Spicy!
Slow-burn
FAQ:
HEA
No OW Drama
No Cheating
An enemies-to-lovers romance full of tension, heartache, and undeniable chemistry.
435 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2023
1202 people are currently reading
9642 people want to read
About the author
I.A. Dice
17 books1,891 followersI. A. Dice writes emotionally intense romance—both dark and light—but always equally spicy. When she’s not dreaming up love stories, she’s probably drinking too much coffee and swooning over fictional men.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
July 4, 2024
Cute story. Fictional men are just on another level.
February 21, 2024
DNF @50%
I honestly don’t know how Blair can be redeemed after everything that she has done. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt and push through this book, but from the beginning I wasn’t into it and could barely get past the first couple of chapters. I understand she has been through a lot and has trauma, but that doesn’t make it ok for her to bully Mia her whole life and do all these awful things to her like literally burning her hair and causing physical pain to her. How can she be redeemed after that? I honestly feel like that is unforgivable. And I also wasn’t feeling their relationship. I honestly just had to DNF bc I couldn’t get into it.
I honestly don’t know how Blair can be redeemed after everything that she has done. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt and push through this book, but from the beginning I wasn’t into it and could barely get past the first couple of chapters. I understand she has been through a lot and has trauma, but that doesn’t make it ok for her to bully Mia her whole life and do all these awful things to her like literally burning her hair and causing physical pain to her. How can she be redeemed after that? I honestly feel like that is unforgivable. And I also wasn’t feeling their relationship. I honestly just had to DNF bc I couldn’t get into it.
July 27, 2023
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Too Hard, but I'm not going to lie, I was aboard the avid "I hate Blair" fan club for the longest time. When I.A. Dice announced this book would be a love story about Blair, I absolutely had my doubts if I was going to even like this book. I.A. Dice has proven me to be a fool yet again because yes I didn't like this book, I loved it. I devoured it and am begging for more. This book has now become my new obsession. In previous Hayes brothers books we've gotten glimpses at Cody, knowing him as the down to earth but loyal as fault brother. This book absolutely shines the light on the heart swoony (and drool worthy) Cody. This man was the epitome of book boyfriend dreams. Blair we got to see in previous books as well and only knew her as the woman of everyone's worst nightmares. This book shined a light on Blair, who she is, why she is that way and honestly it touches up on so much real world feelings and issues and providing so much relation and mental health struggles. I applaud I.A. Dice for turning my most hated female character to (dare I say) probably my most loved FMC she has written to date. Blair held so much depth in her character arc, she was the type of FMCs I love to read about. Cody and Blair were the definition of enemy to lovers romances we only dream about reading. The emotions, the development, the tension (AND THE STEAM) were literary delicacies. I am always convinced that every time I read the new Hayes brother in each novel that there's no way this series can be topped and every time I'm proven wrong by the next book that just blows me away. I loved Cody and Blair's story and blame I.A. Dice for my new book hangover i'm still suffering from and probably will for a while because this was just so good.
July 27, 2025
L’idée de base ? Franchement, elle était folle. Mais tout est expédié : ennemies to lovers en accéléré alors que c’était franchement la force du livre, sujets lourds survolés et une relation secrète vraiment pas secrète.
Et du smut, encore du smut… même pour la saga, ça fait beaucoup. 2/5.
Et du smut, encore du smut… même pour la saga, ça fait beaucoup. 2/5.
August 2, 2023
Isolation. Humiliation. No power. No voice… Blair is lost and hurt,and hurt people, hurt people. This is a redemption arc for Blair. We finally learn her traumatizing, heartbreaking life story.
Cody. One of three, a triplet, ready to grow up and leave college and partying in the past. He has an intense hatred for Blair, the girl he’s always known as the bully, especially to his good friend, now family, Mia. But Cody has the biggest heart and wants to help whoever, whenever.
This is what happens when Blair and Cody become neighbors, friends, then hate hookups. ARC reader
#enemiestolovers #forcedproximity #iadice #toohard #bookstagram
Cody. One of three, a triplet, ready to grow up and leave college and partying in the past. He has an intense hatred for Blair, the girl he’s always known as the bully, especially to his good friend, now family, Mia. But Cody has the biggest heart and wants to help whoever, whenever.
This is what happens when Blair and Cody become neighbors, friends, then hate hookups. ARC reader
#enemiestolovers #forcedproximity #iadice #toohard #bookstagram
January 9, 2024
Meh really repetitive. All about how she bullied a girl because she was hurting and going through a lot and him hating her for it because the girl is his best friend. But a lot of back and forth and I just wanted it to be over
April 17, 2025
started at like 11pm and stayed up until 3am. that’s how good it was. I COULDNT PUT IT DOWN.
my fav in the series so far
my fav in the series so far
October 27, 2025
OK so i devoured this in one sitting. as in, i started this at 10pm and finished it at 5 am and woke up for work at 7:30am. - (i am so sleepy)
now —- i didn’t realize this was book 5 in interconnected standalones. And when i realized it i debated stopping and starting from book one considering it seemed like this is blair’s redemption and i was supposed to HATE her and i think if i might’ve read this in order idk if i would’ve loved this book as much considering what she did but i am not going to worry about that cuz i didnt read it in order and therefore she is forgiven also anyways we love the mmc i am going to go read the rest of the books now
BUT WHAT WAS THE SUDDEN ENDING?? makes me debate reading book 6 next or book one ugh for what reason
now —- i didn’t realize this was book 5 in interconnected standalones. And when i realized it i debated stopping and starting from book one considering it seemed like this is blair’s redemption and i was supposed to HATE her and i think if i might’ve read this in order idk if i would’ve loved this book as much considering what she did but i am not going to worry about that cuz i didnt read it in order and therefore she is forgiven also anyways we love the mmc i am going to go read the rest of the books now
BUT WHAT WAS THE SUDDEN ENDING?? makes me debate reading book 6 next or book one ugh for what reason
April 23, 2025
Ma note : 3.5 ☆
June 23, 2024
I like this book more than the last one, but I don’t think anything will top too sweet. I definitely enjoy this book but excuse me the cliffhanger for the next book had me actually shook. I was gasping for air reading the last part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
I honestly didn’t know how I was going to enjoy this book because of what Blair did to Mia. Yet, I trusted I.A. Dice because her writing is always phenomenal and I’ve loved being able to follow the brothers stories. And let me tell you. By the 6th chapter I honestly felt sorry for Blair. Amazing redemption story for Blair. This book blew me out of the water. Well all of it except the epilogue. Waiting to see what happens next now is like torture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2023
ARC Review
obviously another 5 stars. This whole series (of interconnected stand-alones!) has my heart I really cannot stress enough how much I love each and every book in this series. This book was no different. It was perfect in my opinion.
I was very hesitant at first after hearing the FMC was gonna be Blair but like i said perfection. I love Cody and Blair. They have my heart. I urge you all to read it. It’s one of the best books in this series. By far.
The written was, like always, AMAZING. The smut was smutting and the love was deep. But it’s like they say there’s a fine line between love and hate.
Cody is, like all the Hayes brothers, the perfect boyfriend. He’s caring and loves so deeply it’s amazing I’m actually so sad that he’s not real. He was always kind of a mystery to me because we did not hear much about him in the first 4 books. But he hides so much behind that tough exterior it’s amazing.
For the longest time I was a part of the „I hate Blair“ club for obvious reasons. (If not obvious to you it’s explained in book 3 „too sweet“ (which is an absolute masterpiece like this entire series)) but this book changed my mind. Blair is absolutely totally amazing and such a strong woman. I am so glad we got to hear her story and I am so glad she got her happy ending (finally!).
But please check tw first. It does discuss some heavy topics.
obviously another 5 stars. This whole series (of interconnected stand-alones!) has my heart I really cannot stress enough how much I love each and every book in this series. This book was no different. It was perfect in my opinion.
I was very hesitant at first after hearing the FMC was gonna be Blair but like i said perfection. I love Cody and Blair. They have my heart. I urge you all to read it. It’s one of the best books in this series. By far.
The written was, like always, AMAZING. The smut was smutting and the love was deep. But it’s like they say there’s a fine line between love and hate.
Cody is, like all the Hayes brothers, the perfect boyfriend. He’s caring and loves so deeply it’s amazing I’m actually so sad that he’s not real. He was always kind of a mystery to me because we did not hear much about him in the first 4 books. But he hides so much behind that tough exterior it’s amazing.
For the longest time I was a part of the „I hate Blair“ club for obvious reasons. (If not obvious to you it’s explained in book 3 „too sweet“ (which is an absolute masterpiece like this entire series)) but this book changed my mind. Blair is absolutely totally amazing and such a strong woman. I am so glad we got to hear her story and I am so glad she got her happy ending (finally!).
But please check tw first. It does discuss some heavy topics.
September 21, 2024
Band 5 der Reihe konnte mich endlich wieder komplett überzeugen!
Nachdem die Reihe für mich doch mit jeden Band schwächer geworden ist, waren meine Erwartungen doch recht niedrig was diesen Band angeht.
Aber ich wurde sowas von positiv überrascht!
Blair kennen wir bereits aus dem Band mit Mia und Nico und ich war gespannt darauf ihre Geschichte zu erfahren.
Sie ist eine gebrochene Seele die aber so viel Liebe und Herzenswärme zu geben hat.
Nach den ersten Kapitelb war klar dass ich sie als Freundin in mein Herz schließen werde.
Cody mochte ich bereits in den anderen Bänden sehr gerne, wie denn auch nicht er ist schließlich ein Hayes😏
Der Hass der die beiden verbindet wird Stück für Stück durch Liebe ersetzt und es hat so unglaublich Spaß gemacht den beiden beim verlieben zuzusehen.
Das einzige was mir gefehlt hat war die Aufarbeitung mit den Sachen die Blairs Vater getan hat. Das war dann doch recht einfach gelöst und erledigt.
Der Schreibstil hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
Ich freue mich bald die Geschichte des letzten verbleibenden Bruders zu lesen😍
Nachdem die Reihe für mich doch mit jeden Band schwächer geworden ist, waren meine Erwartungen doch recht niedrig was diesen Band angeht.
Aber ich wurde sowas von positiv überrascht!
Blair kennen wir bereits aus dem Band mit Mia und Nico und ich war gespannt darauf ihre Geschichte zu erfahren.
Sie ist eine gebrochene Seele die aber so viel Liebe und Herzenswärme zu geben hat.
Nach den ersten Kapitelb war klar dass ich sie als Freundin in mein Herz schließen werde.
Cody mochte ich bereits in den anderen Bänden sehr gerne, wie denn auch nicht er ist schließlich ein Hayes😏
Der Hass der die beiden verbindet wird Stück für Stück durch Liebe ersetzt und es hat so unglaublich Spaß gemacht den beiden beim verlieben zuzusehen.
Das einzige was mir gefehlt hat war die Aufarbeitung mit den Sachen die Blairs Vater getan hat. Das war dann doch recht einfach gelöst und erledigt.
Der Schreibstil hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
Ich freue mich bald die Geschichte des letzten verbleibenden Bruders zu lesen😍
August 7, 2023
At this point, I’m obsessed with all the Hayes brothers but Cody might just be my favorite. He’s strong, confident, gentle, and every woman’s dream in the sheets.
On the other hand, I think we all naturally hate Blair due to her behavior in past books. Soon we all learn why B is the way she is and even start to really feel bad for her and cheer her on. Cody sees this too and becomes her biggest cheerleader.
Enemies to lovers. Forced proximity. All the spice. Fall in love with the next Hayes brother romantic duo! PS - the cliffhanger at the end of this book was savage 😅
On the other hand, I think we all naturally hate Blair due to her behavior in past books. Soon we all learn why B is the way she is and even start to really feel bad for her and cheer her on. Cody sees this too and becomes her biggest cheerleader.
Enemies to lovers. Forced proximity. All the spice. Fall in love with the next Hayes brother romantic duo! PS - the cliffhanger at the end of this book was savage 😅
December 17, 2023
i devoured this book. that’s the thing about i.a. dices books ones your start you can’t seem to stop. i loved blair’s charakter development and i had the urge to hug her until everything gets better (just as cody did). it was so great. i loved blair and cody together the tenderness, the caring, the spice it was all so great. i love how we still get bits and pieces from the other brothers, which made me change my review for logan’s book. after reading too strong i was mad because of the cliffhanger now i’m just afraid. i don’t want this book series to end so i’ll take my time with reading the last book.
all in all it’s safe to say that blair and cody hold a special place in my heart.
all in all it’s safe to say that blair and cody hold a special place in my heart.
December 1, 2025
It has grabbed me right away — the intensity, the chemistry, the tension… it was all so good. The characters had this addictive push-pull dynamic that made every scene hit differently 😭🔥 I loved how their layers slowly came out, making the emotional moments feel real and sharp.
The pacing was fast in the best way, the drama kept me hooked, and the connection between them felt deeper than I expected. A few tiny spots could’ve been smoother, but honestly? I was too invested to care.
A gripping, emotional, can’t-put-it-down read — 4.5 stars. 💗📖✨
The pacing was fast in the best way, the drama kept me hooked, and the connection between them felt deeper than I expected. A few tiny spots could’ve been smoother, but honestly? I was too invested to care.
A gripping, emotional, can’t-put-it-down read — 4.5 stars. 💗📖✨
August 28, 2025
Les triplés franchement c’est quelque chose mais alors Cody franchement green flag, à l’écoute de Blair même par rapport à son comportement passé, j’ai adoré son comportement
Blair mon dieu j’ai tellement pleuré pour elle, pour son passé et son histoire, rien ne justifie son comportement mais on comprend tout de même
Hâte de découvrir le dernier tome sur Colt et vu cette fin j’ai hâte
Blair mon dieu j’ai tellement pleuré pour elle, pour son passé et son histoire, rien ne justifie son comportement mais on comprend tout de même
Hâte de découvrir le dernier tome sur Colt et vu cette fin j’ai hâte
August 24, 2023
Such a good quick read. Enemies to lovers & the female main character was so problematic of course I ate it up. Some trigger warnings in the book though with some difficult topics discussed. Love the whole series, 3/5 because some of his brothers had better stories lol.
August 25, 2023
Okay the cliffhanger! Shoot me now.
Even though I still have some issues with the FMC I’ve grown to love the MMC even more!
Read this book it’s a great one!
Even though I still have some issues with the FMC I’ve grown to love the MMC even more!
Read this book it’s a great one!
December 6, 2023
Interesting storyline. Great characters. Intriguing series.
January 12, 2024
I have a feeling the next book is going to devastate me.
January 27, 2024
I love it, the buildup and the backstory. Also i really love conflicted characters, they felt real, human.
March 22, 2024
I wasn't sure I was going to be able to read this due to what had happened in previous books. But, I loved it.
I am a sucker for any Hayes brother.
I am a sucker for any Hayes brother.
April 2, 2024
I loved this Book so much!
I feel that through the series each book got better than the other and can't wait to read colts Book :)
I feel that through the series each book got better than the other and can't wait to read colts Book :)
May 27, 2024
Ahh I really liked it
December 7, 2025
i think i liked this one it has been like 4 months since i finished reading it but i do like thier relationship and cute moments better than the other one i read in the series fs
May 8, 2025
j’ai besoin de la suite !!!
July 27, 2025
Such an easy read I finished it in one day. It’s hard to look at the FMC in a different light than how she’s been portrayed in other books from this series, but if you can get past it it really is a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews