What do you think?
Rate this book
Hard to Resist: Age Gap Romance
Verity didn’t mean to fall for her boss’s ex…
Some women have bad luck dating. Then, there’s Verity Moore.
After being ghosted by her date for the third time, she’s ready to swear off men altogether. Until she spills her guts to the mysterious, hot guy at the bar over a few drinks, and he asks her out.
Cullen is rugged, rich, and definitely a few years older than her.
Verity should say no.
Instead, she makes a deal.
He has four dates to prove himself.
Cullen is more than ready to meet the challenge and win over the sweet girl-next-door he can’t stop thinking about. As the top broker in the City, he knows how to get what he wants by any means necessary.
There’s just one small issue.
Cullen is her boss’s ex-husband.
If anyone finds out, her career is over.
If only he wasn’t so damn hard to resist.
Hard to Resist is an age gap, forbidden, workplace, billionaire, boss's ex-husband standalone romance perfect for readers who love to see an alpha hero chase and grovel for the woman he is obsessed with. HEA guaranteed.
Some women have bad luck dating. Then, there’s Verity Moore.
After being ghosted by her date for the third time, she’s ready to swear off men altogether. Until she spills her guts to the mysterious, hot guy at the bar over a few drinks, and he asks her out.
Cullen is rugged, rich, and definitely a few years older than her.
Verity should say no.
Instead, she makes a deal.
He has four dates to prove himself.
Cullen is more than ready to meet the challenge and win over the sweet girl-next-door he can’t stop thinking about. As the top broker in the City, he knows how to get what he wants by any means necessary.
There’s just one small issue.
Cullen is her boss’s ex-husband.
If anyone finds out, her career is over.
If only he wasn’t so damn hard to resist.
Hard to Resist is an age gap, forbidden, workplace, billionaire, boss's ex-husband standalone romance perfect for readers who love to see an alpha hero chase and grovel for the woman he is obsessed with. HEA guaranteed.
492 pages, Paperback
Published June 12, 2025
About the author
Madison Fox
5 books697 followersMadison Fox was born and raised in Australia but has been living in the United States for the past decade. While she still watches Australian football every Sunday, she currently lives in Nevada as a cat mum to Zelda (yes, based on the video game).
When Madison isn’t reading or writing a new book, she can be found drowning in one of her other obsessions, such as k-dramas, manga, anime, video games, and espresso martinis.
GOOD GAME is her debut romance novel.
When Madison isn’t reading or writing a new book, she can be found drowning in one of her other obsessions, such as k-dramas, manga, anime, video games, and espresso martinis.
GOOD GAME is her debut romance novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 19, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up***
My favorite book by Madison so far!!!!
Cullen was the greenest of green flags I loved him
My favorite book by Madison so far!!!!
Cullen was the greenest of green flags I loved him
July 18, 2026
"Has cambiado mi vida para mejor; eres el arcoíris que aparece después de la lluvia. Nunca me rendiré contigo, nunca dejaré de amarte, porque sé que por el resto de mi vida, eres con quien estoy destinado a estar"
Si existe una forma de sacar a Cullen del libro y traerlo a la vida real ME HABLAN POR FAVOR 🙏🏻♥️, porque este hombre es perfecto.
El libro en general me encanto, la historia de Verity y Cullen se desarrollo de manera muy linda y ambos fueron muy maduros a la hora de expresar lo que esperaban en una relación. Lo que mas me gusto es que Verety se dió cuenta que como mujer valia mucho y decidió por fin buscar un hombre que le prestara atención y diera el amor, respeto y tiempo que buscaba y necesitaba porque ella daba lo mejor de si misma en las relaciones y nunca recibió lo mismo a cambio hasta que llego Cullen quién le dió lo que siempre espero y mas ♥️.
Cullen la verdad es que omitió algo importante porque el realmente creyó que eso no afectaría a su pareja y la verdad es que me enoje un poquito porque no todos tenemos las mismas opiniones sobre ciertos temas y el rompió la confianza de Verety pero así como lucho todo el libro para conquistarla de la manera mas DULCE DEL MUNDO (que fue como un juego previos de cuatro citas 🫦) también demostro porque se merecía su perdón y como un hombre responsable asumió las consecuencias de sus actos e hizo todo lo que estaba en sus manos para por fin dejar atrás la relación tóxica que tenía y algo que admire de el es que nunca le echo la culpa de todo a su ex si no que solo hacer un mea culpa de si mismo para no cometer a futuro el mismo error que en el pasado.
EN FIN, MUY LINDOOOO TODO y el desarrollo que tuvieron ambos fue enorme ♥️✨
Si existe una forma de sacar a Cullen del libro y traerlo a la vida real ME HABLAN POR FAVOR 🙏🏻♥️, porque este hombre es perfecto.
El libro en general me encanto, la historia de Verity y Cullen se desarrollo de manera muy linda y ambos fueron muy maduros a la hora de expresar lo que esperaban en una relación. Lo que mas me gusto es que Verety se dió cuenta que como mujer valia mucho y decidió por fin buscar un hombre que le prestara atención y diera el amor, respeto y tiempo que buscaba y necesitaba porque ella daba lo mejor de si misma en las relaciones y nunca recibió lo mismo a cambio hasta que llego Cullen quién le dió lo que siempre espero y mas ♥️.
Cullen la verdad es que omitió algo importante porque el realmente creyó que eso no afectaría a su pareja y la verdad es que me enoje un poquito porque no todos tenemos las mismas opiniones sobre ciertos temas y el rompió la confianza de Verety pero así como lucho todo el libro para conquistarla de la manera mas DULCE DEL MUNDO (que fue como un juego previos de cuatro citas 🫦) también demostro porque se merecía su perdón y como un hombre responsable asumió las consecuencias de sus actos e hizo todo lo que estaba en sus manos para por fin dejar atrás la relación tóxica que tenía y algo que admire de el es que nunca le echo la culpa de todo a su ex si no que solo hacer un mea culpa de si mismo para no cometer a futuro el mismo error que en el pasado.
EN FIN, MUY LINDOOOO TODO y el desarrollo que tuvieron ambos fue enorme ♥️✨
July 24, 2026
La verdad, no tenía muchas expectativas con este libro. Lo empecé únicamente porque la premisa me pareció ridículamente divertida: la protagonista termina involucrándose con el exmarido de su jefa. Leí eso, vi la portada (que, por cierto, está preciosa) y dije: "Sí, estoy dentro".
Y al final me sorprendió para bien.
Lo mejor del libro, sin duda, fue Verity. Su personalidad fue lo que más me enganchó desde el principio. Es muy torpe, muy impulsiva y termina metida en unas situaciones que me hicieron reír muchísimo. Creo que gran parte del humor del libro funciona gracias a ella. También me gustó mucho Cullen, es realmente una green flag. La relación entre los dos se siente muy bonita y fue fácil encariñarme con ellos.
Otra cosa que me daba un poco de miedo antes de empezar era que el libro se vende como un age gap. Normalmente no disfruto ese tipo de romances, sobre todo cuando la protagonista es muy joven, porque me generan cierta incomodidad. Sin embargo, aquí la diferencia de edad no me molestó. Ella tiene 25 años y él 35, así que nunca sentí un desequilibrio entre ellos. Además, la novela no insiste constantemente en recordarte que él es mayor, algo que agradecí muchísimo, porque suele ser uno de los aspectos que menos me gustan de este tipo de historias.
Mi principal problema es que el libro es más largo de lo que necesitaba ser. Creo que fácilmente se le podrían quitar unas cien páginas sin afectar la historia. Hay conflictos que se sienten innecesarios, especialmente las dos rupturas, que en mi opinión pudieron resolverse con una conversación y terminaron alargando la trama más de la cuenta.
Aun así, nunca se me hizo pesado. Aunque tiene más de 400 páginas, algo que normalmente no me convence en un romance, la lectura es muy ágil y se deja leer con facilidad.
En general, fue una lectura muy entretenida. No es un libro que me vaya a cambiar la vida, pero sí uno con el que me reí bastante, disfruté a sus protagonistas y pasé un muy buen rato.
Y al final me sorprendió para bien.
Lo mejor del libro, sin duda, fue Verity. Su personalidad fue lo que más me enganchó desde el principio. Es muy torpe, muy impulsiva y termina metida en unas situaciones que me hicieron reír muchísimo. Creo que gran parte del humor del libro funciona gracias a ella. También me gustó mucho Cullen, es realmente una green flag. La relación entre los dos se siente muy bonita y fue fácil encariñarme con ellos.
Otra cosa que me daba un poco de miedo antes de empezar era que el libro se vende como un age gap. Normalmente no disfruto ese tipo de romances, sobre todo cuando la protagonista es muy joven, porque me generan cierta incomodidad. Sin embargo, aquí la diferencia de edad no me molestó. Ella tiene 25 años y él 35, así que nunca sentí un desequilibrio entre ellos. Además, la novela no insiste constantemente en recordarte que él es mayor, algo que agradecí muchísimo, porque suele ser uno de los aspectos que menos me gustan de este tipo de historias.
Mi principal problema es que el libro es más largo de lo que necesitaba ser. Creo que fácilmente se le podrían quitar unas cien páginas sin afectar la historia. Hay conflictos que se sienten innecesarios, especialmente las dos rupturas, que en mi opinión pudieron resolverse con una conversación y terminaron alargando la trama más de la cuenta.
Aun así, nunca se me hizo pesado. Aunque tiene más de 400 páginas, algo que normalmente no me convence en un romance, la lectura es muy ágil y se deja leer con facilidad.
En general, fue una lectura muy entretenida. No es un libro que me vaya a cambiar la vida, pero sí uno con el que me reí bastante, disfruté a sus protagonistas y pasé un muy buen rato.
July 29, 2026
💼🩵🏢𝓒𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓲𝓯𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓬𝓲𝓸𝓷: 𝟑,𝟓/𝟓⭐⭐ ⭐✨✩✩
Sinceramente es una historia de romance bastante entretenida, aquella que parece la típica película de romance de oficina.
Para leer en un momento dado algo ligero y relajado es una buena opción 👍🏼 además que se lee rápido.
Lo único que diría en contra es que la prota es medio tonta pero del resto chévere.
Sinceramente es una historia de romance bastante entretenida, aquella que parece la típica película de romance de oficina.
Para leer en un momento dado algo ligero y relajado es una buena opción 👍🏼 además que se lee rápido.
Lo único que diría en contra es que la prota es medio tonta pero del resto chévere.
July 20, 2025
I Just Love Hannah... so cool..
and cullen and verity are so cute together 🤭 some stuff was obvious but it made me want to ready it even more!
and cullen and verity are so cute together 🤭 some stuff was obvious but it made me want to ready it even more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2025
3.75⭐
Bastante entretenido, entiendo algunas reseñas que decían que era bastante largo, a veces la autora creo que describe o cuenta ciertas cosas en exceso, puede ser, pero por una vez el 3rd act break-up tenía bastante sentido, y el protagonista masculino tenía sus defectos obviamente pero me ha parecido bastante green flag.
Me han gustado ambos personajes tanto Verity como Cullen, también Hannah y Bridget. Me ha gustado mucho el angst creado por parte de la ex esposa, el ambiente de trabajo tóxico, y me encantó ver a Cullen arrastrarse, más hombres dispuestos a todo por recuperar a su amor. No hace falta ser un celoso tóxico, se puede ser un hombre bueno y ser el MMC.
Bastante entretenido, entiendo algunas reseñas que decían que era bastante largo, a veces la autora creo que describe o cuenta ciertas cosas en exceso, puede ser, pero por una vez el 3rd act break-up tenía bastante sentido, y el protagonista masculino tenía sus defectos obviamente pero me ha parecido bastante green flag.
Me han gustado ambos personajes tanto Verity como Cullen, también Hannah y Bridget. Me ha gustado mucho el angst creado por parte de la ex esposa, el ambiente de trabajo tóxico, y me encantó ver a Cullen arrastrarse, más hombres dispuestos a todo por recuperar a su amor. No hace falta ser un celoso tóxico, se puede ser un hombre bueno y ser el MMC.
December 26, 2025
DNF at page 26, they already in love ???? Don't ask me what will happen in the next 400 pages I won't know and I DONT wanna know.
October 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - utterly addictive and swoon-worthy
This book stole my heart from the very first chapter. Madison Fox has a gift for creating characters that feel so real you can’t help but root for them. The chemistry between the leads is electric. It has the kind of slow-burn tension that keeps you turning the pages late into the night.
The writing is witty, emotional, and perfectly paced. I laughed, blushed, and even teared up at moments I didn’t see coming. It’s the perfect balance of heart, heat, and heartfelt connection.
If you love a romance that makes you feel everything and leaves you smiling long after the last page, this book is a must-read. Madison Fox earned earned a spot on my auto-buy list after I read two of the books from the system series and this book was everything I expected from Madison 🥰
This book stole my heart from the very first chapter. Madison Fox has a gift for creating characters that feel so real you can’t help but root for them. The chemistry between the leads is electric. It has the kind of slow-burn tension that keeps you turning the pages late into the night.
The writing is witty, emotional, and perfectly paced. I laughed, blushed, and even teared up at moments I didn’t see coming. It’s the perfect balance of heart, heat, and heartfelt connection.
If you love a romance that makes you feel everything and leaves you smiling long after the last page, this book is a must-read. Madison Fox earned earned a spot on my auto-buy list after I read two of the books from the system series and this book was everything I expected from Madison 🥰
April 4, 2026
3,5*
November 7, 2025
This book didn’t do it for me and I was even ovulating.
July 13, 2025
3.5 Stars (rounded up!) ⭐️
After loving Madison Fox's The System series I was really excited to dive into anything else that she decided to write. So naturally when Hard to Resist released, with the premise of boss's ex, I HAD to give it a go.
I enjoyed the little commentary on dating in this day and age, and I loved the setting of this story. It's been a while since I've read a contemporary set in New York. I really enjoyed both of the characters. I loved my little sweetheart Verity, and all her hopeless romantic tendencies. I think we all need to be a little more delusional. I also LOVED Cullen and all his flaws. This is a man who knows how to GROVEL. And man did he.
The epitome of 'if he wanted to, he would'. I love all their sweet reconciliations and all the times that we watched Cullen try to win her back. I very much enjoyed this story and can see myself picking up future books in this series and by this author.
After loving Madison Fox's The System series I was really excited to dive into anything else that she decided to write. So naturally when Hard to Resist released, with the premise of boss's ex, I HAD to give it a go.
I enjoyed the little commentary on dating in this day and age, and I loved the setting of this story. It's been a while since I've read a contemporary set in New York. I really enjoyed both of the characters. I loved my little sweetheart Verity, and all her hopeless romantic tendencies. I think we all need to be a little more delusional. I also LOVED Cullen and all his flaws. This is a man who knows how to GROVEL. And man did he.
The epitome of 'if he wanted to, he would'. I love all their sweet reconciliations and all the times that we watched Cullen try to win her back. I very much enjoyed this story and can see myself picking up future books in this series and by this author.
June 23, 2025
Starring Verity & Cullen in a forbidden, age gap romance. When one ghosted dates leaves her in a bar spilling everything to a guy over drinks. But failed date leads to a successful one or four. The challenge is set for Cullen, and he is more than in to wait for his girl. However, there is one small issue, Cullen is her boss EX - HUSBAND. If anyone finds out her career will be over. She stuck between a rock and a hard place because he is so hard to resist.
Hypothesis - Any book Madison Fox writes I'm probably going to fall in love with.
Conclusion - Hypothesis is 100% true.
This book was SOOOOOOOO GOOOOOD. I consumed it in a day (which never happens). Cullen is such a good main character. The little things that you think don't really matter when Verity is speaking, he remembers and acts upon them. He makes it all matter. He does everything for her even when she isn't asking for it. Making sure she gets home safe even when they aren't even in the same state.
I loved every aspect of this whole story and even as a girl who typically doesn't love a third act breakup. I didn't mind this one, it fit with the plot of the story and was well integrated and executed. I also love a jealousy man. When he can't have what he wants but he isn't letting anyone else have it either (so good).
Hypothesis - Any book Madison Fox writes I'm probably going to fall in love with.
Conclusion - Hypothesis is 100% true.
This book was SOOOOOOOO GOOOOOD. I consumed it in a day (which never happens). Cullen is such a good main character. The little things that you think don't really matter when Verity is speaking, he remembers and acts upon them. He makes it all matter. He does everything for her even when she isn't asking for it. Making sure she gets home safe even when they aren't even in the same state.
I loved every aspect of this whole story and even as a girl who typically doesn't love a third act breakup. I didn't mind this one, it fit with the plot of the story and was well integrated and executed. I also love a jealousy man. When he can't have what he wants but he isn't letting anyone else have it either (so good).
June 16, 2025
4/5
i recently came across her other book series, and i absolutely fell in love with her writing style. the way she weaves together characters, emotions, and plot is unlike anything i've ever read. the premise of this book was what initially intrigued me, but once i started, i couldn’t put it down.
it’s truly an amazing book, and the concept is so unique. the creativity and depth of the story made for such an immersive reading experience. Hopefully she releases new books in the future!
Would i recommend this book? yes, maybe, no.
- I highly recommend! yes. :)
i recently came across her other book series, and i absolutely fell in love with her writing style. the way she weaves together characters, emotions, and plot is unlike anything i've ever read. the premise of this book was what initially intrigued me, but once i started, i couldn’t put it down.
it’s truly an amazing book, and the concept is so unique. the creativity and depth of the story made for such an immersive reading experience. Hopefully she releases new books in the future!
Would i recommend this book? yes, maybe, no.
- I highly recommend! yes. :)
July 30, 2025
3.5 stars!
A pretty cute book with fun characters. Cullen is such a green flag—the way he is so fricking thoughtful, like—🤌🏻. The book felt a lil slow, but the story was good. Simple and sweet. I really dislike Celine, though, like, "Girl, what are you even holding onto after 10 years?" But all in all, a good and quick read. Nothing mind-blowing, but not a bad book. Still loved the System series over this, though.
A pretty cute book with fun characters. Cullen is such a green flag—the way he is so fricking thoughtful, like—🤌🏻. The book felt a lil slow, but the story was good. Simple and sweet. I really dislike Celine, though, like, "Girl, what are you even holding onto after 10 years?" But all in all, a good and quick read. Nothing mind-blowing, but not a bad book. Still loved the System series over this, though.
June 25, 2026
I love a man that knows how to spoil his woman and knows how to grovel!
She is the example of “walk him like a dog” and I love it!
Please Madison make more books like this one I will read them ALL!
Enough about this fantastic book that I enjoyed A LOT; let’s talk a little about how GOOD madison writes! I read all of her books and love how she writes and will continue reading everything she will publish!
She is the example of “walk him like a dog” and I love it!
Please Madison make more books like this one I will read them ALL!
Enough about this fantastic book that I enjoyed A LOT; let’s talk a little about how GOOD madison writes! I read all of her books and love how she writes and will continue reading everything she will publish!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2026
I absolutely loved this. How can a man be this good and still have such a terrible ex like Celine? For fuck’s sake, that woman was awful.
Cullen deserves all the good things. I’m completely in love with him, and I truly hope we get more from this book because I adored the side characters, especially Briget. Maybe she’ll get her own book? I don’t know, but let’s hope so.
Cullen deserves all the good things. I’m completely in love with him, and I truly hope we get more from this book because I adored the side characters, especially Briget. Maybe she’ll get her own book? I don’t know, but let’s hope so.
June 13, 2025
Coming from the world of Booktube, transitioning into a full-fledged author is no small feat, and she makes it look effortless. Her passion for romance shines through every scene. I love her worlds! The dialogue had me grinning like an idiot more than once.
June 17, 2025
Quick read
My first time reading this author and she didn’t disappoint.
Such a quick and fun read. You can’t help but feel for Verity swoon over Cullen. The plot twist got me and of course, the well deserved happy ending!
My first time reading this author and she didn’t disappoint.
Such a quick and fun read. You can’t help but feel for Verity swoon over Cullen. The plot twist got me and of course, the well deserved happy ending!
July 27, 2025
DNF @ 27%. Too much description of every. Little. Thing. It got tiresome to the point I was skipping over entire paragraphs. Also, I don’t mind insta-lust, but this was insta-love and totally unbelievable.
I just didn’t care about the characters at all and life’s too short.
I just didn’t care about the characters at all and life’s too short.
July 17, 2026
4.0 ⭐️
en efecto es ficción, porque nunca en la vida va a existir un hombre así de desicado por su mujer y su lado realista es que es un mentiroso, me gustó mcuho el libro, super digerible y entretenido
en efecto es ficción, porque nunca en la vida va a existir un hombre así de desicado por su mujer y su lado realista es que es un mentiroso, me gustó mcuho el libro, super digerible y entretenido
June 15, 2025
We love men who YEARN and know what they want 🥰
Loved all of Madison’s books so far and this was no different, I’m hoping this becomes a series (I need a Rafe book)!!
Loved all of Madison’s books so far and this was no different, I’m hoping this becomes a series (I need a Rafe book)!!
June 17, 2025
This book is so amazing, just like the first three written by Madison Fox 😭 more books from her need to exist in this world 🥰
July 9, 2025
I love love love loved this book.
July 21, 2025
3.5. did not like the first few chapters but i got suckered into it pretty soon after that.
July 31, 2025
I liked this author’s gaming trilogy but I think this one wasn’t fully for me! It was still decent so if you like a lot of drama and conflict (that enrages you lol) you’d like this one.
August 11, 2025
This was a fun, quick read. The plot was pretty predictable but that's what made it a perfect summer holiday kind of read.
4/5 stars
4/5 stars
September 27, 2025
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐧-𝐢𝐬𝐡...
October 2, 2025
nothing to see here folks, just some green flag stalking, it's all good, nothing to be concerned about.
Read
October 11, 2025dnf
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews