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Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9781804560495

In my world, love comes with a rulebook.

Marry the right girl. From the right family. With the right last name.

I’m Jack Alden—the only son of the Alden dynasty. The kind of New York family that’s been around since ships were made of wood and fortunes were built on steel.

My mother’s been trying to find me a “suitable” wife for years.

So naturally, I fall for a woman who couldn’t care less about any of it.
Iris Wilde.

I first saw her at the New York City Ballet—crying in the stalls like the music had cracked her open. She didn’t know who I was. She wasn’t performing for anyone. She was just… real.

One night with her, and I remembered what it felt like to actually breathe.

Then she disappeared.

Months later, I find her again—on a fruit farm in the middle of Colorado, hurling raspberries at me like she’s auditioning for a food fight. Turns out, Iris is smart, stubborn, and not remotely impressed by a billionaire with a trust fund and an overbearing mother.

She makes me laugh.

She makes me think.

And for the first time in my life, I want something that isn’t written in my family’s history books.

But old money comes with old rules.

And loving Iris means breaking every single one.

They say you can’t choose where you come from.

Maybe not.

But you can choose who you fight for.

And this time, I’m choosing her.

Because when it comes to Iris Wilde—I don’t just love.

I love hard.

346 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2026

1207 people are currently reading
4791 people want to read

About the author

Louise Bay

77 books7,587 followers
International and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes spicy contemporary romance novels, mainly about guys in suits (that always come off).

Ruined by the bonk-busters of the eighties, Louise was inspired by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, but wants to be Emily Henry meets Abbey Jimenez when she grows up.

Louise loves the rain, London, Bravo, hanging out with her kid, elephants and champagne. In. That. Exact. Order.

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
Profile Image for Chris  C - A Midlife Wife.
1,858 reviews466 followers
December 31, 2025
I love the interweaving connection the main male characters have in this series.

Our male lead character in the story, Jack, is one of the last to look for his happily ever after, and the author delivers a great plot to draw you in.

Jack is written as a man with a beautiful soul who truly wants to give his heart to someone special. Spoil her, take care of her, but let her be who she’s meant to be. Embracing her strength from within. He is so sweet and tender, not to mention hot!

Iris is beautifully depicted, the picture of grace, yet she is torn in her heart between wanting to find her passion and her family obligation.

It’s a tough road they traveled with seemingly no true answer to how they can be together until the very end.

The characters are beautifully developed, and it’s a poignant story that tugs on your heartstrings. Bay captures the intense feelings and yearning for resolution perfectly. She includes all of the spice and heat that the story warrants, and it becomes a book that you simply can’t stop reading.

I had such the feels for Jack. He truly is an awesome character, and so is Iris. Beautifully coupled in their strengths and weaknesses.

Bay writes amazing stories that touch your heart and make you melt as she weaves this beautiful love story. Love Hard is a great closure to the series. It can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to?

~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
** Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/love-hard-by...
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,297 reviews154 followers
January 7, 2026

Louise Bay is back, she has outdone herself with a new amazing story.

I was waiting for Jack, he is the snobbish new yorker who came from old money, and I was just so curious to meet the woman who caught his attention. Here comes Iris, a down to earth woman who will change his worldview.

I loved these characters. Jack and Iris came from two different worlds but their connection and attraction are immediate. Their relationship seems doomed from the start, but it was good to see them enjoy the ride.

Love Hard was unputdownable, good pace, and an emotional storyline.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for bookjunkiejane.
1,041 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2026
The author lies in the premise saying she hates him and disappears. It's false. Iris doesn't hate Jack and she actually leaves him a note informing him about her circumstances before leaving. The first half was going good. But it turns downhill. When Jack ends things, he should have been the one coming to find Iris and groveling. He didn't find her and he gave a half assed apology. And she easily forgave him. Not cool. While this book could have been a really good one, the author did a 180 and made it into a bad one.
Profile Image for Bianca Pettersson.
23 reviews12 followers
April 21, 2026
Började bra! Men sen föll det platt. Hela MMC bakgrund är tvärtråkig & man ska påminnas om den konstant. Tyckte även tempot var alldeles för snabbt, alltså de har liksom blivit kära första så 30% av boken? Nja lite snark på den. Synd, hade ändå potential men föll tyvärr platt!
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,470 reviews633 followers
February 1, 2026
📚ARC REVIEW📚

THE FEELS! Listen, I’ve said this before many times, experiencing a Louise Bay story makes me happy almost every time, but this time, she went waaaaay above the happy into like Neverland or some equally magical realm! Seriously, I felt this story from the top of my head to my very tippy toes, and I felt it throughout every scene, circumstance, plot-point, sentence, chapter, page … fell me? It’s a feeler in the most brilliant of ways and I just need to applaud that! 👏👏👏👏👏

Every moment of this story was hopeful and uplifting, even the inevitable last minute conflict! I call it “last minute” because it wasn’t your typical “third-act breakup”, it was more an unavoidable circumstance that needed to happen based on the story itself. It could not not have happened because it lent credibility and realism to the journey. To be honest, every step of this story felt organic and very real to me. Even though I cannot fathom the life circumstances that both Iris and Jack carried I feel they are realistic to the people they are.

This story is 100% driven by emotion and once again, it was perfect for the story. These two were kismets and their journey felt destined in a very realistic way. I know I keep making this “realistic” point over and over again, but it’s one of the greatest qualities this entire story held from beginning to end.

Louise Bay created one of her best with Love Hard and I dare say it might be my top read of hers to date! So, go do the thing!

UPDATE with 🎧Audiobook Review🎧 ...
This was such an incredible story when I read it that I knew without a doubt that the audiobook would make me feel just as good as reading the story and I was not wrong! I completely lost track of myself listening to Jason Clarke & Erin Mallon perform this story! These two have always been on my top narrator list and they just did not disappoint!
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
January 27, 2026
I’ve read this book twice! Once as a ebook and the second time as an audio book. The audio enhances the experience so much more and I’m already sold on everything Louise Bay. I’m in love with the Colorado series. Each book is just as beautiful as the last and Love Hard is no different.

A chance meeting and a second chance at getting to know each other. Have you ever met someone that impacts on your life even though you only spent a short amount of time with them? Do you ever think of that person and wonder what if? What if, the turned up in your hometown and you could live out that what if? Jack and Iris are that couple.

Iris had to give up dance to help her family with the farm but once a year she has a secret mini break. On her secret day she visits New York and attends the ballet. She’s been doing it for years and her family doesn’t have a clue. One year there’s a blip in her plan and everything changes.

Jack is from a well to do family. His mother expects him to live to her high standards and that includes who he marries. For Jack, it’s love at first sight when he sees Iris at the ballet and he wants to know her.

What starts as one beautiful meet cute turns into so much more.
Profile Image for Marisela M. Chavez.
1,441 reviews8 followers
January 6, 2026
Love Hard will make you believe in at love at first sight. Iris and Jack story was beautifully written and had me smiling from beginning to end.

Iris had dreamed to be a baller dancer but unforeseen circumstances her plans drastically change. She has to stay and help run the family farm alongside her father and brother. But once a year she takes the weekend to herself. And lives the dreamed she long for her. To see the ballet in NYC.

Jack is destined to run the family business and take over for his father. To marry someone who is worthy. But all that changes when he spots Iris at the ballet. They spend one night together in the city. And you’ll see the instant connection between them. When Iris has to go back home they both believe they’ve lost their chance.

Once they reunite, you see how much they understand one another. It’s was great to see how strong of connection they share. And when life throws them a curveball you’ll see all the highs and lows they have to work through. This was such an incredible story. And I love to see how strong Jack friendship is going strong as ever.

Arc was provided for honest review.
Profile Image for raya_reads_love.
431 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
January 6, 2026
So sweet and thoughtful

Iris' and Jack's story is so sweet.
After the books of Jacks friends (Colorado Club Billionaires series and The New York City Billionaires) I was very interested in knowing who gets Jack's heart and I'm totally happy with this conclusion.

This book is well written and easy to follow. Even non native English readers will enjoy this book. The story is told from both main characters, Irish and Jack, from the first person. I prefer the writing in the first person because I could feel all their emotions under my skin. It's more personal for me. And I felt so much through these pages.

Jack's evolution through the book is concrete and relatable. I felt immediately drowned into him. He's such a good person and thoughtful. He's the one anyone needs to fall in love with. He has some stones in the way but he tries to manage them the best way possible.
I love the interaction between him and Iris. The chemistry is so sweet and expanding proportional.

Iris' is also undergoing an evolution through the book and one that a lot of people could relate to. I was very invested in Iris because something on her hit me right in the chest. I confess that I cried a lot with her. Everyone deserves a chance on love and possibilities.
But I also was so happy with her.

The relationship evolution between Jack and Iris is also relatable for me. It makes sense and I always knew what to expect from them.

I wouldn't say it was a roller-coaster on my emotions but it was quite sweet and comforting to read Iris' and Jack's story.

About the side characters, there are some cameos from the previous books (New York City and Colorado Club Billionaires) and one or two mentions of The Doctor series. I love when they're back.
Oh and there are some interesting side characters I wanna get their story been told.

conclusion:
Such a sweet and thoughtful love story that makes my heart swoon.

info
This is the 3rd book in the Colorado Club Billionaires series. All of them are standalones, but interconnected. For a better reading experience I recommend to read them in order.

The Colorado Club Billionaires series:
book 1: Love Fast (Byron & Rosey)
book 2: Love Deep (Fisher & Juniper)
book 3: Love Hart (Jack & Iris)


book description
In my world, love comes with a rulebook.

Marry the right girl. From the right family. With the right last name.

I’m Jack Alden—the only son of the Alden dynasty. The kind of New York family that’s been around since ships were made of wood and fortunes were built on steel.

My mother’s been trying to find me a “suitable” wife for years.

So naturally, I fall for a woman who couldn’t care less about any of it.
Iris Williams.

I first saw her at the New York City Ballet—crying in the stalls like the music had cracked her open. She didn’t know who I was. She wasn’t performing for anyone. She was just… real.

One night with her, and I remembered what it felt like to actually breathe.

Then she disappeared.

Months later, I find her again—on a fruit farm in the middle of Colorado, hurling raspberries at me like she’s auditioning for a food fight. Turns out, Iris is smart, stubborn, and not remotely impressed by a billionaire with a trust fund and an overbearing mother.

She makes me laugh.

She makes me think.

And for the first time in my life, I want something that isn’t written in my family’s history books.

But old money comes with old rules.

And loving Iris means breaking every single one.

They say you can’t choose where you come from.

Maybe not.

But you can choose who you fight for.

And this time, I’m choosing her.

Because when it comes to Iris Williams—I don’t just love.

I love hard.
Profile Image for Philippa - (The British Bibliophile).
Author 4 books40 followers
January 19, 2026
'Ladies and gentleman, welcome back to Star Falls! Third time visiting will most definitely be the charm with Jack Alden and Iris Wilde’s story.' - The British Bibliophile

Rating: 4⭐️

💚Tropes: Billionaire, Small Town, Different Worlds, Wrong Side of the Tracks, Opposites Attract, Destined to be Together, Long Distance

🏔️Advanced Copy Format: ebook (ARC)

🤍Plot: Only son from a prestigious family with a long-standing dynasty has to marry the right girl. His mother has been searching for the ‘ideal’ match for him for several years, only for him to end up falling for a woman who doesn’t care about his family dynasty. Their eyes first met at the New York City ballet when hers were full of tears, and his with hearts in them. They spent one, uninhibited night together…before she vanished into thin air. Months pass, and their paths cross once more. He comes across her in Colorado, armed with raspberries that soon find themselves hurled right at him. Soon, he comes to the realisation that loving Iris means breaking every single one of rules that come with coming from an old family, and old money. He might not have been able to choose where he came from, but he can choose who he fights for. His choice? He fights for her. Why? Because when he loves, he loves hard.

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗
⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀𝐴 𝑅 𝐶 ⠀𝑅 𝐸 𝑉 𝐼 𝐸 𝑊
╚═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╝

Louise Bay has once more brought us back to Star Falls, Colorado with the third book in her Colorado Club Billionaires series with Love Hard. A literary place that will always be a welcome one to traverse to no matter how little or few it may be.

Luckily for us, three is the lucky number of times.

Echoing what I said in my review for book two, Love Deep, the return to Star Falls is an incredibly welcome one as first impressions left by book one, Love Fast, were more than enough to have me wanting to make an immediate return to the fictional town to see what else would go down there.

The second jaunt to the snowy town saw us visit it with Juniper and Fisher. Now, it’s with Jack and Iris.

Jack Alden lives in a world where love comes with a rule book. He has to find the right girl from a family with the right surname, and marry her. As the only son of the Alden family—a family that carries with it a great dynasty that stretches back to the days in New York when its ships were made of wood and fortunes built on steel—, it is up to him to make the right match. Not that he has much say in the matter.

His mother has been doubling down hard on her efforts to find him a “suitable” match for the last several years. Naturally, and rather ironically, he goes and falls for a woman who couldn’t care any less about any of the former.

The lady in question? One Iris Wilde.

Iris Wilde’s eyes were full of tears the night she met Jack at the New York City ballet. She was in the stalls, weeping tears as if the music that floated all around them had cradled her straight in two.

Her tears were uninhibited and unrestrained, free to roll down her cheeks because he was a stranger to her. She didn’t know who he was, so she was able to let them free without needing to hold them back in his presence. Such tears were also as genuine as she herself appeared to be, in his mind. She was simply…real. Authentic. A rare thing in his world.

She was his chance to finally take an actual, unfeigned breath. At least, that’s how he felt when spending the one night with her because come morning, she was gone. Vanished, into thin air.

Fate though, was in Jack’s favour, as months later on a fruit farm in Colorado, he finds her again. Equipped with the ripe fruit she’s picked—raspberries—, they are hurled right in his direction with zero hesitation.

Turns out, Iris—stubborn and smart both—is not in the least bit impressed by Jack being a billionaire with a trust fund and an overbearing mother to-boot.

Not deterred by her unimpressed attitude, Jack stays the course with her and enjoys instead how she makes him smile, laugh and think. Coming to the realisation that for the first time in his entire life, he doesn’t want something that is involved within the pages of his family’s history books.

He wants her.

Wanting Iris is not without its risks. It means he’ll be going against old rules not dared to be broken and as much as he can’t choose where he came from, he can choose what he fights for. Iris, is who he has chosen to fight for.

By fighting for her, he’s also fighting for them.

Fighting for them is exactly what he has his heart and mind set on because when Jack Alden loves something, he loves it hard.

Love Hard was a read that I was very much keen to dive into after being impressively bowled over by its predecessor. Wait it worth the wait between them to take a chance on? Very much so, yes.

Jack is a man who carries with him a genuinely authentically beautiful soul with the best of intentions, giving his whole heart to Iris without being overbearing (like his mother), and loving who she is and evening that she is without question.

Iris in some ways mirrors Jack’s life, as she too is torn between deciding between fulfilling her own wishes and desires, or those that her family expect of her to carry out. Obligation weighs heavy on her shoulders too, and the similarities in her life are seen and understood by Jack who can unfortunately relate.

Together, they journey down their re-merged path to a point that they were meant to get to all along. It’s safe to say that although it wasn’t a smooth one, it was worth travelling down.

Jack and Iris’ story is a prominently poignant one, as often seen from a Louise Bay book. Full of emotion and heart, it draws out of us, her readers, equally as so reactions to the love story that has been crafted for us to adore.

Definitely one worth revisiting, which is exactly what I plan to do.

The moment that the opportunity comes my way to listen to their story being told from the expert handling of the narrators that have been chosen to do the job, no time will be wasted in hitting that play button.

I have a feeling, as was the case with Love Deep, that it will be the format that will earn this read the five stars from me that I know it deserves.

Until then, it’s a fond farewell to Star Falls once more.

----------------------------------------------------------

💚Most Liked: Jack’s undying devotion to bringing nothing but love and happiness to Iris’ life
🏔️Happily Ever After: Oh yes! It wouldn’t be a Louise Bay book without one
Steamy/Spicy/Smutty or Romanic? : Romantic for sure, with just the right amount of steam and heat
🤍Recommended Format: Undetermined as of now. Possibly might be the audiobook once I’ve listened to it

*Thank you to Louise Bay & her assistant for this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Valeria Spencer.
1,843 reviews12 followers
March 22, 2026
DNF. I have read several Louise Bay books in the past, but not recently. This book was not for me; as shallow as a puddle and about as interesting. The premise started off a little wobbly, but with some promise, but quickly became utter nonsense and simply unbelievable. I liked neither main character. On to a better book.
Profile Image for Proserpine.
668 reviews57 followers
January 22, 2026

“She’s home. She’s all I’ve ever wanted and I never knew it. If all the money, my name, the status, the charities—if everything disappears tomorrow, it doesn’t matter because I have Iris.” —Jack Alden

“I’ve seen what life can be like. I’ve seen the possibility. It’s like being with Jack showed me what color is.” —Iris Wilde


4.5💚

greening screaming wheezing gasping crying throwing up

Okay, so... This was not the perfect finale to wrap up the series, since I expected more interaction between Iris, Rosey, and Juniper. Still, it wasn't bad either bcs the brief appearances of Byron and Fisher added a nice touch. And Jack and Iris' journey, with all its hard bumps on the way to their happily ever after, was absolutely worth the wait.

Love Hard is an emotional, beautifully paced romance that pairs Jack, a wealthy New Yorker raised under the weight of old‑money expectations, with Iris, a grounded farm girl who once dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. Their worlds couldn't be more different, yet their connection is immediate and undeniable. Iris secretly escapes to New York each year to attend the ballet gala, and it's there that Jack first sees her. Sn encounter that feels fated and sets the stage for a love story that blossoms against all odds.

What begins as a chance meeting evolves into a profound bond filled with longing, pining, and sensual intimacy. Their relationship faces obstacles from family commitments and social divides, but instead of anger or resentment, they treat these challenges with respect and realism, making their journey feel raw and deeply real. The inevitable conflict arrives late in the story, not as a cliched breakup but as a circumstance that lends credibility to their path, and the resolution is both fitting and surprisingly tender. 🥹💚

Jack's thoughtful devotion and Iris's compassion shine throughout, their chemistry ardent and erotic yet grounded in emotional truth. Even Jack's mother, initially frustrating in her pressure, gains nuance once her motivations are revealed. The epilogue delivers the payoff I've been longing for, wrapping up their destined love story with warmth and satisfaction. Overall, Love Hard is unputdownable hopeful, heartfelt, and driven by emotion reading, proving that sometimes the most unlikely pairings are the ones that feel written in the stars.

The absolute selling point was the narrators. Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon dazzled in their performances, bringing Jack and Iris vividly to life. I might even consider them another favorite pairing of narrators. They captured vulnerability and quiet strength in perfect balance, making every emotional beat resonate more deeply.

To sum it up, I devoured this series and regret nothing. The small‑town billionaire romance trope can be tricky bcs the push and pull between quiet charm and big‑city ambition doesn't always click well, but Louise Bay dazzled with the balance. Each couple pulled me in with undeniable chemistry, their stories brimming with passion, angst, and healing that left me reeling and restored. If you're craving for swoony billionaire romance wrapped in cozy small‑town vibes, pick up this series up, or I'll be side‑eyeing you across the room. 🫵🏻😒💥🏃🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Emma Howard.
106 reviews12 followers
January 30, 2026
Oh Jack and Iris have my heart… the billionaire who is expected to marry to an influential NY family and Iris who works on her family fruit farm an gave up her ballerina dreams when her mum passed away. These two navigate their worlds so beautifully together, I loved how they supported each other and realised their deep connection early on!
A fabulous read in the Colorado club world and I highly recommend this book by Louise Bay


Book overview
In my world, love comes with a rulebook.

Marry the right girl. From the right family. With the right last name.

I’m Jack Alden—the only son of the Alden dynasty. The kind of New York family that’s been around since ships were made of wood and fortunes were built on steel.

My mother’s been trying to find me a “suitable” wife for years.

So naturally, I fall for a woman who couldn’t care less about any of it.
Iris Wilde.

I first saw her at the New York City Ballet—crying in the stalls like the music had cracked her open. She didn’t know who I was. She wasn’t performing for anyone. She was just… real.

One night with her, and I remembered what it felt like to actually breathe.

Then she disappeared.

Months later, I find her again—on a fruit farm in the middle of Colorado, hurling raspberries at me like she’s auditioning for a food fight. Turns out, Iris is smart, stubborn, and not remotely impressed by a billionaire with a trust fund and an overbearing mother.

She makes me laugh.

She makes me think.

And for the first time in my life, I want something that isn’t written in my family’s history books.

But old money comes with old rules.

And loving Iris means breaking every single one.

They say you can’t choose where you come from.

Maybe not.

But you can choose who you fight for.

And this time, I’m choosing her.

Because when it comes to Iris Wilde—I don’t just love.

I love hard.
Profile Image for Stefanie Kral.
775 reviews25 followers
January 17, 2026
✯✯5 Jack & Iris Filled Stars!!!✯✯

Louise Bay has been one of my favorite go to authors since the very first book of hers that I read, and with every new release, she proves again and again that she will always be one of my automatic one click authors, even if I don’t have a blurb for the book, I am still going to grab it. Love Hard was no different.

There’s usually few reviews that I hate to write and this is one of them because it’s the last book of the series but like Louise always does she always always saves the best for laugh.

I was curious, who was going to steal Jack’s heart and see where that storyline was going to go because he was supposed to be taking over his family‘s business and marrying a certain type of woman.

But when Jack goes to the ballet and he sees Iris, it was love at first sight.

Iris always wanted to be a ballet dancer, but ever since her mother passed away, she works on her family farm with her father and her brother and she does that all year long but once a year she slips away and goes to New York to see the ballet.

She never expected to meet Jack, but when she does, they end up, enjoying their time together until she has to go back home, both of them thinking that they would never see each other again.

But when they see each other again at her family‘s farm, not expecting it. They were shocked. Even though they both liked each other it wasn’t easy to just start up a relationship being they both live in different states, and they have obligations to their families that neither one of them can see themselves walking away from their family, even though they desperately see something with each other.

Once I started this book, I legitimately cannot put it down. The way that Louise wrote this story for Jack and Iris. It could be anybody’s relationship. If you met someone and hung out and then went your separate ways, but you constantly found yourself thinking about them or wondering what if. That was the story.

I’m really excited to see what Louise will end up writing next, but regardless of what it is I am definitely going to be one clicking it.
Profile Image for Babel.
2,371 reviews198 followers
January 4, 2026
A woman with a lost dream. A man with a duty to his family. When their paths cross, there's no turning back.

Serendipity, forbidden romance and male longing that will make you breathless. This is another favourite of mine. Loved it!

This tale of fated romance, legacy and sacrifice feels deeply romantic and intensely sensual.
Jack is a gentleman, sweet and devoted in his relationship with Iris. New York elite meets farm girl from Colorado who dreams of ballet and freedom when she's done her peace with real life practicalities.

It feels momentuous when they see each other for the first time. The connection, the looks, the conversation, they are just fated and profound. I loved the old-fashioned pining and longing, the epic emotional earthquake of their reuniting and realising their bond. You cannot imagine the beauty and sensuality of their first intimate encounter. It's as ardent as it is erotic.

I loved so many things. The family commitments on both sides, how these are taken seriously by both Jack and Iris, how they struggle to make everything work despite the huge chasm in station and expectations. Even the absence of anger is perfect because they treat the obstacles to their romance as real life and not as an offence on anyone's part, so they still love and respect each other through thick and thin. I loved the resolution because it is both fitting and surprising and it wraps up everything so perfectly.

 I highly recommend it for romantic readers who need a bit of happiness and some compass to guide them. 
Profile Image for Sierra.
266 reviews12 followers
January 3, 2026
✨Arc Review✨
Love Hard by Louise Bay
Book 3 in Colorado Club Billionaires
Available Jan 6th
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Simply this was a “Hallmark after dark” romance that pulled at my heartstrings and left me sad the series is over. The last of the New York billionaire friend group has finally found his woman and I was completely hooked!

Jack Alden meets Iris during a chance intermission at the New York Ballet, it sparked an instant, meaningful connection for the both of them, only for them to part without exchanging numbers! (Seriously who does that this day in age but loved the Cinderella vibes) By morning, Iris is back in Colorado, and Jack realizes fate may have slipped through his fingers. Both are deeply loyal to their families: Jack to his legacy as the Alden heir, and Iris to her family’s fruit farm. Their struggle between love and responsibility is written beautifully and feels incredibly real.

This story is warm, emotional, and deeply romantic, with off the charts insta chemistry. Jack is patient, and understanding to Iris’s hesitation about his “New York old money” lifestyle and Iris is fierce in her beliefs and staying true to herself despite the deep love and connection she feels for Jack. It made this a bittersweet but perfect goodbye to characters I’ve truly loved throughout the series.

Huge thanks to Louise Bay. I’m sad to see this series end, but so excited for what’s next! 💖📚
Profile Image for Cheryl Carpenter.
348 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 24, 2025
The third book in the Colorado Club Billionaires series features New Yorker Jack Alden, heir to the Alden family fortune and playboy. Jack wants no ties and enjoys his life just as it is until he spots Iris in the audience at the New York City Ballet.

"It’s a woman in the audience. She’s in one of the very best seats in the house, in front of the stage about six rows back. Her hair is pulled back into a tight bun, like the woman on stage, and she’s dabbing her eyes with tissues. Her profile is elegant. She has a long neck and high cheekbones. She looks like she belongs on the stage and not in the audience".

Iris Wilde is a fruit farmer from Star Falls, Colorado. She had dreams of being a ballerina that never came to fruition. She has worked on her father's farm with her brother since her mother died.

"As he comes into focus, my stomach flips as I realize I recognize him. That sharp jaw and full lips. The shiny thick hair that looks like it was passed down from JFK himself. I’ve seen him before. I never go anywhere, so I must have seen him in Star Falls".

All of Jack's friends are in a committed relationship and are very understanding and helpful when Jack finally finds a love interest. Iris is committed to the farm and can't see how there's a future for her and Jack.

This book had all the feels and plenty of hot, hot hot action. I just loved Jack, and I loved Iris even more. They're wonderfully imperfect characters. This is Louise Bay at her best yet again.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and am leaving an completely honest review.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,267 reviews220 followers
January 5, 2026
5 Star Review Love Hard (Colorado Club Billionaires #3) by Louise Bay

Love Hard is the latest addition to the Colorado Club Billionaires #3 and was a great read.

This is billionaire Jack Alden and Iris Wilde’s story. I love stories set in my small towns, and this is a good example of the trope.

From the first chapter to the last I was invested in the story the author.

Jack’s life has been mapped out for him and it’s a life he doesn’t really want. When he spots Iris at the ballet, he is drawn to her.

Imagine his surprise when he bumps into her months later, is fate working in his favour?

These two are opposites and yet they worked well together. What follows is a well written, entertaining story with plenty of heart.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,545 reviews56 followers
January 2, 2026
Jake and Iris couldn't have been more perfect even if I wanted to.
Their whole story was entertaining from start to finish. The love at first sight for Jake was just what the doctor prescribed for my first 2026 read. He knew obligations will come catching up to him, but wanted to try to make them work.

Iris knew heartbreak and kept telling herself not to let Jake near but the more time it passed, she began to dream. And when real worlds comes calling them, both were trying to do the right thing even when their hearts were breaking apart.

As said these two were the perfect way to start my 2026 and this is any indication how it will be reading wise, it's going to be great!

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.5k reviews260 followers
January 6, 2026
This is the third book in this impressive series, and this is Jack and Iris’s story.
Jack is the only son of the Alden dynasty, and his mother has been trying to find his a “suitable” wife for years. The last things Jack expects is to fall for Iris, who could not care less about wealth or anything else.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, sacrifices, resilience, determination, opposites attract, acceptance, long distance, humour, witty banter, soulmates, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Christina Meller Nielsen.
109 reviews
February 10, 2026
*** ARC provided for honest review ***

Great read from Louise Bay.
I loved following Jack and Iris on their journey for happily ever after.
Jack is expected to marry a woman from the right family and with the right status, but then he meets Iris and all bets are off.
Their journey from being from différent worlds, to them finding their way together was faboulus to follow.
Jack, who tries to find his way in the corporate world and leaving his own mark and Iris, trying to find out how she fits into the world that Jack lives in.
The story was absolutely fun to read and following the characters development was fantastic.
This can be read as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading the other books in the series, just because reading Louise Bay books are utterly enjoyable.
Profile Image for Lynnda Worsnop.
59 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2026
I loved this story of two people who fall in love in a moment one night, but their different lives make it impossible for this to be anything but fleeting. They both know this, but Jack has never had to give up on a dream. Everything is possible if you are the heir apparent of one of the most powerful families in New York.
Iris has already given up so much to support her family. Jack is a big temptation, but her loyalties are strong.
With two strong characters, it is hard not to cheer for them both from the start. I loved them both instantly, and that made the emotional scenes that bit strong.
Set in the twin locations of New York and Star Falls, Colorado, it’s a great escape as the author takes you to both places through the pages of this one.
All the books in this series can be read as standalones, and they are all in Kindle Unlimited, so go immerse yourself.

Profile Image for Carol.
3,634 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2026
Love Hard

Do you believe in Love at first sight, he didn't until he saw Iris! But his family is like royalty, or so his mother seems to think he can only be with someone who comes from a certain level. Can he truly have the person he truly loves, or is heartache written all over their story from the start.
168 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2026
When a meet cute turns into somenthing you didn't expect. I liked this story. Iris and Jack are meant to be together and they're a perfect couple. As Jack said, she is his happyness filter. They show how two different worlds can collide and complete each other and remind us that there's pleanty that money can't buy.
Profile Image for Ana Filipa.
368 reviews
February 8, 2026
The meet cute in this book was 100% 2000s rom-com certified.

4.5⭐️
Profile Image for Caroline F.
2,436 reviews54 followers
January 14, 2026
A perfect ending to this wonderful series.

"She's a prayer. My future. The beginning and the end of everything."

Jack and Iris were such a gorgeously romantic couple. I loved the connection between them and how they well they understood one another without ever saying the words. Right from the moment they met, there was such certainty in their feelings for one another. They were swoony, funny, and heartbreaking. I just adored them so, so much!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
202 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 14, 2026
This love story was truly beautiful. Jack is an absolute sweetheart who empowers women, and I just love that. Iris deserved someone who would make her their number 1, and Jack did that and more. The spice was delicious and written perfectly
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,963 reviews212 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 6, 2026




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Jack lives a life of family legacy and privilege, but he has no idea he's missing...something. Until he spies a beauty at the ballet, and something in him changes the second he lays eyes on her. He thought having the most intense night of his life with her meant something equally significant to her, but when she doesn't show up the next day, something in him collapses. Now all he can do is think about her and hope against hope he'll see Iris again. If he ever does, he's not giving her up again.



Iris has a secret - she takes time for herself just once a year to go to New York and watch the ballet. It reminds her of the dream she had to give up to save the family farm after her mother passed, and she's now too old to ever go back to that dream. But this time around, she not only gets to see the ballet, she meets the most delicious man and has a fling with him. Unfortunately, her real life calls, and she has to go. With no way to contact Jack but to leave a note at the restaurant where they were supposed to meet, she knows she'll never see him again. Will have to keep this secret of hers as just a beautiful memory. Until she walks into the resort and sees something(one) that makes everything around her stand still. But just because Jack's in front of her again, obviously wanting to continue, the things that made them improbable still exist. There's just no way for a New York billionaire to be with a Colorado farmer's daughter. Is there?



Iris is amazing. Literally dropped out of her life to save her family's farm, never complained, never made her father and brother feel bad or let them know how much it hurt when they lost her mom and she had to take over, and lost her dream. Then she meets someone she had an instant connection with and her real life just sucked her back in, making her leave him behind. Thank God fate had something else in store for her and Jack. Though they came from different worlds, they made an instant connection and ended up being perfect for each other. Their journey may have been a bit painful, and Jack had a lot of growing to do, but their path is beautifully told, the chemistry is positively yummy, and my heart smiled at the end when they finally figured everything out and came together, and stayed together. Jack has some awesome friends, and one of them is getting his story next (The London Man) - I cannot wait!



ARC provided by the author for an honest review.

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236 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2026
4.5⭐️

This audio is so good. I would listen to Jason Clarke read just about anything… 😍.

I’m also a sucker for a man who falls first and that’s what happened when Jack first saw Iris. They come from two completely different worlds, but I loved how Jack just wanted to be with Iris and help with her farm and family business. They had a hard time navigating their relationship at times, especially through the long distance and family influence, but ultimately forged a path to be together.
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