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Harder #1-6
Harder
When a man like Caleb makes it so hard to love him, what's a girl like Brooke supposed to do?
Running from an abusive relationship, Brooke brought her daughter to a small sleepy southern town to start over. She wants nothing more than a simple uncomplicated life.
The town's reclusive billionaire seems determined to make this task impossible. Crossing her path every time she turns around, Brooke is forced to confront Caleb and find out what makes him tick.
When the truth comes out will she be able to catch him as he falls, or will letting her own guard down and accepting their love be too hard?
*Filled to the brim with unapologetic instalove, angst, drama, dirty sex and wise cracking friends.
**Originally published as a 6 part series as Olivia Hawthorne. This volume contains all 6 installments plus over 10,000 words of added story starting in Chapter 31.
Running from an abusive relationship, Brooke brought her daughter to a small sleepy southern town to start over. She wants nothing more than a simple uncomplicated life.
The town's reclusive billionaire seems determined to make this task impossible. Crossing her path every time she turns around, Brooke is forced to confront Caleb and find out what makes him tick.
When the truth comes out will she be able to catch him as he falls, or will letting her own guard down and accepting their love be too hard?
*Filled to the brim with unapologetic instalove, angst, drama, dirty sex and wise cracking friends.
**Originally published as a 6 part series as Olivia Hawthorne. This volume contains all 6 installments plus over 10,000 words of added story starting in Chapter 31.
- GenresRomance
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2016
39 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 19, 2016
3.75 stars. A good quick weekend read.
May 6, 2017
This book had so much potential but unfortunately it failed miserably. I didn't connect with either of the main characters and the relationship between them felt forced and didn't flow naturally. The secondary characters were all one dimensional and didn't add anything to the story. The drama with the h's ex was very predictable. I couldn't work out how old the daughter was. The way she was described she could have been anywhere between 4 and 14 it turns out she was 9. Sorry - not for me.
December 8, 2018
Too good to end
This book needs a sequel. Even though it is a happy book i didn't want it to dad should have been there and something nasty should have happened to rolland. Just saying
This book needs a sequel. Even though it is a happy book i didn't want it to dad should have been there and something nasty should have happened to rolland. Just saying
July 25, 2016
Harder is about Brooke, a single mother who took her young daughter and ran from her very abusive boyfriend (& baby daddy) and Caleb, the town's wealthy bachelor. The book opens on their first meeting, and it does not go well. Caleb comes off mean & rude and reminds Brooke of her horrible ex.
Brooke works as a server in the local diner, and Caleb comes in the next day, still in a bad mood. He orders lunch to go from the diner's owner, Virginia, and after he leaves Virginia explains to Brooke that he's Caleb Harder. Brooke realizes that she and her daughter, Lucy, moved to Harder's Mill, and that his family is how the town was named.
When Brooke and her friend Addy go for drinks one night, a drunk Brooke runs into Caleb, and after she vomits on his shoes, he ends up taking her home when they can't find Addy. Along the way, she asks him to pull over, feeling sick again. They take a break at a picnic table and after they talk a bit, he admits he finds her beautiful...and they kiss.
The story goes on from there and explores how they feel for each other and that they both have secrets. Secrets that made them who they are and how they both ended up in Harder's Mill. I don't give spoilers, so get your copy to find out what happens with Brooke, Caleb, and sweet & funny little Lucy.
This was my second book from Olivia, and though I liked this story even more than Hunted, I would have liked this story to be told in both Brooke's and Caleb's POV. I like knowing what both are thinking, especially the men. That being said, it did not take away from my five star rating. The book was chock full of love, hot sex scenes, witty banter, scary & sad scenes having to do with those secrets, and some funny moments as well. I found myself smiling quite a bit. Hopefully we'll get some more of this story from Olivia and see how everyone's doing a little later...
Brooke works as a server in the local diner, and Caleb comes in the next day, still in a bad mood. He orders lunch to go from the diner's owner, Virginia, and after he leaves Virginia explains to Brooke that he's Caleb Harder. Brooke realizes that she and her daughter, Lucy, moved to Harder's Mill, and that his family is how the town was named.
When Brooke and her friend Addy go for drinks one night, a drunk Brooke runs into Caleb, and after she vomits on his shoes, he ends up taking her home when they can't find Addy. Along the way, she asks him to pull over, feeling sick again. They take a break at a picnic table and after they talk a bit, he admits he finds her beautiful...and they kiss.
The story goes on from there and explores how they feel for each other and that they both have secrets. Secrets that made them who they are and how they both ended up in Harder's Mill. I don't give spoilers, so get your copy to find out what happens with Brooke, Caleb, and sweet & funny little Lucy.
This was my second book from Olivia, and though I liked this story even more than Hunted, I would have liked this story to be told in both Brooke's and Caleb's POV. I like knowing what both are thinking, especially the men. That being said, it did not take away from my five star rating. The book was chock full of love, hot sex scenes, witty banter, scary & sad scenes having to do with those secrets, and some funny moments as well. I found myself smiling quite a bit. Hopefully we'll get some more of this story from Olivia and see how everyone's doing a little later...
June 4, 2016
Brook took her daughter and up and left her abusive boyfriend. driving without a real goal she ends up in a small typical southern town where everyone knows everyone. trying to make the best of it all brook finds a job at the local diner. when she's en route with her daughter trying to sell some cookies, she isn't really prepared for the brisk behavior of the "gardener". when said "gardener" sets foot in the diner the next day, being even more brisk, Brook really doesn't like his snotty behavior.
Luck isn't on her side because it seems that now they've met, they get thrown together in numerous situations. when she learns he isn't the gardener but of the family who basically "build" the town, she's even more determined not to put up with his attitude.
but something about Caleb touches her, there is a loneliness, a void and no matter how hard she tries they're getting drawn together like magnets. a friendship is blooming between them but little sparks fly as well though neither of them is willing to act on them for several different reasons.
will these two open up to each other or is their past to big a hurdle to get over?
story filled with emotions, humor, heartache, drama, sweetness and so much more. loved reading it from start to finish!
free copy given in exchange for an honest review
Luck isn't on her side because it seems that now they've met, they get thrown together in numerous situations. when she learns he isn't the gardener but of the family who basically "build" the town, she's even more determined not to put up with his attitude.
but something about Caleb touches her, there is a loneliness, a void and no matter how hard she tries they're getting drawn together like magnets. a friendship is blooming between them but little sparks fly as well though neither of them is willing to act on them for several different reasons.
will these two open up to each other or is their past to big a hurdle to get over?
story filled with emotions, humor, heartache, drama, sweetness and so much more. loved reading it from start to finish!
free copy given in exchange for an honest review
May 26, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author. Our H is Caleb and our h is Brooke. Brooke is a single mom to her daughter, Lucy. She is running from an abusive ex and ends up in a small town. She is doing the best she can working as a waitress and taking care of Lucy. Caleb is the town's grumpy billionaire. He has been getting more and more angry for the last 3 years to where he can't keep any help and everyone avoids him.
The first meeting of Brooke and Caleb would have been comical, If I weren't a single mom also. Caleb was rude and mean. Brooke instantly wants to avoid him in the future but of course, that wouldn't work. There is an attraction between Caleb and Brooke and with both of the pain in their past, they have a hard time getting past it.
This was a good first book for me. There was twist and turns, secrets and some anguish to keep me intrigued. It was a little slow to start for me. I really wish I had got to see some of the book from Caleb's POV. There were things we found out but I wanted to know how Caleb was processing them. The epilogue was a sweet ending.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first meeting of Brooke and Caleb would have been comical, If I weren't a single mom also. Caleb was rude and mean. Brooke instantly wants to avoid him in the future but of course, that wouldn't work. There is an attraction between Caleb and Brooke and with both of the pain in their past, they have a hard time getting past it.
This was a good first book for me. There was twist and turns, secrets and some anguish to keep me intrigued. It was a little slow to start for me. I really wish I had got to see some of the book from Caleb's POV. There were things we found out but I wanted to know how Caleb was processing them. The epilogue was a sweet ending.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet and more light-hearted. Brooke has moved to this small town to get away from her abusive ex and to start over with her daughter. She runs into Caleb who is a grouch, at least at first. Caleb has had some hard things happen to him that he has trouble dealing with. Brooke and Caleb are drawn to each other and decide to be friends. Caleb is no longer such a grouch, being around Brooke helps bring him out of it. I liked the way that the relationship was built. It starts out with friendship, even though they are both drawn and attracted to each other. I thought it was well done and it makes the relationship work later on and the speed of it work as well. They were friends first. There's a lot of sexual tension and the sex is explicit. There's a little bit of action in here as well, though it mainly focuses on the relationship. This was a really cute story and I really enjoyed reading it.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2016
Received this complimentary arc copy from the author for an honest
Oh what a beautiful story. From the first word to the last, couldn't put it down.
When Brooke and her daughter Lucy first met Caleb Harder, (oh don't you just love his name) it was an explosive moment. Mr Grumpy pants comes to mind but there is more to him than you know. Brooke is escaping an abusive relationship and her main priority is Lucy and peace of mind for them both.
You are drawn into the relationship between Caleb and Brooke and how they take things into friends in the beginning but Brooke can't help wanting more.
Caleb is holding back, but why?
One step forward then two back. A relationship so frustrating at times but there are reasons Caleb is the way he is. You almost want to shake him and say wake up and get your act together. When secrets are revealed you just want to hold him forever.
A brilliantly written story and wanted it to go on forever. Loved it all, every single word.
Well done Olivia
Oh what a beautiful story. From the first word to the last, couldn't put it down.
When Brooke and her daughter Lucy first met Caleb Harder, (oh don't you just love his name) it was an explosive moment. Mr Grumpy pants comes to mind but there is more to him than you know. Brooke is escaping an abusive relationship and her main priority is Lucy and peace of mind for them both.
You are drawn into the relationship between Caleb and Brooke and how they take things into friends in the beginning but Brooke can't help wanting more.
Caleb is holding back, but why?
One step forward then two back. A relationship so frustrating at times but there are reasons Caleb is the way he is. You almost want to shake him and say wake up and get your act together. When secrets are revealed you just want to hold him forever.
A brilliantly written story and wanted it to go on forever. Loved it all, every single word.
Well done Olivia
May 19, 2016
Brooke and her daughter Lucy end up in a small, quiet town trying to start over from a controlled and abusive relationship when they meet the secluded billionaire, Caleb Harder. Caleb is a brooding man and every year, for the last 3 years, he has one day where he absolutely loses it: the day his wife and son are killed by a hit and run driver that has never been found. Needless to say, Brooke and Caleb don’t necessarily hit it off when Lucy is walking in his flower garden, but eventually, these two start to feel something for each other – they labeled it friendship! As they start leaning more on each other, that relationship ratchets up a lot and even stubborn Caleb wants more but can both their troubled pasts be healed with the love developing between them? Check out this fabulous story and enjoy their rebuilding of their lives! Received an ARC for an honest review.
May 22, 2016
Two broken and troubled individuals, one a single mom, one the town grump. Can they come together and heal each other?
Brooke is on the run with her daughter, they find themselves in a small town in the middle of no where.
Caleb is wealthy, the town grump and wants nothing to do with anyone, until he meets Brooke and absolutely loves her daughter Lucy.
He tries to just be friends with Brooke, but there is extreme chemistry between the two of them.
Between town secrets, crazy exes, family lies, and heart ache; Caleb and Brooke have so much to overcome, but their love is so strong that maybe, just maybe, they can.
Another amazing book. Loved it.
Brooke is on the run with her daughter, they find themselves in a small town in the middle of no where.
Caleb is wealthy, the town grump and wants nothing to do with anyone, until he meets Brooke and absolutely loves her daughter Lucy.
He tries to just be friends with Brooke, but there is extreme chemistry between the two of them.
Between town secrets, crazy exes, family lies, and heart ache; Caleb and Brooke have so much to overcome, but their love is so strong that maybe, just maybe, they can.
Another amazing book. Loved it.
May 23, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Brooke and her little daughter Lucy move to a small, sleepy town in order to escape from a very abusive relationship. Caleb is the town’s billionaire and grump. The last thing he wants to do is have a relationship with Brooke, despite the instant attraction between them. These two have an awful lot to overcome with abusive ex’s, secrets and lies.
Will their love be strong enough to overcome and survive?
You really need to read this for yourself to find out! This book is a fantastic and very enjoyable read. Olivia does not disappoint her readers. Highly recommended!
Brooke and her little daughter Lucy move to a small, sleepy town in order to escape from a very abusive relationship. Caleb is the town’s billionaire and grump. The last thing he wants to do is have a relationship with Brooke, despite the instant attraction between them. These two have an awful lot to overcome with abusive ex’s, secrets and lies.
Will their love be strong enough to overcome and survive?
You really need to read this for yourself to find out! This book is a fantastic and very enjoyable read. Olivia does not disappoint her readers. Highly recommended!
May 27, 2016
Harder was a wonderful, light-hearted read. I had been reading more suspenseful books before I picked this one so it was a refreshing change. The story between Brooke and Caleb was fun, loving, and heartbreaking all rolled into one. I loved how their love grew, including Lucy who was just adorable, and how their love ended up. Once I started reading I could not put it down until it was finished. I recommend this to anyone who likes a good read! I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2016
This book has it all! HOT sex, sweet romance, family drama, a little mystery, some humor, a little violence and the Haves and the Havenots. Both of the main characters, Brooke & Caleb, have both had hard lives but on very different sides of the track. As they muddle through their feelings for each other and navigate the mindfields of prior relationships and family relationships, they fall head over heels and learn to accept the past and move forward together stronger than ever. Really good story!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
May 27, 2016
O.k.
This book was just o.k. for me. It started out good but then it just got annoying. Her daughter was the worst. Spoiled brat. Then later all that I love you crap over and over. And there was some things just thrown in there for no reason. This book does have drama and sex and romance.
This book was just o.k. for me. It started out good but then it just got annoying. Her daughter was the worst. Spoiled brat. Then later all that I love you crap over and over. And there was some things just thrown in there for no reason. This book does have drama and sex and romance.
June 17, 2016
Great read
Just an great way to spend an afternoon. This held my attention from page one to the very last page. I loved that the author told the complete story. She did not cut it off but truly finished the HEA. The characters were well developed and interesting. Wish everyone could find such a love. Hot sexy chemistry interwoven with very well written story. Recommend.
Just an great way to spend an afternoon. This held my attention from page one to the very last page. I loved that the author told the complete story. She did not cut it off but truly finished the HEA. The characters were well developed and interesting. Wish everyone could find such a love. Hot sexy chemistry interwoven with very well written story. Recommend.
August 27, 2016
I tried to like this book. It started out with some possibility of being entertaining, but then the connection between the two main characters went from shallow to ridiculous. To top it off, there were all these weird side dramas that appeared to be the writer's attempt at intrigue. Sorry, but this book missed the mark, being ties together with string cheese. Returned for refund...DNF.
June 8, 2016
This was a quick read...the story was not very unique and I found it slow and redundant in some places. I'm a sucker for HEA, so this did not disappoint, but after the ex came back to terrorize it really should have wrapped up more quickly...I started to lose interest.
May 23, 2016
Extraordinary
Once you start reading this book you can't stop until you finish the book. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone
Once you start reading this book you can't stop until you finish the book. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone
May 27, 2016
dnf - boring, juvenile read. same story, different names as so many others out there.
May 27, 2016
GREAT BOOK
Loved reading this ,really great story ,liked character's too knew things would work out in the end really good read
Loved reading this ,really great story ,liked character's too knew things would work out in the end really good read
June 3, 2016
ARC for honest review.
Overall this was an enjoyable story. Good characters and storyline. I found it to be a little slow in parts. However it did have me on the edge of my seat a couple of times.
Overall this was an enjoyable story. Good characters and storyline. I found it to be a little slow in parts. However it did have me on the edge of my seat a couple of times.
June 8, 2016
*** 4.5 Stars ***
Fast simple romance read with a little bit of a twist.
Fast simple romance read with a little bit of a twist.
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January 1, 2017Good Read!
February 4, 2017
All I can say is cheesy. The storyline is decent, the dialogue is just a bit ridiculous for me. The story felt rushed. This unfortunately didn't do much for me.
Standalone with HEA
Standalone with HEA
April 21, 2017
again the book was good, I enjoy her writing. excellent naughty sex scenes. i would recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews