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Steele Ridge #2
Going Hard
Slick sports agent Griffin Steele is living the highlife in Los Angeles, far from the shadow of the North Carolina mountains where he grew up. But when his hometown falls on hard times and needs his help, Grif reluctantly agrees to commute between coasts. He never expects the lush scenery, in the form of pretty tomboy Carlie Beth Parrish, to be such a temptation.
After an impetuous one-night stand with Grif Steele fifteen years ago, hardworking blacksmith Carlie Beth has tried to make a living and raise her daughter in the hometown she loves. Then, too-sexy-for-his-Rolex Grif blows back into town like the perfect storm, making Carlie feel less like a thirty-something mom and more like an infatuated teenager.
When a stalker targets Carlie Beth, Grif can’t help but step in to protect her. But once he discovers the fourteen-year-old secret she’s been keeping from him, will he embrace the truth or will he turn his back on Steele Ridge and Carlie Beth forever?
After an impetuous one-night stand with Grif Steele fifteen years ago, hardworking blacksmith Carlie Beth has tried to make a living and raise her daughter in the hometown she loves. Then, too-sexy-for-his-Rolex Grif blows back into town like the perfect storm, making Carlie feel less like a thirty-something mom and more like an infatuated teenager.
When a stalker targets Carlie Beth, Grif can’t help but step in to protect her. But once he discovers the fourteen-year-old secret she’s been keeping from him, will he embrace the truth or will he turn his back on Steele Ridge and Carlie Beth forever?
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2016
1961 people are currently reading
980 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Browning
57 books381 followersKelsey Browning writes sass kickin’ love stories and Southern cozy mysteries.
Originally from a small Texas town, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a former Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights contemporary romance series and The Granny Series cozy mysteries.
For info on her upcoming releases, subscribe to her Sass Kickin’ News or drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com.
Originally from a small Texas town, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a former Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights contemporary romance series and The Granny Series cozy mysteries.
For info on her upcoming releases, subscribe to her Sass Kickin’ News or drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
March 22, 2018
3 I loved Grif Stars
Spoilers ahead and some ranting
Going Hard the 2nd book in the Steele Ridge series was just an okay read for me. I'm going to be honest this book would have been a 4 to 5 star read for me if it wasn't for the heroine Carlie Beth . I couldn't stand her. Hated her with all of my soul. My deep dislike for her colored the whole book.
Grif was great. He was cocky, sexy, sweet, and way too understanding. If I was Grif I wouldn't have forgave Carlie Beth as fast and easy as he did. He just accepted the fact that Carlie kept his daughter from him her whole 14 years of life. He may have been fine with it, got over it right away, but I didn't. Here is the thing. I read books where there is a secret child all the time. I really like that trope. But it didn't work for me here because Carlie had no good reason to keep his daughter from him. She also had tons of chances to tell him or his family about their child together, Aubrey, and she didn't.
maybe not so silently
Here's why I couldn't forgive Carlie. Grif came to town every year. She could have told him about Aubrey any of the 14 or more times he came back to town but nope. Then the small town in which Carlie and Aubrey live, Grif's mom and other family also live. His mom Joan was a receptionist at the elementary school in which Aubrey went to school. So not only did Carlie keep his daughter from Grif she let Aubrey go to school and see her grandma daily never telling either they were family. How many times did Aubrey talk with her aunt, uncles and grandma and didn't know. Tons! And she had no reason to keep it from any of them. None. He wasn't hateful, he didn't leave town and never come back, they hadn't been together and he cheated. She just didn't tell him. Carlie said a one point that she didn't want to hold him back because he was heading to LA to make it big but she had 14 years to tell him.
Then... Then she doesn't even tell him. He figures it out after meeting his daughter at his mom's party. She let her daughter and Grif sit there and talk and laugh while neither knew that they were father and daughter. When he comes to her and tells her he knows Aubrey's his and gives her a ton of money in back child support she has the balls to ask him if he can just forget that he knows Aubrey's his and go on with his life.
"That, Carlie Beth, is where you're wrong. Even more wrong than you were to keep my daughter from me. Aubrey is a Steele. You've not only stolen that from her, but you've stolen her from my family. And I think you know that if there's one thing in this world I cannot abide, it's someone doing wrong by my family." Like an instinctive shield, her eyes squeezed closed. His family? No, she couldn't afford for him to go down that path. Aubrey was her family. She slowly opened them again, trying to project sincerity toward him. "If I say I had your best interests at heart, can we pretend this conversation never happened? Just leave well enough alone?"-Grif and Carlie
Like she didn't steal 14 years of his daughters life from him. Like she didn't take away his chance to see her be born, say her first words, walk for the first time, learn to ride a bike, start school, etc. Then she looks at him and tells him he should thank her for keep his daughter from him. Really Thank her?
"Well, you couldn't have hustled that way here in Canyon Ridge. You probably would've hired on at one of the Christmas tree farms outside of town, making little more than minimum wage." And he'd been so bright, so smart, so ambitious that she hadn't been willing to sentence him to that life. "You should thank me."- Carlie
Carlie was selfish, thoughtless, and immature. I couldn't stand her. For most of the book she acted like she was justified in her actions. A few time she acts like Grif was the one who did something wrong. Then my favorite part was when she tells him
"I didn't keep her from you," she insisted. "You make it sound like I hid her away in a cave somewhere and fought you off with sharp sticks."-Carlie
You didn't keep his daughter from him... really? What would you call it Carlie? It was just too much for me. She never even really said sorry that I can remember. I never warmed to her. Most likely because she wasn't likable at all and she never really grew as a character. Even after she and Grif are together and he ask her to marry him she ruins the proposal. Grif and his daughter deserved better. I would have been happy if he would have took his daughter met someone new and left Carlie's selfish butt behind. Just sayin'! Now after a rant like there you probably wonder why 3 stars and not something lower. Well Grif and the others were great. I liked the plot of the stalker. So pretty much I like everything but Carlie!
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
Spoilers ahead and some ranting
Going Hard the 2nd book in the Steele Ridge series was just an okay read for me. I'm going to be honest this book would have been a 4 to 5 star read for me if it wasn't for the heroine Carlie Beth . I couldn't stand her. Hated her with all of my soul. My deep dislike for her colored the whole book.
Grif was great. He was cocky, sexy, sweet, and way too understanding. If I was Grif I wouldn't have forgave Carlie Beth as fast and easy as he did. He just accepted the fact that Carlie kept his daughter from him her whole 14 years of life. He may have been fine with it, got over it right away, but I didn't. Here is the thing. I read books where there is a secret child all the time. I really like that trope. But it didn't work for me here because Carlie had no good reason to keep his daughter from him. She also had tons of chances to tell him or his family about their child together, Aubrey, and she didn't.
maybe not so silently
Here's why I couldn't forgive Carlie. Grif came to town every year. She could have told him about Aubrey any of the 14 or more times he came back to town but nope. Then the small town in which Carlie and Aubrey live, Grif's mom and other family also live. His mom Joan was a receptionist at the elementary school in which Aubrey went to school. So not only did Carlie keep his daughter from Grif she let Aubrey go to school and see her grandma daily never telling either they were family. How many times did Aubrey talk with her aunt, uncles and grandma and didn't know. Tons! And she had no reason to keep it from any of them. None. He wasn't hateful, he didn't leave town and never come back, they hadn't been together and he cheated. She just didn't tell him. Carlie said a one point that she didn't want to hold him back because he was heading to LA to make it big but she had 14 years to tell him.
Then... Then she doesn't even tell him. He figures it out after meeting his daughter at his mom's party. She let her daughter and Grif sit there and talk and laugh while neither knew that they were father and daughter. When he comes to her and tells her he knows Aubrey's his and gives her a ton of money in back child support she has the balls to ask him if he can just forget that he knows Aubrey's his and go on with his life.
"That, Carlie Beth, is where you're wrong. Even more wrong than you were to keep my daughter from me. Aubrey is a Steele. You've not only stolen that from her, but you've stolen her from my family. And I think you know that if there's one thing in this world I cannot abide, it's someone doing wrong by my family." Like an instinctive shield, her eyes squeezed closed. His family? No, she couldn't afford for him to go down that path. Aubrey was her family. She slowly opened them again, trying to project sincerity toward him. "If I say I had your best interests at heart, can we pretend this conversation never happened? Just leave well enough alone?"-Grif and Carlie
Like she didn't steal 14 years of his daughters life from him. Like she didn't take away his chance to see her be born, say her first words, walk for the first time, learn to ride a bike, start school, etc. Then she looks at him and tells him he should thank her for keep his daughter from him. Really Thank her?
"Well, you couldn't have hustled that way here in Canyon Ridge. You probably would've hired on at one of the Christmas tree farms outside of town, making little more than minimum wage." And he'd been so bright, so smart, so ambitious that she hadn't been willing to sentence him to that life. "You should thank me."- Carlie
Carlie was selfish, thoughtless, and immature. I couldn't stand her. For most of the book she acted like she was justified in her actions. A few time she acts like Grif was the one who did something wrong. Then my favorite part was when she tells him
"I didn't keep her from you," she insisted. "You make it sound like I hid her away in a cave somewhere and fought you off with sharp sticks."-Carlie
You didn't keep his daughter from him... really? What would you call it Carlie? It was just too much for me. She never even really said sorry that I can remember. I never warmed to her. Most likely because she wasn't likable at all and she never really grew as a character. Even after she and Grif are together and he ask her to marry him she ruins the proposal. Grif and his daughter deserved better. I would have been happy if he would have took his daughter met someone new and left Carlie's selfish butt behind. Just sayin'! Now after a rant like there you probably wonder why 3 stars and not something lower. Well Grif and the others were great. I liked the plot of the stalker. So pretty much I like everything but Carlie!
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
Want to read
September 16, 2017FREE on Amazon today (9/16/2017)!
October 12, 2016
4 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 11, 2016
Slick sports agent Griffin Steele is living the highlife in Los Angeles, far from the shadow of the North Carolina mountains where he grew up. But when his hometown falls on hard times and needs his help, Grif reluctantly agrees to commute between coasts. He never expects the lush scenery, in the form of pretty tomboy Carlie Beth Parrish, to be such a temptation.
After an impetuous one-night stand with Grif Steele fifteen years ago, hardworking blacksmith Carlie Beth has tried to make a living and raise her daughter in the hometown she loves. Then, too-sexy-for-his-Rolex Grif blows back into town like the perfect storm, making Carlie feel less like a thirty-something mom and more like an infatuated teenager.
When a stalker targets Carlie Beth, Grif can’t help but step in to protect her. But once he discovers the fourteen-year-old secret she’s been keeping from him, will he embrace the truth or will he turn his back on Steele Ridge and Carlie Beth forever?
•••••••••••
REVIEW: GOING HARD by Kelsey Browning is the first full length (second installment) in the multi authored contemporary, adult STEELE RIDGE erotic, romance series focusing on the Steele brothers (Griffin, Britt, Reid and Jonah) and their sister Evie, of Canyon Ridge (soon to be known as Steele Ridge) North Carolina. This is sports agent Griffin (Grif) Steele, and blacksmith Carlie Beth Parrish’s story line. There is a prequel novella introducing the Steele family on their return to Canyon Ridge to celebrate their mother’s birthday only to realize that Canyon Ridge is bankrupt and fallen into financial ruin.
Told from several third person points of view GOING HARD focuses on the purchase of Canyon Ridge, North Carolina by Jonah Steele (aka baby billionaire), and the appointment of his brother Griffin as the new city manager. But Griffin isn’t interested in his brother’s newest acquisition when a lucrative career as a sports agent sits waiting for him back in sunny California. Seeing Carlie Beth Parrish, a one-night stand from fifteen years earlier, stirs up old memories and a new revelation that Carlie has kept secret from Griffin and his family. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Griffin and Carlie, and Griffin’s struggle to accept his new fate and direction in life. Meanwhile someone is targeting the people closest to Carlie Beth Parrish and the common denominator is Carly Beth herself.
Carly Beth Parrish is a little rough around the edges with issues of low self esteem centering on her less than feminine persona; she is a blacksmith with an artistic flare that has caught the attention of more than one resident of Canyon Ridge. Griffin Steele is a successful sports agent whose clients are rich and in need of personal direction. Griffin’s return to his home town comes with some preconceived notions from both the residents and the man himself.
The relationship between Carlie Beth and Griffin is a rekindling friendship that builds into something more. When Carlie Beth’s secret is revealed Griffin’s already fragile ability to trust is once again tested bringing with it too many memories of a dark time in his past-Griffin must choose between his life and career in California, or settle down with his family in North Carolina. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense. The sexual chemistry is palpable and hot.
The world building focuses on the Steele brother’s relationship, their bonds, and the family dynamic, as well as the rebuilding of a town bordering on financial failure.
GOING HARD is an intriguing and suspense filled story line focusing on jealousy and betrayal; second chances; secrets and forgiveness; letting go of the past and moving towards a new future. The premise is enjoyable; the characters are colorful, charismatic and passionate; the romance is seductive and fated. GOING HARD looks at family and friendships, heartbreak and betrayal in the small town, soon to be renamed, Steele Ridge, North Carolina.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 11, 2016
Slick sports agent Griffin Steele is living the highlife in Los Angeles, far from the shadow of the North Carolina mountains where he grew up. But when his hometown falls on hard times and needs his help, Grif reluctantly agrees to commute between coasts. He never expects the lush scenery, in the form of pretty tomboy Carlie Beth Parrish, to be such a temptation.
After an impetuous one-night stand with Grif Steele fifteen years ago, hardworking blacksmith Carlie Beth has tried to make a living and raise her daughter in the hometown she loves. Then, too-sexy-for-his-Rolex Grif blows back into town like the perfect storm, making Carlie feel less like a thirty-something mom and more like an infatuated teenager.
When a stalker targets Carlie Beth, Grif can’t help but step in to protect her. But once he discovers the fourteen-year-old secret she’s been keeping from him, will he embrace the truth or will he turn his back on Steele Ridge and Carlie Beth forever?
•••••••••••
REVIEW: GOING HARD by Kelsey Browning is the first full length (second installment) in the multi authored contemporary, adult STEELE RIDGE erotic, romance series focusing on the Steele brothers (Griffin, Britt, Reid and Jonah) and their sister Evie, of Canyon Ridge (soon to be known as Steele Ridge) North Carolina. This is sports agent Griffin (Grif) Steele, and blacksmith Carlie Beth Parrish’s story line. There is a prequel novella introducing the Steele family on their return to Canyon Ridge to celebrate their mother’s birthday only to realize that Canyon Ridge is bankrupt and fallen into financial ruin.
Told from several third person points of view GOING HARD focuses on the purchase of Canyon Ridge, North Carolina by Jonah Steele (aka baby billionaire), and the appointment of his brother Griffin as the new city manager. But Griffin isn’t interested in his brother’s newest acquisition when a lucrative career as a sports agent sits waiting for him back in sunny California. Seeing Carlie Beth Parrish, a one-night stand from fifteen years earlier, stirs up old memories and a new revelation that Carlie has kept secret from Griffin and his family. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Griffin and Carlie, and Griffin’s struggle to accept his new fate and direction in life. Meanwhile someone is targeting the people closest to Carlie Beth Parrish and the common denominator is Carly Beth herself.
Carly Beth Parrish is a little rough around the edges with issues of low self esteem centering on her less than feminine persona; she is a blacksmith with an artistic flare that has caught the attention of more than one resident of Canyon Ridge. Griffin Steele is a successful sports agent whose clients are rich and in need of personal direction. Griffin’s return to his home town comes with some preconceived notions from both the residents and the man himself.
The relationship between Carlie Beth and Griffin is a rekindling friendship that builds into something more. When Carlie Beth’s secret is revealed Griffin’s already fragile ability to trust is once again tested bringing with it too many memories of a dark time in his past-Griffin must choose between his life and career in California, or settle down with his family in North Carolina. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense. The sexual chemistry is palpable and hot.
The world building focuses on the Steele brother’s relationship, their bonds, and the family dynamic, as well as the rebuilding of a town bordering on financial failure.
GOING HARD is an intriguing and suspense filled story line focusing on jealousy and betrayal; second chances; secrets and forgiveness; letting go of the past and moving towards a new future. The premise is enjoyable; the characters are colorful, charismatic and passionate; the romance is seductive and fated. GOING HARD looks at family and friendships, heartbreak and betrayal in the small town, soon to be renamed, Steele Ridge, North Carolina.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
September 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It's your small town America style romance. I liked the story, even if I could see where it was going right from the start. I liked the characters, especially Aubrey who was a lot of fun.
I picked this up while it was free and I enjoyed it enough that I wanted to buy the next in the series. Until I saw that it was written by someone else. This series has three different authors quite randomly writing each book. Just because I liked this author, it doesn't mean I'll like the other two. Since I'm not familiar with either of the others, I'm not willing to take a chance on them. I have a limited amount of book money, so I prefer to spend it on books I'm sure about. It's a shame. If the next book had been written by the same author as this one, I'd have bought it.
Still, this book was enjoyable and worth a read.
I picked this up while it was free and I enjoyed it enough that I wanted to buy the next in the series. Until I saw that it was written by someone else. This series has three different authors quite randomly writing each book. Just because I liked this author, it doesn't mean I'll like the other two. Since I'm not familiar with either of the others, I'm not willing to take a chance on them. I have a limited amount of book money, so I prefer to spend it on books I'm sure about. It's a shame. If the next book had been written by the same author as this one, I'd have bought it.
Still, this book was enjoyable and worth a read.
Want to read
March 10, 2019Free on amazon 10th March 19
September 30, 2016
Loved this one and I can't wait to really get to know the other Steele brothers! This is the first full book in the series and it's a great one. In an attempt to save their failing home town the Steele brothers have returned to North Carolina. Griff knows he can take a little time away from his sports agency to help but he can't wait to get out of there and back to LA. That is until he reunites with Carlie Beth and discovers that their one night of passion 15 years ago resulted in the birth of his daughter. A daughter he was never told about. As angry as Griff is about not being told he was a father, he can't help but come to Carlie Beth's aid when it appears she has a stalker and maybe just a bit because he can't seem to resist her!
Put this one on the must read list. I highly recommend it.
Put this one on the must read list. I highly recommend it.
June 29, 2020
The Steele family is fiercely protective of each other and those they love. While Grif is at home to help his brother buy the town of Canyon Ridge and changing the name to Steele Ridge, he is realizing that he has become disenchanted with his life in LA. Could he live in Steele Ridge again? When he sees Carlie Beth, he remembers that one night with her and is thinking that he might want to repeat that night. That is until he finds out that she is a mother. When did she get married? Then he realizes that Carlie Beth's daughter is his daughter. She is 14 years old and Carlie Beth didn't tell him. He will not abandon his daughter. When men around Carlie Beth start turning up dead, Grif and his brothers realize that Carlie Beth and maybe Aubrey are in danger. He will do anything to protect them. As Grif and Carlie Beth grow closer, the killer becomes bold. It has to be someone they know. There are several suspects, but the killer is someone unexpected.
May 8, 2017
I have absolutely adored all of Kelsey Browning's books and this one is most certainly not the exception to the rule. Knowing how close the Steele family is I certainly wasn't surprised when Grif stayed around after his brother, Jonah, named him the city manager of their hometown without asking him. Grif is a sports agent in Los Angeles and has no intention of staying around more than a month. Then he runs into Carlie Beth again for the first time since their one-night stand the night before he left town 15 years ago. Then he discovers she has a 14-year-old daughter. Someone begins stalking Carlie Beth and people have been dying. Grif also stays to help protect her. If you haven't read any of Kelsey's books, this is an excellent one to begin with!
in-collection-already
August 10, 202208/09/22 currently free in I'll Be Watching You: a collection of small-town romantic suspense novels
https://www.amazon.com/Ill-Watching-Y...
https://www.amazon.com/Ill-Watching-Y...
April 26, 2025
Grif x Carlie Beth
Love this couple in the series and while I read their story last, that took both away from their love story. Don’t miss the Steele Ridge universe for a wonderful family and heart stopping romantic suspense!
Love this couple in the series and while I read their story last, that took both away from their love story. Don’t miss the Steele Ridge universe for a wonderful family and heart stopping romantic suspense!
November 26, 2017
It is a great book to read
Want to read
November 30, 2018💚❤️ I got this book free today in Amazon US 11/30/18
❤️💚
❤️💚
January 24, 2019
Romantic suspense
What an amazing book, this is. I laughed and cried. The drama was so real. And the suspense was killing me. Thank you so much for this fantastic read
What an amazing book, this is. I laughed and cried. The drama was so real. And the suspense was killing me. Thank you so much for this fantastic read
September 26, 2019
Cannot Get Enough Of The Steele Ridge & Kingston Series...Was Never A Genre I Read...For Me It Would Take Another Author/Group Of Authors to Interest Me As Much....
May 26, 2018
Oh my I loved this book!
September 13, 2016
Going Hard (Steele Ridge #2) by Kelsey Browning
3.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Kidnapping
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I did not read book #1 in this series, but didn't think that I missed too much.
I really liked Carlie Beth. She was spunky, independent, a great mom and despite some set-backs in her own life, took full charge and plowed ahead. She loves her job and her daughter fiercely and will protect her from anything and anyone.
Steele Ridge is a new name, bought by an older family. Grif is kind of a hot head, with an attitude that he's too good for his small town. He wears fancy suits, drives fancy cars and simply wants to get back to his fancy life. However, Grif knows that his life is hollow. When his brother ropes him in to a large city project, he notices Carlie Beth again. He gets a huge shock when the truth comes out and he's a right prick about it. I wanted to smack him - and then, since I loved his mom so much, I wanted her to smack him.
Despite starting back off on the wrong foot, Carlie Beth gives Grif a new lease on life and he finds something he didn't know he was looking for. I thought that the twist in the story was predictable, but when it played out, it was OK that it was so predictable.
I hope his other brothers get their own stories.
3.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Kidnapping
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I did not read book #1 in this series, but didn't think that I missed too much.
I really liked Carlie Beth. She was spunky, independent, a great mom and despite some set-backs in her own life, took full charge and plowed ahead. She loves her job and her daughter fiercely and will protect her from anything and anyone.
Steele Ridge is a new name, bought by an older family. Grif is kind of a hot head, with an attitude that he's too good for his small town. He wears fancy suits, drives fancy cars and simply wants to get back to his fancy life. However, Grif knows that his life is hollow. When his brother ropes him in to a large city project, he notices Carlie Beth again. He gets a huge shock when the truth comes out and he's a right prick about it. I wanted to smack him - and then, since I loved his mom so much, I wanted her to smack him.
Despite starting back off on the wrong foot, Carlie Beth gives Grif a new lease on life and he finds something he didn't know he was looking for. I thought that the twist in the story was predictable, but when it played out, it was OK that it was so predictable.
I hope his other brothers get their own stories.
April 24, 2017
I wanted to like this book so much more than I did, and the premise is right up my alley, but I found myself frustrated throughout because of the heroine, Carlie Beth.
On the pro side, I adored Grif, our hero. Grif is the kind of hero I like: bold and swaggering, and has a soft spot a mile wide for the heroine. Except that in this case, the soft spot is really misplaced.
Carlie Beth is supposed to be a strong, independent woman who has raised her daughter on her own after a one night stand 15 years ago. I don't have a problem with the hidden child trope, but in this book, I couldn't understand why Carlie Beth kept the news from Grif. Sure, he had to go off to college and make something of himself, but he has returned to Steele Ridge every year since leaving, and she could have told him about their love child anytime. Instead, she takes pains to keep everything hidden away. Nope. Not cool.
And he forgives her WAY too easily.
Add in a stalker and a little suspense, which felt a little more interesting, but I still couldn't get past her deception. It all amounted to a bit of a let down. I gave it 3 stars because I liked Grif, but he deserved a better woman than Carlie Beth.
On the pro side, I adored Grif, our hero. Grif is the kind of hero I like: bold and swaggering, and has a soft spot a mile wide for the heroine. Except that in this case, the soft spot is really misplaced.
Carlie Beth is supposed to be a strong, independent woman who has raised her daughter on her own after a one night stand 15 years ago. I don't have a problem with the hidden child trope, but in this book, I couldn't understand why Carlie Beth kept the news from Grif. Sure, he had to go off to college and make something of himself, but he has returned to Steele Ridge every year since leaving, and she could have told him about their love child anytime. Instead, she takes pains to keep everything hidden away. Nope. Not cool.
And he forgives her WAY too easily.
Add in a stalker and a little suspense, which felt a little more interesting, but I still couldn't get past her deception. It all amounted to a bit of a let down. I gave it 3 stars because I liked Grif, but he deserved a better woman than Carlie Beth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2016
This first full length book in the series has a serious layer of humor over the top of the entire story. The wry banter between the brothers is one of the best parts of the story, aside from the gift for the art of storytelling Ms Browning has. The bond between the brothers literally jumps off the page to grab you to take notice. The characters are all so unique, which is a testament to this author's abilities...there is quite the cast, each one so different from the others with a distinct personality and voice.
The dance between Grif and Carlie Beth was tremendously entertaining...so much so because he was for once out of his comfort zone where she was concerned. Their story was quite sweet at times, with the coming together of a family, this story embodied what it meant to be a family. I look forward to reading Reid's story up next...that is one piece of man candy that I can't wait to see fall over himself for a woman!
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
The dance between Grif and Carlie Beth was tremendously entertaining...so much so because he was for once out of his comfort zone where she was concerned. Their story was quite sweet at times, with the coming together of a family, this story embodied what it meant to be a family. I look forward to reading Reid's story up next...that is one piece of man candy that I can't wait to see fall over himself for a woman!
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
October 14, 2016
The blurb of this book really intrigued so I decided to give it a go. I have been more selective in the books I read lately because I am in a major book funk, the opinions in this book is mine and mine only.
Carlie Beth is a good character but she has flaws too. She’s an independent mother who has had obstacles in her life but she hasn’t let that hold her back. It’s admirable. She’s spunky and sassy which are great quirky characteristics for her. I love her and the fact that she would protect her daughter from anything and anyone.
Grif is an egomaniac with an attitude and yet I adore him. I think that says more about me than him to be fair but anyways, yeah I like him. He has this ‘I’m too goof for the small town’ style of attitude which is slightly irritating but I can see why he thinks that. He meets Carlie Beth again, and he’s such an idiot about it. I lost respect for him at that point. It put me off a bit but as the book and the twist played out, I found it an enjoyable read.
3 stars!
May 14, 2018
I struggled with the rating on this one because I absolutely LOVE the Steele Brothers BUT, I was not a huge fan of Carlie Beth for several reasons (1) she kept Grif's daughter from him for 14 years; (2) she kept her daughter from the wonderful, close, loving Steele family who lived in the same small town and knew each other without knowing Aubrey (the daughter) was one of their own; (3) she was very unforgiving towards Grif at some points where she was actually in the wrong; (4) she came across a little self-righteous when she would get upset with Grif and not want to forgive yet he was very forgiving of what (to me) was unforgiveable - stealing 14 years of his daughters life from him.
As for the Steale brothers and family members - adored them!! They are so well written, as are most of the characters in the book. Their antics and banter had me literally laughing out loud so often that my daughter kept asking me what was so funny. The thing is, they remind me a lot of me and my brothers. We all love to give each other hell (in a fun way), play pranks, and have a great time together and, while we may get mad at each other sometimes, we band together and protect our own against threats from outsiders just like the Steele family does. I LOVED that.
Grif was a great character. You could feel how conflicted he was between being this great sports agent in LA but loving his hometown in the NC mountains and wanting to do right by them, too. Once Aubrey entered the picture, however, it was game over....she won his heart hands down. I loved seeing the father/daughter relationship grow between these two.
The murderer and reason for murdering was a bit out there for me but I could see it happening in today's society. I can say that I was surprised by 'who dunnit,' and that rarely happens, so good job! Overall, these are wonderful, believable characters that were very well written. I highly recommend the book (read book 1 first if you haven't so you can meet all 4 brothers and get a good idea about who they are, it is short but very informative). I will DEFINITELY be adding Ms. Browning to me favorite author list as I enjoy her wit and style of writing.
As for the Steale brothers and family members - adored them!! They are so well written, as are most of the characters in the book. Their antics and banter had me literally laughing out loud so often that my daughter kept asking me what was so funny. The thing is, they remind me a lot of me and my brothers. We all love to give each other hell (in a fun way), play pranks, and have a great time together and, while we may get mad at each other sometimes, we band together and protect our own against threats from outsiders just like the Steele family does. I LOVED that.
Grif was a great character. You could feel how conflicted he was between being this great sports agent in LA but loving his hometown in the NC mountains and wanting to do right by them, too. Once Aubrey entered the picture, however, it was game over....she won his heart hands down. I loved seeing the father/daughter relationship grow between these two.
The murderer and reason for murdering was a bit out there for me but I could see it happening in today's society. I can say that I was surprised by 'who dunnit,' and that rarely happens, so good job! Overall, these are wonderful, believable characters that were very well written. I highly recommend the book (read book 1 first if you haven't so you can meet all 4 brothers and get a good idea about who they are, it is short but very informative). I will DEFINITELY be adding Ms. Browning to me favorite author list as I enjoy her wit and style of writing.
August 2, 2019
After being in a sort of a slump with the books I was reading Going Hard by Kelsey Browning, book two in the Steele Ridge series was a breath of fresh air. Grif and Carlie Beth's story took many common tropes and revamped them in a way that I had to forget what I knew about second chance small-town secret baby stories.
The first thing I loved was our heroine. Carlie Beth was different. Not in the way that was forced or pushed but relatable. It was so satisfying to read a book where, besides one instance which I loved, the heroine was a tom-boy from the first page to the last. Even as someone who is nowhere close to being a tomboy I loved that Carlie Beth was authentic and didn't suddenly become this beacon of femininity because she fell in love with her rich baby daddy who was accustomed to the attention of supermodels. Now, Carlie Beth was flawed. I didn't agree with all of her choices, actions, or even reasoning regarding revealing her daughter's paternity. However, she and Grif were still a couple I rooted for.
Speaking of Grif, who was quickly added to my book boyfriend list, perfectly fit into the theme of unique characters and plot lines. As someone who likes to dream of living a lavish life it was nice to read about an alpha that cared about his appearance, loved his fancy car and didn’t care about what other people thought about it. Especially in a romantic suspense novel, Grif was something new compared to the standard rough around the edges guy that I’m used to seeing- not that I don’t enjoy that too.
I do recommend reading the first book in the series as it sets you up for the characters that you will be encountering throughout the series. Going Hard pulled me into the town of Steele Ridge. I loved that as Kelsey Browning interjected other characters who have stories later on in the series I was intrigued but not pulled away from Grif and Carlie Beth’s story.
I was expecting the standard secret baby second chance romance that I normally read but I was pleasantly surprised with what Kelsey Browning was able to do. She flipped this common trope and gave me action, chemistry and an ending that surprised me. Romantic Suspense can sometimes have expected endings where you know the villain a couple of chapters in. Even when I thought I knew who it was I doubted myself, which just kept me glued to this page-turner.
The first thing I loved was our heroine. Carlie Beth was different. Not in the way that was forced or pushed but relatable. It was so satisfying to read a book where, besides one instance which I loved, the heroine was a tom-boy from the first page to the last. Even as someone who is nowhere close to being a tomboy I loved that Carlie Beth was authentic and didn't suddenly become this beacon of femininity because she fell in love with her rich baby daddy who was accustomed to the attention of supermodels. Now, Carlie Beth was flawed. I didn't agree with all of her choices, actions, or even reasoning regarding revealing her daughter's paternity. However, she and Grif were still a couple I rooted for.
Speaking of Grif, who was quickly added to my book boyfriend list, perfectly fit into the theme of unique characters and plot lines. As someone who likes to dream of living a lavish life it was nice to read about an alpha that cared about his appearance, loved his fancy car and didn’t care about what other people thought about it. Especially in a romantic suspense novel, Grif was something new compared to the standard rough around the edges guy that I’m used to seeing- not that I don’t enjoy that too.
I do recommend reading the first book in the series as it sets you up for the characters that you will be encountering throughout the series. Going Hard pulled me into the town of Steele Ridge. I loved that as Kelsey Browning interjected other characters who have stories later on in the series I was intrigued but not pulled away from Grif and Carlie Beth’s story.
I was expecting the standard secret baby second chance romance that I normally read but I was pleasantly surprised with what Kelsey Browning was able to do. She flipped this common trope and gave me action, chemistry and an ending that surprised me. Romantic Suspense can sometimes have expected endings where you know the villain a couple of chapters in. Even when I thought I knew who it was I doubted myself, which just kept me glued to this page-turner.
October 29, 2017
Going Hard is Griff’s story and I loved his romantic connection with Carlie and what a secret she has for him.
My favorite moments was when everyone finally put all the pieces of the puzzle together with Carlie’s big secret. Aubrey was a beautiful character for me and I hope she continues on in the other stories for the other brothers. I thought the emotions showed by Aubrey and Carlie were well played out by the author. Griff reaction to the secret helped me connect to him.
One brother who stood out for me was Britt as he really intrigues me, he is a very closed book.
I actually had the whole mystery component pegged down to two characters and was totally wrong! This part of the story was interesting and helped connect the brothers back together when they went into protection mode.
This story does flow well and kept me engaged between the family reconnecting and also solving the town issues. At times I did think there were so many characters and I was just keeping up with who was who.
Griff’s mother was simply beautiful in engaging with Aubrey and starting to build family connections.
I am already looking forward to reading the next installment, however, I have to stop myself jumping to favourite characters as all the books are available.
The author ended this story really well and I hope we get to see a wedding and more babies for these two long lost lovers.
My favorite moments was when everyone finally put all the pieces of the puzzle together with Carlie’s big secret. Aubrey was a beautiful character for me and I hope she continues on in the other stories for the other brothers. I thought the emotions showed by Aubrey and Carlie were well played out by the author. Griff reaction to the secret helped me connect to him.
One brother who stood out for me was Britt as he really intrigues me, he is a very closed book.
I actually had the whole mystery component pegged down to two characters and was totally wrong! This part of the story was interesting and helped connect the brothers back together when they went into protection mode.
This story does flow well and kept me engaged between the family reconnecting and also solving the town issues. At times I did think there were so many characters and I was just keeping up with who was who.
Griff’s mother was simply beautiful in engaging with Aubrey and starting to build family connections.
I am already looking forward to reading the next installment, however, I have to stop myself jumping to favourite characters as all the books are available.
The author ended this story really well and I hope we get to see a wedding and more babies for these two long lost lovers.
January 11, 2019
This is my first book by this author and I definitely will be looking for others. Don't let the cover fool you that this is just another character driven story (although nothing wrong with that) there is also a nice little suspense story nestled neatly inside all the interactions. Well done.
Griffin and Carlie Beth have a (brief) history together when they were young and Griffin heading off to the west coast to make something of himself. He's now a successful and driven businessman who heads back home when he finds his elder brother has purchased their cash strapped home town. He's one of a family of 4 brothers and 1 sister (insert sequel here) and usually just breezes through town but now is staying for a bit to help out. He runs into Carlie Beth again and they still feel that chemistry between them. Carlie Beth is a blacksmith (cool job!) who does art and mundane repairs to pay the bills for herself and her teenage daughter. I liked that both seemed equally strong and there wasn't a huge power imbalance even though Griffin was obviously more wealthy. While they dance around their attraction. The added bonus of a little suspense was well done and quite welcome. One Caveat about the suspect
Griffin and Carlie Beth have a (brief) history together when they were young and Griffin heading off to the west coast to make something of himself. He's now a successful and driven businessman who heads back home when he finds his elder brother has purchased their cash strapped home town. He's one of a family of 4 brothers and 1 sister (insert sequel here) and usually just breezes through town but now is staying for a bit to help out. He runs into Carlie Beth again and they still feel that chemistry between them. Carlie Beth is a blacksmith (cool job!) who does art and mundane repairs to pay the bills for herself and her teenage daughter. I liked that both seemed equally strong and there wasn't a huge power imbalance even though Griffin was obviously more wealthy. While they dance around their attraction. The added bonus of a little suspense was well done and quite welcome. One Caveat about the suspect
May 14, 2018
I loved the Steel Ridge prequel so I was looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Going Hard did not disappoint.
When his hometown fell on hard times, Grif Steele wanted to help fix things. Well, his brothers actually talked him into it, so he agreed to commute from Los Angeles to North Carolina so that he could continue doing his job as a sports agent while also working with the town. As if doing all that wasn't hard enough, he runs into Carlie Beth Parrish who he'd spent one night with just before he left town, 15 years earlier. There is still an incredible attraction between this pair. But should they act on them? Grif is only in town for a little while and Carlie Beth has a whopper of a secret. It's worth reading this book to find out what they did.
I love the brothers. Well, all the characters actually. Even though Grif's life and career were very successful and allowed him to get every material thing he wanted, his family was most important to him. I went back and forth in how I felt about Carlie Beth. For the most part, I liked her but I didn't like some of the things she did. I laughed at the way the boys tormented each other and adored their mother.
If you like romantic suspense, this is the book for you. There's a killer on the loose and someone was defacing town property. Add a smouldering romance and you've got a winner.
When his hometown fell on hard times, Grif Steele wanted to help fix things. Well, his brothers actually talked him into it, so he agreed to commute from Los Angeles to North Carolina so that he could continue doing his job as a sports agent while also working with the town. As if doing all that wasn't hard enough, he runs into Carlie Beth Parrish who he'd spent one night with just before he left town, 15 years earlier. There is still an incredible attraction between this pair. But should they act on them? Grif is only in town for a little while and Carlie Beth has a whopper of a secret. It's worth reading this book to find out what they did.
I love the brothers. Well, all the characters actually. Even though Grif's life and career were very successful and allowed him to get every material thing he wanted, his family was most important to him. I went back and forth in how I felt about Carlie Beth. For the most part, I liked her but I didn't like some of the things she did. I laughed at the way the boys tormented each other and adored their mother.
If you like romantic suspense, this is the book for you. There's a killer on the loose and someone was defacing town property. Add a smouldering romance and you've got a winner.
October 15, 2016
Going Hard is the second in the Steele Ridge series, and the first novel by Kelsey Browning I have had the pleasure of reading. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. The storyline framework is loosely based on a tried-and-true formula: local boy Griffin (Grif) Steele returns to his hometown after being gone for years, and having made a name for himself in the big city. The young girl he left behind is now a single mother, working two jobs to make sure her daughter’s needs are always met. Carlie Beth is a blacksmith by trade, and part-time waitress/bartender, but also uses her blacksmithing skills to make a variety of functional, whimsical, or custom items for the people in town, and many pieces she displays and sells in the local art gallery. When Grif and Carlie Beth reunite after 15 years, the reader gets plenty of sexual tension, frustration, and emotion as the two grapple with their feelings from the past and come to terms with the reality of their current situation. There is also an element of danger in the form of an unknown villain who becomes increasingly angry and hostile when Grif returns to town and becomes closer to Carlie Beth and her daughter– suspicious acts of vandalism, sabotage, and ultimately murder threaten the safety of everyone important to Carlie Beth.
The writing is very good, I especially enjoy the interactions between Grif and his brothers – the insults they trade are clever but still show the affection they share. And then there are the sex scenes. Browning’s writing here is incredibly explicit, not only with the vividness of her descriptions, but also the rather unorthodox positions/locations she has Grif and Carlie Beth assume. This isn’t along the lines of 50 Shades of Gray, this is more spontaneous and somehow more realistic. Very hot – a very pleasant surprise. I look forward to the next books in this series.
The writing is very good, I especially enjoy the interactions between Grif and his brothers – the insults they trade are clever but still show the affection they share. And then there are the sex scenes. Browning’s writing here is incredibly explicit, not only with the vividness of her descriptions, but also the rather unorthodox positions/locations she has Grif and Carlie Beth assume. This isn’t along the lines of 50 Shades of Gray, this is more spontaneous and somehow more realistic. Very hot – a very pleasant surprise. I look forward to the next books in this series.
September 18, 2017
Blacksmith and the slick sports agent.
Canyon Ridge is now named Steele Ridge. When billionaire Jonah Ridge decides to 'come home' and save his hometown from bad decisions and debt he gives the city manager position to his brother, Griff.
Griff is a slick, pretty boy, L.A., sports agent with a knack for negotiations, a car called Louise, trendy clothes, a city life...and a 14yr old daughter in his hometown he didn't know about.
Blacksmith, Carlie Beth Parrish has kept her daughter's father a secret for 14 yrs...until he comes back home and works it out.
In the midst of the 'daddy' dilemma, it appears Carlie Beth is the reason people are getting hurt...or murdered.
A sweet and tame book with little punch. Yes there's a few sex scenes and even murder, but everything was taken in its stride. And as for the mystery? Well you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out who that was.
I liked the closeness and camaraderie between the brothers and the individual characters were ok but it lacked any real kick.
Found it free along with the very short introduction novella but didn't really stir anything to want to buy the next book.
Canyon Ridge is now named Steele Ridge. When billionaire Jonah Ridge decides to 'come home' and save his hometown from bad decisions and debt he gives the city manager position to his brother, Griff.
Griff is a slick, pretty boy, L.A., sports agent with a knack for negotiations, a car called Louise, trendy clothes, a city life...and a 14yr old daughter in his hometown he didn't know about.
Blacksmith, Carlie Beth Parrish has kept her daughter's father a secret for 14 yrs...until he comes back home and works it out.
In the midst of the 'daddy' dilemma, it appears Carlie Beth is the reason people are getting hurt...or murdered.
A sweet and tame book with little punch. Yes there's a few sex scenes and even murder, but everything was taken in its stride. And as for the mystery? Well you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out who that was.
I liked the closeness and camaraderie between the brothers and the individual characters were ok but it lacked any real kick.
Found it free along with the very short introduction novella but didn't really stir anything to want to buy the next book.
October 2, 2017
Well, this wasn't what I was expecting. And I mean that in a good way. While this is, for the most part, a second chance type story, there are several of twists and turns. That's the part I didn't expect.
The Steele brothers are back in town. Heck, the Baby Billionaire has bought the whole darn town and named his brother, Grif, as the city manager. Now, Grif has to decide how he's going to keep his LA business as a top sports agent going while getting Steele Ridge's economy back on track. Yeah, when the billionaire brother bought Canyon Ridge he insisted on the name change as part of the deal. All of the brothers are involved in the project. There's just one thing. Someone is trying to stop them.
In the midst of this, Grif reconnects with Carlie Beth only to find out she's been keeping secrets. Actually, just one BIG secret. He's not sure how he's going to handle it, but he knows he doesn't have a choice. But could Carlie be behind some of the trouble they're having in the town? Can Carlie trust Grif? He's got a past that's he's not too open about. Just when they're getting some answers things turn deadly. Literally....
The Steele brothers are back in town. Heck, the Baby Billionaire has bought the whole darn town and named his brother, Grif, as the city manager. Now, Grif has to decide how he's going to keep his LA business as a top sports agent going while getting Steele Ridge's economy back on track. Yeah, when the billionaire brother bought Canyon Ridge he insisted on the name change as part of the deal. All of the brothers are involved in the project. There's just one thing. Someone is trying to stop them.
In the midst of this, Grif reconnects with Carlie Beth only to find out she's been keeping secrets. Actually, just one BIG secret. He's not sure how he's going to handle it, but he knows he doesn't have a choice. But could Carlie be behind some of the trouble they're having in the town? Can Carlie trust Grif? He's got a past that's he's not too open about. Just when they're getting some answers things turn deadly. Literally....
October 17, 2016
Griffin Steele is my new book boyfriend. He's hot, sexy, and ripped. But alas, I will have to share him with Carlie Beth Parrish who had a relationship with him fifteen years ago. Carlie Beth has a secret that Grif will end up finding out, but not before sparks fly between the two of them again. While Carlie Beth has made a life in Steele Ridge, Grif left for college, became a successful sports agent in LA, and has pretty much been away for fifteen years. Now Grif has come back to Canyon Ridge, NC (renamed Steele Ridge) at the request of his brothers who have returned to bail the town out of hard financial times. However, besides having to deal with Carlie Beth's secret, there seems to be someone who isn't happy that Grif is back in Steele Ridge. But is Grif the target of the stalker or is it Carlie Beth?
This book is the second in the Steel Ridge Series and is titled Going Hard, written by Kelsey Browning. If you like romantic suspense, this book is a good one. The author had me guessing throughout and still surprised me at the end. The sexy scenes had just the right heat factor. The interplay between the brothers is well done. The secondary characters were developed perfectly in preparation for more books in the series and that is difficult because the series is being written by different authors. I will be picking up the rest of the series when they come out. After all who doesn't like a book with a hot sexy Alpha hero and some mystery? I also recommend reading the Prequel, Steele Ridge: The Beginning to get to know the Steele brothers. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This book is the second in the Steel Ridge Series and is titled Going Hard, written by Kelsey Browning. If you like romantic suspense, this book is a good one. The author had me guessing throughout and still surprised me at the end. The sexy scenes had just the right heat factor. The interplay between the brothers is well done. The secondary characters were developed perfectly in preparation for more books in the series and that is difficult because the series is being written by different authors. I will be picking up the rest of the series when they come out. After all who doesn't like a book with a hot sexy Alpha hero and some mystery? I also recommend reading the Prequel, Steele Ridge: The Beginning to get to know the Steele brothers. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 17, 2017
Kelsey Browning is an auto-read author for me and while I have my favorites of hers, Going Hard might just top them all. Maybe. Grif and Carlie Beth are great characters that pulled me into their story from the start. Grif is back in Canyon, er, Steele Ridge to help his brother Jonah out. He runs into Carlie Beth, someone he shared a pretty special night with almost 15 years before.
Grif doesn’t want to stay in Steele Ridge. He wants to get back to his LA life. That is the life that made him millions of dollars and made him feel like he did something with his life. Carlie Beth is an independent mother who is doing all she can to make ends meet and raise her daughter the best way she knows how in her home town of Steele Ridge. She doesn’t expect to see Grif Steele again, but now he is here. And isn’t leaving soon enough. The chemistry between Grif and Carlie Beth is electric and hot and something neither of them can ignore. It’t quite fun to watch them explore this attraction.
Browning’s romance stories always have great dialogue, some sass, and characters you fall in love with. Going Hard has an additional edge to it that we don’t usually see in her other stories which is touch of mystery and suspense. People in town are turning up dead and all things point towards Carlie Beth. Grif and his brothers will stop at nothing to figure out who is behind this.
I could not put Going Hard down while reading it. It moved at a pace that had me flipping pages to find out what would happen next. In addition to the romance between Grif and Carlie Beth, as well as the mystery plot, there was the relationship between Carlie Beth’s daughter Aubrey and Grif. It was so sweet and I loved watching it unfold. There is so much going on in this story! Going Hard has it all – love, romance, family, friends, and a little mystery. Give it a read. You will love it!
Grif doesn’t want to stay in Steele Ridge. He wants to get back to his LA life. That is the life that made him millions of dollars and made him feel like he did something with his life. Carlie Beth is an independent mother who is doing all she can to make ends meet and raise her daughter the best way she knows how in her home town of Steele Ridge. She doesn’t expect to see Grif Steele again, but now he is here. And isn’t leaving soon enough. The chemistry between Grif and Carlie Beth is electric and hot and something neither of them can ignore. It’t quite fun to watch them explore this attraction.
Browning’s romance stories always have great dialogue, some sass, and characters you fall in love with. Going Hard has an additional edge to it that we don’t usually see in her other stories which is touch of mystery and suspense. People in town are turning up dead and all things point towards Carlie Beth. Grif and his brothers will stop at nothing to figure out who is behind this.
I could not put Going Hard down while reading it. It moved at a pace that had me flipping pages to find out what would happen next. In addition to the romance between Grif and Carlie Beth, as well as the mystery plot, there was the relationship between Carlie Beth’s daughter Aubrey and Grif. It was so sweet and I loved watching it unfold. There is so much going on in this story! Going Hard has it all – love, romance, family, friends, and a little mystery. Give it a read. You will love it!
May 10, 2018
Excellent
Carlie Beth has lived in Steele Ridge all her life. When she was nineteen she had a one night stand with Grif Steele. She got pregnant but never told anyone who the father was. Now fifteen years later Grif has returned after his brother buys Steele Ridge, changes its name, and makes him the city manager, a job he doesn’t want. He is a big sports agent back in L.A. and as soon as he finds a replacement he’s going back. Until he finds out he has a daughter. Now he wants to get to know his daughter and have a relationship with Carlie Beth. When two people are killed that are connected to Carlie Beth, Grif and his brothers try to figure out what’s going on. But someone vandalized Grif’s car and almost killed him, the family will do anything to protect their new family members. When their daughter is taken, they’ll do whatever it takes to get her back.
Suspense. Funny. Sexy. Action packed that will have you turn the page until the very end. Great characters and a story that will pull in from the first page.
Carlie Beth has lived in Steele Ridge all her life. When she was nineteen she had a one night stand with Grif Steele. She got pregnant but never told anyone who the father was. Now fifteen years later Grif has returned after his brother buys Steele Ridge, changes its name, and makes him the city manager, a job he doesn’t want. He is a big sports agent back in L.A. and as soon as he finds a replacement he’s going back. Until he finds out he has a daughter. Now he wants to get to know his daughter and have a relationship with Carlie Beth. When two people are killed that are connected to Carlie Beth, Grif and his brothers try to figure out what’s going on. But someone vandalized Grif’s car and almost killed him, the family will do anything to protect their new family members. When their daughter is taken, they’ll do whatever it takes to get her back.
Suspense. Funny. Sexy. Action packed that will have you turn the page until the very end. Great characters and a story that will pull in from the first page.
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