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Hard Love: A Brother's Best Friend Standalone Romance

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Noah Winston’s life was perfect. He had it striking looks, more money than he could ever spend, good friends, and any woman he wanted.

Margo Perry’s life wasn’t perfect, but it was her own. She didn’t need a man to make her happy or feel better about herself.

Then he saw her – a gorgeous, rain-soaked stranger – but she wasn’t a stranger at all. They’d known each other a lifetime ago, when she was just a girl. Now, she was all woman.

Then it happened. The man she had spent her teenage years lusting over rescued her on a bleak yet fateful day. There he was, straight out of her dreams, looking better now than he had years ago.

The more time he spent with her, the more he questioned everything he knew.

The more time she spent with him, the more those old feelings resurfaced and grew stronger.

Too bad it only took one night, a few words, and a terrible decision, to ruin it all.

Too bad it was too good to be true.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2017

55 people are currently reading
480 people want to read

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Joanne Schwehm

29 books506 followers

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5 stars
128 (36%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,548 reviews1,690 followers
dnf
July 19, 2017
The writing is not good enough for me to continue, unfortunately :(
The plot isn't dealt with the way I would like it to...
There is no character development, no depth whatsoever...
The heroine makes shitty decisions and the hero feels flat...
There are so many things missing that I lost my interest in it after 30%...

Profile Image for Tara.
Author 71 books10.3k followers
June 19, 2017
It's been a while since I read a book in one sitting, but once I started Hard Love, I couldn't put it down. Margo and Noah's story was sweet, hot, romantic, heart-breaking and absolute perfection.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,113 reviews555 followers
July 18, 2017
“True love ain't easy, and easy love ain't true.”

From an author that gives "good read" every time I've picked up one of her books, Hard Love hooked me from the start with its freshness and authenticity. I loved the bold characters and the raw and painful edge of self-discovery that builds into a steamy love affair. Joanne Schwehm has packed intelligence, wit and an addictive friends-to-lovers romance into one terrific story. I wasn't expecting all the feel goods I found on the pages. The angst is honest and real -- nothing unbelievably over-the-top. Readers will find both Noah Winston and Margo Perry flawed -- but exemplary -- characters, that made their story not so hard to love at all. I had such fun getting to know Margo and Noah!

Noah Winston and Margo Perry first met years ago. Her older brother is Noah's best friend. Margo crushed on Noah as a young teenager. She even found the courage to invite him to her prom -- but he turned her down and broke her heart. Noah only saw Margo as his best friend's cute little sister. And there was also that bro code regarding little sisters that could never be broken. Time moved forward and each went their separate way.

Never say never because . . .

Fate has a way of intervening when you least expect it, and a chance encounter between two strangers turns out to be more. It seems that the rain-soaked beauty that caught Noah’s attention is none other than his best friend’s little sister, Margo – all grown up and packaged quite nicely. What's a guy to do but offer her a ride and an umbrella! And now the tables are turned, and Noah is in the role of pursuer.

From the minute that they reconnect, it is apparent to readers that these two belong together. Their chemistry is sizzling. Noah and Margo are both impressive, captivating and alluring characters. Both are easy to care about and you’re immediately drawn to them, their struggles are realistically portrayed, and you’ll only want to cheer them on to a happily-ever-after.

But love doesn’t always come easy. And there are some major hurdles to overcome before the clouds clear and the sun shines on this twosome. Noah has trust issues and harbors bad feelings towards love and marriage because his only examples growing up were parents who hated each other. We only get a small glimpse of his mother – but believe me, that was plenty to convince me of the poor example she showed herself to be in only one scene. Noah is committed to never marrying. Oh there are plenty of women who have passed in and out of his life. Noah's leads the uncomplicated life of a billionaire playboy. He holds the title of "most eligible bachelor" -- and it's one he's intent on keeping. But there's never been a woman who has touched his heart and soul -- until Margo steps back into his life. She arouses a strong storm of desire and emotions within him -- ones he's never experienced before.

Margo isn't that naïve young girl any longer. She's all woman now. Owns her own business and knows what she wants and she's not settling for less. But Noah isn't making it easy. He's charming her right out of her panties. And she's falling head-over-heels in love with him -- again! But he crushed her heart once and old fears haunt her -- is she willing to let him do it again? Their conflicts kept knots in the pit of my stomach.

With delicious romantic tension, characters so real they walk onto the page and into your heart, this author delivers the kind of love story that makes you laugh, love, cry and cheer. With dialogue filled with laugh-out-loud sass and witty banter, an engaging storyline filled with a secondary cast of crazy and helpful friends, and plenty of steamy romance, my spirits soared high and I kept on believing that love would win in the end.

Irresistible and satisfying . . . addictive and sexy romance at its best. Hard Love will make you tingle all over. And there's an epilogue that will leave you smiling ear to ear. It is well said: "nothing worth having comes easy," and so it goes with true love.
Profile Image for KceeReads.
159 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2017
Young love could be really sweet if it's returned. In Margo Perry's case, it's not. Crushing on one of her older brother's best friends, Noah Winston became her inspiration. Until one day, he broke her heart. Now all grown up and all woman, she's decided to leave the past behind and focus on her new career. Until she saw him again. Being liked by the man you're crushing on is every girl's dream, but why is she more scared than happy?

All work and zero play. After inheriting his grandfather's company, young CEO Noah Winston has been doing nothing but work. His life is a boring routine not until he crossed path with Margo Perry... again. Back then she was young and off-limits and he remembers the day he broke her heart but past is past, right? Now is another story.

He wants to take his chances on her. She fears getting her heart broken again. Will Noah break Margo's walls and prove to her that he's not the same guy who crushed her heart?

Joanne's Schwehm's latest release, HARD LOVE, is a "brother's best friend" romance and it's everything you'll ever want in your sunny weekend read. It's sweet, sexy, and light but has enough feels to touch your heart. Noah and Margo's story is the perfect escape specially if you're looking for a book that can give your heart some rest from reading angst and dark.

As for the characters, they're very easy to love. I have enjoyed reading Noah's POV specially. In most romance books, billionaire Hs tend to be jerks and so full of themselves but here, nope. Noah Winston is soooo sweet and just down to earth. The things he says and does are really cute and swoon-worthy!

Highly recommended to readers who are looking for a "good boy" vibes hero and sweet love story!!
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
July 19, 2017
Hard Love by Joanne Schwehm
4.5 stars!!!

“…love isn’t perfect. It isn’t always easy; it’s hard.”


Joanne Schwehm has never failed to deliver a book that I have inhaled from start to finish. This author has the knack of enveloping me in her stories and her characters from the get go and not letting me go until the end, and Hard Love was no different. Unrequited love is a bitch and when you are a teenager, crushing on your big brother’s best friend, it feels like your life is ending. That first love, that unforgettable first love, that all-consuming first love. Now all grown up and an independent woman, what happens when big brothers best friend, meets best friend’s little sister? An insanely hot, passionate, all-consuming love story that had me turning pages quicker than was humanly possible. I adored this book.

“…because to break something, it needs to be whole, and we never really were. I was living a fantasy, a great one, but one that I allowed myself to get wrapped up in. You…gave me what you could, for which I’ll always be grateful. And right now, it’s enough, it truly is. But the reason people are in a relationship is for it to grow into a life spent loving each other, and that’s what I want.”


Margo Perry is stepping out on her own, away from the family business and doing what she has always believed in, fashion. Having travelled the fashion capitals of the world she is now back in New York setting up her own business as a fashion consultant to the rich and famous. It is baby steps, but Margo has passion and determination and I loved this about her. Margo’s Hard Love was Noah Winston and since that “crush” no-one has come close or filled the void that he left. Now with a hectic work schedule, romance was the last thing on Margo’s mind.

Noah Winston is a billionaire and New York’s most eligible bachelor. Noah is insanely hot, yet he is grounded, his wealth has not affected his morals or his scruples and he was an all-round good guy. Noah’s Hard Love was the effect that his parent’s broken marriage had had on him and also the notorious gold diggers. Noah had shied away from relationships never knowing any woman’s true intentions, did they love him, or his money?

A reunion in the rain is where these two cross paths once and again and now that their six-year age gap means very little it seems Margo’s unrequited love may not have been all that unrequited as she thought. Margo is hesitant and reticent, the hurt of Noah’s rejection all those years ago still painfully raw, but Noah has perseverance and it is the thrill of this chase that made this book for me.

“We’re not going to fuck. Instead, I plan to savor every inch of your body. I’m falling for you, Margo, and tonight, I’m going to show you just how much.”


This was all about second chances, loving someone for who they are, not what they can do for you. Finding that one person that understands you, that loves you and just wants to be with you, just to be near. That intense connection, both in and out of the sheets and being with that one person that makes you want to fight for it, no matter how hard the ride.

“If you love the man you were just chanting about, don’t let him go. True love doesn’t come along every day, and just because it isn’t perfect doesn’t mean it isn’t right. Life isn’t flawless, but it’s what we make of it…”


Hard Love was an honest romance, one that draws you in and slowly fills you up, no cliché alpha billionaires, just a beautiful second chance romance that went against the stereotypes that I seem to consistently read about. It was refreshing. With fantastic character connection, great dialogue, some hilarious banter, this book had a little of everything that made it a fantastic all-round fabulous read. Loved it.

www.theromancecover.com
Profile Image for Kindle Crack Book Reviews Cheri .
1,336 reviews1,114 followers
July 18, 2017
4.5 - A chance encounter allows Margo to see her Noah, childhood crush. While Margo is super independent and strong, she is also insecure about her relationship with Noah. Noah adores Margo, but he is dead set on staying a bachelor. He finally has it all, until he loses the one-thing that matters. Will their insecurities and preconceived notions about relationships kill their chances of finding happiness?

Hard Love is a straight up, second chance romance with likable characters, and a plot that is not fueled by drama. The characters’ chemistry and relatable relationship issues made this book unputdownable. Hard Love was an easy read. One-click worthy.
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,633 reviews419 followers
July 3, 2017
Review by Lisa Kane

Margo Perry is putting all her efforts into her new company, Exquisitely Yours, a shopping service for those who can’t be bothered to do their own shopping. Her family may have money, but Margo wants to prove to herself that she can make it on her own.

When she was younger, her older brother Adam hung out with a couple of heart thumping guys- Noah Winston and their friend Cade. Almost seven years older than Margo, they looked at her like Adam’s cute little sister. But to Margo-Noah was the stuff of her adolescent dreams. But he crushed her when he turned down her invite to her prom.

It’s years later, there’s a reunion in the rain and this time around Noah is the interested one. Margo is no longer that geeky teen ager; now she’s all grown up and gorgeous.

“Margo?” Her eyes narrowed for a minute as she studied me.
“Margo Perry?”
Her perfectly shaped lips fell open. “Noah?” When I nodded, her lips curved up in the prettiest way, and in an instant, I pictured not only kissing them, but doing other things to them as well.


But she hasn’t forgotten how she felt by Noah’s rejection and vows to just leave things in the past. Noah is equally determined to get to know this new Margo and is willing to pursue her despite her objections.

“What will it take for you to date me?”

Noah is insanely rich and is one hell of an eligible bachelor. Margo is more than aware of his reputation of loving and leaving them. But Noah is honestly interested in her. So what’s the problem? Noah has issues-big issues because of his childhood. He doesn’t talk about his family-he is too focused on his life now and the beautiful woman he wants to spend time getting to know.

Hard Love has lots of drama and frustration. The two main characters are genuine and funny and worth getting to know between the pages. I love conflict and stomach plummeting moments. This one checks off all my boxes!

“For years, I told myself what I felt for you was just a crush, but now I know that even as a teenager, my heart wanted yours.”
418 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2017
This is a true quality romance. What I loved the most about it is its concentration on character. There are no terrible events that occur, no life changing drama, no horrifying elements. Just a very pure second chance romance about a young woman with big dreams who runs into an old high school crush. Each of them have their own thoughts on what ultimately makes a lasting relationship. But, love is indeed hard, as the title suggests. I really enjoyed the fact that Noah wasn't portrayed as a billionaire alpha male. On the contrary, we discover that all the rumors about his playboy ways are false. Margo feels strongly about being her own woman, and not relying on others, so she is reluctant at first to revisit her teen crush. But they find that they dont want to live without each other. Noah gets great advice from someone who used to be in his shoes, and Margo learns compromise. There is a great line that sums it all up. Just because love isn't perfect, doesn't mean it's wrong. We could all learn that motto.
Profile Image for Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews.
2,181 reviews63 followers
July 18, 2017
Noah was Margo's teenage crush. What was not to like? He was gorgeous, rich, and most of all, kind to her. He was always around since he was her brother's best friend. He would help her with her homework and she was delighted when he talked to her. Until she asked him to the prom.

Meeting years later when they were both pursuing their careers and adults was a twist of Fate. The more time they spent together the more they enjoyed each other's company. Until that fateful day when they fought about the future.

This is a very romantic story. Like all these billionaire stories, Noah is no different. He is set in the life he is leading and his freedom is most important. He never realized how lonely his life was. Besides work and money, there was nothing else in his life worth living for.

Really loved this story with all its ups and downs. These two lovers were meant for each other. The fact they are so stubborn makes for clashes that had me laughing and sometimes crying.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy of her book with me.
Profile Image for Beth Slone .
317 reviews10 followers
July 7, 2017
Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. I loved it so much. Noah and Margo story was amazing and perfect. This book is a must read. I loved the character and everything in this sorry. The author hooked me all the way through the story. I didn't read the blurb for this story so I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started reading. The cover was gorgeous and I always read this authors books so I knew I had to read this book. Like always the author didn't disappoint with this story. One of my favorite reads this year.
Profile Image for Dana.
655 reviews60 followers
July 13, 2017
This book!!! Gah!!!!! I was giggling right on page 1!!!!!

Take one older brother’s best friend add the little sister all grown up and you get a funny friends to lovers combination that was hard to put down (I finished in 8 hours, it was that good!!!!)

The chemistry that existed between Margo and Noah was perfect and well written! I loved the banter and how they attempted to “hide” Margo’s identity in one social setting, so funny!

This was my first book by Ms. Schwehm and I can’t wait to read another one!!! I highly recommend this book for a Rom-Com fix!
Profile Image for A.M. Madden.
Author 42 books2,460 followers
June 19, 2017
True to the title, love is hard. It's rarely easy, neat, and wrapped up with a tiny red bow. It's fragile and delicate. And how you come through, in the end, is what makes the journey worth it. Hard Love takes you on just that kind of journey. I've gotten to know Noah and Margot extremely well, and fell in love with not only their story but with the characters themselves. Joanne Schwehm has a great talent for writing book characters that, once you've read and finished the book, you feel like you've met two new friends. You will want to meet Noah and Margot, and once you do you'll wish they were real so you could hang out with them.
Profile Image for Janett The Pleasure of Reading Today.
723 reviews28 followers
July 18, 2017
It was very late last night (or very early this morning depending how you see it) when I finished Hard Love, I just couldn't put it down. And that's the magic of a good book, it will wrap you up in the story and the characters and it will hypnotize you until the point you become one with them.

Margo Perry is a beautiful, driven young woman who doesn't need a man to validate her or her goals in life. By chance, a handsome stranger who comes to her rescue on a rainy day happens to be the boy she had lust it after all through her youth, Noah. Noah is a secure of himself, take charge, successful businessman, he's also a bit of a ladies man. Would the chance encounter and their attraction to each other will bring them together as a couple or will the insecurities of their past will obliterate their relationship?

"Someone reminded me tonight that love isn't perfect. It isn't always easy; it's hard."

I truly loved this book and the slow dance the author choreographed between Margo and Noah. They both have things holding, not only their an important part of their lives back, but also their hearts. They were both afraid to move forward because they were simply protecting themselves from disappointment and heartache. For both of them love is a fragile thing, and sometimes it takes two strong people to convert the lessons of the past into the hope for the future.

These two showed us that sometimes what our stubborn self want is not necessarily what we need. And there lays the magic of letting all of our hung ups go and take a chance on a future, that while uncertain, it could bring all the things we didn't even know we need it.
Profile Image for A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog.
2,787 reviews107 followers
August 27, 2017
This book!!! Gah!!!!! I was giggling right on page 1!!!!!

Take one older brother’s best friend add the little sister all grown up and you get a funny friends to lovers combination that was hard to put down (I finished in 8 hours, it was that good!!!!)

The chemistry that existed between Margo and Noah was perfect and well written! I loved the banter and how they attempted to “hide” Margo’s identity in one social setting, so funny!

This was my first book by Ms. Schwehm and I can’t wait to read another one!!! I highly recommend this book for a Rom-Com fix!
Profile Image for Tina Morgan.
1,130 reviews11 followers
July 6, 2017
Ok so I've read Finding Mr.Wrong by Joanne which she co-wrote with A.M. Madden and it was amazing but it's also the only book I've read by Joanne. And I have no idea why!!!! I must have been living under a rock or something but I am going to fix this problem really quick like because this woman is a genius! I was drawn in to this book from the first paragraph to last paragraph! So much so I didn't eat, didn't want to talk to anyone, I didn't want to do nothing but stay lost in my kindle. I even forgot to post on my Goodreads profile that I had started reading and that's not uncommon for me and I'll go fix it a couple pages in but with this book I didn't even think of it!! Ok enough about how enraptured I was in this book and on to some key points for you guys. The background story on both characters are there you get along the way so it's not all at once. You can connect to some points of this book or at least I did and I think most of us can. The secondary characters are so amazing and pull the book together that much more than what you can imagine. And I honestly hope that they all get there own book!! The only thing that I found wrong with this book was that it ended...lol but don't we all find that with great books is that they end to soon. Like I said I was so taken with this book and it's not Hard to Love it's actually very easy to love this book and I highly recommend this book!!!
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,859 reviews81 followers
July 17, 2017
Hard Love...or hardheaded lovers...

He is CEO of his family legacy.
She is trying to start her business.

He is a play boy.
She can't remember her last relationship.

He is knocked off his feet.
She is sure she's dreaming.

Two people who have a past with different interpretations of its meaning. She won't be broken again. He had no idea.

It's hard to love.

Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Emma .
2,506 reviews388 followers
July 19, 2017
Margo has known Noah for a long time having worshipped him through her adolescence only to have her heart broken when he turned down her innocent invitation to prom. A random encounter at a restaurant brings Noah back into Margo's life in an unexpected way. Although doesn't recognise his best friends little sister at first there is no denying the attraction he feels towards her.

Margo has been living and studying abroad, returning to New York to set up her own styling consultancy while Noah has taken the business world by storm as well as gaining well deserved notoriety as a playboy.  Margo is fully aware of Noah's reputation and is determined to avoid becoming another notch in his bedpost.

However, the chemistry between Noah and Margo cannot be denied although Margo does valiantly attempt to keep a barrier between herself and Noah. I love the use of the movie When Harry met Sally through the narrative, the clever use of the names to keep their relationship under wraps. There is some delicious wooing within the narrative although Noah's views on relationships and marriage cast a continuing shadow over the connection between himself and Margo.

Noah's parents and the example their marriage and parenting skills set has left Noah with the determination to never place himself in a position where this could happen to him. He judges any future with someone against the distorted view he has because of his parents. Placing a future end date on his relationships rather than opening himself up to the possibility of more.

I admired Margo's unwavering self-belief and her determination to make her dreams come true both professionally and personally. Understanding Noah's limitations doesn't deter Margo from accepting anything less than she deserves even if it would be easier emotionally.

Relationships require work the same as anything in life worth having; they also require a degree of compromise when your heart is on the line it makes you reconsider what is truly important. 

Joanne Schwehm's writing keeps getting better and better, her plot and writing style engaging and compelling, while her characters are flawed, realistic but most of all endearing. 
Profile Image for Caroline F.
2,405 reviews52 followers
July 18, 2017
"What I neglected to say was I was afraid. The man could shatter me. I had been down this road before, and I wasn't interested in a second trip."

As a teen, Margo was head over heels in love with her brother's best friend, Noah. He was always kind to her and even helped her with her homework. However, with one request, he unknowingly broke her heart.

"She was spectacular. No trace of the awkwardly cute, gawking teenager remained. Nope. Margo was stunning, and now I was the one gawking."

Years later, Noah catches sight of a beautiful woman in a restaurant. He chases after her out into the rain, and imagine his surprise when he realises it's his best friend's younger sister - all grown up.

"When I want something, I go after it. Tonight, that's you."

Even knowing that Margo was off-limits, Noah is drawn to her and he just can't leave her alone. She thinks that one hot night will be enough for him to move on, but she's stunned when he pulls out all the stops in pursuit of her, and completely dazzles her with his charm, his looks, and his obvious interest in her.

"I kissed her like I'd never kissed another woman. She was the promise of what I wanted and needed."

This was a gorgeous read! I loved Noah's persistence with Margo and how much he liked to spoil her. He could have any woman he wanted, but he liked that Margo very obviously wanted him for himself and not for his status or wealth. I just adored how hard he was falling for her. In spite of Margo's perpetual expectation of their relationship ending soon, I loved how feisty she was - especially when it came to protecting Noah.

This novel was really sexy and had a high feel-good factor, with a touch of angst. I adored Margo and Noah together - they were funny, adorable, and hot!
Profile Image for Ashley Jasper.
1,849 reviews24 followers
July 18, 2017
To be honest, the cover of Hard Love just took my breath away so I didn't even read the synopsis before starting (which I like to do sometimes), so I was going in totally blind. Well double WHOOOOOOP! Joanne Schwehm gave me all the happy, fun and feel good vibes with this book.

I absolutely adored Margo. This woman is fierce. Full of passion and drive. But she was also kind and vulnerable. She knew what she wanted in both her professional and personal life and she wasn't willing to settle. Even when it came to the man of her teenage dreams. Oh Noah, sigh, swoon and everything in between.

That man- and he is alllllll man is what book boyfriends are made of. Smart, sexy, successful and so much more than his wealth and status. When fate brings Margo back into his orbit, it's a breath of fresh air. What started out years ago as a school girl crush quickly becomes attraction and chemistry and perhaps something more....Despite the challenges they faced from their families, it was smooth sailing for these friends turned lovers. That is until what was supposed to be a happy occasion brought some big fears to the surface.

As much as I hated the hurt they were both experiencing, I admired Margo for sticking to her guns. Let's just say that Noah learned the true meaning of change for the better. Hard Love was the perfect title for this book that showcased all the sides of the emotion that brings us to our knees and makes us soar. Joanne Schwehm wove a captivating and believable tale that had me begging for more when it was over.
Profile Image for Kathy.
906 reviews34 followers
July 18, 2017
This was a sweet little love story that wasn't too heavy on the drama, the perfect amount swoon and humor to round it out.

Margo had a crush on her brother's best friend, Noah, when she was a young lady. Unfortunately, Noah didn't reciprocate her feelings and they went their separate ways.

Years later, a chance encounter thrusts Noah and Margo together again. Margo is no longer that young, naive girl... she's strong, self-assured and is not falling at Noah's feet.

He may be New York's most eligible bachelor, but Noah has to work for the affections of Ms. Margo Perry.

I enjoyed the strength of Margo's character. She was not a puddle of swoony goo when Noah pursued her. She knew her worth and made sure he knew it, too. I admire a heroine who stands up for herself and doesn't rely on the hero to rescue her.

Noah was not intimidated by her conviction either, in fact, he seemed in awe of her. It was a nice balance to have a hero who had a nice balance of Alpha male to feel the desire, but also the respect for the heroine. The author created a nice balance and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

For a nice brother's best friend romance, Hard Love is not to be missed.
Profile Image for Tracy.
684 reviews20 followers
July 18, 2017
Margo and Noah are given a beautiful, witty story. Meeting by chance after years of no contact, this time around, Margo is the one who is standoffish.

I loved her character, her dedication. She's a hard worker and trying to make a name for herself, on her own. The chemistry between her and Noah was to die for, and Noah certainly did not disappoint. In the best of ways, I felt he was different from the average hero.

Hard Love was an addicting read. I fell in love with the characters and did not want to put the book down. The characters are so well developed. Their story is well written and evenly paced. There are obstacles, but nothing impossible. It's just simply a beautiful, well put together book. Highly Recommended!

*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads*
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Profile Image for Kim  Brewing.
3,621 reviews37 followers
July 24, 2017
This was my first read by this author and I enjoyed it.

Remember your brother's best friend, the hot one? The one that starred in all you young dreams and fantasies? Well what would you do if he finally noticed you? This is what that story is about. I loved that Margo didn't just roll over for Noah, she made it work for it. She was torn with giving him a chance after he broke her young heart. I loved that there was no unnecessary outside drama and that they acted like mature adults. Can these two meet in the middle? Will there be a future for them now?

Overall I enjoy this, it did drag just a bit in the middle but quickly caught my attention again.
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews254 followers
July 19, 2017
This story has it all, friends to lovers, older brothers best friend, etc. The author is new to me but she completely pulled me in with this story. Margo had a crush on Noah when she was younger but life happens, people grow up and apart until one fateful night brings these two back together.

Noah believes he has his life in order, all his ducks in a row, until a stunning woman he rescued from the rain begins to turn everything upside down. Margo is a strong, independent woman who is striking out on her own with hopes of running her own business.

The chemistry between these two sparks off the pages, but that doesn't mean love will come easily for them and they are faced with many hurdles they will have to overcome if they want their relationship to last.

It's a great story from beginning to end, and one that I wasn't ready to put down. I'll definitely be looking for more books from this author.
Profile Image for Melissa.
632 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2017
When you crush on your Brothers best friend and you now have a second chance yes you heard Margo's crush on Noah is no longer one sided , but she is guarded . I really enjoyed this .Refreshing love story without all the hangups. You have just enough drama to keep you on edge. There was a lot of growing up and learning to let go . You'll love Noah , you'll fall hard and quickly . Hard Love perfect title!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Horbaczek.
765 reviews6 followers
July 20, 2017
The author is looking for an honest review.

5 stars

I really enjoyed this book, like a lot. The whole little sister that fell head over heels for the big brothers friend, they are such a great story. The little sister that looked so young, or the the best friend that thought it is crossing a line because of friendship is something that always gets to me. So years later coming together and not knowing what to expect is pretty awesome. With that being said, the opening chapters grabbed me from the beginning and i was sucked in and never looked back. The characters are so much to watch grow in this book. Seeing what obstacles they overcome to get where they need to be with each other was fun to watch all the fun they have getting to a point that where they don't play hard to get and overcome their fears, well it is a site to see. You will want to slap them with the mistakes and choices they make at times, but then its always fun watching them make up.


Margo is the little sister that always had a crush on Noah. Of course Noah was the big brothers best friend so he was off limits. Even though she tried to make him want her when she was a teenager it never happened, but it didn't deter her from having her fantasies. Margo is fun to watch, she guards her heart very close, so when an unexpected encounter brings Noah and her together, she is very guarded. Noah is this man that has grown to be a great guy. He is the man that you want. A billionaire and a bachelor that every girl wants, but when he hears Margo laugh he has to know who she is. What he never expected was it to be his best friends little sister. With a lot of pleading they decide to see what could happen. Choices will be made and some decisions will be made. It's their choice if they can get through everything.

I really loved this book. I loved seeing both point of views and seeing how different they reacted and what caused the problems and how they solved them. The author did a great job of writing a story that everyone would love. I can't wait to read the next book from this author.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,407 reviews274 followers
July 18, 2017
Ok so I've read Finding Mr.Wrong by Joanne which she co-wrote with A.M. Madden and it was amazing but it's also the only book I've read by Joanne. And I have no idea why!!!! I must have been living under a rock or something but I am going to fix this problem really quick like because this woman is a genius! I was drawn in to this book from the first paragraph to last paragraph! So much so I didn't eat, didn't want to talk to anyone, I didn't want to do nothing but stay lost in my kindle. I even forgot to post on my Goodreads profile that I had started reading and that's not uncommon for me and I'll go fix it a couple pages in but with this book I didn't even think of it!! Ok enough about how enraptured I was in this book and on to some key points for you guys. The background story on both characters are there you get along the way so it's not all at once. You can connect to some points of this book or at least I did and I think most of us can. The secondary characters are so amazing and pull the book together that much more than what you can imagine. And I honestly hope that they all get there own book!! The only thing that I found wrong with this book was that it ended...lol but don't we all find that with great books is that they end to soon. Like I said I was so taken with this book and it's not Hard to Love it's actually very easy to love this book and I highly recommend this book!!! - By Tina
Profile Image for Elizabeth Clinton.
866 reviews36 followers
July 10, 2017
When you can open a book and finish it the same day and you know when the words The End appear it was that Fantastic.
We meet Margo Perry a woman who branches out from the family business to follow her dream of becoming a stylist and running her own company Exquisitely Yours. When she runs into her crush from years ago in the most unlikely of circumstances she can't help remember everything about him.
Noah Winston the CEO of Carris Global has been dubbed the Most Eligible Bachelor in the city but when he sees a woman from afar and is taken almost immediately he needs to meet her but what he doesn't expect it to be his best friends sister and someone he already knows.
When Noah & Margo "reunite" there is chemistry that you can feel coming off the pages but can they get past some obstacles from the past and even the here and now to become that couple. Joanne will give you moments in Noah & Margo's that will make you sigh but the one thing that she definitely will leave you with is a smile on your face.
Profile Image for Jamie .
1,489 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2017
Author Joanne Schwehm has knocked this story out the park, I 💘 Loved it!
Noah has earned the title as the Most Eligible Bachelor, he has no intention to change that anytime soon. To settle down no way, all these ladies see are his good looks and the dollar sign behind his name. But a chance meeting with a beautiful lady in the pouring down rain just might be the game changer. Surprisingly they have a pass, Noah was Margo teenage crush. You see Noah is her brothers Best Friend. Fate has stepped in and the adult version of Noah is better then she expected. The struggle is real when all Noah grew up seeing was his parents hating each other. So his example of love is not what he wants for himself but Margo has stirred these strange feeling within him, has she opened his heart to the possibilities of what Love is really about. Will he realize that these feelings he has toward Margo is more or will he loose the only woman he has ever loved because of his stubborn ways. I totally recommend this book.
Profile Image for Virginia.
747 reviews44 followers
July 18, 2017
I really love Joanne’s books! And Hard Love is one I inhaled.

Noah and Margo knew each other as children and are now reunited as adults. When they were younger, Margo had a crush on Noah, but it was one sided. Now they meet again and Noah has an interest in Margo, but she’s afraid. Afraid to get hurt. Afraid of his intentions. Noah, however, gets what he wants. Will Margo let him in?

These two are such great characters who really are fabulous together. Their relationship is romantic and passionate, their dialogue and banter is so good, and their chemistry is off the charts. Noah doesn’t give up, even when Margo pushes him away. His efforts really are sweet and show he cares.

Hard Love is fun, sweet, hot, well written, has some drama, and will suck you in. It’s witty and clever and had me smiling and impressed. You will be rooting for these two to make it and enjoy every minute of their story.

No one said love is easy, it can be downright hard. But it’s worth it.

A must read! Go one click!!

An arc was provided to Stephanie’s Book Reports for an honest review.

Profile Image for kgagnon.
2,388 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2017
4.5 Harry & Sally Stars!
I loved this fun & flirty, sweet & sexy forbidden romance! Noah was Margo's first love, but unfortunately he was her brothers best friend and off limits. When he didn't return her feelings she was devastated and determined to protect her heart from breaking again. Now years later they are each successful and back in the same city. When they have a chance meeting, Noah is instantly attracted to the grownup sexy woman before him. Margo sees the she could fall for this older, sexier man even faster than before. When Noah asks her out, she tries to turn him down, but Noah isn't easily deterred and won't take no as an answer. Noah is so sweet, thoughtful and romantic. Their first meetings were awkward and hilarious but grew to be fun, hot and sexy. I loved their banter as they both try to control their relationship, but they are both helpless to control their hearts. I loved how there wasn't a lot of angst but two professional people trying to navigate life with all it's twists and turns and finding love along the way. I loved and was thoroughly engaged from start to finish with this fun, heartfelt, and super sexy romance!
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