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Hard Light
“They say never meet your heroes. What about falling in love with them? Is that better or worse?”
Tim Richards can’t believe it. He applied to the country’s most prestigious photography workshop and was actually accepted. Bound for Los Angeles, Tim has to leave both his comfort zone and small-town Minnesota, thrilled and terrified in equal measure to be studying under a man he’s idolized for years.
“I should be furious with him. How come I’m not?”
Cohen Carmichael feels like he’s been riding his reputation for too long. He worries he’s a has-been. He worries about his intrusive thoughts. He’s hiding an eating disorder from his friends and growing more isolated by the day. Maybe taking on a protege will be good for him. And if he’s a protege that’s easy on the eyes and eager to please, all the better…
Until his would-be apprentice dumps him in a hot tub fully-clothed. In front of all his donors.
“I’m never going to get a chance like this again.” When they begin a tentative relationship behind closed doors, both of them worry they’ll be the first to screw it up. Cohen can’t be caught sleeping with a workshop student. Tim doesn’t want to look like he’s trying to sleep his way to fame. But they can’t deny how they feel, even as the constant intrigue and gossip of the LA art world threatens to push them apart.Hard Light is a steamy, full-length gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
- GenresM M Romance
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2019
31 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Sierra Riley
31 books452 followersSierra Riley was born and raised in a small town where she spent all her time reading under trees before she moved to the Bay area to pursue her own love story.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 13, 2019
I enjoyed the story.
Cohen is an established, famous photographer. Among other things, he runs an exclusive photography workshop at a well known foundation. Every year there is a contest with a scholarship awarded to the winner for this workshop.
Tim is a small town, lower middle class boy who's love of photography is his only passion. When he wins the contest it's a mad scramble to come up with the funds for the trip to LA. Meeting his idol, Cohen, at the workshop turns into much more than he imagined.
I really enjoyed their love story. I also liked the peek into the world of professional photography. I thought the story flowed well and I never felt bored with it. There were tons of typos that kept pulling me out of the story. But since my copy was an ARC, I tried to shrug and move on. It was towards the end that it took a decided downturn for me. The "conflict" and it's "resolution" seemed completely out of character for Tim. It basically brought me to an abrupt halt in my enjoyment of the story.
I powered through to the end, but I think the damage had already been done. I finished the book with "wishes". I wish Cohen's psychological issues had been more fully explored and taken more seriously. I wish we had learned more about Cohen's previous big breakup. I wish Tim hadn't acted out of character during the conflict. I wish I could figure out how Tim and Cohen avoided meeting Tim's parents for so long after going back to Minnesota. All this brings me back to my usual complaint, I wish books were proofread for typos before being handed off to readers.
Overall, it was ok. 2 wishful stars.
Review ARC graciously provided by the author.
Cohen is an established, famous photographer. Among other things, he runs an exclusive photography workshop at a well known foundation. Every year there is a contest with a scholarship awarded to the winner for this workshop.
Tim is a small town, lower middle class boy who's love of photography is his only passion. When he wins the contest it's a mad scramble to come up with the funds for the trip to LA. Meeting his idol, Cohen, at the workshop turns into much more than he imagined.
I really enjoyed their love story. I also liked the peek into the world of professional photography. I thought the story flowed well and I never felt bored with it. There were tons of typos that kept pulling me out of the story. But since my copy was an ARC, I tried to shrug and move on. It was towards the end that it took a decided downturn for me. The "conflict" and it's "resolution" seemed completely out of character for Tim. It basically brought me to an abrupt halt in my enjoyment of the story.
I powered through to the end, but I think the damage had already been done. I finished the book with "wishes". I wish Cohen's psychological issues had been more fully explored and taken more seriously. I wish we had learned more about Cohen's previous big breakup. I wish Tim hadn't acted out of character during the conflict. I wish I could figure out how Tim and Cohen avoided meeting Tim's parents for so long after going back to Minnesota. All this brings me back to my usual complaint, I wish books were proofread for typos before being handed off to readers.
Overall, it was ok. 2 wishful stars.
Review ARC graciously provided by the author.
January 24, 2019
I can’t really put my finger on why this book mostly worked for me because when I think about it as a whole it was a bit odd.
But I pretty much really enjoyed it and maybe it is because it was so different than what I am used to.
I liked both boys even if most of the time I felt I couldn’t get a real read on them. I still liked them.
It was kind of insta but felt deeper or more like an instant connection then just insta-love. I dunno.
More and more I seem to be drawn to books that have mental illness in them. Every time I type this it makes me shutter and feel guilty because liking mental illness sounds wrong but I do. I find it interesting there was this almost in the background type of mental illness going on that was constant through the entire story but just completely overlooked by everyone until Tim. What Cohen was doing to himself was not good at all and I am glad that even though it should have been taken a bit more seriously at the end it seemed Cohen was getting the help he most definitely needs.
I don’t normally mention editing issues unless they are atrocious but I feel I should mention something since there were a few times I had to re-read sentences more than once and stuttered on some typos. I saw some reviews mention they had the ARC, I did not and it seems they were still not fixed.
Overall I’m just going to go with I enjoyed it and it was interesting or intriguing or something. It for sure entertained me. Books don’t always need to be perfect all around in order to work.
But I pretty much really enjoyed it and maybe it is because it was so different than what I am used to.
I liked both boys even if most of the time I felt I couldn’t get a real read on them. I still liked them.
It was kind of insta but felt deeper or more like an instant connection then just insta-love. I dunno.
More and more I seem to be drawn to books that have mental illness in them. Every time I type this it makes me shutter and feel guilty because liking mental illness sounds wrong but I do. I find it interesting there was this almost in the background type of mental illness going on that was constant through the entire story but just completely overlooked by everyone until Tim. What Cohen was doing to himself was not good at all and I am glad that even though it should have been taken a bit more seriously at the end it seemed Cohen was getting the help he most definitely needs.
I don’t normally mention editing issues unless they are atrocious but I feel I should mention something since there were a few times I had to re-read sentences more than once and stuttered on some typos. I saw some reviews mention they had the ARC, I did not and it seems they were still not fixed.
Overall I’m just going to go with I enjoyed it and it was interesting or intriguing or something. It for sure entertained me. Books don’t always need to be perfect all around in order to work.
January 11, 2019
3.5
I found it to be a slow build up at first and took me a while to get into!!!
I think in some chapters it was a little too descriptive which is where I lose concentration but then I finally got back into the book and it was a good read!
Tim and Cohen - the tension and lust between these two are hot!!
Cohen knows he shouldn’t, but can he resist when he hasn’t felt this way in a long time?
A good read!
I found it to be a slow build up at first and took me a while to get into!!!
I think in some chapters it was a little too descriptive which is where I lose concentration but then I finally got back into the book and it was a good read!
Tim and Cohen - the tension and lust between these two are hot!!
Cohen knows he shouldn’t, but can he resist when he hasn’t felt this way in a long time?
A good read!
March 17, 2019
This book was really sweet and soft. Perfect reading for a rainy Saturday.
March 7, 2019
“Its my life to live, my mistakes to make, my lessons to learn...” ~ unknown
Tim Richards, of ‘Hard Light’ by Sierra Riley, has always felt like a round peg in a square hole. He loves his family and his hometown, but he feels stuck there with no real opportunities. His family loves Tim, but they do not understand him, much less his love for photography. They do not see any future in what they consider just a hobby, but it’s all Tim wants to do. When he wins a photography contest, entitling him to go to a photography workshop with a famous photographer as his mentor, it’s like a dream come true. Nothing could have prepared him for what happens when he meets Cohen Carmichael, the instructor.
Cohen loves his job, but has felt a little stilted lately. He does not particularly want to teach a workshop, but he knows it’s good for his business. Also, Cohen needs some fresh perspective and hopes that teaching aspiring photographers will help him gain a fresh sense of purpose. He begrudgingly looks over the contest entries, expecting to see the same old amateur stuff he’s seen before. To Cohen’s surprise, he comes upon a particularly unique portfolio that captures his attention and he decides it’s the winning entry.
Tim likes Cohen from the very start and is impressed with his knowledge and innovative approach to teaching the art of photography. Tim even convinces Cohen to pose in a few of the shots taken on various field trips they take in order to get the photos they need for their portfolios, something Cohen usually does not do. Cohen finds Tim charming and irresistible; even though he knows it’s obviously not a great idea, he starts spending an inordinate amount of time with him. Tim knows that Cohen is bisexual, so he’s not shy about showing Cohen his interest. Cohen has a lot of behavioral health issues that inhibit his interpersonal relationships; the most damaging is his eating disorder, of which he is greatly ashamed. Tim notices it, but doesn’t know how to bring it up. When Cohen’s personal assistant guesses their “secret” she advises Cohen to break up with Tim. When Cohen finally gets the nerve to do so, he comes across as a real jerk. Tim is so stunned, hurt, and angry that he walks out on him.
I’d never given much thought about what went into creating a photographic composition, i.e., colors, shadows, lighting, angles, etc. Needless to say, photography is not one of my best skills. Besides the workshop classes, Tim and Cohen are able to use photography as a way to bond and learn about each other by the types of compositions they create together. The mutual admiration and respect they have for each other lays the groundwork for a more intimate relationship. Thanks, Sierra, for the photography “lessons”, the focus on mental health issues, and the unique, complex, and sexy characters.
Tim Richards, of ‘Hard Light’ by Sierra Riley, has always felt like a round peg in a square hole. He loves his family and his hometown, but he feels stuck there with no real opportunities. His family loves Tim, but they do not understand him, much less his love for photography. They do not see any future in what they consider just a hobby, but it’s all Tim wants to do. When he wins a photography contest, entitling him to go to a photography workshop with a famous photographer as his mentor, it’s like a dream come true. Nothing could have prepared him for what happens when he meets Cohen Carmichael, the instructor.
Cohen loves his job, but has felt a little stilted lately. He does not particularly want to teach a workshop, but he knows it’s good for his business. Also, Cohen needs some fresh perspective and hopes that teaching aspiring photographers will help him gain a fresh sense of purpose. He begrudgingly looks over the contest entries, expecting to see the same old amateur stuff he’s seen before. To Cohen’s surprise, he comes upon a particularly unique portfolio that captures his attention and he decides it’s the winning entry.
Tim likes Cohen from the very start and is impressed with his knowledge and innovative approach to teaching the art of photography. Tim even convinces Cohen to pose in a few of the shots taken on various field trips they take in order to get the photos they need for their portfolios, something Cohen usually does not do. Cohen finds Tim charming and irresistible; even though he knows it’s obviously not a great idea, he starts spending an inordinate amount of time with him. Tim knows that Cohen is bisexual, so he’s not shy about showing Cohen his interest. Cohen has a lot of behavioral health issues that inhibit his interpersonal relationships; the most damaging is his eating disorder, of which he is greatly ashamed. Tim notices it, but doesn’t know how to bring it up. When Cohen’s personal assistant guesses their “secret” she advises Cohen to break up with Tim. When Cohen finally gets the nerve to do so, he comes across as a real jerk. Tim is so stunned, hurt, and angry that he walks out on him.
I’d never given much thought about what went into creating a photographic composition, i.e., colors, shadows, lighting, angles, etc. Needless to say, photography is not one of my best skills. Besides the workshop classes, Tim and Cohen are able to use photography as a way to bond and learn about each other by the types of compositions they create together. The mutual admiration and respect they have for each other lays the groundwork for a more intimate relationship. Thanks, Sierra, for the photography “lessons”, the focus on mental health issues, and the unique, complex, and sexy characters.
January 11, 2019
While this took a few chapters for me to get into the story, I'm really glad I stuck with it. It is a well written story, with great character development, decent world building, and the writing style was smoothly done.
The MCs are likeable characters, and the author provides enough perspective from both parties that you understand exactly what each of them are feeling at any given time. Some readers might have a harder time connecting with Cohen, because he can be a bit maudlin at times. But this is all a part of his life; his own personal demons.
The book deals with mental illness in a way not normally done. But, with the differences in the MCs lives, I thought she did a fairly good job. It's always good to see real life issues and insecurities brought into these books.
The story line is unique to what I've read, and it was a nice read. The romance is kind of hard to explain. There is insta-attraction, and a fairly quick physical relationship, sexy times without intercourse; but there is a lot of doubt and angst involved due to the professional relationship between the MCs, as well as the mental state of Cohen.
Of course, there is the inevitable conflict. I liked the way the author chose to handle this and the resolution. At this point, the make up sexy time gets serious and is nicely done. The ending is sweet, and of course we get our HEA. This is not an erotic novel...although there are some sizzling sexy times, a lot of what happens is off page. This is a standalone book with no cliffhangers.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. *
The MCs are likeable characters, and the author provides enough perspective from both parties that you understand exactly what each of them are feeling at any given time. Some readers might have a harder time connecting with Cohen, because he can be a bit maudlin at times. But this is all a part of his life; his own personal demons.
The book deals with mental illness in a way not normally done. But, with the differences in the MCs lives, I thought she did a fairly good job. It's always good to see real life issues and insecurities brought into these books.
The story line is unique to what I've read, and it was a nice read. The romance is kind of hard to explain. There is insta-attraction, and a fairly quick physical relationship, sexy times without intercourse; but there is a lot of doubt and angst involved due to the professional relationship between the MCs, as well as the mental state of Cohen.
Of course, there is the inevitable conflict. I liked the way the author chose to handle this and the resolution. At this point, the make up sexy time gets serious and is nicely done. The ending is sweet, and of course we get our HEA. This is not an erotic novel...although there are some sizzling sexy times, a lot of what happens is off page. This is a standalone book with no cliffhangers.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. *
January 14, 2019
4* Hard Light is a standalone story by Sierra Riley. Tim and Cohen are the main characters of this story. Both are realistic and relatable characters with their strengths and flaws. The story was very well detailed, and you could almost picture where they were in the city based on the descriptions given.
Famous photographer, Cohen, leads a workshop in LA and grants one scholarship per year to an aspiring photographer that surprises and intrigues him with their work. Cohen struggles quite a bit with his mental health throughout this book – depression, insomnia, and an eating disorder being the main difficulties discussed. While each of these are talked about in terms of his day to day life (Ex: extreme calorie counting), none are shown super in depth, which I personally liked to keep the story from being too angsty. Cohen is a great guy, thoughtful, and slow to anger even when he struggles in his head.
Tim is the winner of the photography workshop scholarship this year and is so excited since Cohen has been his idol for years. He comes from a very small poor town in Minnesota and is a down to Earth, straight forward kind of guy. Tim is the kind of person who knows what he wants and will do what takes to succeed at his goals. He also sees the world slightly different than the other characters in the story which makes him an intriguing character. This worldview gives him the strength to help Cohen with his struggles and work through any issues that come up in their relationship.
This was a slow burn romance about two guys falling in love with a foundation in their passion and careers in photography. Would recommend.
Famous photographer, Cohen, leads a workshop in LA and grants one scholarship per year to an aspiring photographer that surprises and intrigues him with their work. Cohen struggles quite a bit with his mental health throughout this book – depression, insomnia, and an eating disorder being the main difficulties discussed. While each of these are talked about in terms of his day to day life (Ex: extreme calorie counting), none are shown super in depth, which I personally liked to keep the story from being too angsty. Cohen is a great guy, thoughtful, and slow to anger even when he struggles in his head.
Tim is the winner of the photography workshop scholarship this year and is so excited since Cohen has been his idol for years. He comes from a very small poor town in Minnesota and is a down to Earth, straight forward kind of guy. Tim is the kind of person who knows what he wants and will do what takes to succeed at his goals. He also sees the world slightly different than the other characters in the story which makes him an intriguing character. This worldview gives him the strength to help Cohen with his struggles and work through any issues that come up in their relationship.
This was a slow burn romance about two guys falling in love with a foundation in their passion and careers in photography. Would recommend.
January 14, 2019
This ARC was recieved free from the author in return for an honest review.
3.5/4 stars.
Ms. Riley's books are sometimes hit or miss, but I have to say that I quite liked this one. Tim wins a photography contest that allows him to travel from the frozen north to sunny LA, California for a workshop hosted by his favorite photographer, Cohen Carmichael. The interactions between the two main characters was believable, and I simply loved the great descriptions of everyday viewings, brought to life through a photographer's eye.
However, I find I have to deduct a half star for the plethora of errors that kept pulling me out of the story. There were multiple grammatical errors and duplicate word usage (one can only peek so many times before its use pales). Considering Ms. Riley's ARCs are usually "ready" for publication" I was surprised at the lack of proofing. Hopefully, these errors will be corrected and you'll all enjoy another great story from this author.
3.5/4 stars.
Ms. Riley's books are sometimes hit or miss, but I have to say that I quite liked this one. Tim wins a photography contest that allows him to travel from the frozen north to sunny LA, California for a workshop hosted by his favorite photographer, Cohen Carmichael. The interactions between the two main characters was believable, and I simply loved the great descriptions of everyday viewings, brought to life through a photographer's eye.
However, I find I have to deduct a half star for the plethora of errors that kept pulling me out of the story. There were multiple grammatical errors and duplicate word usage (one can only peek so many times before its use pales). Considering Ms. Riley's ARCs are usually "ready" for publication" I was surprised at the lack of proofing. Hopefully, these errors will be corrected and you'll all enjoy another great story from this author.
January 11, 2019
The Quietness of Falling in Love is Stunning.
Hard Light by author Sierra Riley has a wonderful understated storyline. It has no hyperbole, no drama queens flouncing, and no grandiose sentiments. What it does have is two people, Tim from Minnesota and Cohen from LA who become lovers over their love of photography. They quietly work through, to various degrees of success, changes and issues including chronic mental health issues. These M.I. issues for Cohen are long standing and fixed and that has impeded his daily living periodically over the years. Tim is there and is understanding what is going on. Tim needs to decide will he stick with Cohen? Will Cohen feel he's not worth someone like Tim?
I absolutely loved this book and wholeheartedly am recommending it for your reading pleasure and enjoyment. I am volunteering to leave a review of this advanced review book.
Hard Light by author Sierra Riley has a wonderful understated storyline. It has no hyperbole, no drama queens flouncing, and no grandiose sentiments. What it does have is two people, Tim from Minnesota and Cohen from LA who become lovers over their love of photography. They quietly work through, to various degrees of success, changes and issues including chronic mental health issues. These M.I. issues for Cohen are long standing and fixed and that has impeded his daily living periodically over the years. Tim is there and is understanding what is going on. Tim needs to decide will he stick with Cohen? Will Cohen feel he's not worth someone like Tim?
I absolutely loved this book and wholeheartedly am recommending it for your reading pleasure and enjoyment. I am volunteering to leave a review of this advanced review book.
January 8, 2019
Enjoyable story about a famous photographer and his student .
Cohen is a famous photographer but he is in a rut. When he runs a photography competition Tim is the clear winner for him . Tim might be the one to finally break him free from his rut.
Tim has loved cohens work for a long time and when he finds out he has won a work shop with his favorite photographer he thinks life can’t get any better.
There is instant chemistry been these too but Cohen knows it’s wrong to get involved with a student but how can he keep away when it’s the first time he has felt something in a long time.
There is a mention of eating disorders in this story. But it was from a male point of view for a change.
Cohen is a famous photographer but he is in a rut. When he runs a photography competition Tim is the clear winner for him . Tim might be the one to finally break him free from his rut.
Tim has loved cohens work for a long time and when he finds out he has won a work shop with his favorite photographer he thinks life can’t get any better.
There is instant chemistry been these too but Cohen knows it’s wrong to get involved with a student but how can he keep away when it’s the first time he has felt something in a long time.
There is a mention of eating disorders in this story. But it was from a male point of view for a change.
January 26, 2019
This was an amazing book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it very much. Tim was such an excellent character, with so many surprises. He really did keep giving new sides to himself constantly which was awesome.
Cohen really needed something to crack him open so to speak. He was great. I enjoyed visualising the way things were described, the picture was like it was right in front of me.
This is a book that needs to be read and experienced, I don't feel I could give it justice enough in a review. So please please grab it and experience the amazing journey that these things to take you on. It is an amazing and memorable one. You won't regret it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cohen really needed something to crack him open so to speak. He was great. I enjoyed visualising the way things were described, the picture was like it was right in front of me.
This is a book that needs to be read and experienced, I don't feel I could give it justice enough in a review. So please please grab it and experience the amazing journey that these things to take you on. It is an amazing and memorable one. You won't regret it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2019
Fantastic
Another fantastic read from Sierra Riley. Her love stories are always so different than any I’ve ever read. To say Cohen was a bit of a mess is an understatement. He had it all but was lost. It took a small-town boy turned contest winner to help him feel something real.
I loved Tim! His honesty and openness made him easy to love. That coupled with Cohen’s formality made them the perfect couple. He was the “real” that Cohen needed. Loved them and their story so much.
I can’t end this review without giving Sierra some mad props on her imagery. She described every photo to perfection. I always felt like I was looking at the photo myself. Excellent work on imagery and a story I will want to go back to again and again.
Another fantastic read from Sierra Riley. Her love stories are always so different than any I’ve ever read. To say Cohen was a bit of a mess is an understatement. He had it all but was lost. It took a small-town boy turned contest winner to help him feel something real.
I loved Tim! His honesty and openness made him easy to love. That coupled with Cohen’s formality made them the perfect couple. He was the “real” that Cohen needed. Loved them and their story so much.
I can’t end this review without giving Sierra some mad props on her imagery. She described every photo to perfection. I always felt like I was looking at the photo myself. Excellent work on imagery and a story I will want to go back to again and again.
January 8, 2019
This book seriously surprised me with the ending. The intense passion between Cohen and Tim almost melted my Kindle. Even though the relationship seemed to be a little quick, it fit well overall for the story. I couldn't read this story in one sitting, as I often had to step away from it; not because it isn't well-written, but because the story became a little stagnant to me. There are some money plot points about an eating disorder, but it felt like it was just glossed over, and felt a little fake to me. However, I did still enjoy the overall story, and look forward to reading more by Sierra Riley.
January 9, 2019
Starting off I was excited to read this since the author gave readers a sneak peek of this new story their book before the last one two books ago) and I liked it. But when this book finally became available for ARC I wasn’t sure I would still like it since it has been a few months. It felt a bit slow to build up, it was both a bit frustrating but also intriguing to see which of the two would make a move first. It was interesting learning about how these two enjoyed their art and how they went about creating it. While there was well meaning characters Joy, Cohen’s assistant seemed likable but she yingyangs back and forth.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2019
I really love these books. They are quick reads, but at the same time they have so much content within them. I loved these two MC’s together and I loved how their relationship came to be.
I knew I wanted to read this one from the blurb and I wasn’t disappointed! The pacing of their romance was spot on and their dialogue was too. There were a few hiccups for me in the plot , particularly in the middle. I can’t pinpoint what exactly, I need to do another read through to figure out why, but it was so good!
I was provided an ARC of this title. I have given my honest opinions
I knew I wanted to read this one from the blurb and I wasn’t disappointed! The pacing of their romance was spot on and their dialogue was too. There were a few hiccups for me in the plot , particularly in the middle. I can’t pinpoint what exactly, I need to do another read through to figure out why, but it was so good!
I was provided an ARC of this title. I have given my honest opinions
April 27, 2019
I'm waffling between a 2.5 or 3.
I did like the characters and the story, but this story could have better. The conflict was paltry and the resolution even less so. Maybe in the case of this nice, easy story with nice characters and nice plot, the conflict presented made no sense, especially since there were other situations that could have/should have been explored.
Nevertheless, it was a nice way to spend some time, visiting these nice characters and their nice life.
I must mention that I enjoy greatly the photography aspect of the story. It left me hungry for more.
I did like the characters and the story, but this story could have better. The conflict was paltry and the resolution even less so. Maybe in the case of this nice, easy story with nice characters and nice plot, the conflict presented made no sense, especially since there were other situations that could have/should have been explored.
Nevertheless, it was a nice way to spend some time, visiting these nice characters and their nice life.
I must mention that I enjoy greatly the photography aspect of the story. It left me hungry for more.
January 13, 2019
I thought the story had a lot of potential but fell completely flat for me. I felt it was a very slow especially in the beginning and by the time you can get into it and see where Tim and Cohen were headed, I just lost interest. Now having said that, just because I didn't thoroughly enjoy the book doesn't mean you won't. Please take a look at all the reviews as well as the authors synopsis if that is how you choose your next book.
March 31, 2019
Hard Light has proven to me that the old fashion way of falling in love is not dead. Sierra Riley did a tremendous job with this book. They took the time to get to know one another, flirted, and didn't fall in bed too quickly. Tim and Cohen truly had my intention from start to finish. I have read all her books and this one is the best one so far.
January 15, 2019
This is a great story about living your dream and finding love where you last expect it. Tim's dream is to work under his idol, Cohen. When he get the chance he doesn't pectic to fall for the brilliant, quirky and emotionally unstable photographer. This is at times emotional, but deep look at what it means to trust and love and finally find happiness.
February 7, 2019
I enjoyed reading Tim and Cohen's story. The plot was good. The storyline flowed smoothly. The characters were well-developed and easily relatable. There was really too much internal dialogue that had the tendency to slow the story down. I was glad that Tim and Cohen got their HEA!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book....
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book....
May 27, 2020
He is about to step out of his comfort zone when he gets a chance to work with the man he idolizes. He is soon near them but they are hiding secrets of their own. Will they start a relationship? What will others say? Will they be pulled apart? See if they can make it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2019
I enjoyed Tim & Cohen's story. It did take a while for the story to get going...but it was worth it. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book.
January 24, 2019
Good book
The book had a good flow and both prominent characters had equal presence. Had a few things I plan on implementing in life and had some good humor. Nothing 'wow' though.
The book had a good flow and both prominent characters had equal presence. Had a few things I plan on implementing in life and had some good humor. Nothing 'wow' though.
January 8, 2019
Cohen is an award winning photographer who has fallen into a bit of a rut and is hiding an eating disorder. He has avoided relationships since a bad breakup.
Tim is a promising young photographer who wins the opportunity of a lifetime, a coveted place on a prestigious photography course that Cohen is running.
When they meet, Cohen feels an instant spark but knows he shouldn't get involved with a student. However, as they spend more time together the pair grow closer. When feelings get involved the pull to each other is impossible to resist but they may both be risking their careers.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Cohen and Tim. A sweet read.
Tim is a promising young photographer who wins the opportunity of a lifetime, a coveted place on a prestigious photography course that Cohen is running.
When they meet, Cohen feels an instant spark but knows he shouldn't get involved with a student. However, as they spend more time together the pair grow closer. When feelings get involved the pull to each other is impossible to resist but they may both be risking their careers.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Cohen and Tim. A sweet read.
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February 5, 2019Older jaded man is attracted to younger naive one. Did not finish.
April 30, 2019
Cohen is feeling burnt out, lonely, and jaded. Tim is a contest winner for his photograph. He’s star struck, but sees the person Cohen is behind his fame.
Cohen is intrigued by Tim’s honest naïveté, and can’t help wanting him. Once they’re together, neither wants to stop. But Cohen doesn’t want Tim’s career to be hurt by their relationship, and Tim is worried about Cohen’s eating disordered behaviour.
Tim won’t let Cohen make his decisions for him, and Cohen sees he wasn’t being fair. The eating is a struggle, but all Tim wants is for Cohen to try.
The eating disorder is written well, but at the end, it’s dealt with a bit simply. Understandable, since it’s not the focus, but it’s not in keeping with Cohen’s struggles.
I like the relationship they have through the photography work, was a bit disappointed there wasn’t more about the photography and images in the book.
Overall, a very good read.
Cohen is intrigued by Tim’s honest naïveté, and can’t help wanting him. Once they’re together, neither wants to stop. But Cohen doesn’t want Tim’s career to be hurt by their relationship, and Tim is worried about Cohen’s eating disordered behaviour.
Tim won’t let Cohen make his decisions for him, and Cohen sees he wasn’t being fair. The eating is a struggle, but all Tim wants is for Cohen to try.
The eating disorder is written well, but at the end, it’s dealt with a bit simply. Understandable, since it’s not the focus, but it’s not in keeping with Cohen’s struggles.
I like the relationship they have through the photography work, was a bit disappointed there wasn’t more about the photography and images in the book.
Overall, a very good read.
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