Having watched his brothers meet their match, Cohen Cook is feeling something he never anticipated—envy.
With a demanding job, and helping his brothers with their biggest flip project yet, he doesn’t have time to sleep with, let alone date, anyone.
Skye Rossi is a free spirit. She’s a take-her-as-you-see-her woman who works hard and plays hard, but the person she wants to play with friend-zoned her the minute they met.
When sparks fly between Cohen and Skye, the only way forward is to propose a mutually beneficial arrangement that no one knows about.
Besides, what’s the harm in a few orgasms between best friends? *** Hard Work is a full-length, co-worker, unrequited love, house flipping romantic comedy that can be read as a complete standalone and is book 4 in the Cook Brothers series.
BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Bliss Series. She also regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer and a funny romance thinker upper.
An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly but loving every minute of it. She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand. Currently living in Perth, Australia.
I’ve said this after every single one of these books, but I’m doing it again LOL I really love this series, this family, these brothers, this author, I JUST LOVE IT ALL!!
What I loved best about Cohen and Skye is that they already had an excellent foundation. They were already friends with a good working relationship and they had spark which of course to anyone outside of them it was obvious their chemistry was meant for more and when they finally figured it out it made for an easy story! Those are my favorite! I mean there always has to be a conflict, of course, but it doesn’t always have to be heart-breaking or angst times a thousand .. feel me? Lol So this story was that for me.
Of course, BJ has mad skills in the words department so that helps a lot LOL I always enjoy her stories. Some more than others, but this series has been really good to me as a reader. The family dynamics that she incorporates into the storylines are very real in my world and this family just makes me happy!
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This is my favourite book from this series. I was so keen to get Cohen and Skye's story after meeting them properly in the previous book. I was definitely not let down.
These two have a fabulous working relationship and friendship, however everyone can see how they would likely work well in a romantic relationship as well. Their banter and they way they just fit together is perfect.
Once things ramp up a bit more, it becomes even more fun. I just love these two together, and boy are they HOT as well. Hooooo boy!
Throw in the fact that they both have big families, and ones who like to give each other hell, but are just a protective, and its lots of fun from that perspective as well.
I'm not too sure how I feel about the inevitable breakdown of things, and the subsequent putting it back together. Some of it was frustrating and maybe too much, but it also put a point across at the same time. Also parts seemed just right for these two. So I'm undecided there.
A few surprises thrown in during this book too.
Overall, a really fun and sexy read, and now I just need to know where I can find a Cohen of my on? BJ, help a single girl out yeah?
Looking forward to the next one, its got Ezra written all over it...
If you haven't started the Cook Brothers series yet then you are missing out because these brothers are nothing short of PERFECTION! How does each story get better and better??? Cohen and Skye are bestfriends and coworkers but Skye is ready for more..... friends with benefits, but Cohen doesn't want to ruin their amazing friendship. What happens when you promise a friends with benefits relationship but no feelings?? What happens when those lines began to blur?? Cohen and Skye's story was fun, heartfelt, witty and a beautiful emotional story about falling for your bestfriend. I've fallen hard for these Cook Brothers and I'm sad to see them end but looking forward to Ezra's book because we'll get to see the gang together again!
5 star Review Hard Work (Cook County #4) by B.J. Harvey What happens when you suddenly see the woman you work with in a different light? For over a year Cohen Cook has managed to keep Skye Rossi firmly in the friend zone until suddenly she isn’t. I loved Cohen from the first time he was introduced in the beginning of the series and all this book has done has made me fall even more in love with him. From the first to the last chapter I was totally invested and all in with Cohen and Skye. It is obvious to everyone around them that the sparks that fly between Cohen and Skye are almost combustible. Initially determined to ignore the smoldering chemistry that lies between them, both on and off the job, Cohen is further tested when he moves in to be the on site representative for the families latest renovation flip, which also happens to be the building where Skye lives. Skye is used to having interfering brothers who believe that they can run her life so she is sassy and feisty and not at all afraid to stand up for who or what she wants and I loved her. Hard Work is a laugh out loud romantic comedy with lots of heart and family who love and support one another and those they love. I was so excited to be back with the Cook men and the women that they have come to love. This is one of my favourite feel good series over the past 12 months and I will be sad to see the series end eventually.
Cohen is an EMT at the same station where two of Skye’s overprotective brother’s work. When Skye and Cohen become partners a friendship develops, but Cohen isn’t about to destroy their working relationship or upset her brother’s by having their relationship develop into anything more even if he is attracted to her.
Skye has always been attracted to Cohen, but he has made it clear that friends is all that they can be. When she suggests they pursue a physical relationship and keep the details to themselves it could be the perfect way to burn out the sparks between them. What could possibly go wrong?
Hot chemistry, witty banter and not only are Cohen and Skye great characters but catching up with the other characters we know and love from this series is always fun.
Hilarious, heartfelt and a real feel good read. This has been a fantastic series. BJ Harvey has developed some amazing characters and the more they get picked off one by one the more this family grows. The segue into the final book of this series has me salivating and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Hard Work is the fourth title in the Cook Brother’s series featuring Cohen and Skye. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this friends to lovers, romantic comedy and it didn’t disappoint. Hard Work is a fun, sexy and surprising read with equal parts heat, heart and humor. In the previous titles in the series, Cohen had placed Skye firmly in the friend zone, and I couldn’t wait to see how their relationship developed. There is more than meets the eye, when it comes to the sexy, sweet and caring paramedic that is Cohen Cook, and Skye is his perfect match with her sassy, feisty nature. Their chemistry and connection is undeniable, and their banter is fun and flirty, with equal parts sass and sarcasm. I love that they both have large, loving and interfering, yet well meaning families who are determined to insert themselves into their lives. After several reveals within this title, I will be eagerly awaiting Ezra’s story next!
I love everything about the Cook County series and Harvey is breaking out the big guns in this one!
Cohen has long been one of my favorite Cook brothers but seeing him in this book made me fall even more in love! Despite their baby of the family status, Co and Skye aren't spoiled rotten. They're both fiesty and fierce and funny as hell. They were the perfect complement to each other and their chemistry was a 4 alarm fire, much to the dismay of her overprotective firefighter brothers! The family and friend group in these books is the best and constantly makes me laugh, especially Axel!
I'm so sad to see this awesome series come to an end but so stoked we're getting an Ezra book...and from this ending, it's going to be a doozy! I'm popping popcorn now! Cannot wait!
After I read Work in Progress, BJ Harvey asked me which guy would be my favorite. I told her Cohen. I couldn't pinpoint exactly why, but I just knew it would be Co.
Annnnndddd..... I. Was. So. Right.
Man, it feels good knowing I nailed it. Seriously.
Cohen is not a commitment kind of guy (my favorite because they just fall that much harder). Skye is his partner, the girl he swore he wouldn't touch, his best friend.
So, obviously sparks are gonna fly. The banter is gonna be killer. And the chemistry is so on point I couldn't put this book down. And I didn't.
Once I got started, I didn't stop. I read it straight through to the end. I devoured it.
Yep. Co is the man. And my favorite official Cook brother.
There honestly isn't anything I hate about the Cook fam! I love each and everyone of them including the horn dog parents. I knew with reading about Cohen and Skye in previous books, this book would be amazing. These two holy chemistry overload! This book exactly like the others is funny af, I think this has to be the best series out there. No way you will regret reading about the Cook brothers!
I loved this addition to the Cook Brothers Series! Cohen and Skye are great friends at work they have incredible chemistry but know that anything between is off limits due to the fact that they work together but eventually realize that a secret friend with benefits relationship could work as long as neither ‘catch feelings’ for the other. I knew the whole time I was reading that would never work but loved the build up waiting for them to realize they could have more. There were times when I wanted to shake Cohen for his inability to admit his feelings and admit there was more to their relationship than just a sexual one but he really pulls it together in the end and that epilogue what’s me needing Ezra’s book ASAP! BJ Harvey has written an incredible series. She has become a new favourite, for light, fun and steamy romances and I will be looking forward to her future books for sure!
This my second read of the series and sadly disappointed. Ok, so we have a couple with a long running, untapped attraction. They decided to go “friends with bennies” initiated by the ‘h’. She spends two thirds of the book as ‘stubborn, bad-ass bitch who goes for what she wants’ without ‘the feels’. However, she does a hard about-face in one night. Then suddenly she pitches a hissy because; 1) her man didn’t shift gears on the fly, when she changes the relationship rules (totally unreasonable). 2) she expects a ‘caveman like grand gesture’ as proof he REALLY loves her ( but they agreed to a secret affair). Ended up not liking these characters, for several reasons.
Hard Work is just a wonderful installment in the Cook Brothers series.
We learned a bit about Cohen and Skye in the previous book, and now it is time for them to shine.
This book is sweet, funny - at times downright hilarious - and full of so much UST it leaps out of the book.
You know right from the start that the little arrangement Cohen and Skye make is never going to work. I love that they naively thought that the could just be FWB, but the reader is just waiting, waiting,waiting for the inevitable.
I love the banter between Cohen and the rest of the extended Cook family. My goodness they had me laughing so hard at times, however I love that they aren't all fun and games. You can't just have the Cohen and Skye story - you get the whole kit and kaboodle that is the Cook family.
Wonderfully written, you can't help but want to be part of this family. I know I want the Cooks adopt me.
Now I can't wait to get my mitts on Ezra's story - oh man, this is gonna be a good one!
What happens when you're paired with a sexy blonde as your new EMT partner? A lot of drama, steam and hilarious situations ... that's what. Meet Cohen Cook and Skye Rossi. From the moment he met her, he had to place her in the "friendzone", a situation that worke just perfectly for over a year. Not only did he have a new partner, but, he found a new best friend. What happens when the "friendzone" is no longer working? What happens if they take the next step? Will they lose the friendship that they've built? Can they find their HEA?
Once again BJ Harvey has excelled with these marvellous Cook brothers. I have been quietly waiting for Cohen's story, he's been my favourite brother since the beginning. BJ certainly didn't let me down, and all I can say is thank you, thank yu, thank you. Cohen was everything I knew he would be. He's the youngest of the Cook brothers, a sworn bachelor, but he's also a man who secretly envys the relationships his brothers have with their wives.
I have to admit, I was constantly giggling all the way through this one. Cohen and Skye just have the most hilarious conversations, and Skye, that woman has a comeback for everything. There is an indisputed chemistry and attraction between them from the minute minute they meet, and the sexual tension is rife. That's where BJ excels in her writing ... she knows how to fully engage her readers with her characters.
As usual, not everything is fun and games, but neither is life. Families tend to have dramas, offer advice (even if it's not wanted), but when it involves the Cook and the Rossi families, you know nothing is going to be easy.
Cohen Cook is the youngest of five and the only one still not married. Skye Rossi is the youngest sibling to four others and although not all are married she is definitely single, her older brothers Iike to check out who she is dating too. Skye and Cohen just happened to be EMT partners and are physically attracted to each other but totally ‘friends only’.
The sense of humor in the story is on point and at times you find yourself really chuckling with the fun banter between the characters. Skye especially has a sassy comeback or twenty! 😂 She can hold her own that lady, Dion too. Axel once again is a scene-stealer when he’s in the scene but Princess Penny is too.
The sexual tension between the two lead characters is amazing, I have to admit at times I wanted to scream ‘just get it on’ but the build-up is a part of the fun. The chemistry is out of this world hot, although I liked how the author didn’t add sex scene after sex scene though so there was a good balance.
Another fun story but now I am itching to know Ezra and Gilly’s story!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by the author)...
3.75 stars
This is Cohen and Skye’s story.
I definitely enjoyed Cohen and Skye’s relationship especially as it changed. I would say it was a slow burn but it was more like a medium burn because these 2 were hot for each other right from the beginning of this book. This book was very steamy and it had some very swoon-worthy moments; that moment with the peanut allergy was so heartbreaking.
Again I love seeing everyone from the previous series and how they all connect to one another. I still love Axel and his swear jar ways and of course his connection with his new girlfriend ;)
I am always skeptical with friends with benefits relationships because you know how it could all go wrong especially when it’s a secret. I really wanted to love love love this book but I always have an issue when one person is ready for a real relationship and just expects the other one to be ready without any prior conversation.
Also the issue resolution seemed a bit rushed and quick; it was a nice gesture, but it seemed a bit small after all the advice and people who were involved with it.
I can’t wait to read Ezra’s story because that epilogue left me wondering what will happen next :)
I was extremely lucky (or unlucky depending on how I was teased) to read this early and I can honestly say as much as I loved the other Cook brothers Cohen was most definitely my favourite!!
BJ Harvey honestly knocked it out of the park with this one as she brought the some serious heat and mixed with some real emotion. The chemistry between Cohen and Skye was so intense and off the charts I'm sure my phone was steaming. The build up for them honestly gave me blue balls and made me all hot and bothered.
Honestly Cohen and Skye were just everything! Their banter, their connection it was 100% all in, even when they didn't want to admit there was more between them.
I want to rave about how wonderful this book is but if I do I will be spoiling it for you and you need to experience this beauty for yourself.
I loved seeing the rest of my favourites in this and how they all stepped up to help with the big gesture and to help hit Cohen upside the head when he was being stupid! I love these guys.
I will be honest I my love for Ezra has increased in this one and I can't wait for his book! <3
ARC given in exchange for an honest review from the Author
3.5 stars rounded down. I was all on track for rounding up, but the relationship crisis just didn’t work for me. Maybe it’s because we were seeing it from Skye’s perspective, but I just don’t believe that Cohen would stand there dumbstruck after she said I love you. I was under the impression that he was coming to realize this was more than sex even before that conversation. But then he was acting like this came out of left field.
Is there a companion series to the Cook brothers that I was supposed to read first? Because we met like half a dozen new couples here and it felt like I was supposed to already know them.
Not everybody needs a nickname. You can call people by two syllable names. Please there are too many nicknames. Jamie and Jaxon and Bryan and Cohen and Ezra become Jay and Jax and Bry and Co and Ez. It’s not necessary!
Some weird gender roles stuff too. One too many jokes about the married men being whipped, and about overprotective brothers.
For the positives: I really felt the chemistry between this couple. You could understand why they were hesitant to become something more than friends and coworkers. I also liked how all the other characters could see right through the “we’re best friends” facade.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It's normally hard to beat the 1st book but BJ Harvey has done great things with this 4th book of the Cook Brothers series. This was about the baby brother Cohen and his partner at work Skye. They work as EMT's for the city of Chicago. They have been partners for almost a year. Two of Skye's brothers also work at the same fire department as they do. They have also threatened Cohens life if he were to ever get inappropriate with their baby sister. The Cook Brothers are renovating Skye's condo building. They have asked Cohen to move into one of the units to kind of safeguard the property. He agrees. Then one day as Skye was getting a shower, the shower head falls to the floor and sprays water all over her. She turns off the water and grabs a towel and beeline it Cohen's place. He is in shock to see her as she is and she tells him what happened and as she approves it's OK to use his shower, she drops towel and runs naked to his shower. I absolutely laughed with all the shenanigans going on between these two. Once again there are great moments with all of the Cook family members. I truly love this family and all of their quirks. Definitely put this series on your must read list. Enjoy!
Brilliant! Fun and flirty with sexy times galore, Hard Work has it all. This best friends to lovers story will have you in fits of giggles and peels of laughter. BJ Harvey has absolutely nailed this Rom-Com.
Cohen Cook is the youngest of the Cook Brothers and has quite the reputation with ladies. Sexy as sin and a great personality, he has no trouble in getting what he wants. Skye Rossi is the little sister to 3 hulking brothers that protect with an iron fist when it comes to men. Gorgeous and funny she fits in with the guys at work and being quick witted her rambling ways have everyone in stitches. Cohen and Skye are partners at work and best friends, inseparable in a lot of their day to day life. The banter between them is amazing but you can feel the chemistry and sexual tension building. Promises that were made in the beginning of their work partnership and friendship are now being tested, and an offer to hard to refuse is acted upon. Who said you can’t have the best of both worlds? Sometimes though that just isn’t the case.
A laugh a minute with a dash of heartwarming scenarios and you’ve got yourself an absolute gem of read
Cohen Cook is the youngest of five and the only one still not married. Skye Rossi is the youngest sibling to four others and although not all are married she is definitely single, her older brothers Iike to check out who she is dating too. Skye and Cohen just happened to be EMT partners and are physically attracted to each other but totally ‘friends only’.
The sense of humour in the story is on point and at times you find yourself really chuckling with the fun banter between the characters. Skye especially has a sassy comeback or twenty! 😂 She can hold her own that lady, Dion too. Axel once again is a scene stealer when he’s in the scene but Princess Penny is too.
The sexual tension between the two lead characters is amazing, I have to admit at times I wanted to scream ‘just get it on’ but the build up is a part of the fun. The chemistry is out of this world hot, although I liked how the author didn’t add sex scene after sex scene though so there was a good balance.
Another fun story but now I a am itching to know Ezra and Gilly’s story!
I have to say I love this series and I was so excited to be getting book 4 Cohen Cook’s story and let me tell you this story was everything I expected and so much more!!! This is a series of stand-alone’s featuring the Cook Brothers, each book is about one of them finding that forever person normally when they least expect it and Cohen is no different, he wasn’t looking for love, he was enjoying life to the fullest but he suddenly realised he wanted more than friendship from Skye, but If they cross the line and act on their feelings will their friendship grow stronger and will they still enjoy working together or will the consequences of intimacy destroy their friendship. If you are looking for a hilarious, heartfelt entertaining read look no further than Hard Work in fact look no further than the Cook Brothers Series. This book captivated me I was drawn in by the friendships and bonds this group share, I laughed with them, I cried with them and I found myself really feeling part of this tight nite group. I loved everything about this book, it ticked all my boxes so I recommend you do yourself a favour and one click this must read book .
BJ Harvey has done it again... the long-awaited youngest Cook brother, Cohen, finally has his book, and it was soooo hot, it was steaming!!!
I will start by saying that I've loved this series, and I'm sad to see it end soon after Ezra's book. They did introduce a new family, the Rossi's, where Skye is also the youngest member.... but there are 4 unattached siblings. I definitely see a new series coming soon!!
Cohen and Skye are partners at work, and two of her brothers also work at the fire station... and they have already warned Cohen to keep his Casanova hands away from her. A year later, the Cook brothers have purchased the apartment building where Skye lives in order to flip it, and Cohen has to move in to oversee the project.
The book is hilarious... since Skye is so ready to take that leap with Cohen, and he is terrified of her brother's. Everytime they start to mess around, it's like karma was keeping watch.
To be completely honest, the book was just ok to me. I’m not a huge fan of books with tons of characters because I find it hard to keep track of everyone and what the connections are. There are a lot of siblings, friends and coworkers mentioned in this book and I often found myself saying “who is that?” and spending time trying to rack my brain for any sort of recollection.
What I did like about this book was the banter and jokes between the Cohen and Skye. I like that they are constantly giving each other attitude and sass regardless of the situation they are in. While they have a lot of banter, they are also great at being there for each other and showing genuine support and friendship through their whole arrangement. Which shows that above all, they are friends first and that is the most important thing to both of them. They always prioritize their friendship over the “benefits” and I admire that about their relationship.
Overall this book gets the job done if you want a spicy fwb book that is easy to read (especially if you are better than I am at remembering names), will make you laugh a little and focuses on firefighters.
I totally fell in love with this book. For me this series just keeps getting better and better, giving so much depth into the Cook family. It makes you feel like you are at home and a part of the family.
This books starts with an arrangement that you know will never work. It's impossible. Because you can see the chemistry between Cohen and Skye from the first second they lay eyes on each other. The friendship that develops is special and bring another dimension to the relationship that you know means more than they are willing to admit.
This book isn't doom and gloom, it's funny as hell and I found myself laughing loud at the banter between not only Cohan and Skye but with all the character's. These stories are more than just 2 characters they are multiple character driven with all having a say and making the story more fuller.
This book and series is a huge recommend from me. I always smile huge reading books by this Author. BJ Harvey nails a fantastic story once again.
B.J. Harvey has done it again! Her stories are just so good, and Hard Work is absolutely no exception. Cohen Cook has watched his brothers find their lobsters, and lately, he's been feeling a bit green. The woman he should be with, Skye, he's firmly planted in the friend zone, which made no sense since EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE could feel the sparks shooting in every direction when they were anywhere near each other. Not to mention, Skye is totally interested in Cohen so yeah, he's being the stubborn one. This story is super easy to read without too much angst to have me in physical pain. That's not to say there isn't some conflict popping up, just means that YAY! I'm not OTT with extreme emotions. Hard Work is a story that any and ALL readers should experience because sometimes, there comes a story which just shines pure happiness cover to cover! So, hit that one click button to find out how it all pans out, as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Aw sweet, sweet Cohen!! I didn’t think I could love these Cook brothers more but he had to come in make me throw all my love for his siblings out there window with his banging body and smile to melt the panties off!
Skye was a woman that not only knew what her mind and body wanted but she made sure to not settle for anything less than she deserved in the process. Her attitude to life had my heart soaring because let’s face it she isn’t a typical character but she freaking rocked this book and obviously Cohen’s world in the process.
A fun filled read without too much drama that if the pages allowed I would have kept reading for days, these two were dynamic in every aspect of there lives but that what I’ve come to find with BJ Harvey books she has just got that individuality with her writing that not many can compete with!