Hard to Know

by Jason Collins

CADEN:

I'll never forgive him, but I'm stuck in the car with him.

My sister needs me at her wedding, but I didn’t know I'd be hitching a ride across the country with Ben, my high-school nemesis. That’s too much time to spend with the last guy I want to see, but I don’t have any other options. We might not get along, but we’re adults now, and I won’t let my sister down.

Ben and I have history, and it’s not the kind of history I can forgive. But this new Ben isn’t the jerk I remember, and that makes it even harder to ignore how hot he’s gotten. It’s almost enough to make me forget what he did—almost.

He was a player back then, and for all I know, he’s probably gotten worse with age. He’s still my nemesis, and it’ll take more than those smoldering eyes to get me to trust him.

Old rivalries don’t burn out—they simmer.

BEN:

I’ve changed, but Caden’s grudge hasn’t.

When my cousin asks me to give a stranger a ride across the country, I figure a friend of his is a friend of mine. But when I recognize the handsome stranger as Caden, I realize I’m about to be trapped on a road trip with a guy who’s hated me since high school.

What happened between us is more complicated than he thinks, but he doesn’t know that. The damage was done a long time ago. Still, that doesn’t stop me from imagining what his body would feel like under mine. With him this close to me, it’s impossible not to wonder.

I don’t need a relationship, especially with the problems I’m facing at the youth center I run. But when it comes to trouble, Caden might be the only guy I can turn to—if this road trip doesn’t kill us.

My heart’s in the hands of my worst enemy.

Note to readers: This is a standalone MM romance.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Gay, LGBT, Enemies To Lovers

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2020

Reviews

[Jerecho · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story started good. With two love hate character-relationship... Until the middle-end to ending, the author just reconcile everything and some characters are not given a nice exit...

Maybe I was reading a five page story, or it is just my imagination. Maybe its just my mind... Really??? It's just "hard to know"...

This story lack something. It has potential but maybe the editor needs to focus or maybe a beta reader is a need on this one.✌🏽😊

[Mrs.V · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love Jason Collins's books, but this time I just could not get into it.
Maybe it was me, or the difficult situation we are living in is affecting my enthusiasm, but, fort the first time in forever, I almost dnf the book at 65%.
The story is quite good. Enemies to lovers is usually entertaining, but in this case I felt a lack of sparkle (I mean, if Caden hated Ben so much, then he just accepts almost passively to have sex with him, not even a bit of hate-sex?)
I just disliked the characters, they totally bugged me the wrong way. Ben especially is so emotionally stunted that he oftens acts like a total prick! I mean, I also found the side characters to be annyoing.
Again, it's probably just me, because I usually love this author and I have seen a lot of wonderful reviews for this one, but this is how I feel about this book, and now I am getting annoyed at this feeling, too...

[Joudie · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some very awkward phrases and words written that completely took me out of the story. ("He had the perfect ass. It was /clean/ and hairless." "And if it turned out that Caden had planned on having sex with Aaron, then I wouldn’t be able to /hide the hurt in my eyes/.")

The story and wrap up was super convenient. We didn't know Ben's mother died until Caden was told about it then suddenly it's a huge thing. Aaron has been working with Caden at the center for forever yet when Ben shows up, suddenly he wants to be more than friends with Caden. Emily was mentioned throughout the story but suddenly she shows up to the grand finale to absolve Ben about what happened during high-school. Out of nowhere. And another thing; Aaron couldn't find a spot to sit near Caden so he ended up sitting in the nosebleeds, yet Emily randomly was able to sit with them? Why didn't Aaron ask if the seat was taken? Caden would have said he was waiting for a friend, then at least Emily's appearance wasn't out of the blue.

[Tranese · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get past the fact that he couldn't let things go from yrs ago that indirectly had nothing to do with him. That's what folks call growth and Cafen didn't. If I liked the characters maybe I would've finished the book but I didn't. "First of all, don't ever tell me what to do." *eyeroll*

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgiveness, finding connections and creating a tomorrow.  I really liked both of these MC's, they were real, flawed and just nice guys.  I loved watching them interact with their family, Ben with his cousin and Caden with his sister.  Those interaction really showed depth, gave us sense of history and made both men so much more understandable.  The story-line was solid and the writing flowed.  I read this book in one sitting and found its pacing good.  

Caden and Ben have amazing chemistry and then they find that their connection is intense and unexpected.  I liked that both men had to grow and find ways to give up on hurts of their past to be able to really accept and be together.  

i really loved the last chapter!!   Such a great way to create a glimpse into the future.  

I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - 4.5 Stars

I truly enjoy Jason Collins' books and the characters he creates and Hard to Know was another great story! Ben and Caden have an interesting journey together, starting off with two very different sides of one story. The two men knew each other in high school and are unknowingly reunited as adults, when Caden's sister marries Ben's cousin and the two end up traveling to the wedding together. For me, this story really felt like it was about forgiveness as well as seeing both sides of the coin.

I really liked the progression of this story and how these two grow. I definitely felt invested in these two and wanted to see how it would work out for them. In the beginning we know that Caden hates Ben for things he did in high school and Ben, well he's pretty oblivious as to why Caden has those feelings, processing the own events in his life. It all starts as a purely physical thing for these two and then those pesky feelings start getting involved.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, I especially loved the moments when Caden and Ben opened up to each other and had honest conversations dealing with their past and the issues surrounding everything. I really loved Ben, he really grew into a considerate and sweet guy. Caden definitely took a little more time to grow on me, a bit prickly in the beginning but I truly did grow to love him, especially how he was with Ben. A great read from Jason Collins for sure!

[Key · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute story, nothing too serious, nothing too dramatic, just cute overall. An interesting story with sexy characters and a nice HEA.

[Pennylin]

Hard to Know, based on Stone-Cold Bummer by Manipulate.













Hard to Know based on Stone-Cold Bummer by Manipulate (Jason Collins)
- Your Highlight on Location 1085-1090 | Added on Saturday, February 20, 2021 1:59:05 PM

Ever since my ex-boyfriend, I’d had my walls up. And why wouldn’t I? I’d made the mistake of letting myself get way too close, way too quickly, to someone who’d ended up shattering my heart into pieces. I’d tried not to let myself get too down about my ex, even going so far as to pretend that everything was fine with me after such a hurtful breakup. I just didn’t want the world to see me like that, broken in several different places. And the one thing I’d learned from that shitty experience was that I was never going to let myself get that vulnerable, ever again. I hadn’t seriously dated anyone since my ex, mostly keeping to myself and staying busy with work.
==========
Hard to Know based on Stone-Cold Bummer by Manipulate (Jason Collins)
- Your Highlight on Location 1264-1264 | Added on Saturday, February 20, 2021 2:11:12 PM

And the realization that I was a lot like my father, made me feel both elated and saddened at the same time.
==========
==========
Hard to Know based on Stone-Cold Bummer by Manipulate (Jason Collins)
- Your Highlight on Location 2078-2079 | Added on Saturday, February 20, 2021 3:05:11 PM

But as the silence continued, I realized that I would have to accept my fate. I was going to be stuck in this car with Ben, and I would also be perpetually unhappy. At least, until we got back home.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the enemies to lovers romance between Caden and Ben. When Caden needs a drive to his sister's wedding, her fiance arranges for his cousin to be his drive. Caden is shocked to see his drive is Ben, he hasn't seen him since high school when Ben broke up with Caden's best friend at prom and ruined their plans to go to college together. Caden never forgave Ben and still hates him. Ben never even realized everything that happened after he left prom that night and tried to apologize for what happened. Ben knew travelling for two days was going to be hard if Caden didn't let go of his anger toward him. Caden was even more frustrated because now Ben was out and Caden found him very attractive. When Ben suggested they fool around a bit while on the trip, Caden agreed. They started to have a enemies with benefits arrangement but tried to hide it from everyone. Ben also started to have feelings for Caden, but he didn't want a relationship. I really loved this book, i laughed and thought Ben never stood a chance of not having feelings for Caden. Caden was a great guy and everyone liked him, and he cared about Ben and wanted to help him talk about his mother's death. Another great one from Jason.

[Ron-Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankfully I read thru to the end, otherwise this would have been a 2 star rating. There were some things that just didnt make sense. First, who goes to prom but doesnt meet up with their date until they get there? There's always dinner before, and tons of pictures with parents. It's prom, duh. Next, who has a rehearsal dinner for their wedding a week before the wedding without members of the wedding party there? Or family members, either? Next, you dont lick your tongue. You can lick your palm, you can lick a lamp, but it is impossible to lick your own tongue, being that you use your tongue to do the licking.
Ok, those few things aside, (which all occur in the first few chapters, nonetheless), this was a pretty good story. Do wonder why Caden, when reminiscing about his ex-boyfriend, only refers to him as "my ex-boyfriend" instead of by an actual name. Also, they're on a 16 hour road trip to some random spot in California, leaving from "the city"...what city? A little context would be nice. Some of the characters flip flop opinions and feelings way too fast, but when we finally get to work at the youth center, the story gets much better.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes time, gives a new perspective. Ben's cousin, Harley asks him to give a stranger a ride cross country to his wedding. As Caden approaches the car, he has a little lust day dream about the good looking guy he sees through the windows. Who knew it wouldn't be a stranger but Caden, with whom Ben had history! Caden is attending his sister, Angela's wedding to Harley. Ben wasn't kind to Caden's friend Emily in high school. He broke up with her on prom night. There were cascading events as a result that affected Emily and Caden's future plans. And, Caden never forgot. Caden has conflicting emotions toward Ben, most of them not good. Ben, looks at new and improved Caden and lusts after him. It's going to be a long trip! Ben is a sports writer. Canden is managing director of a LGBTQ youth center. Ben knew he was gay in high school, he used being a jerk as cover. Now that they are grown up, do they clear the air? Can they move on from high school? Will truth be revealed? Good story of discovery. We are never too told to learn. Good characters. Nice storyline. Nicely done, Mr Collins! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a really nice read and I finished it very fast. I had a little bit of troubles with the characters as first as I felt that Caden took the thing that happened in high school way too personal as it technically didn't have anything to do with him. And then he couldn't let go of it. I believe the characters are now early thirties so I felt like the thing that happened wasn't big enough of a thing to warrant the resentment Caden felt towards Ben.

Also, quite a lot of sex scenes which I wasn't expecting but I suppose I should have... I don't read romance books that often so I'm not sure what is normal. I didn't hate as they were quite steamy but it happened fast in the book and it threw me a little.

All in all an enjoyable read and I had a good time with it.

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story with wonderful characters and an enjoyable storyline that is very well written and flows smoothly. When Caden needs a ride cross country to his siter's wedding, little did he know he would end up in the car with Ben, who he has hated since high school. A lot has changed since high school but it's not easy for these two to navigate through their feelings and put the past behind them. Caden needs t forgive Ben for what happened in high school and Ben needs to get over everything that he has gone through. Life keeps pushing them together, now they just need to trust in one another. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Caden make for a great enemies to lovers, forced proximity story. Ben is completely different to how Caden portrays him in high school. He's sweet, thoughtful and completely honest and open with Caden. Caden, however, was a bit of a jerk himself at the start of the story. I struggled to empathise with him in the beginning, but honestly, it was mostly because I really loved Ben's character and felt he deserved all the forgiveness. When they finally realise that they're good together, it's easy to embrace both Ben and Caden and their relationship fully. They're sweet and steamy together and the HEA is very satisfying.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caden needs a ride across country to his sister's wedding. Ben, an old high school acquaintance and much hated man, is asked to be the driver, almost doesn't go except he won't miss his sister's wedding. By the time they get home, they have worked out their problems and start to work together at the LBGTQ+ center that Ben is director. Love grows as they start to help the center survive and thrive. An excellent contemporary romance with enough angst to kee the readers engaged and entranced. I would recommend this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one so hard! Caden and Ben have a history and it’s not so great. High school Ben was a jerk. I suspect that being in the closet had something to do with it. Caden’s been carrying around some resentment from then and he doesn’t hold back. I loved the banter and snark these guys have going. There were some serious moments, some that made me laugh out loud and plenty of spicy ones. The ending is one of the best I’ve read this year.
Highly recommended author

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was about average for me. For whatever reason, I just didn’t connect with either of the characters. I thought Ben was an ass for what he did on the ride home, but Caden was also a bit of an ass too. He like couldn’t get over something that happened years ago at school. Granted, it was a big thing, but I was tired of it overtaking the story. I did like the premise and the writing, and the supporting characters so that was well.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to know by Jason Collins. This book had a great storyline! Enemies to lovers m/m story. I got into the story and the characters right away! Loved the writing! loved the characters! Seemed a little different than how Jason usually writes. So much so I even stopped somewhere in the middle of the book to double check who’s book I was reading. Loved it! Definitely a must read!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems you can always rely on a good read from Jason Collins, this was no exception. A great read with 2 intriguing, enjoyable MC's. Amusing in places, sad in others, and a teensy bit of angst, the awkward development of Ben and Caden's romance kept me glued to my Kindle, so well written and thoroughly engrossing.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers. Caden needs a ride to his sister's wedding. Fiancee sends his cousin. Little does Caden know his ride is Ben who was his HS enemy for hurting his best friend. Join Caden & Ben on their adventure during the ride & throughout the wedding weekend. If you are looking for a great read you want to read this. *I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for an honest opinion*

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben & Caden

Camden has hated Ben since high school when he dumped his friend at prom. Caden really holds a grudge and blamed Ben for the terrible things which occurred after. He knows driving with him to his sister's wedding will be a disaster. Ben has his own reasons for what happened if Caden will take a minute to stop hating him.

[Myk · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry but holding such hate for such a stupid reason (even finding out the full truth VERY late in the book) which couldn’t possibly have been all Ben’s fault, for so long is ridiculous.
Caden was SUPER immature.
Their relationship was so bizarre and unnatural.
Also the random intro of Aaron toward the end, frick so bizarre!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story so much. Caden and Ben's story is a enemies to friends to lovers story. I love see how their relationship progresses. Jason Collins definitely pulled me into their story and I love every minute of it. I just love going on their journey to their happy ending.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely in my top favorites from this author. Caden and Ben have a sweet chemistry that transcends beyond the pages. They each have a sad backstory to overcome to be with each other. They just click.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to Know by Jason Collins is a contemporary m/m romance with a enemies to lovers theme. This story is steamy, sweet, just a bit angsty and fun. I really enjoyed a den and Ben's lovestory - I laughed and I smiled and I forgot about the real world for a bit to fully get lost in their world.

[Jacque Loftus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

This book was super cute and the characters were fun to watch fall in love. They had great passion too. Some parts were a bit quick/short but I like that occasionally to not be so wordy and just enjoy the whirlwind romance.

[Kristin Grella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

Another great book by Jason Collins. It drew me in from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. The ending was just amazing. I absolutely loved Caden and Ben and I didn't want their story to end. Loved it!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relevant read

I found this book insight in a sense that you don’t know what you don’t know. I also found the characters growth insightful as the hard truths about life and that people are flawed and that it’s easier to make someone a villain than deal with the hard truth.

[Ines · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the second book by this author that I started and the second that I hated. Sadly I DNF both.

I did not like either maincharacter. I did not like the childish way they clung to the past (mistakes) and couldnt communicate at all.

[devil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Ben and Caden had amazing chemistry, even when they were unsure of their relationship. Overall, very good storytelling!! Definitely recommended.