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Havenwood #3
Hard Knox
Callum
A gay guy walks into a straight bar and notices the hottest man he’s ever seen.
Why am I not surprised my life sounds like the beginning of a bad joke? First, my ex cheated on me, and I went running to Havenwood and the mom I have a complicated relationship with. Then, there’s Knox, the gorgeous lumberjack I don’t stand a chance with. To top it off, he’s more than just a pretty face, and I start to fall for him. Knox is kind, funny, honorable, quickly becoming my best friend, and unfortunately, straight with a capital S.
Knox
My life has taken a few unexpected turns lately. First, the new guy in town, Callum, has me strangely confused. Then my son, Logan, comes to live with me. He connects with Callum instantly, and I do too. Before we know it, he’s become a daily fixture in our lives, making us laugh, calling me his lumberjack and making this foreign warmth spread inside me.
It doesn’t matter that I’ve never been with a guy before—one kiss from Cal, and it’s clear I’m bi. He turns me upside down. With every laugh, every conversation, every touch and exploration, I fall harder. Sneaking around isn’t ideal, but there’s a lot for us to consider. All I know is I need him. Life has a funny way of throwing a wrench into your plans, though, and things become a mess. But then I’m reminded that while nothing in life is guaranteed, not even love, what Callum and I have built is worth fighting for.
A gay guy walks into a straight bar and notices the hottest man he’s ever seen.
Why am I not surprised my life sounds like the beginning of a bad joke? First, my ex cheated on me, and I went running to Havenwood and the mom I have a complicated relationship with. Then, there’s Knox, the gorgeous lumberjack I don’t stand a chance with. To top it off, he’s more than just a pretty face, and I start to fall for him. Knox is kind, funny, honorable, quickly becoming my best friend, and unfortunately, straight with a capital S.
Knox
My life has taken a few unexpected turns lately. First, the new guy in town, Callum, has me strangely confused. Then my son, Logan, comes to live with me. He connects with Callum instantly, and I do too. Before we know it, he’s become a daily fixture in our lives, making us laugh, calling me his lumberjack and making this foreign warmth spread inside me.
It doesn’t matter that I’ve never been with a guy before—one kiss from Cal, and it’s clear I’m bi. He turns me upside down. With every laugh, every conversation, every touch and exploration, I fall harder. Sneaking around isn’t ideal, but there’s a lot for us to consider. All I know is I need him. Life has a funny way of throwing a wrench into your plans, though, and things become a mess. But then I’m reminded that while nothing in life is guaranteed, not even love, what Callum and I have built is worth fighting for.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2020
712 people are currently reading
1527 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
114 books7,142 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews
November 24, 2020
Audiobook - 4 Stars
Story - 3.5 stars
This was too sweet. Sugar candy coated coma inducing. I still liked it.
Knox and Callum were sweet together.
Logan was sweet.
Damn. What i am trying to say is, this was freaking sweet, I liked it a lot.
Story - 3.5 stars
This was too sweet. Sugar candy coated coma inducing. I still liked it.
Knox and Callum were sweet together.
Logan was sweet.
Damn. What i am trying to say is, this was freaking sweet, I liked it a lot.
October 27, 2020
It turns out I'm all about hot, single dads who aren't afraid to own their newfound sexuality. Knox is puzzled when his attraction to Callum grows the more he gets to know the younger man. But Knox doesn't freak out and run, far from it.
Callum is adorable and great with Knox's 12-year-old son Logan (who's the best kid, seriously). He has a huge crush on the lumberjack he notices immediately at Griff's Place but doesn't want to push, even when Knox makes his head spin with spicy kisses.
What I really liked about Hard Knox is how organically the relationship between the MCs develops. They spend plenty of time together, talking and hanging out with Logan. Callum helps Logan with his homework and wants to be a part of Knox's family.
While the characters of the previous books are present, this book can be read as a standalone. It's drama-free and sexy as hell.
The one thing that perplexed me is that I had no idea why Knox and his ex-wife Carol got divorced. They got along well and were good friends. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why they weren't still together. That's not to say I didn't like Carol because I did. She was pretty amazing as far as ex-spouses go.
The epilogue made me believe in Knox and Callum's HEA. I can't wait to read Griff and Josh's story!
Callum is adorable and great with Knox's 12-year-old son Logan (who's the best kid, seriously). He has a huge crush on the lumberjack he notices immediately at Griff's Place but doesn't want to push, even when Knox makes his head spin with spicy kisses.
What I really liked about Hard Knox is how organically the relationship between the MCs develops. They spend plenty of time together, talking and hanging out with Logan. Callum helps Logan with his homework and wants to be a part of Knox's family.
While the characters of the previous books are present, this book can be read as a standalone. It's drama-free and sexy as hell.
The one thing that perplexed me is that I had no idea why Knox and his ex-wife Carol got divorced. They got along well and were good friends. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why they weren't still together. That's not to say I didn't like Carol because I did. She was pretty amazing as far as ex-spouses go.
The epilogue made me believe in Knox and Callum's HEA. I can't wait to read Griff and Josh's story!
August 1, 2020
4.5 Stars
Not quite as emotionally enthralling as I found Law and Remy’s romance in book two, Callum and Knox still managed to hold my full attention and put a huge smile on my face. Their story felt much easier than the ones that came before them in this sweet and sexy small-town romance series—but easier certainly doesn’t mean boring, at least in my experience.
I enjoyed watching straight-man and single dad Knox have his world view shift focus when he first befriends and then effortlessly falls for new-to-town Callum. It helped that Callum made an impactful connection to Knox’s son, Logan, that led to a rewarding friendship of three, which benefited all parties in new and joyful ways.
As a bi-awakening type story, I liked how this played out, with Knox having all the expected moments of confusion and concern in light of his unexpected attraction to another man, laying appropriate consideration on how, more than anything else, starting a relationship with Callum would affect his children. I LOVED that Knox’s relationship with his kids was pretty much his only real hesitancy going forward, basically taking his evolving sexuality in stride and embracing his feelings for Callum as natural, worthwhile, and, quite frankly, inevitable.
It always helps in this series (and most of Hart’s series) that the wider cast of characters are just so wonderful. It’s great when you adore a story’s focal couple, as I did here, but when you can also come away from the experience loving many of the secondary characters as well then you know you’ve just read something worth your time.
The romance was fairly typical and the story was mostly predictable, as some other reviewers have stated, but that didn’t stop me from loving the hell out of it. I think it’s safe to say that Hart’s stories are a huge comfort to me, if experience is anything to go by, always well-written and perfectly paced, featuring characters who burrow into my heart and make me fall in love as they fall in love. For these reasons, and I’m sure many more, Hart is one of my absolute favourite M/M authors, making that one-click decision so, so easy.
Now, I sit and wait, impatiently and eagerly, for the final Havenwood romance, between series regulars and polar opposites, Griff and Josh. Their story is sure to leave a mark and I cannot wait!
Not quite as emotionally enthralling as I found Law and Remy’s romance in book two, Callum and Knox still managed to hold my full attention and put a huge smile on my face. Their story felt much easier than the ones that came before them in this sweet and sexy small-town romance series—but easier certainly doesn’t mean boring, at least in my experience.
I enjoyed watching straight-man and single dad Knox have his world view shift focus when he first befriends and then effortlessly falls for new-to-town Callum. It helped that Callum made an impactful connection to Knox’s son, Logan, that led to a rewarding friendship of three, which benefited all parties in new and joyful ways.
As a bi-awakening type story, I liked how this played out, with Knox having all the expected moments of confusion and concern in light of his unexpected attraction to another man, laying appropriate consideration on how, more than anything else, starting a relationship with Callum would affect his children. I LOVED that Knox’s relationship with his kids was pretty much his only real hesitancy going forward, basically taking his evolving sexuality in stride and embracing his feelings for Callum as natural, worthwhile, and, quite frankly, inevitable.
It always helps in this series (and most of Hart’s series) that the wider cast of characters are just so wonderful. It’s great when you adore a story’s focal couple, as I did here, but when you can also come away from the experience loving many of the secondary characters as well then you know you’ve just read something worth your time.
The romance was fairly typical and the story was mostly predictable, as some other reviewers have stated, but that didn’t stop me from loving the hell out of it. I think it’s safe to say that Hart’s stories are a huge comfort to me, if experience is anything to go by, always well-written and perfectly paced, featuring characters who burrow into my heart and make me fall in love as they fall in love. For these reasons, and I’m sure many more, Hart is one of my absolute favourite M/M authors, making that one-click decision so, so easy.
Now, I sit and wait, impatiently and eagerly, for the final Havenwood romance, between series regulars and polar opposites, Griff and Josh. Their story is sure to leave a mark and I cannot wait!
November 1, 2024
4.5 Stars! Preciso ir para Havenwood urgentemente! 😅 My people está lá, não aguento mais lidar com heteros chatos, preciso ir para uma cidade como essa. Eu já tinha me emocionado com a história de Remy, aí vem esse livro e faz eu me emocionar de novo ( calma lá, Riley Hart) meu coração não aguenta não.
November 1, 2022
4**** stars
Falling for a straight guy. What a freaking dumb idea.
Knox is straight. Always has been, never questioned it. Not even when he met Callum. But something is drawing Knox to him nonetheless. I think that’s what I loved most about their story that it was not sexual attraction but the person Callum is that Knox pulled in.
Not that Callum was falling head over heals while Knox was mostly oblivious first and later pretty confused about himself and his actions.
This was such a lovely strangers-to-friends-to-lovers with a gay4u thrown into the mix. Well it was a bi-awakening but… whatever.
I think I would’ve loved this book more if the biggest obstacle they faced wasn’t Knox’s obligations towards his family and kids bc that’s just something I don’t like very much in my romances. So it was more a me-thing, not the book’s fault.
side note: why the heck was Riley Hart inventing two main characters with so similar names in one series? I mean Kellan and Callum looks different when reading but when you listen to the audio like me they sound almost the same - it was a bit confusing tbh. Especially when it came to their short forms Kel and Cal. *eye roll
*********
Havenwood Series:
Book 1 - Giving Chase - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Murphy’s Law - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 3 - Hard Knox - 4.0 stars
Book 4 - Griff’s Place - 4.25 stars
Falling for a straight guy. What a freaking dumb idea.
Knox is straight. Always has been, never questioned it. Not even when he met Callum. But something is drawing Knox to him nonetheless. I think that’s what I loved most about their story that it was not sexual attraction but the person Callum is that Knox pulled in.
Not that Callum was falling head over heals while Knox was mostly oblivious first and later pretty confused about himself and his actions.
This was such a lovely strangers-to-friends-to-lovers with a gay4u thrown into the mix. Well it was a bi-awakening but… whatever.
I think I would’ve loved this book more if the biggest obstacle they faced wasn’t Knox’s obligations towards his family and kids bc that’s just something I don’t like very much in my romances. So it was more a me-thing, not the book’s fault.
side note: why the heck was Riley Hart inventing two main characters with so similar names in one series? I mean Kellan and Callum looks different when reading but when you listen to the audio like me they sound almost the same - it was a bit confusing tbh. Especially when it came to their short forms Kel and Cal. *eye roll
*********
Havenwood Series:
Book 1 - Giving Chase - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Murphy’s Law - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 3 - Hard Knox - 4.0 stars
Book 4 - Griff’s Place - 4.25 stars
October 12, 2020
Audio - 5+ Stars. Kale Williams bought his A game to this audio.
Story - 4 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
July 9, 2020
This series gets better and better. Murphy's Law had me interested in Mary Beth's son. We could feel her sadness and longing for her son. Luckily for us, not only do we get to meet him, but he's also one of the man characters. Callum was the perfect love interest for Knox.
There was so much to love about this book:
· Great protagonists
· No OTT drama
· Slow burn
· Friends to lovers
· Hot chemistry
· Romantic as hell
· A pinch of angst
· Logan, what an awesome kid.
· Catching up with past characters and making us eager for the next book :)
The whole story felt very organic. I loved Hard Knox so much.
Well done, Ms. Hart.
5 Stars, my favorite of the Havenwood series.
++Can it be read as a standalone? Yes, but I think best enjoyed if you read the other books first. Plus, they're great.
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August 17, 2025
|| 3.0 stars ||
This story is about a divorced ‘straight’ father, Knox, who falls in love with the caring and sweet gay man, Callum, who manages to develop an instant connection with Knox’s son, Logan.
Knox is a caring father, but his son seems to be struggling and he doesn’t know how to get his son to open up about his issues. However, when Callum and Logan meet they seem to share a kindred spirit, and where Knox was unable to connect with his son in some ways, Callum seems to know exactly what to do or say. Logan becomes more confident and happier the more Callum becomes a permanent fixture in their lives. But of course it is not just Logan who feels a connection with Callum. Knox starts to appreciate and adore him as well, and they slowly start to form their own little family.
I thought this was a very sweet book. Callum was a true darling, and Knox was an absolutely great guy as well. Both were super likeable characters and their relationship felt genuine. They didn’t rush into things, and I appreciated the slower pace of them getting closer and of them having any kind of physical relationship. Their chemistry was apparent and I definitely liked them together.
I also liked Logan a lot. I thought his connection with Callum was very endearing, and I liked his relationship with Knox too. He was a big part of this story, so if you don’t like kids in your romance books, then this one will not be for you. Nonetheless, despite me loving Logan, I hated the other kid in this book. Knox also had a daughter, Charlie, and she pissed me the hell off. She was an entitled little brat who tried to make Callum’s life miserable, and she annoyed me a lot. Luckily she was only present in the book near the end, since she lives with her mom, but it still ruined the vibe a little for me.
All in all, I really liked this couple, since I thought their feelings were very sweet, well-developed and loving. However, I do have to say that I wasn’t completely over the moon with this book as a whole. Something about it was just a little mweh, but I can’t really put my finger on what that was. Maybe it was a bit repetitive? Or maybe there was something else about this story that did not grip me entirely? I’m not sure, but it is what it is.
'Havenwood' series:
1. Giving Chase - 3.5 stars
2. Murphy's Law - 2.5 stars
3. Hard Knox - 3.0 stars
4. Griff's Place - 2.5 stars
Other Riley Hart books:
Broken Pieces - 3.5 stars
Finding Finley - 1.5 stars
‘Stumbling into Love’ series - var. ratings
‘Atlanta Lightning’ series - var. ratings
Boyfriend Goals - 3.5 stars
Rookie Move - 4.0 stars
Playing Games - 4.0 star
The Hookup Mix-up - 2.0 stars
This story is about a divorced ‘straight’ father, Knox, who falls in love with the caring and sweet gay man, Callum, who manages to develop an instant connection with Knox’s son, Logan.
Knox is a caring father, but his son seems to be struggling and he doesn’t know how to get his son to open up about his issues. However, when Callum and Logan meet they seem to share a kindred spirit, and where Knox was unable to connect with his son in some ways, Callum seems to know exactly what to do or say. Logan becomes more confident and happier the more Callum becomes a permanent fixture in their lives. But of course it is not just Logan who feels a connection with Callum. Knox starts to appreciate and adore him as well, and they slowly start to form their own little family.
I thought this was a very sweet book. Callum was a true darling, and Knox was an absolutely great guy as well. Both were super likeable characters and their relationship felt genuine. They didn’t rush into things, and I appreciated the slower pace of them getting closer and of them having any kind of physical relationship. Their chemistry was apparent and I definitely liked them together.
I also liked Logan a lot. I thought his connection with Callum was very endearing, and I liked his relationship with Knox too. He was a big part of this story, so if you don’t like kids in your romance books, then this one will not be for you. Nonetheless, despite me loving Logan, I hated the other kid in this book. Knox also had a daughter, Charlie, and she pissed me the hell off. She was an entitled little brat who tried to make Callum’s life miserable, and she annoyed me a lot. Luckily she was only present in the book near the end, since she lives with her mom, but it still ruined the vibe a little for me.
All in all, I really liked this couple, since I thought their feelings were very sweet, well-developed and loving. However, I do have to say that I wasn’t completely over the moon with this book as a whole. Something about it was just a little mweh, but I can’t really put my finger on what that was. Maybe it was a bit repetitive? Or maybe there was something else about this story that did not grip me entirely? I’m not sure, but it is what it is.
'Havenwood' series:
1. Giving Chase - 3.5 stars
2. Murphy's Law - 2.5 stars
3. Hard Knox - 3.0 stars
4. Griff's Place - 2.5 stars
Other Riley Hart books:
Broken Pieces - 3.5 stars
Finding Finley - 1.5 stars
‘Stumbling into Love’ series - var. ratings
‘Atlanta Lightning’ series - var. ratings
Boyfriend Goals - 3.5 stars
Rookie Move - 4.0 stars
Playing Games - 4.0 star
The Hookup Mix-up - 2.0 stars
December 7, 2021
*4.5 stars*
Predictably, the sexuality discovery books in the Havenwood series are working for me the most. Who would have thought... pretend shocked face
I adored Hard Knox by Riley Hart. Sometimes romances with kids works, sometimes they don't, but I really enjoyed the dynamics with this book. It was a slow-burn-ish romance, and I think the family atmosphere mixed with the growing emotions was a good fit for me.
Of course, I'm going to adore a sexuality discovery story, and I loved Knox's acceptance and realization that he was falling for Callum. I enjoyed Callum's backstory, also.
Beautifully narrated by Kale Williams, this story was an excellent listen.
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July 15, 2020
~ 2.75 Stars~
Pleasant enough read.
Nothing too special, at least for me.
Both mc's are very likable, say all the right things and do all the right things.
That sort of stuff grates on me a bit but for the most part I enjoyed Hard Knox even if I did find myself bored a bit here and there.
Meh, I wish I had more stuff to say but I don't.
The only part that really stood out to me is Charlie, Knox's daughter. But it's a spoiler so I won't ruin it :P. She was fabulous, a genuine character and she's the only who really brought out some emotion out of me. Otherwise this is pleasant enough but forgettable unfortunately. >_<
But that cover *sigh* very hot.
Pleasant enough read.
Nothing too special, at least for me.
Both mc's are very likable, say all the right things and do all the right things.
That sort of stuff grates on me a bit but for the most part I enjoyed Hard Knox even if I did find myself bored a bit here and there.
Meh, I wish I had more stuff to say but I don't.
The only part that really stood out to me is Charlie, Knox's daughter. But it's a spoiler so I won't ruin it :P. She was fabulous, a genuine character and she's the only who really brought out some emotion out of me. Otherwise this is pleasant enough but forgettable unfortunately. >_<
But that cover *sigh* very hot.
July 29, 2020
4 Lumberjack-falls-for-hot-new-guy Stars!! 😍🤩 This was another winner from the Havenwood Series and I loved it.. 💞 I loved Knox ❤️.. he was the perfect MC, great father, supportive friend and a sexy outdoorsy guy who loves working with wood to create art on top of having a profitable hardware store😍. Who wouldn't fall for him? No wonder Callum took one look at him and fell in insta-lust 💘. New in Havenwood, Callum is here to reconnect with his mother (Mary Beth, who works in Law's restaurant from Murphy's Law) and make a fresh start far away from LA which he left after a bad breakup. He immediately befriends the friendly gang at Griff's bar, but Knox makes a stronger impression. Too bad he's straight... or is he? 😉
Knox bumps into Callum a few more times and for some reason finds himself drawn to him. And when Knox's son Logan, starts living with him, Callum's instant connection with Logan prompts Knox to get even closer to Callum. Although attracted to Knox from the very beginning, Callum is happy to at least have his friendship. But their mutual attraction proves to be an unstoppable force and soon their platonic friendship becomes more 💘 💕Callum is half in love with Knox already, but can he expect Knox to get into a relationship with him so soon after finding out that he's bi? And what about Knox's kids and ex-wife? Will they accept Callum as their dad's boyfriend eventually? Will Knox be able to make the hard choice between his kids and Callum? 🤔😬
This is a slow-burn romance with likable and relatable MCs. When the passion 💞picks up midway in the book, it heats up to sizzling 🔥hot 🔥right away so fans of steam will not be disappointed. There is no serious angst or bad guys so it's really a light and sentimental story about the importance of family and kinship. All the regulars of the Havenwood series make their cameos, the established couples 🤩as well as the non-established couple 😉(hint: Griff & Josh). This was a perfect fluff read that I was looking for. Highly recommended to all fans looking for family oriented M/M romances. 👍👍.
Knox bumps into Callum a few more times and for some reason finds himself drawn to him. And when Knox's son Logan, starts living with him, Callum's instant connection with Logan prompts Knox to get even closer to Callum. Although attracted to Knox from the very beginning, Callum is happy to at least have his friendship. But their mutual attraction proves to be an unstoppable force and soon their platonic friendship becomes more 💘 💕Callum is half in love with Knox already, but can he expect Knox to get into a relationship with him so soon after finding out that he's bi? And what about Knox's kids and ex-wife? Will they accept Callum as their dad's boyfriend eventually? Will Knox be able to make the hard choice between his kids and Callum? 🤔😬
This is a slow-burn romance with likable and relatable MCs. When the passion 💞picks up midway in the book, it heats up to sizzling 🔥hot 🔥right away so fans of steam will not be disappointed. There is no serious angst or bad guys so it's really a light and sentimental story about the importance of family and kinship. All the regulars of the Havenwood series make their cameos, the established couples 🤩as well as the non-established couple 😉(hint: Griff & Josh). This was a perfect fluff read that I was looking for. Highly recommended to all fans looking for family oriented M/M romances. 👍👍.
June 4, 2022
The hunk “lumberjack” and the terrific Nurse Practitioner !
This is a marvelous M/M romance in Havenwood.
We have Callum, 33, Nurse Practitioner,
coming home to his Mom’s, needing a change. He wears guyliner and dark nail polish sometimes.
Knox, 44, runs a hardware store, and is a woodworker.
He’s a lumberjack looking hot guy, and father of a girl, 10, and boy, 12. He’s on good terms with his ex wife, and when his son needs him, he takes him in happily.
Knox and friends meet Callum one night out, and Callum blends in with the guys right away. With an injury for young Logan, Callum puts in the stitches, and following that hospital visit, Knox and Logan begin to include Callum in dinners and activities. Logan also has severe asthma.
It’s an easy friendship that leads to Knox having thoughts about a man for the first time in his life. He and Callum just fit, feels so right, and gently leads to more.
The story flows, we learn more, watch the fun, and their love is happiness and emotional, deeply passionate.
Blue-eyed Hypo-allergenic Lagotto Romangnolo,
Frankie Blue...
When Knox’s daughter visits, she isn’t on board with sharing her Dad and brother.
Callum is amazingly great, and Knox is solid and sure.
The story is heartwarming, and captivating.
Loved it !
Enjoy !
======
This is a marvelous M/M romance in Havenwood.
We have Callum, 33, Nurse Practitioner,
coming home to his Mom’s, needing a change. He wears guyliner and dark nail polish sometimes.
Knox, 44, runs a hardware store, and is a woodworker.
He’s a lumberjack looking hot guy, and father of a girl, 10, and boy, 12. He’s on good terms with his ex wife, and when his son needs him, he takes him in happily.
Knox and friends meet Callum one night out, and Callum blends in with the guys right away. With an injury for young Logan, Callum puts in the stitches, and following that hospital visit, Knox and Logan begin to include Callum in dinners and activities. Logan also has severe asthma.
It’s an easy friendship that leads to Knox having thoughts about a man for the first time in his life. He and Callum just fit, feels so right, and gently leads to more.
The story flows, we learn more, watch the fun, and their love is happiness and emotional, deeply passionate.
Blue-eyed Hypo-allergenic Lagotto Romangnolo,
Frankie Blue...
When Knox’s daughter visits, she isn’t on board with sharing her Dad and brother.
Callum is amazingly great, and Knox is solid and sure.
The story is heartwarming, and captivating.
Loved it !
Enjoy !
======
June 24, 2025
Whoever I was before I opened this book is gone—HAPPILY dead. What’s left is a stranger with too many emotions and puffy eyes.😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
July 15, 2020
———BEFORE READING———
...who’s that guy? I want a paperback now just for...
THAT COVER.
I love this series and I sincerely hope this book is as good as...
THAT COVER....
———AFTER READING———
4 Stars~~
The cover is hot as hell with a story that is cute as fuck.
It's wonderful,
—guess what word comes next—
BUT... better pacing could have made the emotional impact stronger.
Nothing particularly dramatic happens for almost 70% of the book. Aside from a bit of inner turmoil on Knox's part and Callum's insecurities, the story progressed without much angst.
It's a hard balance for me to find, especially since my preference changes, but after how emotional the previous book in the series was, this was too light in comparison. Maybe it was meant to be a breath of fresh air, which it definitely is, but it felt too easy at times.
Steam wise...it could and should have been hotter, if only to do that cover justice. I kept waiting for something...extra. A “damnnn” kind of moment that makes me put my kindle down, fan my face, get back to the scene...
Am I complaining too much? Maybe... I really did like the story though, I just didn't love it. It was such an almost that it pisses me off having to knock a star off what is a very cute and enjoyable read.
Knox and Callum fit together seamlessly. I appreciate that they consider the feelings of Knox's kids to be the top priority throughout the book, that's not always the case in both real life and fiction.
Unsurprisingly, the epilogue is setting us up for the next couple. I'm excited and nervous about the final pairing, they could be amazing together... or a total disaster.
...who’s that guy? I want a paperback now just for...
THAT COVER.
I love this series and I sincerely hope this book is as good as...
THAT COVER....
———AFTER READING———
4 Stars~~
The cover is hot as hell with a story that is cute as fuck.
It's wonderful,
—guess what word comes next—
BUT... better pacing could have made the emotional impact stronger.
Nothing particularly dramatic happens for almost 70% of the book. Aside from a bit of inner turmoil on Knox's part and Callum's insecurities, the story progressed without much angst.
It's a hard balance for me to find, especially since my preference changes, but after how emotional the previous book in the series was, this was too light in comparison. Maybe it was meant to be a breath of fresh air, which it definitely is, but it felt too easy at times.
Steam wise...it could and should have been hotter, if only to do that cover justice. I kept waiting for something...extra. A “damnnn” kind of moment that makes me put my kindle down, fan my face, get back to the scene...
Am I complaining too much? Maybe... I really did like the story though, I just didn't love it. It was such an almost that it pisses me off having to knock a star off what is a very cute and enjoyable read.
Knox and Callum fit together seamlessly. I appreciate that they consider the feelings of Knox's kids to be the top priority throughout the book, that's not always the case in both real life and fiction.
Unsurprisingly, the epilogue is setting us up for the next couple. I'm excited and nervous about the final pairing, they could be amazing together... or a total disaster.
July 16, 2020
4.5 stars
I really loved this one. I felt Knox and Callum's chemistry from the beginning, and their relationship felt natural and believable.
Callum is Mary Beth's - from the previous book, who worked at Lawson's diner, who talked about her son - son, and after a bad break up, he decides to move to Havenwood where his mother lives, which is her hometown, but he's never been.
Callum is a nurse practitioner, and after getting a job in Havenwood, his mother takes him in to live with her while he's looking for a place.
In the meantime, he and his mother bump into Knox and his son, Logan - who while living with his mother previously in Colorado, begged to come live with Knox - and Callum meets Logan, who is a 12-year-old kid going through some stuff, but who is super sweet and kind and who takes to Callum immediately.
Knox has another child, his 10-year-old daughter Charlotte, who is still living back with their mother, and she isn't in this much until in the end.
It's mainly focused on Knox and Callum falling in love, and Callum's growing bond with Logan. As Knox and Callum fall more for each other, the more Knox has to come to terms with his sexuality, when he always thought he was straight before Callum.
Meanwhile Callum is trying to build is relationship back up with his mother, and trying to find his footing in Havenwood.
Callum and Knox have great chemistry and wonderful together and very sweet. I enjoyed them together a lot. Knox's ex was great too, she was really nice about Knox being with a guy and she was nice to Callum when they met as well.
There's some drama later on with Charlotte, and it was understandable, how she felt and it made sense, but I was glad they were able to work through it and become closer through it all.
Knox and Callum were great together, the kids were great, and I just loved everything about this third installment. A strong outing from Ms. Hart.
I'm interesting to see Griff and Josh's story next - and last, it seems - when I did not think Josh would be Griff's LI, but I'm interested to see how that goes. Onto the next!
And I definitely recommend this one, which could be read as a standalone, but the first two in this series in enjoyable as well, so why would you? ;)
I really loved this one. I felt Knox and Callum's chemistry from the beginning, and their relationship felt natural and believable.
Callum is Mary Beth's - from the previous book, who worked at Lawson's diner, who talked about her son - son, and after a bad break up, he decides to move to Havenwood where his mother lives, which is her hometown, but he's never been.
Callum is a nurse practitioner, and after getting a job in Havenwood, his mother takes him in to live with her while he's looking for a place.
In the meantime, he and his mother bump into Knox and his son, Logan - who while living with his mother previously in Colorado, begged to come live with Knox - and Callum meets Logan, who is a 12-year-old kid going through some stuff, but who is super sweet and kind and who takes to Callum immediately.
Knox has another child, his 10-year-old daughter Charlotte, who is still living back with their mother, and she isn't in this much until in the end.
It's mainly focused on Knox and Callum falling in love, and Callum's growing bond with Logan. As Knox and Callum fall more for each other, the more Knox has to come to terms with his sexuality, when he always thought he was straight before Callum.
Meanwhile Callum is trying to build is relationship back up with his mother, and trying to find his footing in Havenwood.
Callum and Knox have great chemistry and wonderful together and very sweet. I enjoyed them together a lot. Knox's ex was great too, she was really nice about Knox being with a guy and she was nice to Callum when they met as well.
There's some drama later on with Charlotte, and it was understandable, how she felt and it made sense, but I was glad they were able to work through it and become closer through it all.
Knox and Callum were great together, the kids were great, and I just loved everything about this third installment. A strong outing from Ms. Hart.
I'm interesting to see Griff and Josh's story next - and last, it seems - when I did not think Josh would be Griff's LI, but I'm interested to see how that goes. Onto the next!
And I definitely recommend this one, which could be read as a standalone, but the first two in this series in enjoyable as well, so why would you? ;)
June 26, 2023
4.5/5 stars
My weakness is a single parent trope. Literally devoured every inch of this book. Knox was adorable along with Cal. I loved how Cal and Logan were bonding throughout the entire book. I love it when kids are not being annoying every five seconds.
My weakness is a single parent trope. Literally devoured every inch of this book. Knox was adorable along with Cal. I loved how Cal and Logan were bonding throughout the entire book. I love it when kids are not being annoying every five seconds.
April 7, 2021
After his ex-boyfriend cheated on him, Callum goes to Havenwood, ends up living in his mother's house and falling in love with Knox, a divorced father with two children, who is not as straight as he thought...
Callum is honest and direct with what he feels, and I really liked that. Knox is a good father who always tries to be there for his children and when he finally decides to go for what he wants, there are not doubt about it.
All the characters that appear bring good vibes. And I was a happy girl with the epilogue🥰
Lovely moments, steamy scenes, an enjoyable read.
Callum is honest and direct with what he feels, and I really liked that. Knox is a good father who always tries to be there for his children and when he finally decides to go for what he wants, there are not doubt about it.
All the characters that appear bring good vibes. And I was a happy girl with the epilogue🥰
Lovely moments, steamy scenes, an enjoyable read.
May 10, 2024
Thank you Tristan once again for recommending such a fantastic book <3 Hard Knox was simply beautiful and soft and I loved every minute I spent reading it. It's a small-town, single dad, M/M romance that just felt like a cozy blanket and you didn't want to ever let it go.
It has some angsty moments, jealousy scenes that end up with passionate kisses, sad moments where you feel your heart hurt for a bit, and other scenes that filled you up with SO MUCH HAPPINESS AND JOY and everything good in the world. You will get so happy that Callum and Knox found their way to each other in this wide world, likeeeee they're perfect together. I'm such a sucker for strangers to best friends to lovers! I love when the novel starts with them not knowing each other then slowly they start spending time together and soon enough they realize "hey you're my best friend but I also kinda want to hold you hand and kiss you and snuggle with you and be with you forever." Simply *chef kiss*
I'm definitely going to read more Riley Hart books - MOST LIKELY NEXT!
It has some angsty moments, jealousy scenes that end up with passionate kisses, sad moments where you feel your heart hurt for a bit, and other scenes that filled you up with SO MUCH HAPPINESS AND JOY and everything good in the world. You will get so happy that Callum and Knox found their way to each other in this wide world, likeeeee they're perfect together. I'm such a sucker for strangers to best friends to lovers! I love when the novel starts with them not knowing each other then slowly they start spending time together and soon enough they realize "hey you're my best friend but I also kinda want to hold you hand and kiss you and snuggle with you and be with you forever." Simply *chef kiss*
I'm definitely going to read more Riley Hart books - MOST LIKELY NEXT!
October 13, 2020
5 stars audio
4.5 stars story!
4.5 stars story!
September 18, 2022
This story wasn’t in my tbr. I read it completely on a whim, figuring it didn’t matter since most of the stories I’ve been reading lately haven’t been that great anyway. My expectations were very low, but I’m happy to admit that I actually enjoyed this one.
After finding out that his boyfriend cheated on him Callum came to Havenwood looking for a fresh start. When he saw Knox sitting at a bar with his friends he was instantly attracted to him. After seeing how much Knox cared about his son and forming an instant connection with him himself, Callum started longing to be a part of their family. Knox was straight but he had a hard time resisting Callum when he was being his usual sweet caring self to both him and Logan. Whether or not Callum could be in Knox’s life hinged on the acceptance of Knox’s daughter, Charlotte. She lived with his ex-wife and wasn’t keen on sharing her father with anyone.
In general, I don’t like stories with kids in them. Teenagers are fine but young kids with all their issues and demands can mess up even the best romances for me. Even though I understood, watching Knox and Callum walk on eggshells whenever “Charlie-girl” was around was annoying as hell. Even so, I still found this to be a satisfying slow burn. The connection between the MCs felt authentic and I loved the fact that Knox had a good relationship with his ex-wife and that Callum and his mother got along even though she didn’t fully support him when he first came out.
Kale Williams did a good job narrating, though sometimes his voice for Knox and Callum sounded the same. 3.5 stars, rounded up
After finding out that his boyfriend cheated on him Callum came to Havenwood looking for a fresh start. When he saw Knox sitting at a bar with his friends he was instantly attracted to him. After seeing how much Knox cared about his son and forming an instant connection with him himself, Callum started longing to be a part of their family. Knox was straight but he had a hard time resisting Callum when he was being his usual sweet caring self to both him and Logan. Whether or not Callum could be in Knox’s life hinged on the acceptance of Knox’s daughter, Charlotte. She lived with his ex-wife and wasn’t keen on sharing her father with anyone.
In general, I don’t like stories with kids in them. Teenagers are fine but young kids with all their issues and demands can mess up even the best romances for me. Even though I understood, watching Knox and Callum walk on eggshells whenever “Charlie-girl” was around was annoying as hell. Even so, I still found this to be a satisfying slow burn. The connection between the MCs felt authentic and I loved the fact that Knox had a good relationship with his ex-wife and that Callum and his mother got along even though she didn’t fully support him when he first came out.
Kale Williams did a good job narrating, though sometimes his voice for Knox and Callum sounded the same. 3.5 stars, rounded up
May 16, 2023
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
I’m a sucker for the single dad trope, and this is one of my favorites.
The story touched on the difficulties of figuring out your sexuality as a middle aged man, and the troubles that can come from introducing a new partner into your kids’ lives. And even though it wasn’t smooth sailing, the book wasn’t completely angst-ridden either. I’d say it was appropriately angsty (coming from a person that can hardly stand the littlest bit of relationship angst).
«‘Sexuality isn’t cut-and-paste. It’s not the same for everyone. I think the most important question isn’t why you didn’t know, but are you okay with it now? Because that’s what matters. That’s what affects you going forward.’»
I also enjoyed the friendship between Knox and Callum. It felt real, and like they had actual chemistry both as friends and lovers. Their interactions made me smile a whole hell of a lot, which I’d say is a great indicator for a good book lol.
Kale Williams did a really good job narrating the book too. I loved the book when I read it, and I thought he only added to it.
I will most definitely read this book again. If you enjoy these tropes, I highly recommend it.
«We’d just finished a section, and he lifted his shirt to wipe the sweat off his face. Holy fuck, his abs. It took everything in me not to whimper. He ended up pulling the dark tee off and tucking it in the back pocket of his jeans. Knox’s green gaze caught mine, and I was pretty sure my cheeks reddened. [...] He smiled. ‘What?’ Oh, bless his heart. He was so oblivious. It didn’t even compute with him that he attracted me.»
Book safety!
Tropes & tags
I’m a sucker for the single dad trope, and this is one of my favorites.
The story touched on the difficulties of figuring out your sexuality as a middle aged man, and the troubles that can come from introducing a new partner into your kids’ lives. And even though it wasn’t smooth sailing, the book wasn’t completely angst-ridden either. I’d say it was appropriately angsty (coming from a person that can hardly stand the littlest bit of relationship angst).
«‘Sexuality isn’t cut-and-paste. It’s not the same for everyone. I think the most important question isn’t why you didn’t know, but are you okay with it now? Because that’s what matters. That’s what affects you going forward.’»
I also enjoyed the friendship between Knox and Callum. It felt real, and like they had actual chemistry both as friends and lovers. Their interactions made me smile a whole hell of a lot, which I’d say is a great indicator for a good book lol.
Kale Williams did a really good job narrating the book too. I loved the book when I read it, and I thought he only added to it.
I will most definitely read this book again. If you enjoy these tropes, I highly recommend it.
«We’d just finished a section, and he lifted his shirt to wipe the sweat off his face. Holy fuck, his abs. It took everything in me not to whimper. He ended up pulling the dark tee off and tucking it in the back pocket of his jeans. Knox’s green gaze caught mine, and I was pretty sure my cheeks reddened. [...] He smiled. ‘What?’ Oh, bless his heart. He was so oblivious. It didn’t even compute with him that he attracted me.»
Book safety!
Tropes & tags
September 2, 2020
3.5 stars
October 19, 2020
Una serie muy recomendable.
April 8, 2022
Re-read 04/2022: I really enjoyed this re-read, it holds up!
I really liked this one. It is my favourite from this series so far! The two MCs meet on page 1 but it's a slow slow burn/ friends-to-lovers story. The pacing is great. I'm not sure the kids were acting their age but they were cute. The two MCs may be a little too perfect but it was fine with me. The whole cast from previous and future books were still very much here and that was great. I really think that you would get more by reading the series in order even though I guess this could be a standalone.
I really liked this one. It is my favourite from this series so far! The two MCs meet on page 1 but it's a slow slow burn/ friends-to-lovers story. The pacing is great. I'm not sure the kids were acting their age but they were cute. The two MCs may be a little too perfect but it was fine with me. The whole cast from previous and future books were still very much here and that was great. I really think that you would get more by reading the series in order even though I guess this could be a standalone.
August 28, 2020
KNOX is everything and more.
Did not read the firsts books because this cover was just incredible.
Loved this so much.
RTC.
January 31, 2023
Oh my heart! This was my favorite Havenwood story so far and right up there at the top of my all time favorite Riley Hart books! Boy can she write a killer bi-awakening story, she is the queen! Everything is there to make it so perfect, so believable, and just deliciously swoony. I adored Callum from the very first moment we met him. What a breathe of fresh air he was...caring, sweet, fierce... I just loved everything about him. The pull and connection between him and Knox was there from the start, but the part I liked best about their story was the friendship they developed first. They spent time together, got to know each other, genuinely liked and cared for each other before they let themselves move to the next step. When they finally did I could feel the emotion pouring off the pages, it made me smile and it made me swoon! I loved Knox and how he went with what he was feeling without too much angst. He knew he cared for Callum, he struggled with the fact that he was a man, but he didn't let that stop him from moving forward. Callum brightened his world, helped him find true happiness and made him smile.
There was also so much more beyond Knox and Callum in this book. There were so many other relationships that developed and touched my heart along the way. Knox's kids were front and center here and it was done beautifully. They needed to be, Knox was a dad first and foremost, and the relationship Callum had with Logan was just amazing...Logan was such a special kid. I also really liked Charlie and how her worries and fears weren't just brushed under the carpet but dealt with directly. Callum and his mom had some reconnecting and healing to do as well, that was really a very special part of this story.
And of course all the Havenwood gang was back as they supported Knox, welcomed Callum into the fold and continued to grow and expand their extended family! This was really a very well written book, it made me smile, it made me tear up, it made me just feel good! God how I cant wait for Griff and Josh's story next!!!
There was also so much more beyond Knox and Callum in this book. There were so many other relationships that developed and touched my heart along the way. Knox's kids were front and center here and it was done beautifully. They needed to be, Knox was a dad first and foremost, and the relationship Callum had with Logan was just amazing...Logan was such a special kid. I also really liked Charlie and how her worries and fears weren't just brushed under the carpet but dealt with directly. Callum and his mom had some reconnecting and healing to do as well, that was really a very special part of this story.
And of course all the Havenwood gang was back as they supported Knox, welcomed Callum into the fold and continued to grow and expand their extended family! This was really a very well written book, it made me smile, it made me tear up, it made me just feel good! God how I cant wait for Griff and Josh's story next!!!
November 29, 2020
My dude, it’s late. But I think it’s important for me to barf out this review.
It is very rare that I finish a book.
*gasps!*
I KNOW, OKAY?! I am a fake stan. I DNF books more than I finish them, but I usually rate them anyways because when you put time and effort into reading AT LEAST 70% the last thing you want to do is leave it. No? Just me?
Anyways, this was NOT a DNF for me. And I need you to understand how rare that is.
Riley Hart and I have a complicated relationship. I’ve enjoyed some of her books, but felt like they lacked substance. She’s who I go to for a good comfort read, if I need something super cheesy and life is just too hard.
This book walked into my life just when I needed it. With a little push from (you know who you are) I gave it a try. I didn’t like the first book in this series, and I have a thing where I want to read ALL the books in the series because I have issues. Anyways...
I thought this was gonna be a run of the mill meet cute. Which it WAS, I guess. But it was so much more. I’m kind of a sucker for kids in my romance novels (and lumberjacks, Jesus Knox 😍) so this really worked for me.
The friendship between Knox and Callum was beautiful. Knox discovering his sexuality was so rewarding to witness. The steamy times were IMMACULATE. It was so cheesy, sooo so so cheesy, but I needed some cheese even though I’m lactose intolerant.
It made me giggle, it made me smile. In the year of COVID, and as it’s ramping up as we reach Christmas, things have been very bland. Reading about Knox and Callum’s relationship, about Knox’s kids...it was something I needed and I thank Riley Hart with all my heart.
Now I’m gonna be tired for work tomorrow, but it was worth it.
It is very rare that I finish a book.
*gasps!*
I KNOW, OKAY?! I am a fake stan. I DNF books more than I finish them, but I usually rate them anyways because when you put time and effort into reading AT LEAST 70% the last thing you want to do is leave it. No? Just me?
Anyways, this was NOT a DNF for me. And I need you to understand how rare that is.
Riley Hart and I have a complicated relationship. I’ve enjoyed some of her books, but felt like they lacked substance. She’s who I go to for a good comfort read, if I need something super cheesy and life is just too hard.
This book walked into my life just when I needed it. With a little push from (you know who you are) I gave it a try. I didn’t like the first book in this series, and I have a thing where I want to read ALL the books in the series because I have issues. Anyways...
I thought this was gonna be a run of the mill meet cute. Which it WAS, I guess. But it was so much more. I’m kind of a sucker for kids in my romance novels (and lumberjacks, Jesus Knox 😍) so this really worked for me.
The friendship between Knox and Callum was beautiful. Knox discovering his sexuality was so rewarding to witness. The steamy times were IMMACULATE. It was so cheesy, sooo so so cheesy, but I needed some cheese even though I’m lactose intolerant.
It made me giggle, it made me smile. In the year of COVID, and as it’s ramping up as we reach Christmas, things have been very bland. Reading about Knox and Callum’s relationship, about Knox’s kids...it was something I needed and I thank Riley Hart with all my heart.
Now I’m gonna be tired for work tomorrow, but it was worth it.
October 10, 2020
OMG. It was sooo cute!!!
This was my favorite Havenwood story so far.
After witnessing the change of Josh and Griff's relationship in this book, I'm so excited about their story. It will be amazing!
And it's coming only 11 days later!! Yeayy.
Ps: I'm in love with the covers of thies series. Not the first one but other two are...
November 24, 2020
Cute and romantic. Not as good as 2nd book Murphy’s Law but still a cute story.
Gay meets straight trope.
New in town Callum is heartbroken after finding out his boyfriend cheated on him.
As soon as he’s meets the rugged lumberjack Knox he is smitten. But Knox is straight. And so the story goes...
Not really any angst. Every character is nice. Really nice. Too nice.
Although I do like Riley Hart this book didn’t grab me like 2nd book. I’m still going read 3rd book as I’m curious to see how this series ends. 🥰😊
Gay meets straight trope.
New in town Callum is heartbroken after finding out his boyfriend cheated on him.
As soon as he’s meets the rugged lumberjack Knox he is smitten. But Knox is straight. And so the story goes...
Not really any angst. Every character is nice. Really nice. Too nice.
Although I do like Riley Hart this book didn’t grab me like 2nd book. I’m still going read 3rd book as I’m curious to see how this series ends. 🥰😊
April 2, 2024
Swoon worthy, single dad romance based in a small town .
Love them together . I added Knox to my God tier book boyfriends
It got super spicy in the second half 🌳 👀🌳
Love them together . I added Knox to my God tier book boyfriends
It got super spicy in the second half 🌳 👀🌳
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