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Hart's Bay #1
Wo unser Herz sich entscheidet
Entspricht 274 Romanseiten.
Jesse Stone will einen Neuanfang. Nachdem er seinen nutzlosen Ex losgeworden ist, hat er allen Männern abgeschworen, ist frisch nach Hart’s Bay gezogen und… hat direkt mit seinem attraktiven neuen Nachbarn Finn geschlafen. Ups. Dabei baut Jesse gerade sein eigenes Geschäft auf und kann so eine Ablenkung überhaupt nicht gebrauchen. Und auch Finn hat eigentlich andere Probleme, schließlich will er Hart’s Bay neues Leben einhauchen und muss sich mit einigen sturen Bewohnern herumschlagen. Aber vielleicht können die beiden Männer ja gemeinsam erreichen, was sie allein nicht schaffen, denn ihre Herzen haben sich längst füreinander entschieden…
Band 1 der "Hart's Bay"-Reihe. Buch ist in sich abgeschlossen.
Jesse Stone will einen Neuanfang. Nachdem er seinen nutzlosen Ex losgeworden ist, hat er allen Männern abgeschworen, ist frisch nach Hart’s Bay gezogen und… hat direkt mit seinem attraktiven neuen Nachbarn Finn geschlafen. Ups. Dabei baut Jesse gerade sein eigenes Geschäft auf und kann so eine Ablenkung überhaupt nicht gebrauchen. Und auch Finn hat eigentlich andere Probleme, schließlich will er Hart’s Bay neues Leben einhauchen und muss sich mit einigen sturen Bewohnern herumschlagen. Aber vielleicht können die beiden Männer ja gemeinsam erreichen, was sie allein nicht schaffen, denn ihre Herzen haben sich längst füreinander entschieden…
Band 1 der "Hart's Bay"-Reihe. Buch ist in sich abgeschlossen.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2019
304 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
E. Davies
130 books728 followersE. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! Born in Canada, after 16 moves and counting, Ed has finally put down roots in north London.
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
June 7, 2020
Hot hot hot!!!! You might not be able to finish listening to this after the first chapter melts your device. Sex on the beach in a secluded cove, oh yes. I really liked Finn and Jesse from the first even though we didn't know anything much about them during their first encounter. The author used that interaction to establish that they were both good guys by the way they asked each other for consent and all their actions indicated respect for the other person even in this thing they both were calling a "one time" thing. After that, I laughed every time we heard their point of view and they were still trying to convince themselves that it was much, much deeper. I did not expect to find this a suspenseful read, but all of the issues among Finn's family and how that was impacting the whole town was really interesting and eventually life threatening. I loved that the author didn't tell us everything at once but dropped bits and pieces as Finn needed to tell Jesse something, and how all that family intrigue affected Jesse and his friends getting the space for their art studio and gallery. The solution of the criminal acts against the gallery was not a surprise, but the way it was handled was. Evil thwarted is always satisfying. Greg Boudreax was a new narrator for me but he is wonderful. Some narrators try too hard to make an impression. This one sounds like real people actually talking to each other and I believed every character instantly and each character's voice was clearly delineated. Mr. Boudreaux goes right to the top of my list of narrators to follow.
August 18, 2019
3.5*
I do like Ed Davies' style of writing and the way there's always a sweetness at the heart of the narrative.
I've only not rated this one higher because I felt the middle part of the book had an odd pacing where all of a sudden, both Jesse and Finn started second-guessing and doubting each other.
I say odd because, up to that point, they'd been communicating pretty well and moving their relationship on in a steady and believable manner even though only a short period of time had passed.
The major conflict in the book is going to run through the series if I understand it right. The tensions coming from the fall out between two sides of the Hart family.
It all wrapped up a little neatly here but, honestly, I didn't care too much about that because Jesse and Finn were just too cute together and rather steamy.
Things happen over a fairly short time period but, again it didn't feel instalove-y because the chemistry between them was clear.
Now I've just been surprised at who the next book is about as Rain Hart, Finn's cousin, is the next family member under the spotlight but his love interest isn't who I expected.
Om looking forward to seeing where Hart's Bay goes next.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I do like Ed Davies' style of writing and the way there's always a sweetness at the heart of the narrative.
I've only not rated this one higher because I felt the middle part of the book had an odd pacing where all of a sudden, both Jesse and Finn started second-guessing and doubting each other.
I say odd because, up to that point, they'd been communicating pretty well and moving their relationship on in a steady and believable manner even though only a short period of time had passed.
The major conflict in the book is going to run through the series if I understand it right. The tensions coming from the fall out between two sides of the Hart family.
It all wrapped up a little neatly here but, honestly, I didn't care too much about that because Jesse and Finn were just too cute together and rather steamy.
Things happen over a fairly short time period but, again it didn't feel instalove-y because the chemistry between them was clear.
Now I've just been surprised at who the next book is about as Rain Hart, Finn's cousin, is the next family member under the spotlight but his love interest isn't who I expected.
Om looking forward to seeing where Hart's Bay goes next.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
February 12, 2020
Hard Hart is my first experience with the writing of E. Davies and I'm going right back for more. I’ve already got Changed Hart loaded up and ready to go. The whole way through this one I had my fingers crossed that Rainier’s story would be next and I can’t wait to see how that all plays out.
Davies' characters are well developed, unique, and I've enjoyed getting to know them. There’s a great balance between mystery, action, and romancin’ (and Mr. Davies writes one heck of a love scene!).
The Hart’s Bay series is performed by the wonderful Greg Boudreaux, and I don’t have to convince his fans to trust me on this one… Boudreaux completely and thoroughly nails it.
an audiobook copy of Hard Hart was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Davies' characters are well developed, unique, and I've enjoyed getting to know them. There’s a great balance between mystery, action, and romancin’ (and Mr. Davies writes one heck of a love scene!).
The Hart’s Bay series is performed by the wonderful Greg Boudreaux, and I don’t have to convince his fans to trust me on this one… Boudreaux completely and thoroughly nails it.
an audiobook copy of Hard Hart was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
freebie
November 19, 2020Now *FREE* for a limited time on Amazon, 2020-11-18:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WDR892G
July 1, 2022
Reread June 2022
I really, really enjoyed this book. It has all the softness and good feelings that I expect from an E. Davies book.
There's some great world-building for future books and an amazing set of characters. Finn was amazing. Swoon worthy. I would exchange my husband for Finn. (Shh!). All of Jesse's friends were great. Hell, I even liked Rainier. The only one I had a problem with was, and this is unfortunate... Jesse. He was just too whiny. Everything made him whine. Everything. And while I found it endearing in the beginning I quickly grew tired of it. Like dude, get it together. As expected from this author the epilogue was sugary sweet and all I ever wanted.
Would've been a five star read if it wasn't for Jesse.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It has all the softness and good feelings that I expect from an E. Davies book.
There's some great world-building for future books and an amazing set of characters. Finn was amazing. Swoon worthy. I would exchange my husband for Finn. (Shh!). All of Jesse's friends were great. Hell, I even liked Rainier. The only one I had a problem with was, and this is unfortunate... Jesse. He was just too whiny. Everything made him whine. Everything. And while I found it endearing in the beginning I quickly grew tired of it. Like dude, get it together. As expected from this author the epilogue was sugary sweet and all I ever wanted.
Would've been a five star read if it wasn't for Jesse.
February 24, 2020
Hard in all the right ways!!
I REALLY LIKED this novel more than the 3 Stars imply. I listened to a fabulous narration by Greg Boudreaux who brought the characters to life.
The first half of this hook-up turned relationship book was FUNNY and HOT 🔥🔥! Davies can write a hell of a sex scene full of dirty talk!!
The two MCs had fantastic chemistry and some good tension. Them I liked.
What made this a 3 star read instead of a 4 Star was the OTT plot which revolved around a long-standing family feud and major homophobia. It felt quite contrived.
But...like I said, I truly enjoyed this and will definitely listen to the next books in the series!
My rec? Give it a shot (thanks Trio for putting this series on my radar)!!
I REALLY LIKED this novel more than the 3 Stars imply. I listened to a fabulous narration by Greg Boudreaux who brought the characters to life.
The first half of this hook-up turned relationship book was FUNNY and HOT 🔥🔥! Davies can write a hell of a sex scene full of dirty talk!!
The two MCs had fantastic chemistry and some good tension. Them I liked.
What made this a 3 star read instead of a 4 Star was the OTT plot which revolved around a long-standing family feud and major homophobia. It felt quite contrived.
But...like I said, I truly enjoyed this and will definitely listen to the next books in the series!
My rec? Give it a shot (thanks Trio for putting this series on my radar)!!
May 25, 2021
Awesome narration of course, but really, Greg B. deserves better material than this. The plot, such as it was, is tissue-paper thin and the book as a whole is more like a string of sex scenes interspersed with Other Stuff. There's way too much telling as opposed to showing, the 'plot' is full of inconsitencies (like characters saying they'll do one thing and then doing another) and the aforementioned sex scenes were repetitive and a bit boring; in print I'd probably have skipped them as they don't really add anything to the story.
I'm currently (attempting) to work my way through my Audible library to listen to things I bought and haven't got around to listening to yet; this was one of those, but I don't think I'll be listening to it again or continuing with this series.
I'm currently (attempting) to work my way through my Audible library to listen to things I bought and haven't got around to listening to yet; this was one of those, but I don't think I'll be listening to it again or continuing with this series.
October 17, 2019
This is 100% E. Davies's style. Sexy MCs, beautiful surroundings, low angst and hot sex. Loved it!
April 18, 2020
The start of a small town soft love series that goes through the Hart family. Dual POV, plenty of sex and homophobia. It was alright. Finn’s attitude towards Rain was a bit annoying. Looking forward to reading Rain’s story.
April 25, 2020
*New to me author
* Read for RARE
* Read for RARE
Want to read
November 18, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/18/2020)! 🎁
February 15, 2021
Oh, I so loved this book. E. Davies you write the best books. I always cry happy tears. I love your characters. Jesse and Finn were perfect. I loved them. Thank you for writing this wonderful story.
August 14, 2020
A good read, and a good start to a series. A group of artsy friends decided to move to a rundown small town on the Oregon coast to start an art co-op. The group is running away from their problems and heart aches in the big city to start a fresh life and swearing off relationships with men. Yet, Jesse falls for Finn the first night there. Now they’ve become involved in the small town politics and the family feud which has kept this town in shambles. The first half felt too long, but the last half of the book was faster pace and more exciting.
September 27, 2019
There's too much telling and not enough showing in this book. Also, characters come to a decision on one page and then go against that decision on the next. I almost DNF'd this but wound up skimming the last quarter to get through it.
October 23, 2020
Ich weiß nicht genau, wie ich dieses Buch bewerten soll, denn einerseits ist es eine schöne Geschichte, andererseits habe ich mich durch die ersten 70% der Story mit jeder Seite mehr und mehr durchquälen müssen.
Jesse und Finn erreichen mich als Charaktere einfach nicht und da fast zwei Drittel im Buch kaum etwas passiert, außer, dass sie sich näher kennenlernen und ständig eine Sexszene auf die andere folgt, war ich irgendwann so genervt, dass ich den Rest der Story nur noch überflogen habe, in der Hoffnung, auf ein bisschen mehr Inhalt. Der kam dann am Ende auch, nur wiegt es die anfänglichen Probleme nicht auf, die ich mit der Story hatte, obwohl das Paar ein schönes Happy End bekommt.
Die Story hätte eigentlich alles, was es braucht, um einen tollen Lesenachmittag zu erleben, trotzdem bin ich enttäuscht, weil der Funke bis zum Schluss nicht übergesprungen ist. Ich hätte mir hier eindeutig weniger Sex und dafür mehr Inhalt gewünscht.
Ob ich die nächsten Bände der Reihe lesen werde, weiß ich noch nicht. Vorläufig wird »Wo unser Herz sich entscheidet« das erste und zugleich letzte Buch der Autorin für mich bleiben.
Jesse und Finn erreichen mich als Charaktere einfach nicht und da fast zwei Drittel im Buch kaum etwas passiert, außer, dass sie sich näher kennenlernen und ständig eine Sexszene auf die andere folgt, war ich irgendwann so genervt, dass ich den Rest der Story nur noch überflogen habe, in der Hoffnung, auf ein bisschen mehr Inhalt. Der kam dann am Ende auch, nur wiegt es die anfänglichen Probleme nicht auf, die ich mit der Story hatte, obwohl das Paar ein schönes Happy End bekommt.
Die Story hätte eigentlich alles, was es braucht, um einen tollen Lesenachmittag zu erleben, trotzdem bin ich enttäuscht, weil der Funke bis zum Schluss nicht übergesprungen ist. Ich hätte mir hier eindeutig weniger Sex und dafür mehr Inhalt gewünscht.
Ob ich die nächsten Bände der Reihe lesen werde, weiß ich noch nicht. Vorläufig wird »Wo unser Herz sich entscheidet« das erste und zugleich letzte Buch der Autorin für mich bleiben.
July 18, 2023
This book was a really good start to a new series and a new author for me. From the first scene of Jesse and Finn hooking up for a night and having hot sex on the beach to the ending which was really fantastic I was hooked. I loved the story line and the characters and this book was so well written with descriptions so well done of the ocean, the sand, the people and everything else. I can picture the run down derelict like town with the beautiful views.
A great start to what I am sure will be a wonderful series.
A great start to what I am sure will be a wonderful series.
dnf-maybe-later
January 30, 2020DNF listening to this book only about 10 to 15 minutes in.
The book starts with sex. Regular sex.
If I want to read sex of people I know nothing about, I read or watch or listen to porn.
When I want to read romance, I do not like when I have to start by listening to lots of sex before I even get to know the characters. That's not sexy, not interesting.
I will have to be very careful next time before I buy anything from this author. This is waste of my time and money.
The book starts with sex. Regular sex.
If I want to read sex of people I know nothing about, I read or watch or listen to porn.
When I want to read romance, I do not like when I have to start by listening to lots of sex before I even get to know the characters. That's not sexy, not interesting.
I will have to be very careful next time before I buy anything from this author. This is waste of my time and money.
January 13, 2021
**1.5 rounded up for the polish in the prose**
Way too thin on plot and a bit too heavy on sex scenes. (Though I may have felt different about the sex interludes if they weren’t so... mediocre.)
Also, I can’t be the only one who found it ridiculous that the MC’s first thought after catching his landlord (who also happens to be his boyfriend’s grandfather) vandalizing his business would be, “I need a BJ right this minute.”
I won’t be reading any more books in the series.
I enjoyed E. Davies’ books in “The Riley Brother Collection,” but those in “Significant Brothers” were ‘meh’ at best. I don’t see myself reading either series again.
Perhaps this author just doesn’t hit my sweet spot. 🤷♂️
Way too thin on plot and a bit too heavy on sex scenes. (Though I may have felt different about the sex interludes if they weren’t so... mediocre.)
Also, I can’t be the only one who found it ridiculous that the MC’s first thought after catching his landlord (who also happens to be his boyfriend’s grandfather) vandalizing his business would be, “I need a BJ right this minute.”
I won’t be reading any more books in the series.
I enjoyed E. Davies’ books in “The Riley Brother Collection,” but those in “Significant Brothers” were ‘meh’ at best. I don’t see myself reading either series again.
Perhaps this author just doesn’t hit my sweet spot. 🤷♂️
July 13, 2021
3-3.5 stars
Liked it didn’t love it. I wished we had more time with the Hart family (Finns family) so we could see the dynamics instead of being told what was happening.
Also wished that Rain was there more so we could connect with him to make me want to read the next book right away, because now I don’t feel the need to read it right away.
Greg Boudreaux did a great job narrating!
Overall good read, but kinda forgettable….
Liked it didn’t love it. I wished we had more time with the Hart family (Finns family) so we could see the dynamics instead of being told what was happening.
Also wished that Rain was there more so we could connect with him to make me want to read the next book right away, because now I don’t feel the need to read it right away.
Greg Boudreaux did a great job narrating!
Overall good read, but kinda forgettable….
August 30, 2023
A very cute romance with some very likable MCs. There are instant sparks when Jesse and Finn meet, like run down to the beach and have sex sparks. Jesse and his friends have arrived in Hart’s Bay to start an art co-op and run afoul of the Hatfield and McCoy generational fight happening in Finn’s family. It seems this family war may have started over some ridiculous ideas in the older generation and things just went downhill from there. That aside, Jesse and Finn are so sweet together and I loved their HEA.
June 14, 2021
Couldn't really get into it but I did read it.
3 ⭐
3 ⭐
February 20, 2020
Audiobook Reviewed by Prime for MM Good Book Reviews 5 💖💖💖💖💖 Hearts
Hard Hart is the first book in E. Davies Hart’s Bay series, set in the small, beautiful town of Hart’s Bay. The author, E. Davies, is completely new to me, so I didn’t know what to expect, but was drawn in by the blurb.
In two ways, this book was a series of first times for me. This is the first E. Davis I’ve read/heard the audio for and this was also the first time I’ve heard narration by Greg Boudreaux. And in the end I really enjoyed both the story – as well as Davies writing style – and the narration. Boudreaux has a great tone and speed which perfectly matched the characters and their emotions. It helped me to effectively connect with the characters, particularly Jesse.
The story introduces is about Jesse Stone and Finn Hart.
Jesse recently went through a rough break up which ended in he and his friends swearing off men and leaving the big city for the small idyllic town of Hart’s Bay. Jesse and his friends are artists and their dream is to launch an art co-op, which could also bring in other local artists. They got the house, now they needed a place to set up their co-op/gallery and their workspaces. It’s a lot to do and while on the surface Hart’s Bay seems like a charming town, there are tensions that the newbies don’t understand. However, Jesse learns all about the town’s darker secrets when he gets close to his neighbour, Finn Hart.
Finn has lived in Hart’s Bay all his life. He was only young when the family – the richest family and who own most of town – had a fight, which was something of a mystery to the younger generation of Harts but nonetheless maintained. Along with the argument there was the collapse of the Hart family’s fishery and associated processing plant, which had kept much of the town employed. Now the town was considered a quaint, if dying town, and it seemed that one side of the Hart family – Finn’s grandfather – would rather see the town die and the tourists.
The Hart family argument is the main cause of most of the issues in this book, and in that way Hard Hart is very stereotypical of what you’d expect from a small town whose founding family is locked in a years old, bitter fight. However, the romance between Jesse and Finn is a really sweet contrast to all the tension. Jesse and his friends are the new men in town and they have big plans that Finn supports but his fears of going up again his grandfather and “the other side” of the family is a really important point for Finn’s development.
Great story and great narration. Whether in book or audio, I can’t wait for book 2!
Hard Hart is the first book in E. Davies Hart’s Bay series, set in the small, beautiful town of Hart’s Bay. The author, E. Davies, is completely new to me, so I didn’t know what to expect, but was drawn in by the blurb.
In two ways, this book was a series of first times for me. This is the first E. Davis I’ve read/heard the audio for and this was also the first time I’ve heard narration by Greg Boudreaux. And in the end I really enjoyed both the story – as well as Davies writing style – and the narration. Boudreaux has a great tone and speed which perfectly matched the characters and their emotions. It helped me to effectively connect with the characters, particularly Jesse.
The story introduces is about Jesse Stone and Finn Hart.
Jesse recently went through a rough break up which ended in he and his friends swearing off men and leaving the big city for the small idyllic town of Hart’s Bay. Jesse and his friends are artists and their dream is to launch an art co-op, which could also bring in other local artists. They got the house, now they needed a place to set up their co-op/gallery and their workspaces. It’s a lot to do and while on the surface Hart’s Bay seems like a charming town, there are tensions that the newbies don’t understand. However, Jesse learns all about the town’s darker secrets when he gets close to his neighbour, Finn Hart.
Finn has lived in Hart’s Bay all his life. He was only young when the family – the richest family and who own most of town – had a fight, which was something of a mystery to the younger generation of Harts but nonetheless maintained. Along with the argument there was the collapse of the Hart family’s fishery and associated processing plant, which had kept much of the town employed. Now the town was considered a quaint, if dying town, and it seemed that one side of the Hart family – Finn’s grandfather – would rather see the town die and the tourists.
The Hart family argument is the main cause of most of the issues in this book, and in that way Hard Hart is very stereotypical of what you’d expect from a small town whose founding family is locked in a years old, bitter fight. However, the romance between Jesse and Finn is a really sweet contrast to all the tension. Jesse and his friends are the new men in town and they have big plans that Finn supports but his fears of going up again his grandfather and “the other side” of the family is a really important point for Finn’s development.
Great story and great narration. Whether in book or audio, I can’t wait for book 2!
August 22, 2019
MY NEW VACATION DESTINATION
This is a FANTASTIC introduction to what looks like a coastal town I want to vacation in. HART'S BAY is an area in disrepair. Founding Fathers and feuding relatives need to learn to back off. Jesse is an artist with his close friends and dreams who is going to shake this coastline town up. With only determination and strength of will he has a plan. Finn is a life long resident, a peace maker. He is a hard working, great guy who chooses the path of least resistance. Jesse with his slight build and sharp wit are a challenge. Finn can't resist this, even if it might shake things up. These two ignite a spark in each other that can't be denied. Jesse wants a place to create and thrive. Finn longs for a time that only exists in his past, a place that can wake up and thrive again. Can their passion for each other bring renewal to Hart's Bay? This is an AMAZING cast of characters. Grab a cool drink, a fan, a comfortable seat and settle in to be entertained. Thank you E. Davies for creating this new vacation destination. My next trip is already booked. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
This is a FANTASTIC introduction to what looks like a coastal town I want to vacation in. HART'S BAY is an area in disrepair. Founding Fathers and feuding relatives need to learn to back off. Jesse is an artist with his close friends and dreams who is going to shake this coastline town up. With only determination and strength of will he has a plan. Finn is a life long resident, a peace maker. He is a hard working, great guy who chooses the path of least resistance. Jesse with his slight build and sharp wit are a challenge. Finn can't resist this, even if it might shake things up. These two ignite a spark in each other that can't be denied. Jesse wants a place to create and thrive. Finn longs for a time that only exists in his past, a place that can wake up and thrive again. Can their passion for each other bring renewal to Hart's Bay? This is an AMAZING cast of characters. Grab a cool drink, a fan, a comfortable seat and settle in to be entertained. Thank you E. Davies for creating this new vacation destination. My next trip is already booked. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
September 3, 2019
Fantastic start to a new series from E. Davies that I am super excited about! I love small-town stories, especially beach towns, and Hart’s Bay fits right into that trope. I really enjoy the connection between Jesse and Finn right from the very first page; their chemistry is off the charts and the feelings run deep, even when they aren’t meant to. Jesse and his group of friends moved to Hart’s Bay to sell their art, and I like the artsy vibe to the book thanks to their endeavor. The history of the town’s founding family and the feud within it is so sad, and frankly had me irritated on behalf of Finn’s side... but then there is Rain, and I am so excited for his story next. I hope we will get to see stories for each of Jesse’s friends, too, and after the events of this book, I also can’t wait to see Hart’s Bay reach the potential that has been ignored for decades. Definitely recommend!
August 21, 2019
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Hard Hart is the first book in a new MM small town romance, that includes a group of guys that all deserve a happily ever after. This is a decent start to a series but in my opinion felt like it was trying too hard. I am all for intimate scenes in a romance novel but in this case they seemed to take over the story. Those scenes were extremely hot and heavy and I felt diminished the emotional connection that Jesse and Finn were building. They had some really sweet and tender moments that made me swoon. Even though I am only giving this a 3 star rating I will most likely continue the series because I have a weakness for small town romances and I enjoyed all of Jessie's friends and look forward to their books.
Hard Hart is the first book in a new MM small town romance, that includes a group of guys that all deserve a happily ever after. This is a decent start to a series but in my opinion felt like it was trying too hard. I am all for intimate scenes in a romance novel but in this case they seemed to take over the story. Those scenes were extremely hot and heavy and I felt diminished the emotional connection that Jesse and Finn were building. They had some really sweet and tender moments that made me swoon. Even though I am only giving this a 3 star rating I will most likely continue the series because I have a weakness for small town romances and I enjoyed all of Jessie's friends and look forward to their books.
March 21, 2021
I am a huge fan of E. Davies' work, and this book is no exception. I loved the setting and the characters, and it had such a great flow to it. It fits the kind of style that I am used to from Ed's books, and I loved every minute of it. Finn and Jesse start off as a little hookup, but so much more comes of it. I liked watching them navigate from not wanting any relationship to realize that what they had was perfect, and I liked seeing Finn break down some of the Hart Family walls. Finn and Jesse were a great match together. I am really looking forward to more of these guys and the Hart's Bay world. I can't wait to figure out what the deal is with Rain, but I already love him.
I also listened to the audio version, and Greg Boudreaux did an awesome job narrating these characters.
I also listened to the audio version, and Greg Boudreaux did an awesome job narrating these characters.
January 3, 2025
Pretty fun! I got an audiobook bundle of the 4 Hart's Bay books, and this was the first one.
Cute smalltown romance, one-night hookups to next-door neighbors (oops!) to true lovers. Jesse's new in town, hurting from a dastardly ex, sworn off men, and is thrilled to have his mind blown on his first night out by a charming stranger, Finn, in a beach cove. Romantic hookup no strings...yes, please, says Jesse!
Then he and his friends go out to the bar on another night...and guess who's there again...and guess whose cars go home turning on all the same streets...! It's funny when they pull into neighboring driveways. And then just cannot, CANNOT stay away from each other, despite Jesse having moved to Hart's Bay with four friends and fellow artists who all share the house next door to Finn's. And know Jesse has sworn off anything romantic for the time being.
Well, best "laid" plans...!
There's turmoil in town due to an old feud amongst the Hart family, and Jesse and friends get caught up in that a bit as they try to rent a place for their art gallery and run into trouble after trouble. Sketchy relatives, wise bartenders, and lovely artwork abound, and I also rather loved Jesse's dippy hippy mom. And Jesse and Finn are scorching in the sheets (good thing cause they were jumping each other like every other chapter?!).
HEA, hookups to lovers, small town, family feud. No cheating, no others in any way. Safe! A fun story with great narration by Greg Boudreaux. Recommended
Cute smalltown romance, one-night hookups to next-door neighbors (oops!) to true lovers. Jesse's new in town, hurting from a dastardly ex, sworn off men, and is thrilled to have his mind blown on his first night out by a charming stranger, Finn, in a beach cove. Romantic hookup no strings...yes, please, says Jesse!
Then he and his friends go out to the bar on another night...and guess who's there again...and guess whose cars go home turning on all the same streets...! It's funny when they pull into neighboring driveways. And then just cannot, CANNOT stay away from each other, despite Jesse having moved to Hart's Bay with four friends and fellow artists who all share the house next door to Finn's. And know Jesse has sworn off anything romantic for the time being.
Well, best "laid" plans...!
There's turmoil in town due to an old feud amongst the Hart family, and Jesse and friends get caught up in that a bit as they try to rent a place for their art gallery and run into trouble after trouble. Sketchy relatives, wise bartenders, and lovely artwork abound, and I also rather loved Jesse's dippy hippy mom. And Jesse and Finn are scorching in the sheets (good thing cause they were jumping each other like every other chapter?!).
HEA, hookups to lovers, small town, family feud. No cheating, no others in any way. Safe! A fun story with great narration by Greg Boudreaux. Recommended
November 2, 2023
4.5
I’m not usually a fan of friends with benefits to lovers. To me it always feels like it’s about the sex, but this book took the time to build their relationship. They perfectly executed both the friend and benefits side of their relation making it believable that they were fall for each other. I also liked how neither of the main characters whole personality was “love interest” they both had goals and things that drove them to be their own person and their relationship just made them stronger.
My only real complaint was with Finn. Sometimes he was a little fickle and it was crazy that he was fighting so hard on things when he didn’t even know the whole truth.
The tension in town was intense and it was fun to uncover the truth with the characters as they worked to unravel the truth behind what caused the feud. It’s crazy how love could bring so much hate.
All the characters, including supporting characters, were well flushed out and it was easy to find favorites and root for them. It will be interesting to see where this series goes.
I’m not usually a fan of friends with benefits to lovers. To me it always feels like it’s about the sex, but this book took the time to build their relationship. They perfectly executed both the friend and benefits side of their relation making it believable that they were fall for each other. I also liked how neither of the main characters whole personality was “love interest” they both had goals and things that drove them to be their own person and their relationship just made them stronger.
My only real complaint was with Finn. Sometimes he was a little fickle and it was crazy that he was fighting so hard on things when he didn’t even know the whole truth.
The tension in town was intense and it was fun to uncover the truth with the characters as they worked to unravel the truth behind what caused the feud. It’s crazy how love could bring so much hate.
All the characters, including supporting characters, were well flushed out and it was easy to find favorites and root for them. It will be interesting to see where this series goes.
December 15, 2024
I’ve been jumping around with LGBT fiction and authors. I was not familiar with E. Davies but Audible recommended them to me. I decided to download two collections by them and finished them between November and December. I would recommend them as an offer.
Hart’s Bay was a great collection of four novels that revolve around a group of young adults who buy a house in a rundown town. They each plan on running an art collective down town but end up branching off and partnering up with people in the town. They open new businesses and bring the community back together.
E. Davies does a good job at character development and relationship development with each story. They are each unique and do not get repetitive like some collections. Each character has their own flaw and they eventually overcome their issues.
I wish this series was longer as there were more characters that could’ve been developed.
★★★★★
Hart’s Bay was a great collection of four novels that revolve around a group of young adults who buy a house in a rundown town. They each plan on running an art collective down town but end up branching off and partnering up with people in the town. They open new businesses and bring the community back together.
E. Davies does a good job at character development and relationship development with each story. They are each unique and do not get repetitive like some collections. Each character has their own flaw and they eventually overcome their issues.
I wish this series was longer as there were more characters that could’ve been developed.
★★★★★
April 24, 2020
Finn Hart's a construction manager for his father and uncle's company. His family is the founder of the town, Hart's Bay. There is a division within the family with Finn's dad and uncle on one side and his grandfather and another uncle on the other. As a result, the town is languishing. Finn meets Jesse Stone who moved to Hart's Bay to open an art collective with four of this friends. Finn and Jesse have an encounter and think they will never see each other again. Then they find out they live next door to each other. They begin a tentative relationship that becomes more. Finn's grandfather wants to destroy any progress in Hart's Bay. Finn wants to restore the town. After an explosive encounter with his grandfather, his cousin Raine brokers a peaceful resolution that may mean Hart's Bay will become a charming town on the bay once again.
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