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This is an 11,000 word prequel novella set in the Ryker Ranch/Wilde Horse Ranch world.

The feud between the Rykers and Wildes runs deep. But every feud has to start somewhere.

As the heir to Ryker Ranch, I love two things. My family and my home.
I don't have time for distractions, for dating, and everything that goes along with falling in love. So when the prettiest girl I've ever seen ends up knocking me on my ass quicker than a bucking bronc, I'm not ready for her.

Sandy is everything I could want in a woman. She's smart, beautiful, kind, and with one sweet smile, I'm hers. Too bad it all falls apart before it can even begin. Because she's engaged to my friend and sometimes-rival Wes Wilde, and I don't stand a chance.

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2021

100 people are currently reading
206 people want to read

About the author

Kim Loraine

79 books1,063 followers
USA Today bestselling author Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.

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5 stars
143 (47%)
4 stars
99 (33%)
3 stars
43 (14%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
April 11, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/11/2021)! 🎁
Profile Image for Jess Brady.
Author 1 book167 followers
January 2, 2022
Thus began the rival between the Rykers & the Wildes....

It's 1980 and George Ryker is living his life on his family ranch when the most beautiful woman he has ever seen comes toward him. She immediately has thoughts in his head about their future and the possibilities of what could be only to find out that she is engaged to his best friend Wes.

Sandra didn't bargain for this life with Wes, not with the way he has become. She fell in love with the idea of a cowboy, and the way he was when they were away at college not this rude, arrogant cowboy who is more concerned with what he has and not who.

As love does, fate steps in and gives Sandra the push she needed to leave Wes but running into the arms of his best friend might just start a family feud that could end up lasting decades...

This is Pappa Ryker's story and his road to love while not easy is unbelievably worth it.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
116 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2022
Why did this have to be a prequel? Just when the plot has me pulled in, I find myself reading the epilogue. Cannot wait to dive into the rest of the Rykers and Wildes series. I have a feeling this series will not let me down.

The love story between George and Sandy is heartfelt and strong, even if we have not gotten their full story.

Hopefully in the coming books we will also get flashbacks of how the feud between the two families grew.

This was my first Kim Loraine book, but it won’t be my last. Do yourself a favor grab yourself a copy and dive in!
Profile Image for Caitlin Loggins.
Author 5 books36 followers
October 17, 2021
I absolutely loved the "love at first sight" romance between George and Sandy and how he was there for her when she needed him the most after Wes left her in front of the hotel.🙂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bookish Lauren.
Author 1 book179 followers
April 11, 2021
The sweet back story for Ryker Ranch kids' parents. FYI, there isn't any sexy times. Hence the sweet.
Profile Image for Jan .
2,156 reviews45 followers
November 2, 2021
A short insta love story

Here's where it all began before the Ryker boys and their sister came along.

A good addition to the series, it was nice seeing how Sandy and George Ryker first met and their insta love for each other.

I listened to this in audio as part of the box set and the only disappointing thing was at the beginning of each of Sandy's Chapters it says for example Chapter 2 Sandra? that was confusing. Did the narrators get the name wrong?

Profile Image for Barbara Cuyler.
Author 3 books2 followers
November 1, 2021
As a novella, this story didn't go into a lot of depth, but it was just enough to explain why there is such animosity between the Rykers and the Wildes. This is the story of George and Sandy, the patriarch and matriarch of the Ryker family. Sandy had been the fiancée of Westley Wildes before she realized that the two of them were incompatible. Not a lot of drama in this story, but, as I said, it provides good background material for the stories involving the Rykers and the Wildes.




Profile Image for Clara Martinez Turco.
770 reviews
April 23, 2023
Kim Loraine certainly knows how to pique my interest. Short but so good, Hard Love tells the story of Sandy and George Ryker. It also the starting point for the animosity and rivalry between the Rykers and the Wildes started. And now, I want to read both series!

It’s set in 1980, when George meets the woman of his dreams. She is funny, smart, gorgeous and everything he would love in a life-long partner. It’s love at first sight, and he can feel the connection. The problem? Sandy is Westley Wilde’s fiancé, who just moved into town.

George tries to stay away and not act upon his feelings. But when Sandy realizes Wes is not the right person for her, all bets are of.

This novella is an enticing appetizer into the Riker Ranch and the Wilde Horse Ranch series. Did I wish it was longer? Yes, because I adored these characters and wanted to know more. The good thing? Eight books await to be read.
Profile Image for Will Decker.
Author 23 books17 followers
May 3, 2021
The writing style felt forced and didn't really flow. The characters were stiff and unnatural. It was as if the author were trying too hard and not catching the true characters or essence of what was happening. Good potential for the series, but lacking in delivery.
Profile Image for Missy.
429 reviews
May 24, 2021
Great prequel

If you haven't already read the series, this is a great place to start. Even enemies, can become family. Learning about the beginning, George and Sandy, and Wes Wilde puts it all together. Look forward to the rest.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
May 28, 2021
Hard Love is the first book in the Wide Horse Ranch series and I loved getting to read about how the feud between the Rykers and the Wildes began. I especially loved getting to know George and how Sandy and George got together. Great start to the new series.
440 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2021
Sandy and Ryker

When Sandy first met George Ryker she knew he was the one for her, just as he knew she was it for him. Their journey through life is very cleverly spelled out in the prequel. Loved the story. Very ell written makes you feel like you are right there with them.
769 reviews6 followers
August 18, 2021
This is a quick read but worth your time.
What could possible be wrong with seeing the woman of your dreams and falling in love at first sight?
Seeing the engagement ring from your friend on her finger.
Standalone with no cliffhangers.
Great start to a new series.
Profile Image for R Rais.
1,562 reviews43 followers
May 9, 2022
Perfect prelude

This little prelude is a perfect tense for the series.
George and Sandy unexpected love at first sight, become the base of Rykers and Wilde on going feud.
Excited to read more of the series!
Profile Image for Vallene Boddington.
815 reviews35 followers
March 26, 2023
Great start to a series...

Hard love sets the stage of the feud between Rykers and Wildes but most of all it sets the tone of love. A great love story. Love at first sight. Insta love and cowboys, perfect...
Profile Image for Katie B.
361 reviews7 followers
August 17, 2024
5⭐️
0🌶️

The cutest novella that I absolutely needed to read. Mama Ryker deserved her story and I am so unbelievably glad we got it.
I hate insta love but this is the only exception.

Kim Loraine can do no wrong.
246 reviews16 followers
April 3, 2021
nice quick prequel on how the parents got together and it links the wilde and ryker families for the next book
Profile Image for Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth||.
1,392 reviews47 followers
April 12, 2021
A perfect prequel! I loved getting to see how George abs Sandra Ryker met and fell in love. It was the picture perfect, love at first sight meeting i was hoping for.
Profile Image for Suzanne Giorgione.
522 reviews19 followers
May 15, 2021
This was really a great prequel. It was sweet to read how the Rykers got together and how the Ryker/Wilde war began. A wonderful beginning to a new series! Can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Moriah.
2,671 reviews22 followers
May 17, 2021
Loved

Loved the Ryker series and am so excited to start this one off with a bang with Sutton and Sera!
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,320 reviews8 followers
May 31, 2021
I loved this series and can't wait for more
459 reviews
July 5, 2021
Page 8

That's as far as I read in this book! The author decided she had to have her character use the Lords name in vain!! I will NOT be reading anything from this author!
Profile Image for Adri G.M..
Author 12 books276 followers
October 3, 2021
2.5 *

Short, sweet, totally insta-love, not much happens.
Profile Image for April Stacey.
436 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2021
Now that's a start

Wow this is a great start to what I hope will be a Wilde ride! The love felt in this is what we dream of but is so hard to find. Beautiful beginning
Profile Image for Dee.
5 reviews
January 7, 2022
good beginning

this short novella starts the ryker story with sandy and clint. good to know how it all began and how the ryker-wilde feud came about.
Profile Image for Susa.
556 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2022
Very romantic prequel to this series!
363 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2022
Five stars!

Cowboy love at its finest. The story is
short and sweet with so much love and romance. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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