Get ready for a thrilling clash of talent, attraction, and redemption in the ultimate reality showdown!
Max, burdened by regret over losing his cherished family home, gets a golden opportunity when he joins the immensely popular series, Go Hard or Go Home. But little does he know that his fiercest rival will be none other than a stunning woman in work boots and tight overalls.
Sam is determined to prove everyone wrong and emerge victorious regardless of her learning disability. Not even the charming guy in Clark Kent glasses can distract her from her mission. Armed with remarkable woodworking skills and irresistible charisma, she's ready to win over not just the judges but also the hearts of the social media crowd.
Although Sam and Max seem destined to clash, they can't ignore the electrifying chemistry brewing between them. As the competition intensifies, they find themselves at a crossroads. Will they follow their hearts and succumb to their undeniable connection, or will they fight tooth and nail for the coveted renovated farmhouse? With only one winner allowed in this cutthroat game, they must weigh the cost of victory against the ultimate prize.
Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of laughs, unexpected alliances, and funny twists that will keep you on the edge of your sofa.
4⭐️ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ California Publication date ~ May 28, 2022 Publisher ~ Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op Est Page Count ~ 239 (17 titled chapters +e) Audio length ~ 6 hours 48 minutes Narrator ~ Virtual Voice POV ~ dual 1st person, present tense Featuring ~ reality home improvement competition, small town, slow burn, competitors to lovers, minimal steamage
Sam (30) & Max (are my niece and nephews name, who are siblings, so some scenes were a little awkward for me 😂) are competing against each other to win a farm house. Sam is a strong builder and Max grew up on a farm. They both want the house for very different reasons. Who has the better skills to win their dream home?
There were a good mix of tasks they had to complete that showcased both of their skills and weaknesses equally. It, also, does a good job of showing what it's like behind the scenes of a reality show. Sam's hair, makeup and wardrobe ladies, Verda and Lynn, added some extra fun to the story. On the other hand, the host, Rob, is a big time sexist douche that needed a fingernail pinch to the nads, repeatedly. He chose to ignore what name she goes by, so we had to read the words “my name is Sam” or “it’s Sam” it seemed like 6,472 times, which was pretty annoying.
Overall, there were some cute and fun moments that kept me engaged. I'd for sure read this author duo's work again (and not only because I already have another one on my kindle).
Cover gripe ~ she's described as having mocha colored skin and the woman on the cover appears to be on the lighter skinned side.
✔️ed another old one off my list.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference. Not sure it'd be too enjoyable with a virtual voice.
Huh, that was unexpected. How nice! One thing I have noted is that these authors have premises that are a little different than what you typically see out in the book world. You aren’t getting a story that has been rehashed a hundred times before. Hammer My Heart is a competition based book, and while there are some of those out there, this novel stands on its own. It could be that these authors add a little flair to their writing, “helping me relax in this pressure cooker.” Another thing they do is have leads with distinct voices and create a relationship that just plain WORKS.
Even though this novel is different from what the audience is expecting, it is still fun, light hearted, fluffy and has a good dash of romance. I was pleasantly surprised that I couldn’t predict what was going to happen. I was prepared for a cheesy competition, a winner, and a heart to heart at the end that convinces our two leads to finally get together. Nope, instead our leads are rolling their eyes at the tasks and making fun of them too. I found that realistic, refreshing and hilarious based on their comments. The competition has a bit of a twist that really made this novel stand out to me. The ending also went in a direction that I wasn’t planning on.
Lastly and most important to me, I liked that our leads had chemistry right away and weren’t afraid to explore it. Too many times I read a slow burn romance which turns into a no burn with one romantic scene basically 99% into the book. These authors actually let you feel the chemistry and see how well they work as a couple. I believe their pairing and root for them the whole way. That is how it is supposed to be. I know they are going to stay together because they have proven themselves to me.
This book was 200+ pages of foreplay! I never realized a slow build could be so much fun. Such a uniquely original concept, Michelle Angelle brings the thrill of HGTV with a hilarious behind the scenes take in Hammer My Heart.
For those of you who are fans of reality competition shows, this book is right up your alley. Max and Sam have aced their interviews and won the right to compete on Go Hard or Go Home - a show that will allow the winner to walk away with a (new to them) home! Sam believes she has this in the bag! Having learned everything she knows about woodwork and construction from her father, she can’t wait to dominate the competition. She doesn’t realize that simple statement is a double entendre until see lays eyes on Max. Max may have his own ace in the hole to get ahead but this competition is more than about beating Sam, it is about redeeming himself and putting right a huge mistake from his past. The true question is, how far are they willing to go in order to win?
What I liked about this book: Hammer My Heart was side splitting funny! I have read a few books that have kept me in stitches and this is one of them. I lost count of the laugh out loud moments (and the awkward looks I received because of them)! The banter between Sam and Max is pure gold. They play off each other so well and the alternating first person point of view just makes it even better. This was such a quick read but you get so sucked into the “show” and the overall competition that you are done before you even realize it. While the authors do keep the story PG-13 which a toe dip into R, the build up scenes are still steamy and chemistry between Max and Sam is palpable.
What I loved about the book: The story concept was so unique! As a romantic comedy, you can predict it will be a happily ever after ending (and even that was original and super sweet) but the journey there was unexplored. I didn’t know what was going to happen next but I loved how all the characters were an essential part of the story - from the make-up artist, to the cameraman, to the building crew. Even the spectators' comments and actions added to humor!
Making you truly question what happens when the cameras are off, Hammer My Heart is a quick, fun, and insanely hilarious take on reality TV and the antics they are willing to endure in the name of competition.
What a FABULOUS Romp in the world of reality TV and the intrigue and romance involved with filming these types of shows and the manipulation that happens. I loved the characters and LOL'd lots of times. Okay, I didn't love ALL the characters - there was one that drove me up the wall - Rob - in a good way because he was infuriating and therefore highly memorable. This was a fun, rom-com that I won't forget and I loved all the hashtag, social media sections of the book - they helped progress the book while making it seem like the real world of social media and what people have to say, right or wrong, good or bad, decent or indecent. A memorable book that I recommend, especially for a beach or summer read.
Loved it! Hammer My Heart is full of surprises—for the reader and for the main characters, Sam(antha) and Max, contestants in a reality TV show. Not only do we follow them through challenges that test their skills and patience, but we get to read the fans’ reactions. And you gotta hate the emcee, smarmy Rob. This story has many twists and turns that keep us cheering for both appealing rivals. It’s a book you won’t want to put down.
I am a big fan of reality series and competitions and that is why I requested this book. Enjoyed it! Team Sam or Team Max? Eh..team Sammax or Maxsam. The book is about a TV show in which an arrogant presenter presents the match and Sam(antha) and Max are fighting for a house. The book is funny and easy written and the Twitter hashtags are so funny! I loved the way Sam and Max team up…and beware it is SAM (not Samantha) haha….Very Recommended.
Thank you @netgalley and @michelleangelle for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Author ~ Angelle Gremillion Book Title ~Hammer My Heart Total Pages ~ 266 One of my favourite romance story-writing duos at present. They never fail to produce a lighthearted easy-to-read book which you can cuddle up and read on a cold winter's night or take to the beach, they really do work for me. This time they have chosen two lovely characters who steam in one another’s presence like a boiling kettle. Inevitable romance at its best. The scene is set in a TV reality show. Certainly not something I’d choose to watch on TV. Too fake and perfect for me. Sam and Max somehow manage to rise above the usual Miss Perfect and Mr Macho, as two delightful characters. Don’t get me wrong there’s lots of unexpected creativity while they perform their extremely crazy tasks. Both have hearts of gold when they see that the other one could be failing or misunderstanding something, they discreetly help each other. A very refreshing change from all the bitchiness that normally goes with these shows. Don’t get me wrong, they both still want to win for their own reasons, but not at the cost of the embarrassment of the other but purely on their own merit. That in itself puts the book on a very different footing for me. Along with the gentle subtle references to helping someone with dyslexia (Sam) to even the playing field without them knowing, this I find admirable. Again, for anyone reading about suffering in this area a wonderful relatable insightful piece of reading. Rob the tv presenter, is a true fake, someone, you would jeer at if he was in panto and throw rotten eggs at him and Boo Boo….. He is so rude to Sam; her restraint is admirable. I often want to punch him, but obviously, that is all part of the author's direction trying to show us how fake and egotistically he can be. That works really well. Especially with the social media section where people's varying comments show us the types that watch these programs love the tension. As the story unfolds the tasks presented to the couple don’t seem related to the original theme of the show. Lots of twists to unravel while reading along with an unexpected ending. The Dyslexic afterword for me really put the icing on the cake along with a link for people to seek help. Real brought the book up a level. Your Recommendation ~ read loved every bite of it. Your Rating ~ 5 Stars well earnt. Review 001 ~ June 2022 Veronica Shaw Disability Inclusion ~ Dyslexia Reading Rating ~Gentle, Relatable, Inspiring, Easy to read, easy to understand, a great read for anyone looking to understand how they can move forward. Encouragement factor ~ great for anyone or a member of their inner circle to understand the challenges both physical and mental of anyone with a Disability in a soft subtle way. It flows with the book and the story. Beautifully blends in. The character stands on her own two feet to cover come to her challenges. Recommendation ~ Inspiring for anyone who has Dyslexia and their loved ones. Creates a gentle understanding from the perspective of an actual character suffering and dealing with Dyslexia from childhood. Inspires others to see beyond the parameters of Dyslexia and opens up a whole new world. Please forgive the cheesy pun. I couldn’t resist. This book really hammers the message home, urh….. “Everyone is capable of creating beautiful things and has something special to offer in life” Vx
This is quite an unexpected enemies to lovers, reality show competition romance. It wasn’t what I expected, in the best way! The blurb was intriguing and interesting, but the end result was so much more than I could have hoped for.
I definitely recommend this one and plan to check out more by this co-writing duo (looks like there’s at least three more)! They wrote seamlessly and you definitely can’t tell where they passed the manuscript, the flow is great, the pacing, chemistry between characters, and I totally loved the banter, wit and relationship between Sam and Max.
Sam is a female home renovation expert, working for her uncle and formerly her father, at the family business. Max is in finance, without building experience. They both audition for “Go Hard or Go Home,” a long-running reality home renovation competition show where two contestants compete against each other in building and renovation challenges to win a home. They meet at third-round auditions and take an immediate dislike to each other, which is caught on the cameras that are everywhere… and the rest is history! The show-runners see and love the tension and chemistry. The terrible self-centered host loves to irritate the two and prompts the social media voting crowd to make decisions about what happens next on the show, and determine the outcome… but as Sam and Max catch on, they build a friendship and try to turn the tables and make everything go their own way.
I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and this is my honest feedback.
Well.. this was unexpected! The storyline is so original and unique, and the way it's written was so easy to get into. The healthy rivalry atmosphere between the hardworking builder Sam and the smart finance and former farmer Max while they're participating on a Home Building Reality Show to win a house warmed my heart. As well as their chemistry and relationship developed, from the must-held attraction, to adoration, and getting to know each other?? that's cute and seamless, even though there's one or two bumpy things. to met along the way. I love how both get each other well as they spend time together, how they resolves the misunderstanding and found out that they're working well together and to outplay the [manipulative] game-makers! The main characters' background story is also heartwarming and so realistic for me, there's no exaggerating here because you can't help to roots for both of them! Well, all of the characters here, the main and cameos ones are adorable, except for the biggest p###ck that is Rob!
Overall, it's a pleasant and quick read that lighten my mood easily for me.
P.S: more points for this book for The Beatles references thrown here, there, and everywhere!
I thoroughly enjoyed Hammer My Heart. Though the circumstances seem simple at first--a pair of opposites pitted against each other on a television reality show--the various challenges offer unexpected insights into Max and Samantha’s differing renovation skills, their past history, their emotional baggage, and their motivations for winning. As the two fall in love while working their way through tense misunderstandings about each other, they simultaneously feel trapped in a no-win situation at the hands of an obnoxious and manipulative host. Increasingly bizarre challenges unfold which are supposed to involve house renovation but never seem to get near that topic. One hilarious scene follows another as Max and Sam try to duck the ubiquitous cameras; finally their shared discovery about the true nature of this reality show unites them. Character insight and broad but not overdone satire, including wonderful snippets of social media posts about the ongoing contest--make for a fast-paced and enjoyable read.
What a delightful and original storyline - hard working and beautiful builder Sam and finance expert and former farm boy Max are cast against each other in the reality show Go Hard or Go Home. Both are vying to win a farmhouse that is supposed to be renovated during the show by them. Sam is a Jack of all trades and learned her skills from other father and wants a place to call her own. Max’s family lost their farmhouse and he was unable to save it and wants to win it for them.
Who will win? Can Sam and Max fight their undeniable attraction for each other and fake it for the cameras or will their true feelings come out? Can anyone believe how ridiculous the reality show host Rob is? Are Sam and Max playing the game or are they being played?
As you read this lovely story, these questions are answered in the best way with laughter and love!
Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle Angelle Books, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sharing this digital copy with me in exchange for my honest review.
This is a first time read for me by this author and I really enjoyed it. If you like reality show-based books, then you don't want to miss this one. It's a fun, flirty, and light-hearted story that will have you laughing and smiling all the way through. Sam and Max have both won a spot on the reality show Go Hard or Go Home and will be competing for the chance to win a new home. You will start reading and won't want to stop till you're finished. It's filled with surprises, laughs, and twists and turns that will keep you glued till the end. Sam and Max are wonderful together and their chemistry is off the charts. They will both surprise you as they are more than the typical competitors and when the other is in trouble and need some help, they discreetly help each other out. A totally cute and unique story and I had a great time reading it. I will certainly be looking for more by this author. I would definitely recommend! I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
What I Did Like: -The romance works. Good balance of sweet and spicy in a great way. -The reality TV angle was good. Cute idea, nice twist, and the social media chapters help keep the premise of the show in mind. It all adds to the adorable nature of the book and helps to cultivate an enemies to lovers type idea. -Sam. I like her personality and her strength. I like her dedication to her craft and the subtle ways her weaknesses come out. I also really liked her ingenuity, her snark, and the way she stands up for herself against the terrible host. Honestly, I knew I was going to like her when she wouldn’t let the terrible character slide past one instance of using the wrong name without correcting him.
Who Should Read This One: -Romance fans. This is a cute premise and the romance works.
I love Michelle Angelle! This girl duo knows how to write a rom-com! Their book Dear Pink was one of the first books I enjoyed when I first started reading rom-coms, and man, did it ever set the bar high!
As far as style goes, they've always had a succinct voice-- humorous and hot (lol). It's a spicy rom-com, what else do we expect? The aspect of writing that I think Michelle Angelle excels at though is character creation. From the very get-go, I fell in love with these characters (most of them). Sam is funny and high-spirited. She doesn't skip a beat when it comes to voicing her opinions, and she doesn't let anyone get away with anything. Max is everything you want from a male lead, but somehow, he's also... not? lol. I liked how strong and smart he was, and he's also gorgeous. But Max is sensitive and emotionally driven, something we don't often get from men in rom-coms.
But the icing on top of the cake for me was Rob. Rob is the host of Go Hard or Go Home, and he has to be the most despicable human I've ever read about in a modern setting (can't count the killer robots or evil warlocks, lol). He's disgusting and so well-written that I'm impressed. lol
Overall, a great, light, fun read. I’d highly recommend.
In the past six months I’ve read a few rehashed rom-coms about the main characters competing on a reality TV show. I get it … this storyline’s particular premise is hot in the book world at this time, and I’m assuming the authors decided to follow the trend. If the book wasn’t a book club read, I would have passed it by. But—
The authors have crazy writing skills, leading this reader from page to page. I adored Sam and Max—their moral compasses—and rooted for their HEA. (Not in the way I expected, which made the storyline more appealing.) And you love to hate the chauvinistic host, Rob, who Sam calls Robby after she’s told him numerous times, “It’s Sam,” when he insists on calling her Samantha.
Hammer My Heart is full of wit and could double as a satire. I recommend reading this book even if you’ve read too many reality TV rom-coms.
Hammer my Heart will pull you into the story right from the beginning. The authors develop the two main character's chemistry immediately with their flirty, fun banter. The premise is clever and engaging as the main characters compete against each other on a home remodel show. We have all seen plenty of those, but this plot has a surprising twist. As the competition goes on you will jump from chapter to chapter alternating who is telling the story. The book moves fast and the relationship will have you on edge. This book is steamy without being over the top. It is the perfect entertaining read for a rainy day in, a day on the beach, or just between activities. Hammer my Heart felt a little warmer and sweeter than several books I have read in this genre. The characters are lovable and you feel like you are truly rooting them on. I look forward to more books by this author!
Sam and Max are contestants on a reality tv show. And as they are pitted against each other, they should hate each other but instead they are attracted to each other. And as the competition heats up they must decide - follow their heart or win the farmhouse ? Hammer my heart was a surprise read for me. Firstly the authors are totally new to me and secondly the their take on reality tv romance was very refreshing. The comments were hilarious and spot on with what we would read on social media these days. Overall it was a fun and light hearted read with a perfect dash of romance to heat things up. My first book by this author duo but definitely not the last.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Contains spoilers.
What a wholesome book. I absolutely hated Rob. Before I pieced it together and realized that the challenges had no baring on the winner of the competition I thought the show was a brilliant idea. Something that would definitely happen in real life. But then when I realized it was all social media based I was mad for Sam and Max. They were being but through the ringer for absolutely no reason except for Rob's sadistic entertainment.
But the book was great besides the fact that it made me angry for the characters.
Hilarious and hopeful, I couldn’t put it down! This book is a modern love story and had me laughing into my morning coffee. I highly recommend this as a beach romance or something to unplug your mind after a hard week. The reality show setting for this rom-com is a perfect fit. I love to escape to another world when I read, and I felt like I was right there on set with Sam and Max. Readers may think they know what’s going to happen in this book, but every twist and turn is as funny as they are powerful. 100% recommend this book. I can’t wait to read others by the same author!
The talented authors know how to write a romance story with witty sharp dialogue and characters you want as your friends. This book is a fun read. The social media after each challenge are hilarious. The observations from the TV audience creates its own story.
The colorful descriptions of each character pull you into an entertaining book. Thoughtful Max with Clark Kent glasses and confident spirited Sam wearing practical overalls are ready to compete against each other and win the Victorian farmhouse. Their attraction is obvious and a secret romance during the reality show begins. The supporting characters are creative and lively and complete a clever story. Hammer My Heart has drama, romance and laughs. A perfect book for the summer.
Do yourself a favour. Curl up on the lounge with a blanket, a few chocolates and a copy of Hammer My Heart. This romantic comedy is the perfect escape. The plot seems simple. Two likeable characters with an undeniable attraction compete against each other on a reality TV show hosted by the obnoxious and dislikeable Rob Donovan. But the show Go Hard or Go Home is not as Sam and Max expect. And the story is guaranteed to be more than you expect too! Full of hilarious scenes and interesting challenges, in Hammer My Heart you'll learn about the characters' history, individual motivations, renovation ability and of course their chemistry. The competition brings out the best and worst in the pair and what can I say but..."it sizzles". Sexy, smart, strong and witty - I could tell right from the start that I'd love both Sam and Max. And you will too. Enjoy!
I don't usually look for reality tv stories but I didn't mind this one. Probably because it wasn't reality tv with a bunch of people back stabbing each other. This reality show has only two contestants, Sam and Max. Sam has grown up working construction and woodworking with her father and uncles. Max doesn't have the same background. The show was odd in that the challenges had little to do with construction. Rob, the host and "star" of the show is prima donna. He constantly refers to Sam as Samantha and I like the Max would call him out for it. Cute read. I will definitely read more by these authors.
Sam and Max are both competing on a home renovation reality show to try and win the farmhouse they are remodeling. At least that is what they both think it happening. How can they concentrate on beating each other when the chemistry is so strong?
Hammer My Heart is so much fun! The challenges these two have to endure will keep you laughing. There are some sweet moments that will make you swoon. Sam and Max bond over their dislike of Rob (and really we all hate him so that isn't news). These ladies have written the perfectly fun, sexy and sweet read. Looking forward to whatever they dream up next!
I don't read many rom-coms, but I know I will ALWAYS enjoy Michelle Angelle's books. Hammer My Heart was no different!
I loved the unique concept of a reality tv show rivalry, and it almost felt like watching the tv show as you read the book. I definitely couldn't stop turning pages to see what challenge would happen next!!
Added to the fact that Max and Sam were perfect main characters, and you have a hit. Definitely recommend this sweet and funny read!
Anyone else struggle with vacation being as rewarding as reading a fun book? If so, say hello to the perfect vacation read! Fun characters, laugh out loud lines ("Okay, James Bond"), steamy situations, swoon-y moments, plus, it's the perfect format to pick up and put down. When I finished the book, I had a big smile on my face and took a satisfying breath. Thanks for writing this book, it might be my favorite, although, it's crazy how often I go back to the makeover scene in "Dear Pink"....I do love a good makeover moment.
When they sign up for a reality show, Max and Sam are in for a surprise. Not only do they find themselves competing against each other, they are attracted to each other like magnetics. Rob, the host of the show is always shunning them trying to push them to the edge. But the show isn't what they expect, and the entire thing feels like a joke.
The heat is flying off the charts in this one and this fast paced rom-com is a great weekend read.
This book was fantastic!! I love the fact that unlike a lot of romance books it’s not the same story and tropes just rewritten! This competition, reality tv, book was so intriguing and so incredibly hard to put down! This book is so fun and I’m obsessed with the characters. I was very thrilled about the fact that it’s very hard to predict what’s happening next in this book. This book truly was unique and unlike anything I’ve read before!
The tension and chemistry between the characters was amazing and I’m sooo in love with this book!
A cute, fun story. Sam and Max are pitted against each other in a house renovation reality TV show, where the winner gets the house. Each wants to win for their own reasons, but as feelings start to develop between them, they will need to decide what is more important.
This is pretty much like The Block in book form, with a wholly predictable plot, and would be a nice escape from the heat of Christmas day.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
This is a fun, light-hearted romance with an interesting take on reality shows. Sam and Max were both likeable though Sam seemed to get upset a few times based on some questionable reasons but they were short-lived and not too often. If you want a light, charming easy romance, this is an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy for review. My opinion is my own and voluntary.
Michelle Angelle did it again! They transported me to a fun escape world where I can't help but laugh out loud. It's a fun and quick read full of good feels. Sam and Max will become your best friends and you'll find yourself thinking about them long after you finish the book, just like I still do with Gabe and his precious family in Dear Pink. This is a great summer get-away!