Hard Hart

by B.T. Haiyes

James

I’d survived the flames that snatched away my firefighting career. However, the physical scars that blaze left behind, also snatched away my belief in ever finding love.

So, the last person I expected to walk into my life was Dylan. From the moment this gorgeous man walked into my garage, I figured him for yet another hot straight guy I could never have.

But when he invited me over to the bar where he works, I started to sense that maybe Dylan wasn’t as straight as he appears…

Dylan

When I first met James he was quiet but generous, and he offered to do everything he could to get my car back on the road.

So of course, I had to returned the favor in kind, and offered to buy him a drink. And it has nothing to do with how handsome and muscular James is. Or how his soft cobalt blue eyes seem to utterly mesmerize me.

Look, there’s nothing wrong in simply admiring another mans physique.

And besides, I’m straight. Although, I must admit, the longer James keeps staring at me the way he does, the less certain of that I feel…

Hard Hart is part of the ‘First Time For Everything’ series.

This book is a very steamy standalone straight to gay MM insta-love short story romance. If you love to read quick hot stories about men finding the alpha-male love of their lives, then grab this book today!

Genres: M M Romance, LGBT, Novella, Short Stories

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2022

Reviews

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story turned out to be a surprisingly sweet read and not at all what I expected. That steamy cover made me think all I was going to get was more sex than story but no, it was definitely more story than sex. Sadly, after they have sex the story is rushed. I would have loved to have had more.

This was a new author to me and I will definitely be checking out more.

QUICK THOUGHTS

• Fast easy read
• Sexual awakening
• Firsts
• Sweet
• Wasn't a huge fan of where their first time happened
• Started out strong but the end was rushed
• Loved the MCs... James & Dylan
• Satisfying enough ending but would have loved more

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/10/2023)! 🎁

[Wayward Skyril · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for something short and sweet with a little bit of spice, and this delivered. It was an easy read that I finished in less than an hour, and was brief and interesting enough to want to keep flipping pages.

I do feel the author knows next to nothing about mechanics, and this coming from someone who also knows next to nothing. While this IS a short story so fine details aren't usually necessary, I appreciate when an author takes the time to do a little research for characters' occupations.

I was also rather skeptical about Dylan being so eager and willing to do multiple firsts with a man as a gay virgin at his place of work, but I suspended my disbelief as much as possible for the enjoyment of the story.

Overall, this is an okay little short that I enjoyed for a freebie.

[Michael Adam Reale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard Heart by B.T. Hates is a taut, intimate novella that moves with the precision of a confession and the bite of a bruise. Hates writes in a clipped, emotionally charged style that wastes no time; every scene feels like a pressure point being pressed, released, and pressed again. The story’s central tension — between desire, self‑protection, and the fear of being truly seen — gives the book its pulse.

What makes the novella compelling is its restraint. Hates doesn’t over-explain motivations or soften the edges of the characters’ choices. Instead, the narrative trusts the reader to feel the weight of what goes unsaid. The result is a story that lingers: sharp, moody, and surprisingly tender beneath its armor.

If you enjoy queer novellas that balance heat with emotional grit, Hard Heart delivers a satisfying, fast read that leaves a small ache behind.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked more character development.

I liked the beginning, and I think the story has good bones, it just needs to be flushed out a bit. Also, the one intimate scene left me with a tiniest bit of an ick… Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t really find an unprotected first time in the break room of a seedy bar particularly romantic or exciting.

[Airyn Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute short MM romance novella. It had a surprising amount of backstory for both characters given the short word count length and while things went a little quick, I expected it because it is a Novella. Overall, it was worth the read, and I will check out more from this author in the future.

[Julian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short on kobo: 1230006372743 69 pages

Easy read - retired firefighter, a somewhat reclusive car mechanic after suffering severe burns, is brought out of his shell by a student/part time bartender who thinks he's straight... Perfectly ok if not overly striking.

[Krissi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spicy MM short story. Normally I don't like short stories because of their nature of a lack of build up. This was the same, and therefore was an insta-love sorry. Insta-love is not a favorite, but in this format it's kind of necessary, I guess. Overall, this was just okay...

[Monique Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sexy

The perfect bite sized portion for the lunch hour. Very sexy and sweet and didn't leave me feeling like I needed more for it to make sense.

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved these characters. The author managed to create a depth to them in a really short story. I am impressed.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freebie from Amazon. Short and sweet, but not brilliantly written. OK for an uncomplicated 40mins with a cup of coffee

[Rachel Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Sweet

I had no expectations. Pleasantly surprised with this short story. I almost want more. But, I am okay with leaving Dylan and James just like this.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 rating Very short story about an ex-firefighter with visible nd invisible wounds believing he wasn't worthy of love.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, it is a quick read-in-a-day story that quickly gets to the point. Mechanic and barman getting together for the first time, whats not to love. Highly recommend this book.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hot and quick read! If you are looking for a fun, spicy, MM read then this is definitely for you.

[Maria]

FREE today (May 10, 2023) on Amazon

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read. We'll done.