Forever With Hardin

The North Avenue Live Guys #2

by Sophia Nixs

Finding the One was just a dating app, right?

It was meant to be one blind date.

To stop me from acting out and doing something stupid when I was on a business trip.

I never expected for fate to intervene and to set me up with the guy I’d lusted over for years.

He was my best friend; my business partner.

Could I finally admit my true feelings or risk losing everything I'd ever worked for in the process?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Forced Proximity, LGBT, Novella, Queer

83 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2023

About the author

Sophia Nixs is a romance author from the United Kingdom that writes steamy contemporary MM romance.

Sophia is a romantic at heart, she adores everything to do with love. In her eyes, when someone finds loves that's all that matters.

Sophia’s dream is to live in the countryside where she can write her stories from her book nook whilst looking out at the gorgeous scenery in peace and quiet.

Reviews

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆]

🟢NO RATING🟢

I did finish this one, because it's a short novella, otherwise I'd DNF at some point.

This short story is a part of the series of stories about friends finding their significant others, apparently, but with completely no background and even so, the MCs and their chemistry and romantic history isn't described well .

Pretty much the whole thing was uneasy to read for me.
What on Earth...?

Is that supposed to be pining? I want you so much I can't think straight, that's why I'm avoiding you at all costs and trying to find a date with someone else while sleeping in the same room with you. Talk about a forced proximity gone bad, yikes.

With completely no prior romantic or any significant encounters the MCs profess their undying love for one another after one date together, the word *forever* is used multiple times and I'm sitting here wondering what the hell just happened?

I wasn't sold on anything in this story, even the sex talk was cringe!


Will not continue the series.

[Yondette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another short and spicy novella, an unrequited love meets second chance style romance that has great plot squeezed into a quick read. I love their love and now I’ve listened to the audiobooks for 1 & 2, I want to buy the whole set.

[Anna Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute novella. Not my normal go to read but I enjoyed it.

[ABartenderWithABookProblem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends and business partners, both pining for one another for years. Hardin and Anthony opt to play the long game of avoidance rather than addressing the big err…elephant … in the room. Fate plays the role of forcing them together in the name of business but by the end, their personal lives and mutual attraction can’t be ignored any longer.

Steamy, but again more implied throughout or glazed over. Sophia definitely isn’t afraid to use her words when it comes to the scenes, personally I just wish they would be longer, more detailed, and more often. However, I can understand that with these short stories the rest of the story needs to fit in too so it’s reasonable… probably just my smutty side talking.

I’m really enjoying that the further I get into the series I’m familiar with the other characters around and knowing their backstory… makes for a fun guessing game of who’s next!? Plus, I enjoy reading series where all the friends or a specific group make up the series itself. I feel like some of the couples though have a story written that I haven’t found yet (outside of North Guys Live), which just means I need to read the rest of Sophia’s books and see what I find. 😊

Best friends and business partners, both pining for one another for years. Hardin and Anthony opt to play the long game of avoidance rather than addressing the big err…elephant … in the room. Fate plays the role of forcing them together in the name of business but by the end, their personal lives and mutual attraction can’t be ignored any longer.
Steamy, but again more implied throughout or glazed over. Sophia definitely isn’t afraid to use her words when it comes to the scenes, personally I just wish they would be longer, more detailed, and more often. However, I can understand that with these short stories the rest of the story needs to fit in too so it’s reasonable… probably just my smutty side talking.
I’m really enjoying that the further I get into the series I’m familiar with the other characters around and knowing their backstory… makes for a fun guessing game of who’s next!? Plus, I enjoy reading series where all the friends or a specific group make up the series itself. I feel like some of the couples though have a story written that I haven’t found yet (outside of North Guys Live), which just means I need to read the rest of Sophia’s books and see what I find. 😊.

See more at www.tapsandtropes.com

*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 3 out of 5]

old post reposted


This book (well, the second one) keeps popping up on my social media as something I apparently neeeeeed to read. Let's pretend it's not linked to several other series that I might or might not ever get to reading (because I'm not in the mood to read a MF book, let alone dozens, to read this MM novella series...judge me if you must (although, upon further research, this series is not linked solely through Sophia, but through those fun themed series with multiple authors, like "Heart2Heart" or "Valentine's Inc"). ANYWAY this is Sophia Nixs's The North Avenue Live Guys series; the second book is "Forever With Hardin."
["Finding the One was just a dating app, right?

It was meant to be one blind date. To stop me from acting out and doing something stupid when I was on a business trip. I never expected for fate to intervene and to set me up with the guy I’d lusted over for years. He was my best friend; my business partner. Could I finally admit my true feelings or risk losing everything I'd ever worked for in the process?"]
This book was really cute!! They were so in love with each other that it was ridiculous. It was obvious to all of their friends, all of their loved ones, to everyone (even strangers); and yet, they were oblivious to each other's feelings. The emotional and sexual tension were HIGH. It all reached a boiling point, and then...it fizzled out for me. For. Me. I didn't see much in terms of steam (I mean, they had sex but it was...wasn't...ehhh (for. me.). I loved their HEA though!

#sleighridewithkellan #foreverwithhardin #breakingruleswithtravis #obsessedwithcole #onenightwithcallum #cameronshomecoming #sohpianix #thenorthavenueliveguys #thenorthavenueliveguysseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Jammie Bebout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second audiobook in Sophia Nixs’ North Avenue Live Guys series, and it’s a seriously sweet little love story. Admittedly, the first book in the series wasn’t my favorite, but I enjoyed this second book immensely! And I love finding out how all of the men are interconnected. This is Anthony and Hardin’s love story and is a friends-to-lovers, forced-proximity romance. Hardin and Anthony own a bar together with Anthony being the silent partner and Hardin actually running the bar. They’ve been secretly pining for each other, but neither makes a move because they’re both afraid of ruining their friendship and business relationship. Their mutual attraction is the worst kept secret among their friends. They’re pretty much the only ones who aren’t aware of the other’s feelings. With a little behind-the-scenes help from their friends, they find themselves in that infamous one-bed scenario. On top of that, they unknowingly get matched on an anonymous dating app and find out when they both show up for their date. All bets are off at that point. And the rest is history, as they say… of the sweet and spicy variety.

The dual narration is provided by Michael Gallagher and Tim Paige, who both do an amazing job! I thoroughly enjoyed both of their voices, narration styles, and overall performances. They really brought this endearing love story to life for me! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a short and sweet MM romance!

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hardin and Anthony are business partners who have been secretly pining for each other for years and are on their way to an Awards ceremony, they end up having to share, gasp, one bed. One thing leads to another, and they ending up being their forever afters

I really liked this book. I think that the MC's took a little time to get over their fear of rejection, but once they let go of that fear, it was easy to see how much they cared for and loved each other. Their chemistry was so hot and their mutual admiration was simply beautiful.

I would have given it a 5 star, but the British English really threw me out of the story several times. This story is set in the USA, but both of the characters were thinking and saying phrases that only British English speakers and British ex-pats referenced (gobsmacked instead of surprised, queue instead of line, till instead of register, whilst instead of while, tannoy instead of speakers, meters instead of feet.) Using these words made it seem unbelievable at times since it was never clear that these two men living in America were from anywhere but the US. Other than that, I enjoyed the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever with Hardin by Sophia Nix is a very short friends to lovers/forced proximity novella featuring Hardin and Anthony as part of the AB Shared World Valentine’s Date Series. Apparently it’s also part of the author’s North Avenue Live Guys Series, which I haven’t read, but several characters appear from it. I was able to enjoy the novella without prior knowledge of the series, but I’m sure it would add more context and connection with the characters.
Hardin and Anthony are best friends/ business partners who are fighting feelings for each other. After a couple fun twists force them together, they give in to the chemistry between them. Can they build a lasting relationship?

This was a fun version of a common theme. Hardin and Anthony are definitely fiery together, and the banter with the other characters was interesting. These super short novellas are hard, because everything feels rushed, but since it’s part of another series, there’s a chance of seeing them again in another book. Sometimes a low angst romance is just what I need.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hardin and Anthony's Big Trip . . .

Hardin and Anthony are business partners who have been attracted to each other for some time, but neither has said anything, thinking the other has no interest. Also being friends, they don’t want to make a move and mess up the friendship. But when they have to attend an award ceremony, avoidance is not possible. And to make it more difficult, there was a mixup in the reservations and there were no other rooms available except for the one they would now have to share – and it only had one bed! Use of a dating app to find a companion for distraction also didn’t help, as they ended up matched with each other! Some things apparently really are meant to be. Will the two of them have some open talk now about how they really feel? With honesty, they are more likely to be able to form the relationship that would take them to their HEA. Friendship doesn’t end when love begins -- it just grows into something more wonderful that is shared in a deeper, lasting way. The important part in any lasting relationship is to keep the lines of communication open, talk honestly with each other, and believe in each other.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a cute friends-to-lovers novella. It's part of a series but I found that there is no real need to read other books. But you may want as some characters who are coupled-up seem interesting and there are more secondary characters popping up.

Both Hardin and Anthony have feelings for each other but just don't want to act on them as they are afraid to loose the friendship. It's a typical small town setting with too many noisy friends and employees.

The setting is fairly standard and not really that unique but it works. It's a book you read in a setting while curled under a blanket or on a sun lounger.

As the book is not that long there is not a lot of in-depth background or character development, it's very much in your face and the time period the story is set in is quite short.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Another sweet novella from the North Avenue Live Guys.

Hardin and Anthony have been pining hard for each other. Longtime friends and business partners, spend a lot of time avoiding each other so they don’t risk sharing their feelings.

Until they are forced on a business trip together.

They say the only way to get over someone is to get under someone else, so maybe using the app Finding the One to get away from each other is the best solution!

It’s a lovely story about two best friends finally taking their shot and getting all their dreams.

[Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an entertaining friends to lovers story. Hardin and Anthony are attracted to each other but neither wants to lose their friendship by telling the other. They are partners in bar ownership. When the bar is up for an award and both owners have to travel to the award ceremony both are uncomfortable around each other. When they arrive there, circumstances make them even more unbearable. They do their best to keep a distance from each other but then fate steps in. They are faced in a now or never position.
There are a lot of appearances of secondary characters and since this is the first I’ve read in the series, I was not quite familiar with them. The story was readable with out having read the other book but I think it might have given more a better feeling how these characters interact.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hardin is the owner of a bar which has been nominated for a Regional Live Class Bar Award. He will need to travel to Tennessee for the presentations. Unfortunately, they also want Anthony, the bar’s co-owner there too. Hardin has had a crush on his friend Anthony for years, but avoids him for fear of him finding out and losing his best friend. But now there is no choice, they”ll need to be near each other for a few days. That should be ok even at the same hotel, but to ensure less time around Anthony, Hardin makes a date on a new dating app called Finding the One. Hopefully, he will meet someone to take his mind off Anthony and use up time until he can return home.
This is a cute story with lots of angst and miscommunication, but all comes out right in the end. Fun short read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Carsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Hardin & Anthony ❤️❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review

Quick and straight to the sweet forever loving Point. Oh my heart Sophia has wooed us once again with a phenomenally wonderful MM meant to be love story.

Hardin and Anthony have been head over heels for each other since the day they met and became bar owners together, Anthony being the silent partner because he was afraid to face Hardin in case he found out how he felt. Well Hardin felt the same. So when they end up at an awards thing in Tennessee and use a dating app to get a date with their Forever The One…..fate takes over and their lives change forever.

This book will give you all the feels, and frustration too. But when these two get their long awaited HEA it’s totally worth the wait. Can’t wait to read Travis’ story next and every other story by this author. Definitely a must read.

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, then not so much

Wow, the pacing of Hardin and Anthony’s story is crazy and not in a good way.

We have both men who have harbored secret crushes on one another, a bar awards event, a room with only one bed, a dating app. Should be a recipe for a fun read, and it is… until it isn’t.

The tension on the part of both Hardin and Anthony definitely builds the anticipation for what will happen when they’re in Nashville. It’s once they’ve gotten there that the pacing gets wonky. It’s like walking along and then omg you’re running full tilt until you slam into a tree. That’s how it felt to me anyway. The dialogue fell apart and felt forced and unnatural. The steam was brief, intense, and again felt unnatural. The timeline of events should have been spread out a little better so the last two chapters didn’t give me whiplash.

Overall it’s worth the read.

[Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook delivers MM hotness, forced proximity, a blind date app setup, and a touch of workplace romance—all wrapped in a fast-paced, emotionally sweet story that has an HEA.
Part of the North Avenue Live Guys series, this second installment follows Hardin and Anthony’s journey from co-owners to something much deeper. This book, even though it is part of a series, can be read/listened to as a standalone.
Tim Paige and Michael Gallagher bring passion and depth to the characters in a stellar dual narration. Each narrator skillfully distinguishes their characters, and the tension, longing, and chemistry between Hardin and Anthony are not just heard—but felt.
If you’re into steamy, heartfelt MM romances with top-tier narration and quick pacing, this one’s absolutely worth a listen.

[Linda V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:

Story - ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice - 🌶🌶
Narration - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Forever With Hardin is book #2 (novella) in The North Avenue Live Guys series. Hardin owns North Avenue Live bar. He has had a secret crush on his silent business partner, Anthony, and vice versa. Both have to attend an award ceremony in Nashville. Yep, you guessed it, mix up on the reservation, no rooms left, and only one bed. This MM, secret crush, forced proximity romance is a short listen with lots of angst, passion, and heartwarming scenes.

The dual narration was fantastic. Michael Gallagher and Tim Paige are favorite narrators of mine, so I knew I was going to enjoy this one. Their voices are kind of similar, so I had to really remember who was who, but it wasn't bad enough to make me quit listening!! 5/5 stars!

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is a good time to requite the unrequited? Hardin, owns The North Avenue Live with silent partner, Anthony Richards, on whom he has a secret crush. The bar, makes the shortlist for a competition, Regional Live Class Bar Awards, in Tennessee. He's expected to attend with Anthony, whom he avoids fearing to compromise their friendship. The fun is how these two men will spend time in close quarters while working through the awards process. Will they communicate? Will they take the risk of acting on their feelings? Will their worse fears materialize? Fun story. these guys are sweet, romantic and funny. Nice flow. Great supportive charactors, nice hearing how the guys are coming along. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the A Valentine's Date Series. This book is the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I was able to enjoy this novella as a stand alone. This is the story of Anthony and Hardin. The two are best friends and co-owners of a bar. This is a true friends to lover story. Each is in love with the other but afraid to say anything lest they ruin their friendship. Circumstances force them to stay together at the awards ceremony. Finally they have to confront how they feel and tell the other. This is their story. It is well written and easy to read. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony & Hardin

Rating: 4 ⭐

- Friends to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Novella

This is the second book in the series where we get to see business partners. There are characters from the prior book, but it's still enjoyable without prior knowledge of the series.

These two have been attracted to each other for years but neither one had the courage to tell the other. They were so scared that Anthony became a silent partner in the bar to avoid being around Hardin. Of course, the universe said enough and threw them into situations where they finally had to confront their fear and tell each other how they felt.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Verse: Yes
HEA: Yes

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️: 4/5
🎧:5/5
🌶️: 3/5

Story Vibes:
This is a super quick listen/read. It's definitely a great palate cleanser novella. After meeting Eli & Kellan, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Anthony & Hardin! These two have been pining for each other, both are owners of a bar, and both use a dating app. The sparks of chemistry between when they realize they've been matched is spot on and the sizzling Swoonworthy moments that ensue will leave you ready for more!

Narration Vibes:
𝑀𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑒𝑙 𝐺𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑔ℎ𝑒𝑟 & 𝑇𝑖𝑚 𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑔𝑒 were magnificent as Anthony & Hardin. They brought every emotion to the center of the story and kept me hooked! They navigated the pining & chemistry masterfully and I felt like I was listening to my dear friends tell their meet cute story!

[Kate - BookyGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever With Hardin is book 2 in the North Avenue Live Guys Series. This story is a novella, and had better pacing than the first one, although the second half felt rushed. Anthony and Hardin are business partners, so there was a hint of forbidden romance, and the tension building up to their business trip to Nashville. Of course when they check in there's a mix-up and only one bed! My favorite trope!

Tim Paige and Michael Gallagher do a great job of narrating. I do prefer two male narrators with dramatically different or distinct voices, which this book was lacking. Despite that, this was still a great performance from both narrators. Thank you to Blue Nose Publishing for the opportunity to listen and review.

[Mir Jak · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Don't question. Just feel."

Pining overload !! Both MC's are too scared to admit their feelings......the actual blind date is not until near the end of the book. It's quite angsty due to the unrequited feelings....that dream was very very realistic !!! hehehehe .....and I found it funny that Maxwell knows more than he should but doesn't do anything about it !! I would say this is a novella - the story is concise but not lacking, has depth and feelings and it does involve characters from previous books - found family that's expanding !! There were a couple of parts that I had to reread but other than that, very enjoyable book.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Forever With Hardin (The North Avenue Live Guys Series): A Valentine's Date Series. Hardin and Anthony continue to fight their feelings foe each other, thinking the other isn’t interesting. They are business partners, that’s it. Now they are forced to share a hotel room and it’s making the situation harder, it’s hard to fight your attraction. Both end up using a dating app to find someone and they were paired together. Will this situation work out for the,? This was a sweet, short story and I loved the characters. I would definitely recommend this book and the North Avenue Live Guys series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Libra Hasenpflug · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a love story! Two souls who are actively hiding from each other because they are afraid to give themselves to the other. Scared of what coming together means. Hardin and Anthony are business partners. They end up on a trip together (which one of their rooms is canceled) and end up stay the night together. One takes a chance, but is turned down initially. Their forced proximity makes them realized what they want and what they’ve been missing. This was a wonderful novella. Both of the voice actors Michael Gallagher & Tim Paige were lovely as the MMCs in this story. They both have pleasant and convincing voices that was extremity satisfying to listen to.

[Laura Carter-Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hardin has had a long-time crush on his best friend and business partner, Anthony. Set up on a blind date, Hardin is hoping to stop himself from making a mistake and ruining their friendship. Anthony has had a secret crush on his best friend for years. One blind date leads them right into eachothers arms and confessing everything they held secret for so long. When the real world seeps back into their relationship, can the stand up in the face of their family and friends and fight for their future together?

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Completely lost. There are so many characters in this that I wanted to not read it at all. The story between Hardin and Anthony was odd. They both like each other but don't tell each other, they are business partners and best friends. What?!? Then they travel for an awards ceremony and they are forced to share a room and bed. They go on a blind date through a dating app turns out its with each other, they admit their feelings, they get together, they go back home and kiss in front of all their friends, and I love yous are exchanged all in 83 pages.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever with Hardin is fast friends to lovers story with strong feeling, deep passion and an electric connection that burns up the pages.

Hardin owns The North Avenue Live bar, Anthony is his silent partner. They both have feeling for each other but has not made a move. A trip to Tennessee for award is about to change their lives more than they would not.

Love the heat and chemistry between Hardin and Anthony, and how their friends are there to support them. Great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A forced proximity with only one bed gives this story a familiar narrative but it is different because the two MC's already have an established business relationship, they both like one another but are two scared to risk admitting it in case it isn't reciprocated. Once they finally tell each other the steamy scenes start. It is a short novella so again expect insta-love and quick declarations but if you go with it, you will find it is a sweet love story. Because the relationship had already been formed and mutual friends knew about their feelings it was more believable.

[Jennifer Felton · Rating 1 out of 5]

unfortunately a DNF

This was the first book I’ve read from this author. And unfortunately it was a DNF. The writing was decent but things were a bit all over the place.

But at only 20% I just couldn’t keep going. From the beginning, there were so many characters mentioned, I felt like I missed other books to know who and what was going on.

And it didn’t get better.

Then I got to the uh… physical reaction of Anthony just talking to Hardin on the phone, and it was just too much to keep going.

Which is unfortunate, because I feel like this could have been really good.