Dear Jackson,I’m leaving you this note because I know you’re very busy and I don’t want to waste the town sheriff’s time. Lord knows I’ve already wasted enough of it.Thank you for taking me home last night and…everything else. I made you a basket of wild blueberry muffins for your trouble. That seemed like the appropriate baked good for getting naked in your living room.I wasn’t myself last … room.
I wasn’t myself last night. I didn’t mean to kiss you or fondle your backside or ask all those intimate questions. Thank you for pretending to enjoy it.
It was very noble of you to sleep on the couch while I was starfished on your bed. I couldn’t help but notice it’s quite large. The bed, that is. I swear, I didn’t notice anything else when I let myself out this morning.
As you know, Talbott’s Cove is a ridiculously small town and there’s no chance we can avoid each other. Not that I’d want to avoid you, of course, but I’m not sure I can look at you without thinking of the forty different ways I made a fool of myself.
Instead of avoidance, let’s try to be friends. We’ll forget all about last night…if that’s what you want.
Please burn this note after you read it—
Annette
p.s. I whipped up some cinnamon buns, too. Please enjoy them. I’m not sure why, but I couldn’t get buns out of my mind today.
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Okay, seriously, Hard Pressed is one of my favorite reads so far this year! It’s got a bit of everything I love: amazing characters; compelling story line; smart, fun, witty banter; swoony, sexy moments; and, just an overall “feel good” feeling.
I knew I’d love Annette and her craziness when introduced to her in Fresh Catch and I did nearly pee my pants with her POV of the bookstore scene with Owen and Cole. God, I died a thousand embarrassing deaths right along with her. She’s someone who wears her heart on her sleeve, and would do anything for anyone at anytime. She just doesn’t realize that the whole town of Talbott’s Cove would do anything for her too. Especially the sheriff. One Jackson Lau who’s been paying close attention to Annette and her sexy ankles for months.
God, I loved how the romance bloomed between Annette and Jackson. That it was fresh and smart and swoony. That Jackson knew just how hard to push Annette and when to back off. I loved how he gave her the space she needed to work through her feelings. But not too much.
I loved how Jackson helped Annette to realize that she’s enough. That their love is worthy of every risk, every chance, every step they take. Swoon.
Having red Fresh Catch, and this blurb, this book developed far differently than I had expected. Not bad. Just way different.
Hard Pressed features Jackson Lau, pretty much the best hero ever. And I don’t say that lightly. But boy, is he amazing. Steadfast, forthcoming, unwavering, attentive, never pushing, but slightly coaxing, letting her develop on her own.. gah! I’m just dead. Scrape me off the floor.
Anette. Dear, darling Annette.. too naive for her own good, holding onto some hope despite knowing better, because in truth she is shy and not wanting to allow herself a lot. But man, how she grew. I loved how natural her road seemed, not instantly letting go, having to overcome post hangups.. and getting there a little more every day.
Kate Canterbary writes stories brilliantly. The main characters are complex and go on a journey, and the side characters fill in the blanks perfectly. What a lovely novel, that I’ll be rereading soon.
4.5 stars
If there was a movie about Talbot’s cove, I imagine the opening scene much like beauty and the beast. Each person in this town plays a role to make it work. Enter sheriff Jackson Lau and bookkeeper Annette Cortassi. She’s a beauty in her sundresses and he’s a beast in a sheriff’s uniform. It’s a romance, so I’ll leave you to enjoy the plot when you read the book. If you’ve read Kate’s books, you’ll know that there is excellent development of the secondary characters. You feel like you know all the townsfolk by the end. Also, as usual, there are parts that will crack you up. Bottom line- storm the haunted castle for this one.
*Sigh*
Where to begin? Jackson and Annette live in the tiny town of Talbotts Cove. Jackson, a transplant from New York, finds himself a bit distracted by the local lady book seller, Annette.
Annette is a lovely woman. She’s a bit unsure of herself, but her bestie Brooke is there to remind her she’s awesome. She’s smart and determined, she keeps herself busy and is a friend to all. Jackson can’t figure out what draws him to Annette, but when he finally gets his chance, he doesn’t back down.
I LOVED THIS! Ah! Smart, witty and fun, with a punch of feels, Kate Canterbary continues to get better and better. Then, when I think it can’t get better, she releases Hard Pressed and reminds me exactly why I love her writing so much. It’s a world you can’t wait to get lost in. I loved reading Hard Pressed, I laughed, I teared up a few times, and just wanted to ignore life to stay there in the tiny town. These characters feel real and are people you want to be friends with. Their story is realistic, while giving the fictional escape I crave.
5 MUST READ STARS!
Gah!!! You guys!!! Reading a Kate Canterbary novel is legit like coming home for me. And revisiting Talbott’s Cove? Pure heaven! This story hit me right in the feels and was pure comfort for me. I LOVE this little world this genius author(lady) created and can not get enough of her words. Annette and Jackson were amazing. I loved their banter, chemistry and laugh out loud moments. This was a pure joy to read.
If you read Fresh Catch, you will know all about gorgeous bookstore owner Annette Cortassi and the reason for her heartbreak over lobsterman Owen Bartlett. But we could never have expected Sheriff Jackson Lau and everything he would do to convince his dreamgirl she was meant for him. HELLO Fireworks!!!! This story was an absolute delight! It was so charming, swoony and sexy and I loved everything about it!
What else can I say that I haven’t already said about this brilliant author? Kate Canterbary is so incredibly gifted and insanely talented that I just want to scream it from the rafters. Her words can transport you to a small town on the Maine coast or right to a conference table in Boston where you fit right alongside a crazy family of Architects during their Monday morning meetings. I am so in love with everything she writes and feel so blessed that we all benefit from her words. Each of her stories is a gift and everytime a new one releases it feels just like Christmas. Hard Pressed was outstanding and amazing and ALL of the things and I seriously can’t wait for her next one. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
I love the feeling of being welcomed into a community by the sheer brilliance of words. This book, these characters & the world that has been written by the talented Kate Canterbary makes me want to head to Talbott’s Cove Maine right now! Jackson & Annette are an amazing couple & I’m so glad they were able to find each other. I’m so hoping to have more of Brooke in the near future.