An epic and addictive roller coaster ride of a romance that’s unforgettably heart-wrenching and jaw-dropping, brought to you by Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author, Willow Winters. Our love story isn’t a tragedy but it sure as hell started out like one.I grew up in the life, and learned to hate everything in this town. Everything but her. She was my constant through it all.Just … her. She was my constant through it all.
Just a look would tempt and torment.
Just a touch would singe and soothe.
I only survived because she was by my side.
I feared the danger would bleed into what we had.
After all, she was too good for this world. But I was too far gone to push her away.
I was Laura’s downfall.
Problem was, she was mine too.
Hard to Love is book 1 of the Hard to Love, romantic suspense, series.
“This highly addictive read had me glued to its pages, and unable to put it down. This story will have you jaw-dropping, gasping for breath, and begging for more!” Sarah, SWBR Book Blog & Reviews
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Hard to Love
Hard to Love #1
by W. Winters
Narrated by Joe Arden and Samantha Cook
Willow Winters has done it again! Sucked me in and left me wanting more! This book is the beginning of Seth and Laura’s story, and it’s all I love in a book! Seth is slowly getting deeper into the life, and Laura wants out. Well, this isn’t going to work, since these two have been in love forever! Winters has crafted the story around an unbridled passion, dangerous liaisons and a hurt so deep that I am wondering if it can be salvaged. It’s full of suspense and intrigue, heartache and steam. The perfect mix. But the cliffhanger has me waiting for more, and I need to grab the next book to see where their story leads.
Joe Arden and Samantha Cook are perfect for this story. While I am usually hearing Arden in the comedic or more angsty roles, he proves his talents by giving Seth that alpha, growlie sound, the over protective man with an axe to grind. Laura needs that man, and now with Cook portraying her, with higher expectations and that ability to move on, she gives us the emotional tugs that she is going through. It’s a match that will give it all to us and I can’t wait to hear more.
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I went in blind. I wasn’t aware Seth and Laura were connected to Cross brothers till the end of the book. I have read Carter’s Story and yet to read Jase’s. The majority part of Hard to Love is giving us Seth and Laura’s background story. How Seth and Laura met as a teenagers till his journey to be a Jase’s right hand man.
Laura was unique in her own way. She was smart, beautiful, and good. she was everything Seth needed, but knew he shouldn’t want. Seth is a force to be messed with. He’s unfiltered, dangerous, and a brute, yet she is her weakness. He’s too selfish to let her go. Seth is the young “king”, he is learning and making a name for himself, but at what cost? He loves Laura and shows it the only way he knows how. But is it enough? Laura loves Seth with her whole soul. She wants better for them and yet she understands Seth’s need to do what he does, and be the person that he needs to be. Seth and Laura have gone through so much in a short amount of time, you will feel every emotion the characters feel. It is gripping, emotional, enthralling, and enticing.
The book is sexy and fast paced. I loved Cami and Derrick . All I need now is to know what comes next for Laura and Seth. This is a condensed review of this book, you need to go in blind just like I did!
This is Seth and Laura’s story
There are no hearts and rainbows
There is anger – betrayal – loss – lust
All the emotions that drive us – the good and the bad
The story line goes from the past to the present
From the highs of young love – to the very lows of betrayal
I am going to suggest you read the small prequel- Longing to hold – if you have the opportunity – it just makes the read that much more
Seth feels betrayed – He believed in forever
Laura felt cornered she did what she thought was necessary to survive
Both made choices that would forever change the landscapes of their futures
Both have regrets
Both are just too darn stubborn!!
The day of reckoning has arrived
Will Laura survive Seth’s anger?
Can Seth see past the betrayal to the woman he once loved?
Hard to love is not the first book that I’ve read from Willow Winters. I’ve already read Merciless series and I know what an amazing author she is. And I am genuinely honoured that I am reviewing this book.
Hard to love is the first book of this series. The story of Seth and Laura who was together since they were in high school and Seth wanted to give protection to Laura But after some time things started to get change He became more than her protector. He became her life.
But that’s when the shit started to get down. All things are started to get out of hand and Seth has to face this and Laura is not ready for this. She had already lost soo much that she didn’t want to lose more.
Now, what will happen when Seth wants his revenge and laura is not ready to lose anyone else?
I really enjoyed this book. The story plot was amazing. Too many things are happening at the same time. The steamy scenes (oh my God) was absolutely SWOON WORTHY! The Side Characters were really good. I liked the bond of friendship between Seth and Derrick, Cami and Laura. I cried like a baby at the end and let me tell you that the book was ended at a CLIFFHANGER So, yes, There’s Book two Desperate to touch Which is available so don’t stop yourself from reading!
If you like dark romance with an amazing story line and a lot of Steamy scenes then this book is perfect for you.
Wish I could give it more than 5 stars
OMG!! I couldn’t get enough of Seth & Laura’s story.
I just wish I would have started the Merciless Series first!
Seth is ruthless in his quest for Laura, & Laura doesn’t seem to know what to make of her feelings for Seth.
I totally recommend this book! But first start with Merciless!!! I’m going back now
Oh man, this story just gutted me. I read Longing to Hold before this so I knew how Seth and Laura’s story started and this just kicked it up a notch.
My anxiety level was through the roof reading this. Willow has a way of describing what’s going on that I felt everything; the tension, the guilt, the despair, the passion, the love. I can’t wait to continue their story in the next book.
I liked this overall, but I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would. I’m giving it 2.5 out of 5 stars. This review is for an ARC, and reflects my honest opinion.
This was broken out into different sections, and included time jumps; in my opinion, the writing changed drastically during those moments. My least favorite parts were in the beginning, because 1) I was confused about what was going on, 2) I wasn’t sure how I felt about Laura and Seth’s “relationship”, and 3) there was quite a bit of repetition and long descriptions. I wanted to be immersed in the world, but sometimes I was in my own head too much when I focused on those things.
Seth was interesting. I don’t love him yet, but he definitely intrigued me. I wanted to see more of his world; we barely scratched the surface, but I’m sure there will be more to come in future books. I appreciated Laura’s character. Her ambition to become a nurse even with her not being good at school, how much she loved Seth, her friendship with Cami, etc. made me like her, but I also felt like I didn’t know her that well. I understood that only so much information could be shared in less than 200 pages, so the rest of the series will probably give readers deeper insight into the two main characters.
When I started this, I didn’t realize there were companion series that came before this. I’d be interested in seeing what I think of those men, and if they surpass Seth in my mind. This wasn’t a favorite book for me, but I’d recommend it to anyone who likes gang/mob stories, something a bit dark, and also more of an erotic romance.
Willow Winters again showed that she know how to write second chance romance book with charismatic heroes inside all of this!
Seth, ach this SETH! OMG! He is so despotic alpha! His attitude to Laura is so hot and steamy! I loved this man from the first page and I know that I will never stop liking this guy!
Laura is the best woman for this evil in human skin. She knows that Seth’s world is dangeorus and suspect, but she wants to be with him.
Do Seth want to be with her?
Did their love will be strong despite the events that will happen to them?
„Hard to Love” is my new obsession. W. Winters knows how to write book with tough and danger love, plot twists and we have a lot of anxiety in a whole book! Can’t wait to read the next book in this series and fortunately „Desperate to Touch” is live!
W. Winters writes delicious books with passion. On every page we can feel the hate and love between Laura and Seth.
This story has two paths which finally interwave. Both, Laura and Seth has their personal problems, which they must resolve.
Of course „Hard to Love” has a big cliffhanger and I must read a next book immediately!
Highly recommend this series!
3.5 stars
Hard to Love felt a little disjointed to me. It starts at present day, then skips back to their past. Basically the entire story was a flash back, so it flowed weirdly.
But I did enjoy their past. They were a sweet and loving couple – it was obvious something bad had to happen to ruin that. Honestly they were so naive; Seth thinking he could keep his empire of crime and Laura separate. Sweet in his thinking but he was young enough that he couldn’t see the forest for the trees.
Laura was not the strongest heroine I’ve read, but I can’t blame her for her actions. I think I’d do the same in her shoes.
I’m interested to see how Seth and Laura’s story plays out. That cliffhanger gave me some serious anxiety so I want to see how and if redemption will happen.
Life is complicated and deeper than others can see from the outside. It is usually easy enough to get people to glass over the surface and accept what they see as enough. Under it all though, that is where we dive into the true story.
Hard to Love is a great example of this. We got to meet Seth and Laura in previous Cross brothers books, but you only saw the surface. You only saw the soldier in an army. Hard to Love breaks down the walls of what brought Seth to where we found him.
Willow Winters has done an amazing job with these characters. She has an ability to build these characters in such a way that will keep you wanting more and more of them. I cannot wait to read Desperate to Touch and get more of Seth and Laura. Their story is not one I would have ever expected.
Laura and Seth are totally in love but being with Seth isn’t easy. Seth does things he can’t tell her. Can Laura stay?
Wow, wasn’t expecting that ending. The pitfalls of living a dangerous, dark life. Protect the ones you love or your reputation? Disastrous consequences either way. Looking forward to the sequel.
I struggled with this one. The time sequencing had a lot to do with it.
The first scene in the book has Seth and Laura being reunited after years apart. It is not a happy reunion. After having left Seth years earlier, Laura shows up at his club. It is unclear why she’s come back. Their reunion is not a happy one and Seth kicks Laura out of the club. He then trashes his club in anger.
The next scene is of them several years earlier when they are an established couple. Seth is king of the local underworld and Laura is a struggling nursing student. She doesn’t like the dangerous life they lead and she wants Seth to leave everything behind. Eventually the danger catches up with Laura and she decides a life of crime is not the say she wants to live. She takes a bunch of Seth’s money and leaves. That is where book one ends.
I really didn’t connect with Seth and Laura as a couple. I think because their relationship was already established (maybe that occurred in an earlier book). There was no character development. I was complete confused by the opening scene and why it mattered.
I love this book the storyline is great and well written this book about a love that is so strong but when so much has happened to you in your life your love is not strong enough to keep you in the life that you thought you had
We finally have Seth and Laura’s story! I loved reading this book, Willow knows how to tell a story with so many different twists. Being able to follow Seth and Laura from the beginning,I look forward to seeing where their story goes.
Wow! I’m breathless. What an amazing experience! All the feels!! Laughter to ugly cry and all the heat!I need the next book! This book is sexy AF and a must read!
I absolutely loved this story. It is enthralling suspense wrapped in passionate romance.
“I love the way she looks at me. No one’s ever looked at me like that before. No one other than her.”
Seth is the youngest leader of a crime organization who runs things with stoic power. His only weakness is his feelings for Laura. He knows she could be his downfall, but he could also be a danger to her.
“I swear I must have known this man in another life. He was made for me and I for him, but I don’t want this life.”
The story is captivating and beautifully written. I didn’t want to put my book down from the first page to the last!
“…his voice is gentle. He’s always soft with me. This strong man with rough edges and a past that would frighten most… his tone caresses me.”
Seth and Laura are introduced in a previous series but I have not read it and didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
-4.5 Stars!!-
I have enjoyed reading all of Willow Winters stories. They take me on an incredible journey as I jump in and ride the roller coaster of emotion’s. Was so happy to read a story focused on Seth. I am now current on the Cross Brother series..Hope you also enjoy Hard to Love!
The more I read Willow Winters’ books, the more her words and characters pull me into their world and Hard to Love was no exception. One thing for sure is that this story of Seth and Laura is dark. And I loved it. This amazing, talented author knows how to pull you right into the story with its twisted and suspenseful plot and I just couldn’t put the book down. This was one intense read that will have all of your emotions all over the place and the passion……wow. If you love dark romance, I definitely recommend this book and I cannot wait for the next of this new series.
‘Connor lifts his beer and Derrick and I follow suit as he starts our toast. “Here’s to the money, the dirty and the clean.”
Derrick goes next. “Here’s to the women, the ones who please us and the ones who make us scream.”
I finish it out. “And here’s to chaos, may we make that b**** our queen.”
~Seth~
Seth. Been kind of wanting a Seth book for ages. Since I first read him in the Merciless series. It was something about him that draws you in. He does not disappoint. Seth lives up to every bit of the intensity you get off of him (even in the small doses it’s there) in the previous books. You don’t have to read the Merciless or Irresistible Attraction series to read this one, but I’d recommend it, just for character sake, and for future books. But really…. Seth.
“Seth has some sort of magic over me. I don’t know what it is. The moment I’m in his vicinity, I’m a puppet for him. Whatever he commands, I do. Whatever he tells me, I believe. My body bends to his and I love it.”
~Laura~
I am so in love with Seth, and can not wait for more from him and Laura. When you first meet him in the Merciless series, you only get a taste of him, and it was a taste I liked, and I hoped he’d get a book. So, so glad he did. He is so much more than I expected. I never expected all this, but I really should have it being one of this authors characters, and the fact that he has to stand up with none other than the Cross brothers. And Sebastian. Can’t forget him. Either way, Seth has to be tough, and I have to admit, underestimated him. Shocked. Sorry Jase. I belong to Seth now.
“It’s my fault. I knew who Seth was, I just never thought that there wouldn’t be a way for our lives to fit together. It was always so perfect, so easy. He was my everything.”
~Laura~
Seth has some serious stuff going on, and Laura is the only thing keeping him on the somewhat good side. And somewhat sane. All Laura wants is a normal life, and to be a nurse. Kind of hard when your boyfriend (so not a boy) runs the toughest crew in town. This book is all kind of drama, feels, and intrigue. The emotion alone between these two will keep you hooked. I can’t say enough how much I loved Seth and Laura’s story. I can’t wait to read more from these two. Absolute recommend.