From #1 NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely comes a hot & hilarious new standalone romantic comedy…Women often say a good man is hard to find. And a hard man is even better.That’s why I’m quite a catch– good, hard, loaded, and wait for it…I’m ready to settle down too. But the woman I want to pitch my tent with lives clear across the country. Neither of us wants to get lost in those … us wants to get lost in those woods. All I have to do is resist her for the week she’s in town.
I try. I swear I try. But yeah, that doesn’t work out.
And after one fantastic night with my good friend Mia, I’m ready to give her years of nights under the stars. What’s a few thousand miles when love’s involved? But there’s a hitch in my plans — she just hired my adventure tour company. If there’s one thing I’m committed to, it’s running a squeaky clean business. Number one on my list of iron-clad rules?
Don’t screw your customers.
But what’s a guy to do when she’s so hard to resist? How hard can it be to keep our hands off each other for a quick group tour down the hills and over the trails? I’m about to find out, and I have a feeling I’m going to need a new badge of honor because things are about to get very hard in the woods.
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Awesome!
When I want a combination of romance, steam, and humor, Lauren Blakely always delivers. I know there are many little sister – brother’s best friend books, but Blakely manages to make this one new.
This is a very sweet, romantic story from the very beginning to the end. I especially lived the chapters where the cat got to talk to the readers. Well done and very original.
Very redicyablr. Easy to tesd
Sexy but funny and cute.
Lauren Blakey is the queen of humorous, sexy, fun, entertaining rom-com’s. I happily but impatiently await each of her books. We met Patrick and Mia in previous books, this was a long time coming. The wait for their book was SO worth it. Super sweet and adorable story. Patrick is funny, loving and so normal of a guy you can’t help but to fall in love with him. And not to mention Zeus. Zeus had my heart at first Purr. It was nice to see and catch up with the other couples from the series.
Patrick and Mia are a friends to lovers/ friend’s sister romance set in Manhattan. It is written in frst person from Patrick’s POV. There are also a few chapters written from his cat, Zeus’. POV that shed light on both Mia and Patrick’s thoughts. Patrick has had feelings for Mia for a while, but has been determined to stay in the friend zone instead of pursuing a long distance relationship. Patrick is very fit and spends a lot of time exercising and going on outdoor adventures with his company and for himself. Mia is a powerhouse who owns her own cosmetic company. I loved reading as these two take chances, mess up communicating, and finally get their HEA. The cat is awesome and his inner thoughts are hilarious. There are laughs and plenty of heat in this sweet, sweet story.
I really liked “Hard Wood” by Lauren Blakely. Ms. Blakely has been an author that I’ve enjoyed reading for many years. She writes witty and fun contemporary romance in a way that feels like you are reading your favorite Rom-com movie. “Hard Wood” is no exception. These are two of my new favorite characters. The way she wrote their story line was one that kept me entertained and laughing along the way. Great way to spend a quiet Saturday afternoon. It’s one that you won’t want to put down once you start it.
This book/ series is a great one to add to your book collection.
Happy Reading…enjoy!
Hard Wood is a standalone by the amazing Lauren Blakely! At this point I think she could write a rom-com in the male POV in her sleep and it will still make the Bestsellers list. One element I love in a Lauren book is the connections. I have been waiting for this story. The story of Mia (Max and Chase’s sister) and Patrick (Evie’s brother). They met a few months ago while Mia was traveling to NY on business and staying with his friend and neighbor Max. He wanted to get to know her then and falls deeper and deeper each time he sees her…
Patrick is at the point in his life where he wants to settle down. His adventure touring business is booming. His sister and his friends have found their match and now it’s his turn. Except he knows he has found is but she is off-limits. Not because she happens to be his buddy’s sister but because she lives three-thousand miles away in San Francisco. He knows that if he gets one taste of Mia while she is visiting NY than he won’t be able to let her go. She could not be a fling. She would be his everything. He would want her in his arms every night. Pitch a tent with her on the weekends. Walk his cat Zeus on a daily basis. He doesn’t know how she feels but it would be hard to watch her get on that plane if they tried. It would hurt if it ruined what they have now. A fun and flirty friendship. Well…that friendship kicks it up a notch with one night of passion. Now what?
Mia has wanted Patrick since the moment she laid eyes on him and more and more with each visit. She likes that he is a normal guy with an easygoing attitude with a good head on his shoulders. And it’s a bonus that his other head is just as amazing.She likes him. She also knows she could fall for him. That is why she hasn’t gone there. The distance is too much. His friendship with her brother could be on the line. What if they go there and it not only hurts them but Patrick as well. She told herself she wouldn’t do this but after one night with Patrick, she wants more but how could it possible work?
I love this couple!! Their relationship is easy but difficult at the same time. They just fit but live in different time zones. They click and feel comfortable with one another but have some difficulty communicating their feelings. That is what made it feel more real to me. The way they question themselves. I am not a let’s talk about our feelings type so I got it. Anyways…Patrick is a man’s man. A gentlemen with a roughness. A swoon-worthy bearded hottie who knows his way around a campfire and can make a mean s’mores after it’s built. Mia has a simple beauty on the outside and is a extraordinary beauty in the inside. Together they are fun, sexy, and have their obstacles to conquer. Oh!! I can not forget about Zeus, the most kickass cat ever. I would seriously read his story if Lauren ever went there.
Overall…it’s another Lauren book that you must read! I laughed, cried, felt the tingles. It also made me want to go for a hike and put a harness on my cat.
P.S. Their nicknames names for each other are the best. Unique and so them.
Quotes:
“I do like snacks.”
“Marcona almonds,” I say in a low, dirty whisper.
She hums.
“Green olives.” My voice turns huskier.
She fans herself.
“Sunflower seeds.” She lets out a gasp, and yeah, sunflower seed erotica is way better than s’mores smut. “Now you’re just teasing me.”
“I swear. All those can be yours.”
“He’s a shrink. He keeps all my secrets. I think it’s like patient–pussycat privilege.”
“I do need to catch up on my math.”
A newly engaged woman lives all her romantic and sexy fantasies out with her fiance, but holds back the one thing she has had numerous fantasies about having until he encourages her to trust in their love. A leap of faith in both of them and using his best friend one time will give them a fantasy unlike any other! A smoking hot read!!
Another fabulous book in this series. Ms. Blakely creates absolutely beautiful characters that are extremely lovable and so wonderfully strong. Mia and Patrick and Zeus have secured a place in my heart.
I’m a little sad that this is the last book in the Big Rock Series. Just like all the other characters throughout this series, Patrick and Mia were so perfect for each other. Patrick and Max (Mia’s brother) lived in the same complex in NYC. Mia met Patrick during one of the times she went to go visit Max (her brother). Since then they became friends with an undeniable attraction which of course they fought for a number of reasons. During one of her business trips to the city, Patrick takes Mia on a hiking trip to help her relax and take a breather because she was stressed.
The relationship between Mia and Patrick was fun and flirty. I loved the way they were both family oriented and had a close relationship with their siblings. They had a lot of commonalities; both were entrepreneurs, hard working individuals who understood the dedication and time owning your own business entailed; the sacrifices it entailed. For me, this is important and made their relationship stronger.
I hope I get to see more of this amazing cast of characters in future books. Lauren has such an amazing talent for story telling and making her readers feel as if they are part of the lives of these set of great friends (characters).
I loved this series! No angst or misunderstandings. Just two people who like each other trying to figure out how to say it and and build a relationship, all done with humor and lots of great sexy bits.
I loved this latest love story in the standalone Male-POV books by Lauren Blakely. I just never tire of these touching, fun, sweet and sexy romances! Patrick and Mia were attracted to each other from their very first meeting. The problem is that they live on opposite coasts and rarely see each other. Mia is home for her brother’s wedding and Patrick is ready to let her know how deeply he cares for her. But Mia just might have a few surprises of her own. I loved everything about this forbidden love story. It’s not full of angsty drama, but when Patrick takes Mia’s group on a guided tour thru his adventure tour company, there are a few thrilling moments that take you by surprise.
Ms Blakely creates wonderfully refreshing, multifaceted stories about real people who are interesting, socially conscious and face life head-on. It’s loaded with sexual tension, smoking hot passion, witty banter, laugh out loud moments, and those sweet and heartwarming moments as well, not to mention a very adorable cat named Zeus. The occasional ‘Conversations with the Cat’ were clever and hilarious, allowing us to peek into the minds of both Mia and Zeus. Their family and friends all make appearances as well, and it is a fun treat catching up on what is happening in their lives. This book is another brilliant, clever and sexy Blakely romance that is a MUST READ!
I can never get enough of all male POV, I just love it. This one was a fast read, got it done in a couple of hours. There really wasn’t a lot going on but it’s still an enjoyable story. My favorites are the first three books in the series.
Lauren Blakely is the Queen on male point of views! Just have to put that out there! No one is touching her in this department. I’ve been looking forward to Patrick and Mia’s story since “Stud Finder” and it didn’t disappoint me at all.What I loved about Patrick was that he knew what he wanted and he didn’t beat around the bush. He didn’t play any games and was very straightforward and assertive when it came to Mia. It’s very refreshing when a man knows what he wants and will stop at nothing to get his woman. Mia was a woman after my own heart as we both love animals and I currently have a cat that I rescued named Paws. Speaking of cats in this book we have Zeus who was such a great addition to this story as well.
“What I really want to say is I look forward to showering you with affection every single day. And then you’ll tell me how much you can’t wait for that, too.”
Anybody who has read Lauren Blakely before will not be disappointed in this story. Even if you are new to her books you will still enjoy this story. The writing was flawless, the story flowed and it hit all the marks. As I said before I love her books because there is never over the top, eye rolling drama. Any issues the couples face their challenges head on and resolves them as needed. Nothing is dragged out and it’s refreshing. Lauren Blakely nailed it again and as always has left me with a huge smile on my face after being hard wood!
I loved the Big Rock series of books. Mia and Patrick’s story is cute and without much tension (hence my 4 instead of 5 star rating). If you want a light fluffy book, this one would fit the bill.
Lauren Blakely is one of my favorite authors! I can never pass up a book by her, and this series is really great! I love the male point of view.
It’s finally Patrick and Mia’s turn to find love in Hard Wood. Hard Wood is a stand alone however both character’s previously appeared Joy Ride.
I never fail to fall in love with Lauren Blakely’s stories. Hard Wood is a swoony romance that will warm your heart and possibly other body parts. I fell quick and hard for Patrick Milligan, a normal, comfortable guy with a fantastic butt and an in-the-know feline companion..
Patrick’s ready to settle down but the woman he wants happens to live clear across the county. He never finds the right time to tell Mia how he feels. He is in a continual battle with his emotions, keeping his feeling under wraps.
Mia Summers confides her feels for Patrick to his cat, Zeus. She’s falling in love with Patrick but she’s not sure if he feels the same. Her subtle hints are not enough.
Their struggle is heartfelt. They don’t want the sting of rejection so they stop before baring their souls. I love that this story is written in Patrick’s POV. I love reading his thoughts and feeling his emotions. Plus we get Zeus, the first-to-know feline who doesn’t share secrets. It gives the story a different zest. Lauren Blakely has nailed down giving us the male POV. I hope she continues. 5 Stars!
This book is a prime example as to is why Lauren Blakely is a must-read-auto-buy-one-click-pre-order-with-the-swiftness author for me. Reading Hard Wood just made me feel good. It was sexy, easy, and sweet. Low angst, but enough tension to make it interesting. But the best thing was Patrick – she just knows how to write men that I love! They are sensitive, caring, ready for love, and oh-so-sexy. Patrick is probably my second favorite male lead in this series (Nick from Mister O will always be my Number 1). I really liked Mia too and I really love how Lauren used Zeus to give us a glimpse at what she was thinking and feeling while keeping this first person POV from Patrick’s standpoint. Throughout this series she has found very clever ways to let us know what the female leads are thinking (i.e.: Josie’s recipes in Full Package). I also really enjoyed that while the progression of their relationship may seem swift to those that are new to the series or those that have not read the books in order (which is so not required to enjoy them), for those of us that have been with the gang since the beginning (Big Rock), Mia and Patrick’s story is more of a slow burn. Hard Wood was one of those books that was over before I was ready for it to be and I’m so grateful for the 3 epilogues! 4 out of 5 wine glasses.