USA Today & Amazon Top Ten best-selling author Harloe Rae delivers an emotional enemies-to-lovers romance where a sassy single mom and a reclusive mechanic battle it out with their hearts on the line. This swoony standalone novel is sure to give you all the feels!“Everyone deserves a chance to be rescued.”That’s the mantra I’m repeating when a well-equipped biker pulls over to save me. One … biker pulls over to save me. One glance at the scowl Crawford Doxe is wearing proves he isn’t impressed with the task. My efforts to change his mind deflate faster than the shredded tire at our feet. But disgruntled or not, my so-called hero still agrees to fix my flat.
I don’t expect to see Crawford again, but he’s suddenly very visible in our small town. Avoiding him would be my preference. That’s not how this story goes. For whatever reason, my daughter finds an ally in the broody mechanic. Denying her is something I do my best to avoid. I can only hope Crawford’s shine wears off before he tarnishes what little trust still exists.
As if the odds are ever on my side.
Commitments are a foreign concept to him. He doesn’t make any promises to try. That should’ve been enough for me to steer clear. It most certainly isn’t.
What follows can only be described as a disastrous clash of epic proportions.
But one indisputable fact remains. That lone soul has no plans of opening his heart.
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So, I have been a fan of Rae since her first book. And seeing the development and progression of her writing, especially with Loner has my heart. Her words are magic. She weaves a stunning emotional story that will have you wanting to cry, yell and laugh all at once. The concept behind Loner is heartbreaking. I felt such a connection with Keegan. Her pain of trying to do her daughter right but feels like she keeps failing. The nervousness of starting something new. I was there. It is not fun and it is scary. Then you have Crawford who is literally sin on a motorcycle that you just want to hug and tell him it will all be okay.
One thing I felt with this book is the pain that Crawford went through growing up and how it affected his adult life. Scared to let anyone in and more. But Keegan and sweet Millie broke his walls down and how he developed into the man he becomes was brilliant. I adore how he took control to get himself back through this story even with the struggles he had. But these two together were absolutely brilliant. She brought out the love and the fun in Crawford. Making him want to live. He brought out that raw passion in Keegan and made her want to believe in love again.
As a whole, this is a great addition to Rae’s books. Seeing the flow of the book with past characters and how they are all intertwined with Silo Springs makes you want to pack up and move there yourself. If you love Rae’s work, you will very much love this story!
What happens when Harloe Rae put a broody antisocial mechanic, a too smart and too adorable girl and an amazing woman with scarred soul into a swoony small town? MAGIC HAPPENS. SPARKS FLY. Be aware, your heart and body is going to have some serious damage after reading Loner!
Crawford basically self isolated in middle of nature at the fringe of Silo Springs. He wants nothing to do with his good for nothing father’s money. He doesn’t trust anyone and prefers to spend time with his dog and his bike shop. Then a little girl and her mother with emerald eyes and blonde hair burges into his world. Keegan has been hurt way too many times and she is determined not to let any of her relationship issues to affect her girl Millie ever. But how can they deny their chemistry? Even when they want different things from their lives..
Keegan is the boss lady. I adore her fire and sass and her determination. Being single mother isn’t easy but she is doing what she can do and she is doing a great job with Millie. She also has this vulnerable side that’s scared of opening up to anyone. And Crawford slowly decimated all her defences. Gah I love Crawford. He may be my favorite from Silo Springs. He is a kind of arrogant brooding alpha and they begin on quiet bitter and angry step. He comes across as indifferent and anti-people and aloof and cold. But what a man he is! He showers attention and love to Millie. He is afraid of commitment but he decided to give his all to this relationship. The road was not easy. The heartbreaking twist made me come undone. But Ford finally slayed his demons to come home to Millie and Keegan. The chemistry was downright overwhelming and all consuming. Their connection was hot, dirty and sensual. Their connection was also life changing and heartwarming. And Millie may as well be my very favourite person. What a cute girl with cutest heart!
Harloe Rae’s writing was incredibly powerful in Loner. Without a doubt, Loner is best work of Harloe Rae! It was one heartwrenching, swoonworthy and passionate ride!
Received ARC for honest review
Is there anything cuter than an adorable kid with dimples?
Apparently so.
Ford.
Quiet, surly, Loner.
This enemies to lovers delight had me riveted, absolutely engrossed and ignoring all of my adult responsibilities (I’m not even sorry).
The chemistry between Crawford and Keegan is electric and oh so delicious
Ok, so here’s the deal. I can’t really explain why but this book is magical.
It’s sweet and sassy and down to earth.
The story isn’t epic but real, relatable and utterly charming.
I’m not a kid person but I fell head over heels for Mills.
I just couldn’t fight the smile plastered on my face while reading.
This is my new favorite Harloe Rae book and any of her fans are going to fall in love with it.
5 stars and healing hug
**3.5 Stars**
Our Loner is Ford- he likes solitude, working on bikes, nature, and his dog Patch. He doesn’t like interacting with others (especially his estranged family)- and he’s defensively rude and abrasive because that’s the loner archetype and all. Unfortunately for him (or fortunately…wink wink), his path crosses thanks to a serendipitous tire and small town life with Keegan- a year into nursing her bad relationship wounds in a new town with her 6 year old daughter, Millie. Keegan and Ford butt heads, while developing an intense physical attraction, while Keegan also bonds with the introverted Millie- who is effervescently loquacious with mom but the silent type with everyone else- until Ford. She sees a fellow isolator, and he has a dog, so Mille is team Ford straight away. Our romance is pretty straight forward- these two souls dealing with their baggage, which they have to confront more aggressively when they start to explore their physical attraction.
I really waffled about how I felt about this book. There are parts of it I love- I love the small town setting that Harloe does so well. I loved that this isn’t overflowing with plot frivolity – no giant secrets, no melodramatic climax, no unnecessary violence or side plots, in fact, we have very few secondary characters or subplots at all- minus the dad situation, which is really about Ford’s story. I liked the focus, the old school romance vibe- all we have are two characters just trying to confront and make sense of their feelings. GUYs- that is HARD ENOUGH and interesting enough on its own, before we add in the trappings of more bloated romance books these days (which I also love, btw- I like a psycho ex boyfriend tries to kill the heroine or a giant explosive secret as the next girl.) But I did really appreciate the focus- the smallness, how straight forward this was- and the theme of “dealing with your ISH’ because that is the biggest barrier to love resonates with me.
And I LOVED PEEP (aka Millie). Sure, she seemed a bit mature for your average 6 year old, but still believable- her connection to Ford in particulary kept me turning the pages, had me deeply invested-even more so for Mille’s happiness than Keegan’s. She gave me ALL the tender-hearted feels. She was charming and adorable and the real heart of this story. The emotional glue, and perhaps the most developed character.
Which brings me to why I don’t over the moon love this- I just don’t feel like we know these characters. Or, that they really even got to know each other. The physical chemistry is developed and palpable- it’s the emotional chemistry, the emotional connection that just didn’t click for me. They weren’t ever really “enemies”- and I don’t think they ever actually were even friends. We have a few moments of authentic vulnerability- one standout is when Keegan talks about Millie’s father- and man, I FELT that in my gut. I felt their tie, them open up. Outside of these morsels, we mostly get sarcastic banter and physical attraction, just quite not enough for me to “get” them- as individuals or their interest in each other, outside of the obvious bedroom fun. And because I didn’t know them, I felt a little character whiplash that also got frustrating- both seemed to vacillate between the two extremes of their personalities at the drop of a hat (Keegan- warm and fun vs. proactive and closed off; Ford charming and aggressively wooing vs. distant and rude) without me really understanding why. Lots of tension, some steam, just needed more emotional connection.
This isn’t my favorite of Harloe’s, but it was a quick and feel-good read with lots of charm. Overall 3.5 stars.
Harloe Rae will always be my go to author, l have probably said it before but her stories are the bomb and she sucks you in with her stories! Loner was totally up there! I absolutely loved Keegan and Crawford, their story was most definitely an enemies to lovers romance story! Their banter was smoking! Millie was special she was a perfect little match maker so adorable! The dams burst with tears with that ending!
Harloe Rae is a master at writing small town romances that tug at every single one of your heart strings. EVERY SINGLE HEART STRING! I could not put this book down! Loner has taken Keeper’s place as my favorite Harloe Rae story to date (and I did not think that was possible!). I applaud Harloe Rae’s ability to write such amazing stories about loss, heartbreak, forgiveness, understanding, love, and happiness. She is a master at angsty and emotional romances that rip your heart out one minute and then piece it back together the next. I could not get enough of this enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance. I did not want Loner to end and would be more than happy to have about fifteen more epilogues of Keegan and Crawford.
Crawford takes broody, bad boy loner to an entirely new level in Loner and let me tell you, I AM HERE FOR IT! I am obsessed with Crawford (I know he goes by Ford, but I’m really obsessed and in love with his full name). His character is everything. He struggles to make connections with people and prefers to be alone. He can be moody, closed off, and downright cold at times, but that’s because he’s built walls around his heart so that no one (minus his mother and brother) truly knows who the real Crawford is. He’s been hurt and talked down to more times than he can count, so he makes himself unapproachable to protect himself. My heart hurt for him. His character is so relatable though. It’s so very easy to get lost in your own head and to prefer your own company over others’. He just hadn’t found the right person to share every single part of himself with. He needed someone to accept the good, the bad, and everything in-between. This moody mechanic needed someone to see and accept the real him. And I have to tell you the real Crawford is pretty damn awesome. I fell in love with his character, faults and all. Once this man opens up, phew, watch out ladies! I thought I lusted hard after Decker. I’m lusting even harder after Crawford. This man is all sorts of swoon worthy hotness. Whew! I may also have a major thing for mechanics now because of this book!
Keegan is an amazing character. She became a single mom at the age of nineteen and has done a kickass job. She has always tried to put her daughter Millie first and do what’s best for them. She loves her daughter with all her heart and it really shows during their interactions. I love this mother and daughter duo! Keegan has had her heart broken one too many times. She tends to be more cautious when it comes to her heart and I do not blame her. She has not only her own heart to think about, but her daughter’s as well. Keegan is fierce, passionate, sassy, funny, smart, and a fighter. She has been through so much in her life and instead of letting it knock her down, she uses those heartaches to help become a stronger and more fierce person. She builds armor around her heart to protect herself. It’s going to take a lot to break through that armor (ahem, Crawford). I admire her character so much. I could not imagine becoming a mother at such a young age and having no one to rely on, but yourself. I could not image going through all of those trials and heartaches on my own. She’s such a strong female lead character and an amazing role model to her daughter.
Millie! I absolutely love Millie so stinking much! This little girl is absolutely adorable. She owns my heart completely. She reminds me a little of myself when I was younger. Like Millie, I definitely didn’t like to talk to people I wasn’t comfortable around and was extremely shy. When she’s around people she’s comfortable with though, she’s sassy, spunky, and all sorts of confident. She comes out of her shell more during the course of the story and I love every second of it! She’s still shy around people she doesn’t know, but she’s making amazing progress! This little girl is the absolute best and you will fall in love with her.
Keegan and Crawford together are FIRE! HOLY MOLY! These two could set an entire forest on fire with their chemistry. I’m still fanning myself from their interactions. Their banter is on point and epically hilarious. All of the hidden innuendos in their conversation were the absolute best. I about died from laughing! I love these two together so much. They are honestly perfect for one another. They definitely didn’t start off on the right foot, but over time they developed an amazing friendship that turned into heart stopping love. Keegan and Crawford are really good for one another. They push each other to be better, as well as pushing each other’s boundaries. I love that Keegan brought out a protective and sweeter side of Crawford. He didn’t let many people see beyond his walls, but he let Keegan in. Keegan let Crawford in as well. She let him see her heartache, pain, and fears. And he did the same with her. These two own my heart and I mean they OWN MY HEART COMPLETELY! I was rooting for these two the entire story. There were definitely some bumps along the way, but these two eventually figured it out. I enjoyed everything second of their journey together.
Crawford and Millie have the cutest freaking relationship! I love the connection between them. Crawford gets why Millie doesn’t like to talk to a lot of people and why it’s hard for her. He is the same exact way. It’s hard to open yourself up to other people, especially if they are cruel right off the bat. These two are kindred spirits. They have such a sweet and heartwarming friendship. It makes me feel all sorts of warm, mushy, and fuzzy feelings. I love their relationship as much as love Keegan and Crawford’s relationship (for totally different reasons obviously lol). These two just make my heart so happy.
Overall, I give this story a 5/5! Harloe Rae has outdone herself with Loner! I loved every second of this story and I truly did not want it to end. I need more of Crawford, Keegan, and Millie. These three are the absolute best and they own every single part of my heart with their adorableness. I cannot wait to see where Harloe takes us next! I’m hoping it’s a certain best friend of Keegan and brother of Crawford. There’s definitely an untold story there that I need to know about!
I haven’t read a lot of single mom books, I think they get over shadowed by the hot single dad. But it’s so much HOTTER when a man can step up and be there and love not only the woman, but her kid too.
With that being said, Crawford “Ford” Doxe is that man. He’s a sexy biker mechanic who is also a loner. And boy can he be so sweet. He brings a little girl out of her shell and breaks down a stubborn women’s walls.
Keegan put those walls up after being hurt one to many times and now just wants what’s best for her daughter, Millie.
The chemistry between Ford and Keegan is off the charts HOT! And the way Ford is with Millie will just melt your heart and have your ovaries explode, he’s just so good with her.
Gah, I absolutely loved this book! Well done on another 5 star read, Harloe Rae!!
Ford has been a loner most of his life and he’s always been content. That’s until he unexpectedly meets Keegan and her adorable daughter. Keegan moved to town after a horrible relationship and loves the town. Her friend tries to get her to date but she’s focused on being a mom. She is trying to resist her attraction to Ford but how long will that last? Can Ford give up his Loner ways?
Ok…Everyone has their preferences when reading right? Some like enemies to lovers. Some may want that brooding biker. How about that single mom who finds that bad ass guy that is absolutely perfect in every way? Well, this book has ALL OF THAT and more!!!
Keegan is a single mom, doing what she does to take care of her beautiful little girl. Getting out of an unhealthy relationship, moving to a small mountain town, and living her best life. Then there is Ford. A loner, motorcycle mechanic living on the outskirts, away from society. He THINKS he’s living his best life as well, but fate takes a turn. Keegan ends up needing help and like magic, Ford is the one who’s there. When Keegans little girl ends up needing help finding her way home, Ford is there again. There is an undeniable energy between Keegan and Ford that cannot be ignored. Their push and pull is addicting. Their mutual love for this beautiful little girl is incredible. Ford suddenly begins to feel friendship, self worth and even love.
I loved every second of seeing how this story unfolded. So much of these character’s lives come together and most surprising of ways. You read this and just have the words “meant to be” going in your head over and over.
I also loved how some of Harloe’s previous characters pop up in the story. Grady, Sutton, her family, Decker and Delaney. Amazing as always Harloe!!!
BTW….I read this book front to back 3 times!!!!
Harloe Rae
This book gave me all the feels – from intense passion to the giggles of the adorable Millie! Seeing the love grow between Keegan and Ford was amazing and intense. Seeing the perfect hea was well worth the wait!
Loner features one of my favorite things: a broody and grumpy hero. Meet Ford, aka Crawford: a grumpy introvert that has avoided relationships (of any kind) due to his past. He meets Keegan and her shy young daughter Millie on the side of the road when they are stuck with a flat tire.
Needless to say, the initial meeting between the two didn’t go well. So it’s a surprise to Ford when he finds Millie lost in the woods not too long later and they bond immediately. The relationship between Ford and Millie is sweet and one of the best things about Loner. There’s just something so sweet about a broody man hiding his marshmallow insides.
Not that the connection between Keegan and Ford is any less amazing. They were drawn to each other, even when they were “enemies.” Such an emotional connection between the two that couldn’t be denied. Even the angst couldn’t stop the draw between them.
Another great read by Harloe Rae. She’s been added to my auto-buy list.
Where do I even begin. Each chapter ,every word just kept me huddled over this book! I loved everything about this story. Keegan and Crawford were a beautiful disaster at first. A definite learning curve and breach of their comfort zones for both of them . I couldn’t put Loner down. Millie has my heart. That little girl has fire in her spirit and a heart of gold ! Each beginning chapter note had me swooning, nervous, excited. This whole book just had me reeling with emotions . This author has such amazing talent and a wonderful creativeness with each book. Never let life break you and always look for a new tomorrow. I will be reading this story again and again. And when the audio comes out I’ll be grabbing that too. Absolutely perfect!
Keegan and her daughter Millie are moving to Silo Springs to be closer to her friend Josey. On the way there her tire goes flat and just as she is getting out to fix it a man on a motorcycle pulls over and stops as he pulls off his helmet Keegan is stop short at what a handsome man. He walks over and He is stone cold and not very friendly. He begrudgingly says his band is Ford. They both go on there way. Millie is painfully shy and doesn’t talk a lot. Ford, Keegan, and Millie start spending time together even though Ford has issues of being a loner. Keegan has been through some jerky ex’s and not ready to trust anyone to soon. Millie and Ford get each other. Can Keegan and Ford get past there issues and be a family? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Harloe Rae does it again and writes characters you just fall in love with amazing book.
Small town romance, enemies to lovers, single mom- great book by Harloe Rae! Keegan and Crawford…. pull around the heart strings. Keegan is a single mom to sweet Millie. Crawford is a quiet guy who keeps to himself.
When they connect- they fight their feelings. Millie pulls them together. Ford is so sweet with Millie. Both have baggage from their past and once they get past that baggage- is a great happily ever after!
OMG WHERE DO I START FROOOOOM
Let’s have a mini introduction of the characters shall we?
Keegan “Kee”- Single mother, who has gone through her own fair share of heartbreaks but is fiercely protective of her daughter. She is ONE FIESTY MAMA.
Amelia “Millie”- The secret diva child. The most precious and cutest thing ever. To the world Millie is a shy girl, she doesn’t really talk to anyone except for her mom and then Ford. Who is the only one who understands her loner tendency.
Crawford “Ford”- The loner, brooding awkwardly cute hot biker guy. Lmao that man was awkward af for me he really had no idea how to handle Keegan, he actually bonded quiet will with Millie but her mother was a question mark for him. But it was cute though I really enjoyed reading about his struggles
So Keegan and Millie move to Silo Springs, for a fresh start. One day while driving in the highway Keegans car gets a flat tire. She is in the process of calling someone for help when she see’s a motorbike driving towards them. And it’s non other than Crawford.
One knight and shining encounter leads to another and Ford didn’t expect to lose himself to a quiet but secretly a little diva child and her sassy mother. The more they start to hang out together the more Ford realizes he needs to change himself and become more social.
“Those two own my battered, black heart. Because of them, I had a future to strive for. More than that, I wanted to be ambitious and aim higher. “
Now Ford has his own demons to deal with, more specifically his CLASS A ASSHOLE FATHER.
“ Ruining any semblance of happiness you’re trying to achieve is always my goal, kid. Just returning the favor. Figured you’d know better by now. “
Anyway….. Kee has her own trust issues and she isn’t looking for a serious relationship. So Ford just has to convince her to give whatever connection they have a try.
Also can we just appreciate the fact the Ford isn’t a manwhore? Like no OW drama or any mention of any one night stands. He had expired condoms in his house….. so yeah.
The reason I didn’t give this book a full 5 star rating is because towards the end I wished Ford had to grovel a little bit more, especially with Millie, like he didn’t even try hard to get them back and Kee just forgave him too easily and I was like wait whaaaaat. Because throughout the book we get to see a fierce Kee who is completely over protective of her daughter. So she should have made Ford work for it a little bit before letting him back into their lives. Sooo yeah.
LONER by Harloe Rae is the story of Keegan and Crawford ‘Ford’.
Ford grew up with a really mean and cruel childhood which has turned him into the longer who doesn’t do relationship and feelings. Ford is the local bike mechanic in town so Keegan knows of Ford but neither interacts which each other. But that changes when Keegan is left needing help and it just so happens that Ford is the one that comes along. Keegan is a hard working, single mom who doesn’t keep someone to save or help her but she does take his help this time. Millie her daughter who she gives the world to has taken a fixation on Ford. So the heart strings get pulled along with the sparing between the two adults. Of course they both combust into some hot encounters that neither can’t seem to stop. Loved this book and of course this author’s writing. I plan on read more of her books in the future.
I’m on board for this cage free ride!
I love Harloe’s books and her heroes so much, but none of them spoke to me and grabbed me like Crawford! A man of few words and when they do come out they are as sour and gritty as they come, but that only makes me appreciate him more! We are a product of our surroundings and upbringing, but that doesn’t mean that we cannot be saved and he is proof of that! He only commits to 3 things in his life, his momma, his dog and his bikes. But that all changes when damsel in distress catches his eye broken down on the side of the road. adamant he is NOT a hero, and convinced he is undeserving,he helps and takes off but cant get her off of his mind. And when he stumbles upon a little girl with the same eyes and hair that keeps him up at night he begins to realize his world is about to turn upside down!He unexpectedly bonds and falls for her daughter, all while reeling her in in the process. Keegan has been through the ringer with relationships and decides to solely focus on raising her daughter, so when she keeps crossing paths with Crawford and her shy daughter befriends him she is torn between being a protective mama bear and letting her walls down to let him in.
She is a spitfire and can handle whatever he throws at her, and gives it back tenfold. They are a perfect push and pull match waiting to explode and the ride to get to the end is worth the bumps on the road!
This was an angsty, funny, a super steamy wild ride with these characters! Millie certainly stole the show and hearts! Another great book from Harloe!
3.5*
I really enjoyed this. Ford is the bad boy, motorcycle riding moody guy who meets Keegan, a single mum with a sweetheart for a little girl called Millie.
The push and pull between Keegan and Crawford kept me hooked. Even when I wanted to shake one or both of them for not letting their walls down.
If you like small town romances with intriguing characters, sassy little kids and side characters you certainly want to know more about (looking at you Josie and Grant) then Loner might be the book you need.
I was given an advance copy of this on behalf of the author and I volunteered to leave an unbiased.