From USA Today bestselling author Willow Winters comes a heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat gripping, romantic suspense.I ran from him, even though my heart knew better. Love was one thing, but survival another. I should have known he’d come for me. Men like him always get what they want. The temptation in his eyes, the heat of his touch . . . it’s all still there, but his gaze is harsher now and … still there, but his gaze is harsher now and his grasp unrelenting. He’s not the boy I fell in love with, although pieces of what we once had are still there. I can feel it.
I know what he wants from me, and I know it comes with a steep price. I’ll pay it though, if for no other reason than to touch him again. Just once more. I’ll close my eyes and forget about the risks that come with this life and with him.
I only hope he doesn’t do the same.
“…the darker side of romance with epic twists of passion, lust, want, need, love, hate, and epic suspense!” – The Sass Nerd BlogNot
Not My Heart to Break is the complete collection of the USA Today bestselling, Hard to Love series.
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I loved this series.
I was on the edge of my seat from the first page and couldn’t put it down.
This was definitely a must read series from Willow.
Laura the good girl and Seth the proverbial bad boy must have met in a prior life so deep and unending is their love for each other. Seth has been watching Laura for some time but is driven to action when her father leaves her to study in a bar and she draws the attention of the mob boss who looks to put her to work in the back room. Lines are drawn violence erupts as the men in the bar rise to protect Laura who’s being beaten by the mob boss for her refusal to work as a prostitute. Men die and the fate of Laura and Seth is sealed. Through all the loss of life and the struggles for power can their love endure? Will they be able to rise above the chaos to find their HEA? Their story is raw, gritty, and oh so compelling you will not be able to put this book down until you’ve devoured every page and it devours your soul. Laura takes money from Seth and runs from the violence his life exposed her to. Now Laura is a nurse at the Rockford Center and Seth is working for Jase the significant other of Laura’s best friend Bethany. When Laura and Bethany get into Jase’s car after a night of fun the driver is Seth! And Laura’s heart stops. She knows that even if she escapes his wrath tonight it won’t be the last time she will see him. She has some information she’s gathered from one of her patients, Delilah, that she’s saved in a notebook hoping to leverage it for the money she stole after finding her best friend, Cami murdered before she ran. Delilah knows Marcus and he figures prominently in Delilah’s life and perhaps her illness. Officer Cody Walsh is still in the background trying to find Marcus and making life difficult for the Cross brothers. Just as Seth and Laura begin to get things sorted out between them and settle into a mutually beneficial relationship things go south, and they go south in a hurry! Laura is arrested and Seth is attacked. After Seth comes to and realizes Laura is gone, he’s is determined to get her released from jail where she awaits the decision on whether they will charge her with murder or not. While Laura’s in jail her health takes a turn for the worse and she’s delivered a devastating diagnosis; a diagnosis she decides to keep from her friend Bethany and from Seth, at least for now. There’s a baby on the way and Laura doesn’t think this is the right time to share her health concerns even though it hurts her heart not to be honest, she doesn’t want to spoil the joy of the coming baby. Seth was in all his powerful dominating glory, but his tender and compassionate side was on full display as well. Seth learns that Laura needs a new heart and he’s devastated by the news. He’s determined to do whatever it takes to make sure she gets that heart and can live her life and give birth to the baby and care for it. The battle Seth fights with himself and his conscience to do what he feels he must in order to get Laura the heart she needs is heartbreaking to witness I could hardly bear it. the love between Seth and Laura was palpable in every scene between them.
When I received this one in the mail I was instantly blown away. This is the entire Hard to Love series in one book. After reading the back I wanted no I needed to know about Seth and Laura. I needed to know what was going to happen with these two. It was breathtaking from beginning to end. So many different emotions when reading this one. Seth and Laura have quite the story to tell and Willow does one amazing job telling it.
Hard to Love: Laura is still dealing with the death of her father and Seth is there to help her. Seth is trying to raise up in the hierarchy to run the streets. Laura and Seth have many differences but they still love each other if they could only see that. They try to build a relationship but something happens and Laura runs leaving only a note to explain why.
Desperate to Touch: 8 years since Laura left Seth with only a note. Seth is now working for the Cross brothers but has been keeping an eye on Laura. He will and still does love her but doesn’t know how to approach her and be in her life. Things aren’t as easy as it should be. Laura knows at some point that Seth will come for her to collect what is his. She has been working on getting information to give to him in exchange for her freedom so to speak. But will it be enough? Will these two be able to put away the past and move on with what is right in front of them? Is there still love between these two? Very gripping, suspenseful, intriguing part of this book. If you weren’t hooked before you will be reading this one. It brings you even further into the story of Seth and Laura and has you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what is going to happen. I could not put the book down reading this part of the story. I had to know what was going to happen.
Tempted to Kiss: Picks up where Desperate to Touch left off. Laura is sitting in jail. Does she belong there or did she do it for Seth? Seth and Laura’s tumultuous relationship is back in this third installment. Hold on for the ride I believed Desperate to Touch was a ride. But these one takes you on an even better one. This series just keeps getting better and better. You are driving more into the relationship that is Seth and Laura and the things that these two will do for love. Holy cow what a ride indeed. Page turning must read moments. The ending of this one I wanted to throw the book. I could not believe that it ended this way. I was shocked, jaw dropped. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. I love the chemistry between Seth and Laura. You can easily see and feel that these two love each other and belong together no matter what is put in their way. But Laura is hiding some secrets from Seth that may destroy them both? Will their love be enough to get them through all of what is going on?
Easy to Fall: This is the epic final book in this series. And I mean EPIC. I was on the edge of my seat for all of this one. I did not put it down for anything. I had to know what was going to happen between Seth and Laura. Were they going to get the happy ever after? What was going to happen when Seth learned her secret? What happens when Seth agrees to do what Marcus asks him to? So many questions that needed to be answered. Willow does one amazing job answering them and more. This one took my breath away. With everything that happens in this one with Laura. I just don’t know how I got through it without crying because there are moments where I wanted too. So many different emotions when reading this book. Just all the feelings written so well.
This entire series was amazing. I absolutely loved the story of Seth and Laura. These two make a great couple and show that even in the bad times things can work out. You have to trust and believe in each other. This is a must read series. I am so glad that I got this one in paperback so I can read it again and again. I cant wait to order Marcus’s book and see what he is all about. Willow has gained a huge fan with this one. I cant wait to read more from her.
Hard to Love (book 1) was an amazing, well-written, romantic suspense. It’s the heart-wrenching, emotional story of Laura and Seth. Couldn’t put it down. Ends in a cliffhanger.
Seth and Laura’s emotional roller coaster, intense chemistry, suspenseful romance continues in Desperate to Touch. It was a fantastic, well-written, jaw dropping story w/drama and many twists and turns. I was hooked from the beginning.
Laura and Seth’s jaw dropping, emotional roller coaster story continues in Tempted to Kiss which is book 3 in the series. It was an amazing, well-written, suspenseful romance w/many twists and turns. Couldn’t put it down. Ends in a hell of cliffhanger.
Easy to Fall is the conclusion to Seth and Laura’s romantic suspense story. It was a fantastic, well-written, emotional roller coaster w/drama and many twists and turns. Couldn’t put it down.
This boxed set includes all the books in the Hard to Love Series: Longing to Hold, Hard to Love, Desperate to Touch, Tempted to Kiss, and Easy to Fall. This is a great value! This Romantic Suspense is amazingly addictive. The characters are great. I loved to follow Seth and Laura in their journey. Seth is handsome, caring, and protective. Laura is lovely, and strong. The world building is well done, and complex. The storyline is suspenseful, and captivating, filled with danger, intrigue, mystery, and twists and turns. The suspense unfolds at a great pace. This Series is breathtaking, and beautiful. I enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it. Joe Arden and Samantha Cook did an wonderful job with the narration. I like the addition of Teddy Hamilton at the end, given us an overview of what is coming next. I can’t wait!
Not My Heart To Break by Willow Winters is a romantic suspense series that I listened to on audio narrated by Samantha Cook, Joe Arden, and Teddy Hamilton.
This is the complete set of the Hard To Love Series which includes:
Longing To Hold (Prequel)
Hard To Love
Desperate To Touch
Tempted To Kiss
Easy To Fall
Willow did an amazing job on this series! This is the first set of her books that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. This series will take you on an emotional roller coaster that you never want to get off. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Laura and Seth.
Joe and Samantha did an amazing job on the narration. They really know how to bring the story to life.
I loved that Teddy came in on the end for the voice of Marcus to set up the next series in the Merciless World.
I would highly recommend this book if you love romantic suspense.
I read the books individually and had to wait patiently for the next one to be released, which was not easy to do! I have to say that the complete book is so much better because you aren’t left with those cliffhanger endings and months of waiting. You just get to read Laura and Seth’s story until your little heart in content. I would definitely recommend.
This series was my introduction into the Merciless World, and Seth and Laura’s relationship tugged so hard at my heartstrings. They first meet as teenagers in high school when Seth feels the need to act as Laura’s protector after an accident leaves her parent-less. Their friendship blossoms into a romance, but because Seth’s life is surrounded by violence, Laura doesn’t know if she can handle loving someone else who could be torn away from her.
This book follows the roller coaster ups and downs of their relationship over several years where the mysterious Marcus continues to be an obstacle in their path. Marcus represents an overarching character that impacts Seth and Laura’s lives, but there is not resolution to who he is or what he means to either of them. I can’t wait to read his story when we finally find out!
I lost count of how many times my heart broke for these two. Laura and Seth didn’t have it easy. They fought for all they had and their story was beautiful. I felt like I was right there, with them, fighting along side them. Rooting for them and wanting to shake some sense back into them too. An epic love story that you won’t want to miss. These two are everything. It’s a hard thing to do, what Willow is so very good at. She sucks you into these worlds. These worlds that on one hand, feel like they’ll (Hopefully) go on forever but on another hand, you’ll never get enough. They stick with you long past the last word. I don’t want to picture the day when we won’t have any more of these characters we’ve come to love. Seriously read this! Start with Sebastian. Fall for these Cross boys and their extended family. After all, like the last book in this collection’s title says.. it’s Easy to fall. And oh, what a fantastic fall it will be.
Hard to Love
I can’t say enough about Hard to Love by Willow Winters. I love how Willow introduces us to various characters throughout her books and then tells their stories through follow up books. It was fun connecting the dots of what I knew about Seth and Laura from past books, and loved the “AH HA” moments that were revealed through this book. So many questions that were in my head of HOW Seth and Laura knew each other, and WHERE the large sum of money came from that Laura gave Bethany. I felt like a detective making the connections.
Hard to Love was intense. The back and forth of Seth and Laura’s banter, stubbornness, strength, love and commitment towards and for each other was heart wrenching. I couldn’t get enough of them and I want MORE!!!!! I am a die hard fan of alpha males that can be tamed by a strong, loving woman. That is what Seth and Laura represent in my eyes. It is their love for one another that is admirable, but also the cause for so much struggle, and pain. The battle between what one wants but also of what one needs for survival.
This is by far one of my favorite couples to date by Willow Winters. I can’t get enough of Seth and Laura and am desperately waiting for Desperate to Touch to come out.
Desperate to Touch
OMG Willow Winters, OMG!!! Desperate to Touch was everything I expected from Willow Winters and so much more. Laura and Seth’s story continues from Hard to Love. Seth and Laura shared a past that set their heart and soul on fire but also brought so much pain and regret. Regret for the decisions and choices they made and how those choices changed them both in the end. Now that they have reconnected, the innocent and carefree love that they once shared is long gone. In its place is longing desperation, and revenge. Seth wants Laura to submit, and feel the loss that he felt the day she walked away from him. He wants to make her his again, but on his terms. Laura knows that she can never stop loving Seth and wanting him, but she struggles to give him complete control and letting go of the guilt she owns for the part she played in it all.
Seth’s past haunts him and he knows that the truth is catching up to him. Especially when he starts to encounter messages from Marcus who is always one step ahead and always in the know. So, when he finally reaches his breaking point and he reveals a truth to Laura, what he feared the most comes true. He might just have lost her forever. However, danger is always lurking in the shadows and when Laura is once again threatened Seth is there to save her. Only this time Seth finds himself in the greatest danger of all.
Tempted to Kiss
WHAT?!?!?!?!?! Willow Winters once again has shocked me and blown me away! Tempted to Kiss is the continued story of Laura and Seth. They have been through so much in their past that you think, “Hey things can only get better, right?” NOT. Poor Laura has been put through the wringer in this one, and it doesn’t look like things are going to get any better for her anytime soon. All she wants is Seth but that means she has to try and forget what Seth has done, which she is willing to do for love. However the things that she has done to survive and the secret she is keeping from Seth might just be end of her. Seth is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Laura from running again. He can’t forgive himself for putting her in danger the night he revealed the truth about her father. That is the night that set it all in motion. The night that decisions were made and the consequences following had major repercussions. Seth went through hell to get back to Laura; to the point I sat on pins and needles wondering if you would make it back alive or even in time to save her. Oh did my girl Laura shock me with what she was willing to do and did to survive. Bu it also changed in her in a way no one should have to.
This story had me riding on an emotional rollercoaster. From the suspense, lies, secrets, revenge, power struggle, mystery, need, trust and overall denying love that Seth and Laura have for another, boy am I spent. Oh and that ending?!?! Really Willow? Ugh I want the next book NOW, PLEASE! What I really love about Willow Winters is the passion and depth behind each of her characters and how her readers are engulfed in the story from the very first word to the very last. Always wanting more and never wanting it to end.
Easy to Fall
Easy to Fall is the final book and conclusion to Seth and Laura’s love story. They haven’t had the easiest life and love together BUT what the bond of their love and souls is one that can not be broken. Even with all that they have been through and continue to endure, instead of breaking them it only makes them stronger. Seth is Laura’s person and Laura is Seth’s person.
Danger still lurks when Marcus is around. His motives and methods for helping are untraditional but we finally start to get a little glimpse of why he has and is doing what he is doing. Seth is willing to sell his soul to Marcus to save Laura even if it means losing himself. Laura is also willing to do what is necessary to help Seth figure out who Marcus is. In the end will it be Seth and Laura who will have more to lose?
Seth and Laura have become one of my favorite couples of Willow Winter’s. The depth and risks that each will do for the other is unbelievable. They have had their highs and their lows and throughout this series they have grown so much. What an emotional ride that this series has put me through, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Great ending…. I can not wait to learn more about Marcus in This Love Hurts.
Not My Heart to Break is the complete collection of the Hard to Love series. It is spectacular! It is Seth and Laura’s story. You will be sucked in from the start. You will be blown away by their connection and chemistry. It is so good you will not want to put it down! The great thing is there is no waiting since all the books are together in this collection. A must have. Check it out! I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading an advance reader of the book from the author.
Not My Heart to Break
Merciless World
By: W. Winters, Willow Winters
Narrated by: Joe Arden, Samantha Cook
Hard to Love, Desperate to Touch, Tempted to Kiss all bring us Seth and Laura’s story. 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. We see Seth and Laura hit bottom, and grow emotionally over the years. It’s gritty and raw, each installment bringing new questions to light. It’s full of darkness suspense and intrigue, heartache and steam. The perfect mix.
Joe Arden and Samantha Cook narrate the entire as Seth and Laura. I really enjoyed this team, Their voices complimented each other well and they became Seth and Laura. Both are seasoned performers and the additional voices of Jase, Bethany, Cami and others came easily. The story was alive in my mind, just the way a good narration always is. Loved these two together! Teddy Hamilton gives an appearance at the end gearing us up for the next series!
https://www.audible.com/pd/Not-My-Heart-to-Break-Audiobook/B088HGTVQ2
One Of My Favorite series!!!!
I love the Hard to Love series the journey Seth and Laura take is not one for the faint of heart. These books are so emotional and beautifully written. They take you on a ride you won’t soon forget. I love the suspense and no one does a cliffhanger quite like Willow Winters. The way book three ended had me biting my nails in anticipation for what was next. This love story is so raw and dark and I loved every minute of listening to it. Joe Arden and Samantha Cook were the perfect duo for this they really brought the series to life.
Not My Heart To Break is the complete Hard To Love series by Willow Winters.
“ ℎ ; , …“ ~ ℎ
I’ve read each of these books and I fell deeper and harder for both these characters. Laura will forever be one of the heroines I can identify with on so many levels, and Seth, wow he’s a hella bad boy with so much swoon. He’s a mafia king in his own right and he wears his bleeding heart on his sleeve!
This series is the perfect binge read, as Willow Winters takes romantic suspense to a whole new level. With each book, each series, her writing supersedes the previous. Not My Heart To Break is a whole new level of phenomenal- it packs all the intensity, chemistry and suspense that Willow delivers with utmost precision. But, it’s the sheer emotional rawness of both these characters that brought me literally to my knees. I felt my heart splinter over and over only to have it priced together again by beautiful poetic words of hope— but hello plot twist— so freakin cruel, but still so beautiful. Everything about this book held me, hostage, from the start to the very end, and even still in the aftermath, I feel so much- ! It is heart-wrenchingly beautiful; an epic and unforgettable love story.
“ℎ ℎ , ’ ℎ ℎ ℎ ℎ.“ ~ ℎ
This is a must-read for all Willow Winters fans and a perfect place to start if you are new to her.
I’d recommend this book a thousand times over and more.
5++ Heart-Wrenchingly Beautiful Stars.
It’s been a long time since I read the Merciless series about Carter Cross–like, last november or something–and it was a difficult and emotional read. Since then, Carter had stayed in a corner of my mind, as well as Willow Winters’s writing style and atmosphere. But I hadn’t revisited this world, until now. And damn if it didn’t become even more powerful.
This time, the story is about Seth King, a right hand of the Cross brothers we met early on, and Laura, the love of his life who left him. As this book is a collection of the 4 books of the Hard to love series, plus the short prequel Longing to hold, it’s a long and painful journey for them–especially since it started years before, when they were still in high school. A lot happens, and I don’t want to spoil anything, but let’s just say that some people are really cursed with bad luck.
Set in the Merciless world, we meet again with all the characters we met before: the Cross brothers and their significant others, and of course Marcus, the mysterious puppeteer who plays with everyone’s strings. There was a strong sense of coming home as soon as Hard to love began. I also enjoyed that we actually see little of Carter–sorry–but a lot more of the other brothers, especially Jase and Declan. The relationship between them and Seth is strong and beautiful. We usually read so little about male friendship in romance novels.
I had mixed feelings for Laura’s character. Though everyone says she’s strong–and yes, she still stands up despite a shitty life–she spends her time hiding things and crying. There’s only one moment she shows real strength–you’ll know it when it happens–but it should come with a trauma we never see. I really loved Seth’s character though. The way he loves is all consuming, be it girlfriend or friends. He’s loyal and protective and ready to make sacrifices to assure the happiness of the ones he loves. Beautiful.
Willow Winters knows how to create an atmosphere with tiny details, words and actions. You feel what the characters feel, and it’s often painful. Prepare some tissues.
Quickie
– Series: Hard to love series complete collection, part of the Merciless world
– Hashtags: #mafia romance #high school sweetheart #second chance #angst
– Triggers: mention of miscarriage, life threatening medical condition, veiled mention of rape, violence, torture and murder
– Main couple: Laura Roth & Seth King
– Hotness: 4/5
– Romance: 4/5
– + I still love the author’s writing style
– – so much angst, some people really are unlucky
*****Spoilers*****
Hard to Love:
Seth and Babygirl really spoke to me. I felt so happy that they found a love so strong for each other but then also so sad, because what they each wanted in life differed so much. Seth felt like this was his life and Laura would accept it one day and Laura always thought things would calm down and they would live a quiet and lawful life… Their love for each other is so strong, that it really is the greatest and the worst thing to happen to them both.
Cant wait to continue their story in ‘Desperate to Touch’.
Desperate to Touch:
Wow! The ending of this had me begging to know what happens next. Cliff hanger much!! I love how these books interact with other characters and clear certain things up as it goes along. for example with Officer Walsh and Delilah. The series really has me questioning everything.
Loving this series. It is everything.
Tempted to Kiss:
Willow surprises me every step of the way…. There were twists that I didn’t even see coming. Why is this not a movie or tv series already!! Absolutely amazing. A masterpiece.
Easy to Fall:
There are no words to explain how this book made me feel.. OMG!!! I really didn’t know how it was going to turn out and I was screaming to know. Then the bit at the end with Marcus!! This book was action packed and jammed with twists and turns. Everyone NEEDS to read this series…
Not My Heart to Break is the Complete collection of Seth and Laura story all in one collection. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. Chemistry between Laura and Seth sizzles on the pages. Willow has done it again. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
If you missed the Hard to Love series and have been meaning to read it, this is what you need. It’s the entire series in one set for you to devour at your heart’s content. That’s what I did. It didn’t matter that I had already read them separately. This is dark and gritty and may have you pulling your hair at times. Seth and Laura have this undeniable chemistry and connection and even when she runs, you can still feel it there beneath the surface. The tension had me biting my nails and their chemistry had me blushing. The twists and turns it takes you on will also have you screaming.
Again this author pulls you into a world of characters that become people to you. What a series! I couldn’t put this down once I started reading it. The story of Seth and Laura is a wild ride
Hard to Love-What an emotional roller coaster this story was! I loved it. I was so excited to finally start reading Seth’s & Laura’s story. I have enjoyed seeing bits & pieces of them in other books but now to finally find out more about them. There were so many emotions throughout the whole book. Talk about a cliffhanger too…WOW! I can’t wait to find out more in Oct. Great Job Willow Winters!
Desperate to Touch-WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! I don’t even know where to start. Desperate to Touch picks back up after Hard to Love with Seth & Laura. There are so many secrets that they have from each other over the years. Plus the betrayal, hurt & pain. Laura doesn’t like what Seth does for a living & can’t live a life like that. Seth is now working for the Cross brothers & is by Laura. He isn’t letting her go this time. I loved the way that Willow Winters tells their story. Talk about a cliffhanger…I can’t wait to read more. There are many times that I was ready to throw my Kindle but it’s all part of a great story told. I wonder what will happen next.
Tempted to Kiss-Wow oh Wow! I don’t even know where to start. This book left me speechless. I love Seth’s & Laura’s story & Willow Winters did not disappoint with this book. Seth is finally being honest with himself for his feelings for Laura. Laura is keeping some secrets of her own from Seth. They are fighting for their relationship to work but they are living in such a dark world. I loved how the story was weaved & flows from the other two books of Seth’s & Laura’s. Talk about a plot twist too! I can’t wait to read the last book in their series & see what Willow Winters is up to with it. Great job once again!
Easy to Fall-What a perfect ending to Seth & Laura’s story! I have loved following them throughout their books. Willow Winters has done such a good job with this world that she has weaved. I had so many emotions going on with Seth & Laura. They have been such a main part of each other’s lives for so long. At the ending of the third book Willow Winters left such a cliffhanger that I wasn’t sure where she was going to go with this book. I loved how both characters grew & matured throughout this book. They both knew how they felt but have been so afraid to admit it to each other. I am so glad they had a good outcome. Willow Winters is such a tease for the next series in this world too. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with. I think she is the Queen of Suspense. Great work on such a great series & world.