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Harder
(Caroline & West #2)
by
In Robin York’s provocative new novel, two young ex-lovers find themselves together again in the shadow of tragedy—and an intense, undeniable attraction.
Caroline still dreams about West. His warm skin, his taut muscles, his hand sliding down her stomach. Then she wakes up and she’s back to reality: West is gone. And before he left, he broke her heart.
Then, out of the blue, ...more
Caroline still dreams about West. His warm skin, his taut muscles, his hand sliding down her stomach. Then she wakes up and she’s back to reality: West is gone. And before he left, he broke her heart.
Then, out of the blue, ...more
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Start your review of Harder (Caroline & West, #2)
Nov 29, 2013
*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time
rated it
it was amazing
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4.5--Hard On the Heart--Stars!!
We first met West and Caroline in Deeper. I fell in love with their story. Their struggle. Their journey. It was painful, it was cruel, it was filled with hurt...but also hope, and want and desire.
My heart broke at the end of Deeper. When Caroline and West were torn apart. West to return home to protect Frankie from their asshole father. Caroline to remain in Putnam and fight for her freedom. Freedom from the intrusion of having her naked self splashed across the ...more
We first met West and Caroline in Deeper. I fell in love with their story. Their struggle. Their journey. It was painful, it was cruel, it was filled with hurt...but also hope, and want and desire.
My heart broke at the end of Deeper. When Caroline and West were torn apart. West to return home to protect Frankie from their asshole father. Caroline to remain in Putnam and fight for her freedom. Freedom from the intrusion of having her naked self splashed across the ...more
2.25 Stars
I'm not sure what to say. I feel like this second book is so far away from where I wanted/expected it to go that it's not even Caroline and West any more...it's some other couple. I feel like the author was trying to teach me a lesson here. Forgive, be passive, forgive, be a doormat, forgive forgive forgive.
I'm just not that forgiving. Certainly not in control of my emotions enough to just have a small, quiet conversation before letting it go. I don't even care about vengeance. But a ...more
I'm not sure what to say. I feel like this second book is so far away from where I wanted/expected it to go that it's not even Caroline and West any more...it's some other couple. I feel like the author was trying to teach me a lesson here. Forgive, be passive, forgive, be a doormat, forgive forgive forgive.
I'm just not that forgiving. Certainly not in control of my emotions enough to just have a small, quiet conversation before letting it go. I don't even care about vengeance. But a ...more
5 Deeper and Harder Stars
Wow. Just wow. As much as I loved Deeper, Harder managed to absolutely blow me away. It shattered my heart into a million pieces, and then slowly mended it back together, piece by piece, managing to bring a captivating and emotional story a full circle. Robin York's writing is both poignant and uplifting, and she has easily moved to the ...more
You have to let yourself want what you want as hard as you can, as deep as that goes, even if it scares the fuck out of you.
Wow. Just wow. As much as I loved Deeper, Harder managed to absolutely blow me away. It shattered my heart into a million pieces, and then slowly mended it back together, piece by piece, managing to bring a captivating and emotional story a full circle. Robin York's writing is both poignant and uplifting, and she has easily moved to the ...more
4.5 Persistent Stars
Ok so originally after reading book one I was like
but now after hearing info about this book
but then my BBB J says I should still read it...IDK WHAT TO DOO!!!!
So I decided to read it and see for myself....
There was that one part where I thought West should:
And Caro did get a little stalkerish:
But overall my final thoughts were:
And just because I found this one and thought it was funny....Do I care whether or not you like my review?
...more
Ok so originally after reading book one I was like
but now after hearing info about this book
but then my BBB J says I should still read it...IDK WHAT TO DOO!!!!
So I decided to read it and see for myself....
There was that one part where I thought West should:
And Caro did get a little stalkerish:
But overall my final thoughts were:
And just because I found this one and thought it was funny....Do I care whether or not you like my review?
...more
4.5 Stars
It’s been 3 months since Caroline and West said goodbye. Caroline is still in Putnam and West is in Silt, and they are no longer together. But when West calls Caroline and tells her his father has died, she jumps on a plane. She is determined to be there for him, even though he doesn’t want her in Silt. When Caroline arrives and is reunited with West, she does not find the boy she remembers. He is distant, angry, bitter, and harder.
He’s so much harder than he used to be. All this a ...more
It’s been 3 months since Caroline and West said goodbye. Caroline is still in Putnam and West is in Silt, and they are no longer together. But when West calls Caroline and tells her his father has died, she jumps on a plane. She is determined to be there for him, even though he doesn’t want her in Silt. When Caroline arrives and is reunited with West, she does not find the boy she remembers. He is distant, angry, bitter, and harder.
He’s so much harder than he used to be. All this a ...more
5 Caro & West stars!
It's one of those 'difficult to read and even more difficult to rate' books. My usual M.O. for books that have this type plot device would be to DNF it so fast or get ragey about it. My friends know this about me and I have stepped on my soapbox on more than one occasion. But once in a while it works and it adds another layer to the story. It doesn't make for an easy read but once the rage is over, you get that nice little HEA at the end, it makes everything worth it.
It's one of those 'difficult to read and even more difficult to rate' books. My usual M.O. for books that have this type plot device would be to DNF it so fast or get ragey about it. My friends know this about me and I have stepped on my soapbox on more than one occasion. But once in a while it works and it adds another layer to the story. It doesn't make for an easy read but once the rage is over, you get that nice little HEA at the end, it makes everything worth it.
"All...more
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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July?!? I think I'll die before then! I neeeeeed itttt
...more
4 Angsty Stars
Harder was a bit hard for me to read. I’m not a huge fan of angsty reads, but I did find myself glued to the pages and wanting to pull my hair out.
West went back home to take care of his family and Caroline is dealing with a heart break.
What I do love about Harder was that Caroline and West weren’t separated! I really hate it when I read book 2 of series and the main characters aren’t together anyhow. I know Caroline and West aren’t together persay, but a few months later, we pick ...more
Harder was a bit hard for me to read. I’m not a huge fan of angsty reads, but I did find myself glued to the pages and wanting to pull my hair out.
West went back home to take care of his family and Caroline is dealing with a heart break.
What I do love about Harder was that Caroline and West weren’t separated! I really hate it when I read book 2 of series and the main characters aren’t together anyhow. I know Caroline and West aren’t together persay, but a few months later, we pick ...more
![Michelle [Helen Geek]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1448463806p2/5557851.jpg)
May 25, 2014
Michelle [Helen Geek]
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Anyone, a great read. Loved this series.
April 2017 -- Definitely 5 Stars. Third read. I've read some real stinkers, so really appreciate the books that engage me and keep me engaged. Ruthie Knox at her very best. Wish I had more like this.
10/12/2015 -- Finished the second read for this one and even better the second time, I think. Very good and just what I needed.
05/25/2014 --
Overall Rating = 5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 4 / 5 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 S ...more
10/12/2015 -- Finished the second read for this one and even better the second time, I think. Very good and just what I needed.
05/25/2014 --
Overall Rating = 5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 4 / 5 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 S ...more
DNF at 60%
To say I'm disappointed is a massive understatement. I really liked Deeper - loved Caroline and West - and was interested in seeing where their story was headed. I'm not big on romance novels that are split into multiple books. Invariably, the story drags out, unnecessary drama is added, and you're left wondering what was the point of the second book. Even given my reservations, I was so enamored with West and Caroline that I anxiously awaited book two.
About the only thing I liked abou ...more
To say I'm disappointed is a massive understatement. I really liked Deeper - loved Caroline and West - and was interested in seeing where their story was headed. I'm not big on romance novels that are split into multiple books. Invariably, the story drags out, unnecessary drama is added, and you're left wondering what was the point of the second book. Even given my reservations, I was so enamored with West and Caroline that I anxiously awaited book two.
About the only thing I liked abou ...more
May 14, 2014
Mallory
marked it as no-thank-you
Thanks to the magic of ARCs I am now no longer reading this book... which is a shame because I LOVED the first book and so badly wanted an HEA for West and Caroline.
I can't understand why the author would take the book in the direction it heads, or why certain things had to happen. It's like taking the readers' hearts and stomping on them for the sake of drama. I don't have time for that because there are too many other good books out there.
So alas I will not be reading this.
And as for West...
...more
I can't understand why the author would take the book in the direction it heads, or why certain things had to happen. It's like taking the readers' hearts and stomping on them for the sake of drama. I don't have time for that because there are too many other good books out there.
So alas I will not be reading this.
And as for West...
...more
ARC was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a read that I definitely could've passed on. First, I blame myself because I didn't realize that this was the 2nd book in a series. That puts a lot in context since I didn't think there was enough backstory. Next, for me personally, there was just too much angst and emotional turmoil crammed into this romance. And my brain cried "bullshit" once I remembered that the main char
...more
Great conclusion! I LOVED this!! L.O.V.E.D it!
First let me say, there is no cheating in this book. Caroline and West broke things off in book 1, remember??
Now, does West do something that will piss you off? Yes. But, the way Caroline handled it made sense. The more you learn about West, you will forgive him.So please don't let that deter you from reading this book. Please.
Review to come.. ...more
First let me say, there is no cheating in this book. Caroline and West broke things off in book 1, remember??
Now, does West do something that will piss you off? Yes. But, the way Caroline handled it made sense. The more you learn about West, you will forgive him.So please don't let that deter you from reading this book. Please.
Review to come.. ...more
Nov 02, 2013
Jaime Arkin
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
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“We go deep and then deeper, falling, spinning. When he’s with me, I’m never lost.”
Harder picks up almost 3 months after the end of Deeper. The West & Carolyn that we fell in love with in the previous book is no more. West is determined to leave his hopes and dreams of what could have been behind and start living his life in reality and that means no more Caro. But then he reaches out to her in the middle of the night when something tragic happens and Carolyn feels she has only one choice… she g ...more
Harder picks up almost 3 months after the end of Deeper. The West & Carolyn that we fell in love with in the previous book is no more. West is determined to leave his hopes and dreams of what could have been behind and start living his life in reality and that means no more Caro. But then he reaches out to her in the middle of the night when something tragic happens and Carolyn feels she has only one choice… she g ...more
Rating Clarification: 4.5 stars
What a way to end this series. I was so enamored with Caroline's and West's story and I couldn't be happier with the way it ended. I have to admit that West did do something at the beginning of the story that I didn't like but I don't think it took away from the story at all. ...more
What a way to end this series. I was so enamored with Caroline's and West's story and I couldn't be happier with the way it ended. I have to admit that West did do something at the beginning of the story that I didn't like but I don't think it took away from the story at all. ...more
3.5 stars
Robin York (NA pen name for one of my favorite contemporary romance writers, Ruthie Knox) pretty much kicked my ass with her book “Deeper”. It was so highly emotional for me that not only did I cry, I sobbed…body-wracking, tense, heart-aching wails. And my face was puffy for days. Her characters Caroline and West (oh, my dear dear West) got to me so deeply and impacted me greatly. I almost LOST my shit at the ending until I found out there was a sequel. And I waited for the rest of thei ...more
3.5 -I have never stopped being hers. Not for a second. Stars!
Harder was one of my most anticipated reads of 2014 so far, having read Deeper and fallen in love with Caroline and West, I was eager to see where the author would take this couples story, especially after the epic cliffhanger at the end of the first book.
There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for West Leavitt.
I almost DNF’d this book @ 23%...West makes an absolutely appalling choice of venues to eat out at whilst in Silt, and I was not sure I ...more
Harder was one of my most anticipated reads of 2014 so far, having read Deeper and fallen in love with Caroline and West, I was eager to see where the author would take this couples story, especially after the epic cliffhanger at the end of the first book.
There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for West Leavitt.
I almost DNF’d this book @ 23%...West makes an absolutely appalling choice of venues to eat out at whilst in Silt, and I was not sure I ...more
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The first book in Caroline and West's story had been on my TBR list for a while, so when I had the chance to read and review Harder, I pretty much devoured Deeper in anticipation. It did not disappoint!
Whereas the first book was supposed to be centered around Caroline's sex picture problem, this one was more dedicated to West's family situation. Deeper did a great job setting up the back story (and current story too, I guess) f ...more
The first book in Caroline and West's story had been on my TBR list for a while, so when I had the chance to read and review Harder, I pretty much devoured Deeper in anticipation. It did not disappoint!
Whereas the first book was supposed to be centered around Caroline's sex picture problem, this one was more dedicated to West's family situation. Deeper did a great job setting up the back story (and current story too, I guess) f ...more
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
REVIEW:
A stunning love story that will put readers on an emotional roller coaster. A deep and hard test in the search for one’s self. Harder will shred your emotions. It is important to mention that this is not your everyday run-of- the-mill New Adult reading experience. It’s a unique journey. A number of very real and difficult topics are addressed in an open and informative ...more
REVIEW:
A stunning love story that will put readers on an emotional roller coaster. A deep and hard test in the search for one’s self. Harder will shred your emotions. It is important to mention that this is not your everyday run-of- the-mill New Adult reading experience. It’s a unique journey. A number of very real and difficult topics are addressed in an open and informative ...more
Goddamn that was good. A highly satisfying sequel, A+ female empowerment and agency, jaw-droppingly beautiful prose.
May 29, 2014
Crista
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
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Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
4 1/2 stars!
The word raw is the word that best comes to mind when I attempt to describe the conclusion to the story of West and Caroline: raw emotion, raw “no-holds-barred” reality, and raw truth.
Whereas Deeper focused mainly on Caroline’s character and the crime committed against her, Harder is definitely West’s story (and it’s not a pretty one). As the conclusion to this tale opens, Wes is back in Silt. The Wes in this book is barely recognizable to ...more
4 1/2 stars!
The word raw is the word that best comes to mind when I attempt to describe the conclusion to the story of West and Caroline: raw emotion, raw “no-holds-barred” reality, and raw truth.
Whereas Deeper focused mainly on Caroline’s character and the crime committed against her, Harder is definitely West’s story (and it’s not a pretty one). As the conclusion to this tale opens, Wes is back in Silt. The Wes in this book is barely recognizable to ...more
I´m terrible at writing reviews, but I'm gonna try to make sense with my thoughts on this book.
In my opinion, Deeper should've been a stand-alone. But things are what they are, so…
About Harder:
I felt like I was reading about a different couple.
I was so mad at West; not because of what he did (the act itself),but because he did it deliberately to Caroline. It was all very disgusting. So after this, I didn't feel bad for him. At all. Throughout the major part of the story, all he did was play the ...more
In my opinion, Deeper should've been a stand-alone. But things are what they are, so…
About Harder:
I felt like I was reading about a different couple.
I was so mad at West; not because of what he did (the act itself),but because he did it deliberately to Caroline. It was all very disgusting. So after this, I didn't feel bad for him. At all. Throughout the major part of the story, all he did was play the ...more
What did I just read? Deeper just blew me away with the story and the writing and the angst and the chemistry and the everything. Harder was a bit more difficult. There was a point where I wanted to throw up and then throw something and then just lay down and cry and then punch someone. And I thought no fucking way will I come back from this to feel Ok with what just happened. But God, I did. The way these books are written, it's like there is this group of people who are living this life and ha
...more
On my first read, in October of 2014, I gave this book 5 stars. Not so this go-round. It’s entirely too problematic. And it rides on the goodwill of the first book to even make it readable at all.
I get that Caroline is empowered. And far be it from me to judge her decisions (that’s actually kind of the point of the book, and I get it). But that beginning....it was too much. And then the thing. And then it wasn’t enough. He wasn’t enough. There wasn’t enough.
It’s still an exceptional book. The ...more
I get that Caroline is empowered. And far be it from me to judge her decisions (that’s actually kind of the point of the book, and I get it). But that beginning....it was too much. And then the thing. And then it wasn’t enough. He wasn’t enough. There wasn’t enough.
It’s still an exceptional book. The ...more
5 Intense Stars
Oh my goodness, this book fractured my heart into splinters. I'm talking events in the book that caused my jaw to drop , my tears to fall and my arm twitching to throw my precious Kindle across the room. Then, when I had almost abandoned hope, Robin York carefully pieced my damaged heart back together and made me cherish every beautifully damaged page of West and Caroline's story.
This book concludes their story and you absolutely need to have read the first book or you will be con ...more
Oh my goodness, this book fractured my heart into splinters. I'm talking events in the book that caused my jaw to drop , my tears to fall and my arm twitching to throw my precious Kindle across the room. Then, when I had almost abandoned hope, Robin York carefully pieced my damaged heart back together and made me cherish every beautifully damaged page of West and Caroline's story.
This book concludes their story and you absolutely need to have read the first book or you will be con ...more
Harder is book two in the Caroline & West series and I have been waiting patiently for this next book not only because I grew to love these two characters and wanted to know what happened to them after they separated but also because I love Robin York’s writing and was excited to have more of it.
Book two picks up months after book one ended. West is back in Silt and they have been apart for a little while. Add to that, they haven’t even spoken since West told Caroline he was seeing someone else… ...more
Book two picks up months after book one ended. West is back in Silt and they have been apart for a little while. Add to that, they haven’t even spoken since West told Caroline he was seeing someone else… ...more
***Received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review***
When Deeper ended I was heartbroken for Caroline and West and all the obstacles that were working against them. Even though the airport scene destroyed me I knew West and Caroline would find a way back to each other because of the loved they shared. I had such high hopes for how their relationship was going to progress in Harder because through everything I thought they would continue to love and support one another. So let me tell you I ...more
When Deeper ended I was heartbroken for Caroline and West and all the obstacles that were working against them. Even though the airport scene destroyed me I knew West and Caroline would find a way back to each other because of the loved they shared. I had such high hopes for how their relationship was going to progress in Harder because through everything I thought they would continue to love and support one another. So let me tell you I ...more
Big thanks to Bantam Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC copy for review.
Well.. I hate to say it but this book was kind of disappointing for me. It pains me to say it because I enjoyed the first book and reading Caroline and West's love story. But West's attitude and actions towards Caroline, and trying to drive her away was just frustrating. And there was one particular scene that did not sit well with me, which involves him and older woman. I kind of found it difficult for me to like him after ...more
Well.. I hate to say it but this book was kind of disappointing for me. It pains me to say it because I enjoyed the first book and reading Caroline and West's love story. But West's attitude and actions towards Caroline, and trying to drive her away was just frustrating. And there was one particular scene that did not sit well with me, which involves him and older woman. I kind of found it difficult for me to like him after ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Adult Book Club: #212 ~ Harder (Caroline & West #2) by Robin York~ ALL COPIES NOW GONE. | 143 | 242 | Aug 17, 2014 03:35PM |
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Robin York grew up at a college, went to college, signed on for some more college, and then married a university professor. She still isn’t sure why it didn’t occur to her to write New Adult sooner. Writing as Ruthie Knox, she is a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary romance, including RITA-finalists About Last Night and Room at the Inn. She moonlights as a mother, makes killer salted car
...more
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“It doesn't take anything special to fight back against the world and all the ways it wants to box you in, hold you down, limit you, and keep you from thriving. You just have to know what it is you want to accomplish. You have to know who you want to be with and what you'll give up to get them. You have to let yourself want what you want as hard as you can, as deep as that goes, even if it scares the fuck out of you.”
—
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“Because I love you. I don't want to, okay? I think there are some things that are so hard, you shouldn't have to do them, only no one can take them from you. There are feelings so sick, so obviously unhealthy, you shouldn't have to feel them. But there they are. I still love you, and I'm not ever going to see you again, not ever. You did that to us. Not your dad or your family. just you. So I could hit you. I could rage at you right now, and call you every ugly name I know, and I know a lot. I could tell you how much I'm hurting, or I could get out of the car, slam the door, hitchhike to the airport because fuck you, fuck you, fuck you, West, how could you do this to me? How?”
—
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