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Rockin' Country #4
Hard to Love
Guitarist
Recovering Addict
Man Of Few Emotions
Jared Winston has spent much of his adult life in the public eye as the lead guitarist for the hugely popular rock band Black Friday. Presented with temptations from every side and dealing with the mess that was his childhood, he’s been known to indulge in excess.
One such excess almost killed him when he overdosed on Halloween.
The experience left him wanting to turn his life around, and it left everyone else in his life struggling, trying to balance the dual emotions of fear and anger.
One person, in particular, isn’t sure at all what she wants to do.
Friend
Glutton For Punishment
Giver Of Love Not Returned
Michelle Sanders has made her living as the assistant to the country music star Harmony Stewart. As a personal assistant, she thrives under structure and is always the one to fight for what her friend deserves.
When she met Jared, she took a chance on imperfection – she knew his history – and was warned. That is a chance she’s not sure will ever pay off.
Her perfect structure was blown to hell on the night Jared OD’d, and now she has to decide if she wants to risk her heart again.
Love is a game. It’s a chance taken; a roll of the dice. Shell gambles, but never in her wildest imagination did she think that the person who loves her would make it so hard for her to love him back.
Recovering Addict
Man Of Few Emotions
Jared Winston has spent much of his adult life in the public eye as the lead guitarist for the hugely popular rock band Black Friday. Presented with temptations from every side and dealing with the mess that was his childhood, he’s been known to indulge in excess.
One such excess almost killed him when he overdosed on Halloween.
The experience left him wanting to turn his life around, and it left everyone else in his life struggling, trying to balance the dual emotions of fear and anger.
One person, in particular, isn’t sure at all what she wants to do.
Friend
Glutton For Punishment
Giver Of Love Not Returned
Michelle Sanders has made her living as the assistant to the country music star Harmony Stewart. As a personal assistant, she thrives under structure and is always the one to fight for what her friend deserves.
When she met Jared, she took a chance on imperfection – she knew his history – and was warned. That is a chance she’s not sure will ever pay off.
Her perfect structure was blown to hell on the night Jared OD’d, and now she has to decide if she wants to risk her heart again.
Love is a game. It’s a chance taken; a roll of the dice. Shell gambles, but never in her wildest imagination did she think that the person who loves her would make it so hard for her to love him back.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2015
41 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Laramie Briscoe
167 books2,150 followersLaramie Briscoe is the USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of over 30 books.
When she's not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on Netflix.
Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband and an adorable dog named Gus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 5, 2015
Review by Lisa Kane
This is at times a hard read. Jared was in previous books and so his drug abuse was known to me but when he overdosed in the last book he struggled with the loss of control over his life. He was in rehab and pushed away the woman he loved-Shel. When he came back clean and sober, it was her turn to push him away.
Jared has to work to regain the things he has lost. His best friends Hannah and Garrett love him, but don't completely trust him, his band mates feel let down and his girlfriend Shel is so hurt that he wouldn't even let her visit him or talk to him while he was in rehab.
Slowly Jared is turning his life around, one sober day at a time. Slowly Shel is opening up her heart to him again. But an addict's recovery is never on a gradual upward slope-that slope slides down much too easily-making the climb back up even harder. But that climb is for the rest of their life and if they want to be able to love themselves and earn the love of others; they will have to make the choice for that climb every day.
This book had it's own ups and downs, but it is ultimately the story of two people who love each other and make the choice to spend each day with each other.
This is at times a hard read. Jared was in previous books and so his drug abuse was known to me but when he overdosed in the last book he struggled with the loss of control over his life. He was in rehab and pushed away the woman he loved-Shel. When he came back clean and sober, it was her turn to push him away.
Jared has to work to regain the things he has lost. His best friends Hannah and Garrett love him, but don't completely trust him, his band mates feel let down and his girlfriend Shel is so hurt that he wouldn't even let her visit him or talk to him while he was in rehab.
Slowly Jared is turning his life around, one sober day at a time. Slowly Shel is opening up her heart to him again. But an addict's recovery is never on a gradual upward slope-that slope slides down much too easily-making the climb back up even harder. But that climb is for the rest of their life and if they want to be able to love themselves and earn the love of others; they will have to make the choice for that climb every day.
This book had it's own ups and downs, but it is ultimately the story of two people who love each other and make the choice to spend each day with each other.
June 17, 2016
snooze fest........DNF....couldn't...i tried
..it was sooo boring...only positive was it made me more productive in rl...
..it was sooo boring...only positive was it made me more productive in rl...
June 13, 2024
Oh Gods how Sweet!
Jared reminds me of one of my friends who is more or less not here anymore. The drug didn't kill him, but there are times that I think he would be better off if he had. His mind is gone, there is no way he can take care of himself. I feel so guilty that he took the first lick and not me. Gods we were in Grade School! We never should have touched the stuff! But he saved my life, by losing his mind, he saved me! We were 11. I'm going to be 57 next month. I miss him every day.
I have the love of my life, 3 beautiful kids, and 3 beautiful granddaughters! I wish with all my heart he could know them! But because a Jerk gave us some stickers, and he lick '1' he never will.
Sorry I wrote a book here, but I hope this review gets posted! Jared's story is about hope and love, about beating the odd! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
Jared reminds me of one of my friends who is more or less not here anymore. The drug didn't kill him, but there are times that I think he would be better off if he had. His mind is gone, there is no way he can take care of himself. I feel so guilty that he took the first lick and not me. Gods we were in Grade School! We never should have touched the stuff! But he saved my life, by losing his mind, he saved me! We were 11. I'm going to be 57 next month. I miss him every day.
I have the love of my life, 3 beautiful kids, and 3 beautiful granddaughters! I wish with all my heart he could know them! But because a Jerk gave us some stickers, and he lick '1' he never will.
Sorry I wrote a book here, but I hope this review gets posted! Jared's story is about hope and love, about beating the odd! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
October 28, 2019
Amazing
What an emotional ride! I cried for Jared and Shell and all they have been through. Loving an addict isn't easy and as Jared and Shell's story unfolded my heart broke for them both. This book show's you all side of an addiction for not only the addict, but their significant other, family and friends. I'm so happy that Jared was able to turn his life around and be the man Shell and hi s friend new he could be.
What an emotional ride! I cried for Jared and Shell and all they have been through. Loving an addict isn't easy and as Jared and Shell's story unfolded my heart broke for them both. This book show's you all side of an addiction for not only the addict, but their significant other, family and friends. I'm so happy that Jared was able to turn his life around and be the man Shell and hi s friend new he could be.
February 23, 2024
This is my favorite book of the series!
Jared battles addiction and Shell does her best to be supportive.
There was a part where the author alludes to this not being Shell’s 1st time supporting someone with addiction, and her relationship with her parents isn’t much different then Jared’s, but it was never elaborated, that would be the only unanswered question I had.
But otherwise I really enjoyed this book
Jared battles addiction and Shell does her best to be supportive.
There was a part where the author alludes to this not being Shell’s 1st time supporting someone with addiction, and her relationship with her parents isn’t much different then Jared’s, but it was never elaborated, that would be the only unanswered question I had.
But otherwise I really enjoyed this book
May 24, 2025
Lasting love
Jared had made a bad decision taken the drugs that put his life in danger and losing the love of shell keeping her at arms length he realised was the wrong reason.He tried to win her back and finally took responsibility for his actions.love can always win out and after talking out their problems they finally found happiness especially when Montgomery their daughter arrived to believe in a happy family .
Jared had made a bad decision taken the drugs that put his life in danger and losing the love of shell keeping her at arms length he realised was the wrong reason.He tried to win her back and finally took responsibility for his actions.love can always win out and after talking out their problems they finally found happiness especially when Montgomery their daughter arrived to believe in a happy family .
December 22, 2016
Sometimes love is hard but it's worth it
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I loved Shell and Jared in the series and was so glad they got their own book. Recovery is the hardest part for an addict. It's even harder on relationships. Will Shell be able to forgive and support Jared when she's need the most ? Don't wait to grab this awesome book.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I loved Shell and Jared in the series and was so glad they got their own book. Recovery is the hardest part for an addict. It's even harder on relationships. Will Shell be able to forgive and support Jared when she's need the most ? Don't wait to grab this awesome book.
April 6, 2020
Oh my gosh!! I cried, laughed and swooned though this book with Jared & Shell. I was emotionally exhausted, in a good way, thanks to Laramie Briscoe’s writing awesomeness! This Rockin’ Country series is amazing.
December 31, 2020
Amazing storyline that takes you through what addicts deal with and how it affects everyone around them. This emotional read shows you how Jared struggles and how Shell had to fight to help him get through the darkness.
Read
May 23, 2022Absolutely amazing
Just love Jared and She'll what they went through to be together, beautiful emotional love story beautifully written!
Want to say what an amazing story of love and the struggle of addiction it is an amazing story a must read for all !
Just love Jared and She'll what they went through to be together, beautiful emotional love story beautifully written!
Want to say what an amazing story of love and the struggle of addiction it is an amazing story a must read for all !
July 22, 2017
Hard to love
Real life problems must read,-growing up is a comic g of that part, dealing with addict,due to trauma,about time Shell and Jared/train gets a happy life
Real life problems must read,-growing up is a comic g of that part, dealing with addict,due to trauma,about time Shell and Jared/train gets a happy life
February 12, 2018
Jared /Shel
I was so happy to see this book in the series. I was really hoping to hear their story. This is a excellent story that is a great read and so true.
I was so happy to see this book in the series. I was really hoping to hear their story. This is a excellent story that is a great read and so true.
September 13, 2018
Read in epub format on my Nook.
May 3, 2020
Aww Jared and Shell. Been wanting inside their heads since they got together and this did not disappoint!
March 16, 2022
Inspiring
What a fantastic and well written story for such a difficult subject to tell. This means much more then a five rating!!!
What a fantastic and well written story for such a difficult subject to tell. This means much more then a five rating!!!
July 22, 2022
What a journey.
Thank you again for another wonderful ride. Laramie you are amazing. Each book takes you on a excillerating journey that you never want to end.
Thank you again for another wonderful ride. Laramie you are amazing. Each book takes you on a excillerating journey that you never want to end.
January 27, 2017
I'm so glad we got a book for Train and She'll
November 27, 2015
Sometimes that one person in your life who is hard to love is the one who needs it the most and in this new book in the Rockin' Country series, we are shown how tough the road to recovery can be for an addict and how hard it is to love and trust again after things were so badly broken.
Jared let a lot of people down...his bandmates, his girlfriend and love of his life Shell and most of all himself. After a near tragedy that would have ended it all, he must struggle to find his way back into not only his girlfriend's life, but also earn the respect and trust back from his band who are about to go back on tour and want to believe he has changed his life for the best.
Nothing comes easy though and when people screw up as badly as Jared did, it will take a whole lot more than saying "I'm sorry" to get back what he lost.
I can't say I really enjoyed this new book (because it's not enjoyable to watch someone fight for their life or have to hit rock bottom before they can love themselves enough to stay alive and healthy) but it was an emotional and enlightening look at what goes on in those AA meetings and all the steps necessary to find redemption.
As usual, this author manages to combine hot steamy sex, humor and real life lessons while making it an easy pill for the reader to swallow.
We also get a peek into the life changes for Harmony and Reaper as they try to keep the passion alive and deal with an infant...pretty spot on.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
***** 4.5 ***** "you have to love yourself first" stars
Jared let a lot of people down...his bandmates, his girlfriend and love of his life Shell and most of all himself. After a near tragedy that would have ended it all, he must struggle to find his way back into not only his girlfriend's life, but also earn the respect and trust back from his band who are about to go back on tour and want to believe he has changed his life for the best.
Nothing comes easy though and when people screw up as badly as Jared did, it will take a whole lot more than saying "I'm sorry" to get back what he lost.
I can't say I really enjoyed this new book (because it's not enjoyable to watch someone fight for their life or have to hit rock bottom before they can love themselves enough to stay alive and healthy) but it was an emotional and enlightening look at what goes on in those AA meetings and all the steps necessary to find redemption.
As usual, this author manages to combine hot steamy sex, humor and real life lessons while making it an easy pill for the reader to swallow.
We also get a peek into the life changes for Harmony and Reaper as they try to keep the passion alive and deal with an infant...pretty spot on.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
***** 4.5 ***** "you have to love yourself first" stars
December 7, 2015
Hard to Love is a long anticipated story about Jared and Shell. The make or break of the relationship plays out in a raw, emotional read that has readers in knots. I was not prepared for this novel; I never thought I would see Shell in such a different light. In the first parts of the story I really didn’t like her, I wanted to scream at her! Jared is trying so hard and he’s very aware of the trust that he has broken and how long of a road he has to gain it back. Jared s all in this time, holding nothing back in order to get this life on track and regain his life. The details provided by Ms. Briscoe in Hard to Love was so crucial, without the details the readers would never see the bonding/rebuilding of Jared and Shell’s relationship. I don’t want to give any spoilers but Shell has an emotional break through in the novel and I saw her pain for the first time, I wasn’t just focused on Jared and getting people to see him. I felt as if I were watching my best friend have the biggest break through that would transform her life; it would forever be different, better, brighter, more trusting than before. I would recommend this to many readers if they want an emotional story with a couple that fights temptation and wins! Ms. Briscoe has another great story on her hands; her readers will love seeing this side of Jared and Shell.
January 11, 2016
We come to the conclusion of the Rockin' Country series and I have to say it was Awesome.
In this story we have Jared and Shell. From the first book Jared was mostly an ass. He has a hair trigger temper. Watch what you say because he may fly off the handle, but the next second he is the sweetest guy. Jared has been fighting his demons pretty much his whole life. He has never felt good enough, and his parents make sure he knows it. I wish there would have been some scenes with his parents to get a grasp of what his home life was like. Maybe flash backs of things that happened. Jared had to hit rock bottom to finally seek help, but his sobriety gets tested. Does he pass?
I'm glad that Shell made him fight for her, all though I think she gave into the sex to soon before all of their issues were resolved.
Hopefully there are more books in this series coming.
In this story we have Jared and Shell. From the first book Jared was mostly an ass. He has a hair trigger temper. Watch what you say because he may fly off the handle, but the next second he is the sweetest guy. Jared has been fighting his demons pretty much his whole life. He has never felt good enough, and his parents make sure he knows it. I wish there would have been some scenes with his parents to get a grasp of what his home life was like. Maybe flash backs of things that happened. Jared had to hit rock bottom to finally seek help, but his sobriety gets tested. Does he pass?
I'm glad that Shell made him fight for her, all though I think she gave into the sex to soon before all of their issues were resolved.
Hopefully there are more books in this series coming.
January 31, 2017
Close to home.....
This one was harder to read for myself. Not because I myself am an addict but dealt with parents my whole life one is gone because of it and the other still struggles everyday with one. I am so glad even though knowing it's only a story they got their HEA. Addiction to drugs is getting worse everyday in America and I just lost another friend to it two days ago. It is such a heart wrenching thing to witness. So I really connected with this one thank you.
So that being written let me tell you readers that this series right here is very well written. It deals with insecurities, drug addiction, jealousy, attraction and well it's just brilliantly written. Oh and whom doesn't love sexy foul mouthed, tattooed Rockers??? Just check it out PLEASE!!
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
This one was harder to read for myself. Not because I myself am an addict but dealt with parents my whole life one is gone because of it and the other still struggles everyday with one. I am so glad even though knowing it's only a story they got their HEA. Addiction to drugs is getting worse everyday in America and I just lost another friend to it two days ago. It is such a heart wrenching thing to witness. So I really connected with this one thank you.
So that being written let me tell you readers that this series right here is very well written. It deals with insecurities, drug addiction, jealousy, attraction and well it's just brilliantly written. Oh and whom doesn't love sexy foul mouthed, tattooed Rockers??? Just check it out PLEASE!!
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
November 29, 2015
Omg! Such an amazing story!!
Loved Jared and Shell's story! Emotional, touching and tears.... Laramie gives us a story of Jared's struggles with addiction, fighting for survival and learning to love and believe in himself, find he is worthy of love! Shell had to fight to be strong for Jared, learn to believe in him and not be afraid of the future! They both had to work at giving each other their all and fight for what they have together! Such a touching story of a love that's not perfect, but perfect for them! Don't miss out on this story of redemption, finding strength, and loving someone for all of their faults! Love this series!
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Loved Jared and Shell's story! Emotional, touching and tears.... Laramie gives us a story of Jared's struggles with addiction, fighting for survival and learning to love and believe in himself, find he is worthy of love! Shell had to fight to be strong for Jared, learn to believe in him and not be afraid of the future! They both had to work at giving each other their all and fight for what they have together! Such a touching story of a love that's not perfect, but perfect for them! Don't miss out on this story of redemption, finding strength, and loving someone for all of their faults! Love this series!
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2015
ARC given in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Just Wow. I was looking for more about the other 3 guys in Black Friday, and this book delivered!! I love Jared - I think I like him better than Garrett! He and Shell are so compelling as you read this book. Laramie Briscoe does such a great job in getting into their mindset, and telling their stories in a real and captivating way. I loved it! Now I need to know what happens with Brad and Stacey - but more importantly: what about Chris?????
This book took me 3 hours to read.
I recommend it if you enjoy: Michelle A. Valentine, Hilary Storm or Terri Anne Browning.
Wow. Just Wow. I was looking for more about the other 3 guys in Black Friday, and this book delivered!! I love Jared - I think I like him better than Garrett! He and Shell are so compelling as you read this book. Laramie Briscoe does such a great job in getting into their mindset, and telling their stories in a real and captivating way. I loved it! Now I need to know what happens with Brad and Stacey - but more importantly: what about Chris?????
This book took me 3 hours to read.
I recommend it if you enjoy: Michelle A. Valentine, Hilary Storm or Terri Anne Browning.
November 30, 2015
Laramie always gives us a book that you can't put down!!! "Hard to Love" was a book that had you on the edge hoping that they could work their problems out!! Jared and Shell both had some growing that they had to do in order for their relationship to work out! I think anyone that is a fan of Reaper and Harmony will love getting Jared and Shell's story! "Hard to Love" is a solid 4 star book that you should one-click ASAP!!
December 6, 2015
took me a while to read this cause i had to go back to book one to get caught back up so i knew what was going on..
I must say before in other books, I really thought Jared was a total ass. But I have come to love him and Shell they really so make a great couple. I loved how the healing process, made them whole again. I am also glad Jared and Reapers friendship didn't blow apart. Can't wait to see what happens next.
I must say before in other books, I really thought Jared was a total ass. But I have come to love him and Shell they really so make a great couple. I loved how the healing process, made them whole again. I am also glad Jared and Reapers friendship didn't blow apart. Can't wait to see what happens next.
April 10, 2016
Hard To Love is the fourth book in the Rockin' Country series by Laramie Briscoe. Again, another fabulous book in this series that had me hooked from beginning to end. The storyline was spot on with lots of depth and emotion. Loved the twists and turns that Laramie incorporated into this book. Was thrilled that she gave Shell & Jared their own book and let them work out their issues to find their happily ever after!!! Fabulous series that I would highly recommend!!
January 7, 2016
Liked but was missing something
I was really looking forward to this book. It was well written and went through an addicts struggles,but it fell short somewhere. I felt a disconnect between shell and Jared.
It may be that the end was rushed or just moved too quickly to a resolution .
I was really looking forward to this book. It was well written and went through an addicts struggles,but it fell short somewhere. I felt a disconnect between shell and Jared.
It may be that the end was rushed or just moved too quickly to a resolution .
November 28, 2015
This book was well worth the wait. If you are a fan of the Rockin Country series you will not be disappointed. Jared and Shell were not at their best when we last saw them so how will they get their act together? Can they even do so? Another home run for Laramie.
December 1, 2015
I think this is my favorite in the series!! Jaded fighting his addiction and Shell fighting her own issues hits kinda close to me. This is a must read!! Laramie is such a talented writer and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
December 9, 2015
Shell and Jared have been through it, but finally it's time for them. Jared was brave enough and strong enough to survive his struggles. He has his family and that is all he needs. What a wonderful story of struggle and survival. Perseverance pays off. Lovely ending, so happy for them all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews