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Hard Core
Warning: This sexy new page turner from New York Times bestselling author Tess Oliver may lead to a serious book hangover!-LEDGER-Sometimes one good dose of trouble could turn your life around, put you on the right path. But I'd taken the opposite side of the forked road and headed off looking for even more trouble, like a junkie constantly searching for the next high. Never would I have guessed that turn would lead me to her. I couldn't stop thinking about her. She was an angel, a hard core, bone-fide angel and in her short life, she'd already had a taste of hell.-JACY-Despair. Heartbreak. Silence. That was all I'd grown to know, until he showed up next door.The handsome, tattooed stranger had the kind of eyes that were hard to look away from, and he gazed at me as if we'd been friends or even lovers in a different life. He looked at me as if he knew me, and suddenly I had this flash of feeling as if I was right where I was supposed to be.Hard Core is a full-length, standalone novel.Contains mature content. Intended for readers 18+
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2016
334 people are currently reading
990 people want to read
About the author
Tess Oliver
126 books2,449 followersTess Oliver is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Custom Culture series and a large collection of other romances. She is well known for her relatable characters who "become your friends" as you journey with them and for intriguing stories that will have you "devouring her books in just one day". Tess has been featured on USA Today's 'Happy Ever After' site, and in publications including Glamour UK and Elle UK magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
September 28, 2016
3.5 Stars
I'm pretty sure I've already said this a ridiculous amount of time, but let me restate. If Josh Mario John is one the over, I will read it! That's what drew me to this book and I am so glad that it did because I've missed Tess Oliver's writing and I can't believe I haven't read one of her books in so long.
Hard Core was an easy story to follow, and Ledger and Jacy were well written characters that I enjoyed reading about. They both had a past that was woven into the story as you got further into it and it added depth to the book that I liked. I liked how their pasts came together and even though it may have been a bit predictable, it definitely wasn't boring.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and it was the perfect book to read while filling in for the receptionist at my office because it had an easy and even paced flow to the story. I would have liked more of an ending or at least one that didn't seem so rushed, but the ending we got was still really fun to see.
I'm pretty sure I've already said this a ridiculous amount of time, but let me restate. If Josh Mario John is one the over, I will read it! That's what drew me to this book and I am so glad that it did because I've missed Tess Oliver's writing and I can't believe I haven't read one of her books in so long.
Hard Core was an easy story to follow, and Ledger and Jacy were well written characters that I enjoyed reading about. They both had a past that was woven into the story as you got further into it and it added depth to the book that I liked. I liked how their pasts came together and even though it may have been a bit predictable, it definitely wasn't boring.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and it was the perfect book to read while filling in for the receptionist at my office because it had an easy and even paced flow to the story. I would have liked more of an ending or at least one that didn't seem so rushed, but the ending we got was still really fun to see.
June 23, 2016
Decent, sweet read. honestly I loved the hero! Such a sweetheart. I liked the heroine too. it was a bit hard to read a few times but for the most part it was enjoyable. the hero for me made this book! I need way more of an epilogue. Not nearly enough. I know they are it for each other and will have babies one day but no real mention of marriage and living together(which I know they are but wanted confirmation). I also wanted the actual ILY's!
safety:
heroine was married before.
her ex was abusive
little bit of OM drama towards the end.
death of a child
I felt 100 percent that hero was not second best!
No real details on hero's past.
just he had lots of women, never loved.
condoms used between them. No mention if used prior with others.
a tiny bit of separation but both were celibate
hero was celibate after getting out of prison
I believe heroine hasn't been with any one since her husband.
Thanks Erika for giving me information on this read.
I'm glad I gave it a chance:)
safety:
heroine was married before.
her ex was abusive
little bit of OM drama towards the end.
death of a child
I felt 100 percent that hero was not second best!
No real details on hero's past.
just he had lots of women, never loved.
condoms used between them. No mention if used prior with others.
a tiny bit of separation but both were celibate
hero was celibate after getting out of prison
I believe heroine hasn't been with any one since her husband.
Thanks Erika for giving me information on this read.
I'm glad I gave it a chance:)
Read
June 28, 2016Note to self and anyone else that hates fluffy dribble:
Oh, me... Oh, my.
The blurb and cover looked so promising.
I'm a sucker for undercut hair, tats, and big broad unearthly shoulders. Pass the gravy, Please!!!
But, this shit is like the discontent you feel channel surfing at 2am.
The home improvement channel...
The weather channel...
Hair care channel ...
In the entire sample, the only substantive info I got was:
• she's divorced badly, owns a bakery, doesn't date, and is the most beautiful creature he's ever seen from afar.
• he's fresh out of jail, jobless, and thinks she's the most beautiful thing... Even if he can't muster the courage to talk to her.
Bottom Line
Downloaded sample. Repetitive, monotone, fluffy dribble about mundane shit writing style isn't for me.
Absofuckinglutely nothing happens during the sample.
Moving on.
Oh, me... Oh, my.
The blurb and cover looked so promising.
I'm a sucker for undercut hair, tats, and big broad unearthly shoulders. Pass the gravy, Please!!!
But, this shit is like the discontent you feel channel surfing at 2am.
The home improvement channel...
"The crumbling, waterlogged beach house I'd rented...
"The hillside in front of the house had splintered planks of wood jutting out from the plants, a makeshift staircase to the sand that, like the house itself, had been neglected for years."
"I glanced over toward her house. It was a small house, in better shape than my place but only by a few strokes of paint and pieces of wood siding. She's planted a line of flowers along the back of the house, and the sight of them made me smile."
"Beach houses of every shape and size....
"I climbed the three steps to the top of the pier. It's wood planks, bleached and brittle from the sun, stretched hundreds of yards over dark blue water."
"My quaint, unimpressive little house..."
The weather channel...
" It was mid morning. The fog had lifted, leaving behind a blue sky. I reached up, pulled my hair back and tied it off so it would stay out of my eyes."
"I looked outside the door window as I flipped over the open sign. The fog was lifting and it seemed that the sun would be shinning soon. It would help. Sunshine was always better than gloom."
"I reached the beach. Even under a blue sky, brisk, cold, air shrouded the shore."
"But in a brisk, late fall day like today.."
"The air around her was crystal clear as if the murky fog couldn't get near her."
"The damn fog, the relentless, transparent haze hovering in the air blotted out some of features, but it didn't matter."
Hair care channel ...
"Glossy black hair.."
"You cut your hair...."
"...But your blonde and everyone knows men.."
"...Forest black lashes to go with black hair..."
"...Blessed by the hair fairy...."
"... Dishwater blonde or raven black..."
" swept my long bangs aside"
"My first dollar spent was at a barber shop..."
"The length was a symbol..."
"...helped me compromise. He gave me an undercut and left the top long."
In the entire sample, the only substantive info I got was:
• she's divorced badly, owns a bakery, doesn't date, and is the most beautiful creature he's ever seen from afar.
• he's fresh out of jail, jobless, and thinks she's the most beautiful thing... Even if he can't muster the courage to talk to her.
Bottom Line
Downloaded sample. Repetitive, monotone, fluffy dribble about mundane shit writing style isn't for me.
Absofuckinglutely nothing happens during the sample.
Moving on.
January 11, 2018
I haven’t a clue why this book is called Hard Core because it’s not hard core at all and that’s not a terrible thing. Just don’t be misled by the title thinking you’re going into some gritty, taboo, murder filled read. You might be disappointed if that’s the case.
Hard Core is a sweet, slightly saucy little love story. Ledger has recently been released from prison for a stupid but rather harmless offense. He’s covered in tattoos but he’s nothing but sweetness on the inside.
He did not murder or harm anyone, if you were still wondering.
Jacy runs a coffee shop and is recovering from an abusive relationship and a devastating secret she doesn’t share with anyone when she meets Ledger. They soon fall in love but Ledger has a secret of his own. A secret which will come back to bite him in his perfect butt and possibly ruin everything he’s been living for the past few years.
This was a straight-forward, slightly predicable but pleasant romance with a likable, if sometimes misguided, hero and a heroine who didn’t get on my last nerve. I’d recommend reading it in paper as I wasn’t overly thrilled with either narrator. I love the idea of two narrators for this type of story but have to admit it threw me at first and took some getting used to. Lauren Sweet voices Jacy and her voice was so nasally at times that it made me cringe. Marcio Catalano does his best with Ledger but I felt his voice was too cultured and smooth for a man like Ledger. A little roughness would’ve made it work better for me. I’m not sure either narrator was the best choice for these two characters but they weren’t abominable so if audio is your only thing give it a go.
Hard Core is a sweet, slightly saucy little love story. Ledger has recently been released from prison for a stupid but rather harmless offense. He’s covered in tattoos but he’s nothing but sweetness on the inside.
He did not murder or harm anyone, if you were still wondering.
Jacy runs a coffee shop and is recovering from an abusive relationship and a devastating secret she doesn’t share with anyone when she meets Ledger. They soon fall in love but Ledger has a secret of his own. A secret which will come back to bite him in his perfect butt and possibly ruin everything he’s been living for the past few years.
This was a straight-forward, slightly predicable but pleasant romance with a likable, if sometimes misguided, hero and a heroine who didn’t get on my last nerve. I’d recommend reading it in paper as I wasn’t overly thrilled with either narrator. I love the idea of two narrators for this type of story but have to admit it threw me at first and took some getting used to. Lauren Sweet voices Jacy and her voice was so nasally at times that it made me cringe. Marcio Catalano does his best with Ledger but I felt his voice was too cultured and smooth for a man like Ledger. A little roughness would’ve made it work better for me. I’m not sure either narrator was the best choice for these two characters but they weren’t abominable so if audio is your only thing give it a go.
July 10, 2016
3.5 Stars!!
I loved the idea of this book, but I didn’t feel the overwhelming powerful connection between Ledger & Jacy that I love in my H&h’s. Jacy’s picking up the pieces of her life, after getting out of an abusive marriage. Ledger was always in trouble growing up until one day he went a bit too far and ended up in jail.
Ledger and Jacy are both trying to live their lives and find comfort in one another…but Ledger is keeping a secret, one that can destroy the fragile relationship their building and honestly I can understand why Ledger hesitated to tell Jacy the truth since Jacy was so closed off emotionally, scarred, and not looking for a relationship.
I loved Ledger, he is such a sweet man. He cared deeply for Jacy and you could tell he would do anything he could to make her happy. With what both Ledger and Jacy endured in their past, they both deserved some happiness.
All-in-all, I found this read pretty predictable at times and I guessed Ledger’s secret pretty quickly and felt that it dragged out a bit too long, and lastly we really, really needed an epilogue!!
I loved the idea of this book, but I didn’t feel the overwhelming powerful connection between Ledger & Jacy that I love in my H&h’s. Jacy’s picking up the pieces of her life, after getting out of an abusive marriage. Ledger was always in trouble growing up until one day he went a bit too far and ended up in jail.
Ledger and Jacy are both trying to live their lives and find comfort in one another…but Ledger is keeping a secret, one that can destroy the fragile relationship their building and honestly I can understand why Ledger hesitated to tell Jacy the truth since Jacy was so closed off emotionally, scarred, and not looking for a relationship.
I loved Ledger, he is such a sweet man. He cared deeply for Jacy and you could tell he would do anything he could to make her happy. With what both Ledger and Jacy endured in their past, they both deserved some happiness.
"I never wanted her to be scared of me, or scared of anything again. She’d already lived through the worst life had to offer. She earned that right, the right to never be terrified again".
All-in-all, I found this read pretty predictable at times and I guessed Ledger’s secret pretty quickly and felt that it dragged out a bit too long, and lastly we really, really needed an epilogue!!
June 21, 2016
Ok
Fucking HOT cover model doesn't equal good book. When will I learn this? This story was pretty damn boring. More of the dark past stuff. heroine is pretty boring. Scratch that, she is extremely boring! Hero seems cool, but a bit tame for a dude out of prison. The twist wasn't good enough and the abusive ex was so cookie cutter unrealistic, it just didn't gel for me.
I don't know what all these high reviews are about! Hard Core?? Not.
Fucking HOT cover model doesn't equal good book. When will I learn this? This story was pretty damn boring. More of the dark past stuff. heroine is pretty boring. Scratch that, she is extremely boring! Hero seems cool, but a bit tame for a dude out of prison. The twist wasn't good enough and the abusive ex was so cookie cutter unrealistic, it just didn't gel for me.
I don't know what all these high reviews are about! Hard Core?? Not.
June 29, 2016
Ledger fell in love with Jacy before he had ever seen her. Being the cell mate of her abusive ex husband, he had heard enough about her to know she was an amazing person. After he was released from prison, he decided to go and check on her and make sure she was ok.
Jacy had lost do much during her marriage, physically and emotionally. She had settled in a small seaside town and was trying to get on with her life. When a man moves in the cottage next door and she befriends him, she could never imaging how he actually came to be in her life. I really enjoyed this story. Ledger was such a sweet man. His love for Jacy was evident. After a tragic event in his childhood, he just couldn't get away from his troubled behaviour. It took falling in love with Jacy to make him determined to be the man she deserved. Jacy was strong and caring. Her ex had taken so much from her and she wasn't sure if she would ever trust again, let alone love someone. She and Ledger had such a endearing relationship. They were both learning to love and trust yet each keeping parts of themselves inside. no cheating, no ow/om drama, some slight pushing away, and a HFN ending.
I will say that the ending did not do the book justice. I expected a better epilogue. Although it's safe to assume that they get their HEA, I was disappointed that we didn't get to see any of that. I feel that the nature of this story warranted something more.
Jacy had lost do much during her marriage, physically and emotionally. She had settled in a small seaside town and was trying to get on with her life. When a man moves in the cottage next door and she befriends him, she could never imaging how he actually came to be in her life. I really enjoyed this story. Ledger was such a sweet man. His love for Jacy was evident. After a tragic event in his childhood, he just couldn't get away from his troubled behaviour. It took falling in love with Jacy to make him determined to be the man she deserved. Jacy was strong and caring. Her ex had taken so much from her and she wasn't sure if she would ever trust again, let alone love someone. She and Ledger had such a endearing relationship. They were both learning to love and trust yet each keeping parts of themselves inside. no cheating, no ow/om drama, some slight pushing away, and a HFN ending.
I will say that the ending did not do the book justice. I expected a better epilogue. Although it's safe to assume that they get their HEA, I was disappointed that we didn't get to see any of that. I feel that the nature of this story warranted something more.
June 27, 2016
Such a lovely book this one. Jacy is such a likeable heroine and despite going to Hell and back she has carved out a new life for herself . Rockwood Beach is a tiny all American seaside town. The imagery and language Tess Oliver uses to describe it is stunning. I felt like I was right there, walking along the beach with the sea mist rolling in and the cool air on my face. But I digress......
Ledger has left prison and purposefully relocates himself to Rockwood Beach . He knows Jacy but she does not know him. Go into this book blind if you can. It's worth it to lose yourself in the story and just FEEL this book and Jacy and Ledger's relationship build around you.
This story made me laugh out loud, brought a tear to my eye, made me gasp and it also made my heart skip beats. Ledger the lover is HOT.
Tess Oliver has written another beautiful love story.
HEA? Yes but I would have liked to see further ahead.
Cheating? No. Not a chance. Ledger is all about Jacy and she is captivated by this beautiful man.
Ledger has left prison and purposefully relocates himself to Rockwood Beach . He knows Jacy but she does not know him. Go into this book blind if you can. It's worth it to lose yourself in the story and just FEEL this book and Jacy and Ledger's relationship build around you.
This story made me laugh out loud, brought a tear to my eye, made me gasp and it also made my heart skip beats. Ledger the lover is HOT.
Tess Oliver has written another beautiful love story.
HEA? Yes but I would have liked to see further ahead.
Cheating? No. Not a chance. Ledger is all about Jacy and she is captivated by this beautiful man.
tbr-mf
July 27, 2016I sure do love me some tattoos.....
August 17, 2016
Awesome! :-)
June 22, 2016
4.5 stars. This is a story of two broken people coming together and healing each other. Jacy went through something absolutely devastating and is just trying to live her life day-by-day but is a shell of the woman she used to be. She doesn't know how to trust anymore. Ledger has been through so much as well, a lot he brought on himself. He wants to have a better life and be a better man. When they meet they both recognize something in each other. There are a few bumps along the way for sure that rock the foundation they're building. Ledger may have made some bad choices in the past but he is truly a good, caring, giving man. These two deserve an HEA.
June 3, 2017
Book
3.5 stars
Loved the H! He made mistakes in his past, but held himself accountable without making excuses. He chose to change, make better life decisions and to become a better man. The h was eh. I am not fond of heroines who don't leave abusive men immediately. Of course she was young, naive, blah, blah, blah. The H made the book for me. I would have loved more of an epilogue further in the future, but there was enough for me to assume they will have a good and loving life together :)
Safety
3.5 stars
Loved the H! He made mistakes in his past, but held himself accountable without making excuses. He chose to change, make better life decisions and to become a better man. The h was eh. I am not fond of heroines who don't leave abusive men immediately. Of course she was young, naive, blah, blah, blah. The H made the book for me. I would have loved more of an epilogue further in the future, but there was enough for me to assume they will have a good and loving life together :)
Safety
June 28, 2016
5 PLUS Incredibly Beautiful Stars
OK, first let me say that 5 Stars for me is just NOT enough!!!!!! I am sort of speechless at the moment in that there are truly NOT enough words to convey the right emotions that this storyline and these characters made me feel throughout, but I will try:)
Ok, so Author Tess Oliver, KUDOS to you on a brilliantly written book! The writing was phenomenal, the storyline was so unique and emotional, I can't even begin to describe the emotions that I felt....the characters, OMG, Jacy and Ledger are two of THE most beautiful and heartfelt characters, like EVER!!!! There are not enough words to relay how I felt about them both equally, together and individually, they were EXACTLY what I hope to read about, what I LOVE to read about, they were just hands down THE BEST characters, who will always stay with me, not only in my mind but in a piece of my heart that has been specifically reserved for the both of them now and forever:)
I really don't want to give anything away because it would be a shame. Every reader who reads this story and I do encourage and hope that a lot of readers indulge in this book so with that being said, my opinion is to go in blind. I say that because the way this heartbreaking and beautifully tragic story unfolds is just to die for, at least for me it was! I can only describe the unfolding story by comparing it to say a butterfly being born, lol, I know crazy right but for lack of a better description it was like watching the most beautiful transformation if that makes sense. It was slow and yet never a dull moment, it was all carefully written out, almost like following a trail of breadcrumbs. I was hanging on every word, every sentence, every emotion, EVERY SINGLE THING had me mesmerized, had me living this story as if I was right there in every single moment with them both!!! It was moving, touching, riveting, it was full of emotion on both sides because they both have their own heartbreak in the past that they are living with and let me tell I was in tears, at some points, I had to put my Kindle down and just cry for both of them. Now let me also tell you that this story is not the typical "depressing" love story, oh no, it was full of heartbreak but yet chock full of hope and second chances in life. It truly makes me look at the word "re-do" in a whole new light, lol, you'll get that when you read this story!!!!!
I am just in complete awe and have such tremendous admiration for this author to take such a unique storyline and weave such an intricate and delicate love story. For me, the back stories were handled with such care and tenderness, the author took her time and yet NEVER ever dragged out the storyline at all! The way the story unfolds was just magical in every sense and on every level.
My only issue and it's really not even that much of an issue but my only wish I guess is a better way to phrase it, is that I wished the Epilogue had been longer and contained a lot more. Anyone who knows me and my reviews for the most part knows that I am a HUGE Epilogue person, like for me if a book doesn't even have one I hesitate on even starting it, lol. So as far as this Epilogue goes, I just felt that I as well as my heart not only needed BUT wanted to know MORE, like further into the future with these two characters. I can only hope that maybe wink, wink, that Rachel will get her own story later on and I can catch up with Ledger and Jacy because these two were just the bomb:)
Congrats Author Tess Oliver, this book you have written is pure genius, a literary masterpiece! Now let me say this, I read a lot and I read a lot of great 5 Star books but every so often a unique story such as this one comes along and makes me seriously understand why it is that I am such a book nerd, lol...... yes, this book made me realize that I read because of stories like this one! Hands down, this was above and beyond a 5 Star read for me and it will be placed upon my imaginary book shelf placed high above the regular 5 star reads that I like to reserve for books just like this one. A book like this truly touches my heart and resonates deep down into my soul and gosh there is no other feeling like this when you get done and you have the biggest grin on your face all the while getting ready to just let out the biggest, fattest, happiest tears as well. I love that I had ALL the feels and I loved that I was able to without a doubt connect and invest with both of the characters as well as the story, best feeling ever:) Please READ this book, lol, if you have not already, you will not regret it!
OK, first let me say that 5 Stars for me is just NOT enough!!!!!! I am sort of speechless at the moment in that there are truly NOT enough words to convey the right emotions that this storyline and these characters made me feel throughout, but I will try:)
Ok, so Author Tess Oliver, KUDOS to you on a brilliantly written book! The writing was phenomenal, the storyline was so unique and emotional, I can't even begin to describe the emotions that I felt....the characters, OMG, Jacy and Ledger are two of THE most beautiful and heartfelt characters, like EVER!!!! There are not enough words to relay how I felt about them both equally, together and individually, they were EXACTLY what I hope to read about, what I LOVE to read about, they were just hands down THE BEST characters, who will always stay with me, not only in my mind but in a piece of my heart that has been specifically reserved for the both of them now and forever:)
I really don't want to give anything away because it would be a shame. Every reader who reads this story and I do encourage and hope that a lot of readers indulge in this book so with that being said, my opinion is to go in blind. I say that because the way this heartbreaking and beautifully tragic story unfolds is just to die for, at least for me it was! I can only describe the unfolding story by comparing it to say a butterfly being born, lol, I know crazy right but for lack of a better description it was like watching the most beautiful transformation if that makes sense. It was slow and yet never a dull moment, it was all carefully written out, almost like following a trail of breadcrumbs. I was hanging on every word, every sentence, every emotion, EVERY SINGLE THING had me mesmerized, had me living this story as if I was right there in every single moment with them both!!! It was moving, touching, riveting, it was full of emotion on both sides because they both have their own heartbreak in the past that they are living with and let me tell I was in tears, at some points, I had to put my Kindle down and just cry for both of them. Now let me also tell you that this story is not the typical "depressing" love story, oh no, it was full of heartbreak but yet chock full of hope and second chances in life. It truly makes me look at the word "re-do" in a whole new light, lol, you'll get that when you read this story!!!!!
I am just in complete awe and have such tremendous admiration for this author to take such a unique storyline and weave such an intricate and delicate love story. For me, the back stories were handled with such care and tenderness, the author took her time and yet NEVER ever dragged out the storyline at all! The way the story unfolds was just magical in every sense and on every level.
My only issue and it's really not even that much of an issue but my only wish I guess is a better way to phrase it, is that I wished the Epilogue had been longer and contained a lot more. Anyone who knows me and my reviews for the most part knows that I am a HUGE Epilogue person, like for me if a book doesn't even have one I hesitate on even starting it, lol. So as far as this Epilogue goes, I just felt that I as well as my heart not only needed BUT wanted to know MORE, like further into the future with these two characters. I can only hope that maybe wink, wink, that Rachel will get her own story later on and I can catch up with Ledger and Jacy because these two were just the bomb:)
Congrats Author Tess Oliver, this book you have written is pure genius, a literary masterpiece! Now let me say this, I read a lot and I read a lot of great 5 Star books but every so often a unique story such as this one comes along and makes me seriously understand why it is that I am such a book nerd, lol...... yes, this book made me realize that I read because of stories like this one! Hands down, this was above and beyond a 5 Star read for me and it will be placed upon my imaginary book shelf placed high above the regular 5 star reads that I like to reserve for books just like this one. A book like this truly touches my heart and resonates deep down into my soul and gosh there is no other feeling like this when you get done and you have the biggest grin on your face all the while getting ready to just let out the biggest, fattest, happiest tears as well. I love that I had ALL the feels and I loved that I was able to without a doubt connect and invest with both of the characters as well as the story, best feeling ever:) Please READ this book, lol, if you have not already, you will not regret it!
March 12, 2019
I think 5 stars are not enough.
-Standalone or Part of a Series: Standalone
-POV: M/F
-Triggers: yes (abusive husband, loss of a child)
-Cheating: NO
-Descriptive Sex with OW/OM: NO
-OW/OM issues: NO
-HEA: YES
-Safety Gang Notes: For my POV is a safe book (even if there are few triggers about Jacy's past).
Jacy is a strong heroine with a broken heart who is trying to survive after an awful past and a terrible loss.
Ledger is a lonely soul who is looking for his other half.
I've never read about an Hero as perfect as Ledger, he is totally, completely and incredibly in love with Jacy and it's heartwarming.
I definitely recommend this book to all the readers who love a faithful, passionate and caring hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 16, 2019DNF at 45%
Here is what got me. You have a couple that is basically starting a first time real relationship in their twenties. Both have a past. Trauma and drama. They are taking baby steps. Makes sense right? After a couple of weeks they are still taking baby steps however running to the bedroom to have sex the likes of which people with loads and loads of experience well, experience.
I call bullshit.
Meh. You can’t judge a book by its cover. True that.
Here is what got me. You have a couple that is basically starting a first time real relationship in their twenties. Both have a past. Trauma and drama. They are taking baby steps. Makes sense right? After a couple of weeks they are still taking baby steps however running to the bedroom to have sex the likes of which people with loads and loads of experience well, experience.
I call bullshit.
Meh. You can’t judge a book by its cover. True that.
Want to read
May 23, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/23/2020)! 🎁
November 17, 2016
There are so many ways that different books pop up on my radar. I was ‘invited’ to a GoodReads list of heroes unjustly sent to prison. As this is one of my favourite tropes, I checked it out and since it looked interesting, was up my alley, I gave it a read. And my goodness what a delicious little read this was.
I don’t know how to describe it but this was a lonely kind of book. It takes place in a small town on a lake where there are a lot of wild open spaces. I could almost hear the sea gulls screech while reading.
Lacy is the heroine. She’s in hiding from an abusive ex who is actually spending time in jail, but she’s learned to be very fearful. She feels this way when she meets Ledger, our hero. He is living a lonely, solitary life in a dilapidated cottage near hers. While we know it from reading it, Lacy isn’t really aware that he is fixated on her – not in a bad, stalking kind of way, but in the way that just watching her makes him feel better about life in general.
They meet and fall in love but he is keeping a very big secret that almost destroys their love. Both are wonderful character, specially Ledger. He makes for a great wounded hero. It was some time ago that I read this, back in the summer, so some of is a bit on the fuzzy side but I do remember I liked it quite a bit. It was my first Tess Oliver book and I certainly enjoyed it enough to get other books by her. This is another thumbs up in the ‘hero just out of prison’ niche.
I don’t know how to describe it but this was a lonely kind of book. It takes place in a small town on a lake where there are a lot of wild open spaces. I could almost hear the sea gulls screech while reading.
Lacy is the heroine. She’s in hiding from an abusive ex who is actually spending time in jail, but she’s learned to be very fearful. She feels this way when she meets Ledger, our hero. He is living a lonely, solitary life in a dilapidated cottage near hers. While we know it from reading it, Lacy isn’t really aware that he is fixated on her – not in a bad, stalking kind of way, but in the way that just watching her makes him feel better about life in general.
They meet and fall in love but he is keeping a very big secret that almost destroys their love. Both are wonderful character, specially Ledger. He makes for a great wounded hero. It was some time ago that I read this, back in the summer, so some of is a bit on the fuzzy side but I do remember I liked it quite a bit. It was my first Tess Oliver book and I certainly enjoyed it enough to get other books by her. This is another thumbs up in the ‘hero just out of prison’ niche.
July 10, 2016
*3.5 Stars*
This was a good, not great, short read. Ledger was so sweet and super sexy. Jacy was sweet, but broken. I absolutely loved their sexy times and the delicious dirty talk! I would have given a higher rating but it was missing a few things for me. I was desperately needing the "how much you mean to me" and "I love you" speeches. In addition to that, I felt the ending with her ex-husband was very anticlimactic and the ending felt rushed. I also needed more of an epilogue.
This was a good, not great, short read. Ledger was so sweet and super sexy. Jacy was sweet, but broken. I absolutely loved their sexy times and the delicious dirty talk! I would have given a higher rating but it was missing a few things for me. I was desperately needing the "how much you mean to me" and "I love you" speeches. In addition to that, I felt the ending with her ex-husband was very anticlimactic and the ending felt rushed. I also needed more of an epilogue.
June 30, 2016
This made for a sweet and easy light romantic read. The couples had a genuine feel to them. No cheating or extensive angst which was refreshing. I was also pleased it was offered as a kindleunlimited. I'll definitely read more of this writers work. While I didn't fall in love with this one I'm still glad I read it.
July 5, 2016
Sorry, Tess but those five stars are for the cover model. The story was wonderful and nothing like what you'd expect by the hot cover model and book title. I could fully picture the shoreline and the off season town. I felt the empty loneliness that Ledger had after prison. I think he got ripped off at sentencing but that isn't the story.
This story was starting over. Thanks, Tess.
This story was starting over. Thanks, Tess.
June 22, 2016
#REVIEW @Tess_Oliver
Hard Core
QueenZany 4 Star Review
Hard Core
by Tess Oliver
So this is my first Tess Oliver book! I was truly taken aback by her way of drawing you into the story. Making you feel like you are one with the characters. Well written that is captivating, sizzling and emotional. Yes all at the same time. I was just yearning for these two broken souls to find their way!! Great read!! Thank goodness for a HEA!!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
https://plus.google.com/+heatherpollo...
Hard Core
QueenZany 4 Star Review
Hard Core
by Tess Oliver
So this is my first Tess Oliver book! I was truly taken aback by her way of drawing you into the story. Making you feel like you are one with the characters. Well written that is captivating, sizzling and emotional. Yes all at the same time. I was just yearning for these two broken souls to find their way!! Great read!! Thank goodness for a HEA!!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
https://plus.google.com/+heatherpollo...
June 30, 2016
Jacy suffered mental and physical abuse from her ex-husband. She meets Ledger, her new next door neighbor. Ledger feels familiar but she does not know why. Ledger and Jacy begin a romance. Ledger is an ex-con for something stupid he did years before. He took a cop car for a joy ride. Anyway, Ledger has a secret. He "knew" Jacy before they officially met.
I felt Jacy played games with Ledger in the beginning. She told him she could only be friends, but then wondered why he did not kiss her. Great premise, but it was a snooze fest. By the end, i did not care what happened.
I felt Jacy played games with Ledger in the beginning. She told him she could only be friends, but then wondered why he did not kiss her. Great premise, but it was a snooze fest. By the end, i did not care what happened.
June 20, 2016
What a crazy story...You keep guessing and guessing on what you think ties these characters all together, and you still get it wrong! My jaw hit the ground when it finally got revealed. It's so hard to not spoil this story line. Let's just say, the characters are amazing and you just cannot stop reading this one!
August 13, 2016
This was my first Tess Oliver book and I must say that I've been missing out. I'll leave it at that so I can expand on my review later!
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January 21, 2017
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Sometimes one good dose of trouble could turn your life around, put you on the right path. But I'd taken the opposite side of the forked road and headed off looking for even more trouble, like a junkie constantly searching for the next high. Never would I have guessed that turn would lead me to her .
I couldn't stop thinking about her. She was an angel, a hard core, bone-fide angel and in her short life, she'd already had a taste of hell .
-JACY-
Despair. Heartbreak. Silence. That was all I'd grown to know, until he showed up next door.
The handsome, tattooed stranger had the kind of eyes that were hard to look away from, and he gazed at me as if we'd been friends or even lovers in a different life. He looked at me as if he knew me, and suddenly I had this flash of feeling as if I was right where I was supposed to be.
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July 5, 2020
I took this book, because I have a time to read something new. The author I don't know.
I've never read Tess Olivier before, so „Hard Core” was my first story written by her.
And I think that this is quite good book.
First of all, 'Hard Core' isn't a hard book. It is sweet love story between two destroyed souls.
Jacy runs the coffee shop and she is recovering from an abusive marriage. She is a „secret girl”, so when she met Ledger, she didn't say about him to her friends.
Ledger has a secret too. He was in jail and now, he is looking for job. He wants to back to normal life. But everything what he done has a motive. And this motive is Jacy.
„Hard Core” is a straight romance story. We have here an action, but it is too little for this book. When I saw the title, I was thinking that this is a rough book. But no and I must write that I am disappointed.
„Hard Core” is a story to read, when you don't want to focus on the story. It is simple, good book, but in the end nothing special.
I've never read Tess Olivier before, so „Hard Core” was my first story written by her.
And I think that this is quite good book.
First of all, 'Hard Core' isn't a hard book. It is sweet love story between two destroyed souls.
Jacy runs the coffee shop and she is recovering from an abusive marriage. She is a „secret girl”, so when she met Ledger, she didn't say about him to her friends.
Ledger has a secret too. He was in jail and now, he is looking for job. He wants to back to normal life. But everything what he done has a motive. And this motive is Jacy.
„Hard Core” is a straight romance story. We have here an action, but it is too little for this book. When I saw the title, I was thinking that this is a rough book. But no and I must write that I am disappointed.
„Hard Core” is a story to read, when you don't want to focus on the story. It is simple, good book, but in the end nothing special.
January 28, 2018
Unpopular opinion, as far as I can see...
Yes, I was totally fooled y the name (Hard Core my ass) and by the cover... "Never judge a book..." they say, and apparently I havent learned.
This story was just BORING. I got it on audio and first of all, the female narrator had the most annoying nasal voice ever (Hun, this is not your calling). The male narrator I love, but he cant work miracles and make a bad book good just with his voice. One thing I liked was the fact that the narrators didnt do the other's voice: when he talked, the male narrator took over even when it was her POV and viceversa. Other than that, it was still BORING!
Like I said, I was fooled by the name. The story was so tame and nothing happened for like 60% of the book. I kept listenting because of my OCD and because hope dies last and I kept wainting it would get better. It didnt.
Good thing it was for free or I'd like my money back... Although those were 5 hours of my life Im never getting back 😡
Yes, I was totally fooled y the name (Hard Core my ass) and by the cover... "Never judge a book..." they say, and apparently I havent learned.
This story was just BORING. I got it on audio and first of all, the female narrator had the most annoying nasal voice ever (Hun, this is not your calling). The male narrator I love, but he cant work miracles and make a bad book good just with his voice. One thing I liked was the fact that the narrators didnt do the other's voice: when he talked, the male narrator took over even when it was her POV and viceversa. Other than that, it was still BORING!
Like I said, I was fooled by the name. The story was so tame and nothing happened for like 60% of the book. I kept listenting because of my OCD and because hope dies last and I kept wainting it would get better. It didnt.
Good thing it was for free or I'd like my money back... Although those were 5 hours of my life Im never getting back 😡
February 4, 2017
Damn! Ledger is such a hottie! I won't forget this book for a long while. I love how Tess Oliver showed that bad boys can have a heart of gold too! Lovely lovemaking scenes, and beautiful, heartwarming moments. Thoroughly enjoyed this one!
November 29, 2020
Awesome book
I'm in love with Ledger. He's the man all women hope to run in to and Jacy' story is so heartbroken that I cried for her. D...good storie
I'm in love with Ledger. He's the man all women hope to run in to and Jacy' story is so heartbroken that I cried for her. D...good storie
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