Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Hard Wood (Big Rock, #6)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Hard Wood

(Big Rock #6)

Lauren Blakely (Goodreads Author)

4.03 · Rating details · 2,801 Ratings · 320 Reviews

Women often say a good man is hard to find. And a hard man is even better.

That’s why I’m quite a catch— good, hard, loaded, and wait for it…I’m ready to settle down too. But the woman I want to pitch my tent with lives clear across the country. Neither of us wants to get lost in those woods. All I have to do is resist her for the week she's in town.

I try. I swear I try. Bu ...more

Get A Copy

Or buy for

Paperback, 290 pages

Published October 23rd 2017 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform (first published October 21st 2017)

More Details... edit details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Hard Wood, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30)

Rating details

Sort: Default

Filter

Oct 02, 2017 Elizabeth Clinton rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Let’s just call Lauren Blakely the Queen Of Rom-Com. Hard Wood is just another fantastic read that you will not want to miss.
We finally come to Patrick Milligan & Mia Summers Story. We have seen this couple skirt around their attraction throughout this series. When an opportunity to see that this is more than a friendly flirtatious attraction you sometimes need to just go for it and hope that those feelings are mutual.
The banter between Mia & Patrick is just so fun to read that you wil ...more

flag 172 likes · Like · see review

Oct 02, 2017 Lauren Lascola-Lesczynski rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Lauren had me at grilled cheese!
So let's start with the rugged and ever so handsome Patrick. I mean who would't fall for a guy who loves pussy? His pussy cat...Zeus! Get your mind outta the gutter people. Mia is a tiny little cosmetic mogul who has Patrick all in a twist. They have this chemistry and this banter that makes it feel like they have known each other forever. I mean I ain't gonna lie...I might be allergic to hiking, but if Patrick and his "hard wood" were my tour guide I would be hum ...more

flag 129 likes · Like · see review

Oct 14, 2017 Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

It's finally Patrick and Mia's turn to find love in Hard Wood. Hard Wood is a stand alone however both character's previously appeared Joy Ride.

I never fail to fall in love with Lauren Blakely's stories. Hard Wood is a swoony romance that will warm your heart and possibly other body parts. I fell quick and hard for Patrick Milligan, a normal, comfortable guy with a fantastic butt and an in-the-know feline companion.

Patrick's ready to settle down but the woman he wants happens to live clear acro ...more

flag 115 likes · Like · see review

Oct 16, 2017 All Booked Out rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I listened on Audible and was giggling from the get-go to Sebastian York's perfectly timed delivery of Lauren's latest rom-com funny moments.

Patrick is all man, and a furry feline sidekick in Zeus. To say that Zeus is my cherry and icing on the cake is an understatement. Lauren gives good cat! That is all I am saying. I was in stitches.

Having known Mia from other books, I am delighted she has her own story and ended up on the trail of Patrick. He is fit, handsome and a genuinely great guy (swoo ...more

flag 113 likes · Like · see review

Oct 16, 2017 Ginny Rose rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-rdg-challenge, 2017-release, arc, blakely-beaus, comedy, standalone_series, 5-stars-read

You don't know wood.. until you've met Patrick... and his Hard Wood.

I loved this book!! I've enjoyed this whole standalone serial collection of comedy. Can't tell you who is my favorite, because they are all up there and each book just gets funnier. Each book is filled with a special dose of banter, swoon and heat. HEAT! Each book made me love them more.

I really can't tell you who I loved more, Patrick, Mia or Zeus. Patrick is a man who just about appreciates anything. He's dedicated. He's foc ...more

flag 108 likes · Like · see review

Apr 19, 2017 ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-9999999-stars, 4-9-stars, adorable, amazing-series, arc-provided-by-author-or-publishe, beautiful, cover-porn, first-reads, funny, great-series

Patrick.
We already met him in Joy Ride - he was the cute neighbor. And he was already interested in Max's sister back then.
And he still is. Mia is his dream woman. And he's ready to settle down.
Too bad that Mia lives in California!
But maybe he can convince her that New York is not too shabby a place to live - and fall in love in!
But Mia's business is in California and she's a bit scared to start something....
But she's already halfway in love with him and his cat!

description

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH THOSE TWO?? ...more

flag 95 likes · Like · see review

Oct 10, 2017 Dena rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Hard Wood is easy to find… ha ha, if only it was! Patrick is rugged, sexy and all man! A nice hard wood is all Mia needs but her and Patrick are just friends, should she really cross that line with him? Mia lives across country but she comes to visit Chase and Max and when she's in town, she runs into Patrick. One night Mia gets to know Patrick a little too well by crossing the point of no return. What happens when she needs to go back home to her life and business? Or when Patrick finds out she ...more

flag 89 likes · Like · see review

Oct 09, 2017 Yvette ~ Nose Stuck in a Book rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: a-r-c-current-and-upcoming

A rom-com that's heavy on the romance with plenty of humor and a guaranteed happy ending is pretty much my idea of a perfect book. That's why I impatiently await each new rom-com Lauren Blakely releases. She doesn't disappoint! Especially when it’s time for the last of the Big Rock heroes to get his Happily Ever After. With Hard Wood (heehee), we have a best friend’s sister romance told via all-male-POV. This book has everything you could want in a romance: a heartwarmingly sweet love story, lov A rom-com that's heavy on the romance with plenty of humor and a guaranteed happy ending is pretty much my idea of a perfect book. That's why I impatiently await each new rom-com Lauren Blakely releases. She doesn't disappoint! Especially when it’s time for the last of the Big Rock heroes to get his Happily Ever After. With Hard Wood (heehee), we have a best friend’s sister romance told via all-male-POV. This book has everything you could want in a romance: a heartwarmingly sweet love story, love scenes so sexy they'll make your jaw drop and your cheeks flush, and characters that’ll claim your heart from page one. In short, Hard Wood is another top favorite read by Lauren Blakely.

I love how everyone is connected in the Big Rock universe. Whether they’re close friends or relatives, they all run in the same circle that gets increasingly wider with each new book. Whenever new characters are introduced, I can’t help but wonder if they’ll soon appear in their own book. Luckily, that’s usually the case, such as with Patrick (Max’s close friend and Evie’s brother) and Mia (Chase and Max’s sister). The moment these two first met in a previous book, sparks flew, and my brain immediately started plotting the potential romance between them. Their story is, of course, everything I could’ve imagined and then some, complete with electric chemistry, palpable sexual tension, and flirtatious banter. There’s no unnecessary drama or drawn-out angst, but rather an easygoing, fun-loving connection between two individuals that blossoms into something more.

It’s the romance between Patrick and Mia that had me swooning and grinning nonstop, but I have to admit that what I love most about Hard Wood is Patrick, our incredibly charming narrator. As far as heroes go, he’s unpretentiously normal. He's not tortured, he's not a bad boy, and he’s not an over-the-top Alpha male. He runs a successful business, enjoys the outdoors, and wants to settle down (sigh). No, he's not flashy, but he is genuine and respectable, with an admirable sense of humor. Patrick is proof that a "good guy" is just as swoon-worthy, just as sexy, and just as romantic as any other fictional hero.

If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted rom-com with plenty of steam and minimal angst, Hard Wood is a must-read. It’s goofy and fun but also sensual and erotic, which is an irresistible combination that had me glued to my Kindle from start to finish. Although I’ll miss the Big Rock crew, Hard Wood is a perfectly satisfying, can’t-miss end to the series.

*complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review
...more

flag 80 likes · Like · see review

Oct 11, 2017 Lauren Blakely rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

✮✮✮NEW RELEASE! HARD WOOD is live everywhere!! ✮✮✮
My newest standalone romantic comedy from the guy's POV is now available on all retailers!
Grab yourself some HARD WOOD and laugh, swoon and fan yourself from the heat!
✦Kindle US ➜ http://amzn.to/2gudVgq
✦Kindle UK ➜ http://amzn.to/2xXwncq
✦Kindle CA ➜ http://amzn.to/2zsvfdd
✦Kindle AU ➜ http://amzn.to/2gvLhLS
✦iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2xoVy6k
✦Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2tIJoQo
✦Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/2gLRTJ2
✦Google Play ➜ http://bit.ly/2x5DHPH
✦Amazon PB ➜ htt ...more

flag 72 likes · Like · see review

Oct 01, 2017 Jennifer Miller rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-read, arc, arc-provided-by-author, alpha-males, beards, brother-s-best-friend, could-not-put-down, cute, favorite-author, favorites

*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 purrrrfect swoon-worthy stars *

Nobody makes me swoon like Lauren Blakely and with this book, I swooned HARD ! Hard Wood is Blakely's newest standalone story told from the male POV. It follows Patrick and Mia, two characters who have appeared previously, dancing around each other for awhile on the fringes of those stories. But now? Now it's finally their turn to find their happily ever after and Blakely *** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 purrrrfect swoon-worthy stars *

Nobody makes me swoon like Lauren Blakely and with this book, I swooned HARD ! Hard Wood is Blakely's newest standalone story told from the male POV. It follows Patrick and Mia, two characters who have appeared previously, dancing around each other for awhile on the fringes of those stories. But now? Now it's finally their turn to find their happily ever after and Blakely wrote them one helluva love story that will sweep readers off their feet! There is SO MUCH to love in this book from the adorable characters and a hiking cat who has his own POV (!) to a fast paced love story and scorching hot sex scenes that might just set your Kindle ablaze!

Patrick and Mia are the epitome of the saying "made for one another". Both are entrepreneurs who turned their passions into successful companies. Living across the country from one another has prevented them from following their hearts and admitting their feelings for one another. When they finally take that leap and give in, the fun really starts! Seriously, even when they are getting down and dirty, these two are hilariously fun! Blakely found a way to bring out their individual senses of humor in the most creative ways. She had me laughing and smiling throughout. In fact, the entire story is one feel-good ride! I read Hard Wood right after finishing a book that had me feeling completely hung over and by the end of the second page of the prologue, I was smiling and feeling the Blakely magic take hold and transform my mood. The story is super fun and dedicated readers will revel in the events of past characters that take center stage in the background of this love story. Patrick's cat Zeus will endear readers, even those that are not really cat-lovers (raises hand and ducks in shame). A few strategically placed chapters told from Zeus's POV are Blakely comedic gold and give us a different perspective of what's happening in the story.

Patrick and Mia will take you on a whirlwind ride as their passion and love peaks in a fabulous happily ever after ending. You will laugh, you will swoon and you will feel completely enamored with everything about this book. With sexy characters, witty dialogue and a beautiful storyline, Hard Wood is the perfect feel good rom-com to put a smile on your face and set your heart aflutter. ...more

flag 67 likes · Like · see review

Oct 12, 2017 Tammi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

FINALLY!!! I have been waiting for Patrick and Mia's story. We saw their attraction building in the background of her brother's books and now we get theirs!!
I loved Patrick so much he knew what he wanted, he wanted Mia! But outside factors had him faltering in a GO GET YOUR GIRL attitude.
This was told completely from his POV so you would think we would be as clueless about her feelings as he was but there was his special know all, see all cat who told us her feelings, in cute little cat POV chap ...more

flag 66 likes · Like · see review

Oct 10, 2017 J. McCoy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

You can't have Patrick! He's MINE MINE MINE! All of his manly, sweet, funny, cat loving hunk a hunka burning love is ALL MINE! What girl doesn't want a guy who KNOWS her - to a freaking T... and not only that, but LOVES her, for being just who she is! Not only that, but one who is so head over heals that he doesn't even care that he's a goner?! I don't think there's a girl on the planet who doesn't want any of those sweet, sexy, romantic things including ME! So I claim him, okay? Dibs. First. Sh ...more

flag 64 likes · Like · see review

Nov 03, 2017 Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romcoms

➦If you are looking for a short, flirty and fun read with pretty unique characters then this is it! I don't think I will forget a hot man walking a cat through the wilderness any time soon, nor the chapters told from the cat's POV, which, by the way, were hilarious!

➦This book is real low on angst, but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered!

➦Brother's best friend trope is one of my favorites but this book didn't really have that crazy overprotective brother who is on standby to cut the h ...more

flag 63 likes · Like · see review

Dec 20, 2016 Wendy'sThoughts rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Lauren Blakey Fans, Romance

5 Long Awaited And Worth It Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free - It's Live!!!

There's a feeling you get when you have been wanting something for awhile...A type of anticipation, an excitement in the possibility of what is to come...This feeling can happen about big events you have planned and are counting the days for...But this fluttery feeling can also take place when pondering something simple....easy... and just plain pleasurable...

Like this book Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely. Ms. Blakey, the Master ...more

flag 62 likes · Like · see review

Oct 23, 2017 Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-reads, adult-romance, arc, brother-s-best-friend, contemporary-romance, friends-to-lovers, male-pov

4 stars!

Review and Excerpt at Of Pens and Pages.

Hard Wood is a fun and sweet, friends-to-lovers romance with a perfect, slow-burning build up to a happily ever after. We have two lovable characters and a feline companion that completely steals the show, and the best thing is it’s told in Lauren Blakely’s hilarious and realistic male POV.

Distance, past relationships, and current friendships hold back two people who have this strong and undeniable connection to cross that line past friendship. P ...more

flag 62 likes · Like · see review

Sep 28, 2017 Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Lauren Blakely's newest book, Hard Wood has been a long time coming. I feel like we've been waiting in the wings forever watching this couple dance around each other, flirt, stare at each other a little too long. We know there's attraction and friendship and we finally get their story! Lauren writes fantastic characters who get into your heart and mind. I get invested in them and I long to see what they are doing, thinking and who they are going to run into. We have known Mia for a while. She's Lauren Blakely's newest book, Hard Wood has been a long time coming. I feel like we've been waiting in the wings forever watching this couple dance around each other, flirt, stare at each other a little too long. We know there's attraction and friendship and we finally get their story! Lauren writes fantastic characters who get into your heart and mind. I get invested in them and I long to see what they are doing, thinking and who they are going to run into. We have known Mia for a while. She's Chase and Max's sister. She's little, tough, sweet and beautiful. Patrick is Evie's brother and we know he's ruggedly handsome, outdoorsy and sexy. From the moment they met there was a connection. They just fit. You could sense the electricity in the air. Patrick has been holding back. Not because Mia's not worth it, but because she lives across the country. They are friends. Patrick likes having Mia in his life, but he's done holding back. He wants more. He's ready to settle down (gasp!). He just doesn't know what Mia wants. When a near kiss in an elevator tells him all he need to know, he's confident he's going to make Mia his. Mia is scared, but she likes Patrick. So much. She's not willing to hide her feelings anymore. She wants to pick up where they left off in that elevator. Distance be dammed. Will Patrick and Mia tell each other what they want? Do the miles and being his best friend's sister really matter? I loved this story! It's such a slow burn filled with sexy innuendo, fun flirting, witty banter and friendship. But when they come together, the sparks fly and the sheets catch fire! I love their differences, their compromises. And I really, really, love their nicknames for each other. So cute! Overall: It's Lauren Blakely. Read it. You'll love it. I promise.

“The reason I said ‘after you’ at the start of the trail is that I’m a gentleman, and I still believe that ladies come first.” I stop, reining in a smirk. “Go first, I mean. Ladies go first.”

Don’t you see how you make me feel?”
“How do I make you feel?”
“Like my body is humming. Like I’m vibrating. Everything crackles when I’m with you.”

“Seeing Patrick in this suit might possibly make me ovulate. I swear, I can’t be held responsible for my actions."

“Are you going to put on any clothes?”

“Do you want me to get dressed, Mia? Does it make you uncomfortable to see all this masculinity on display?” ...more

flag 62 likes · Like · see review

Oct 09, 2017 Melissa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-star, arc

**ARC generously provided by Author**

Lauren Blakely's writing is my kryptonite. I'm not sure how she does it-how she makes me fall in love over and over again, but she does. She can take a trope I've read hundreds of times before-falling for a friend's little sister-and make it seem so fresh, fun and unique. This book had me swooning, laughing, sighing and grinning. I didn't want it to end but couldn't stop grinning when it did.

Mia was so much fun. I adore her sense of self, her strength. I admi **ARC generously provided by Author**

Lauren Blakely's writing is my kryptonite. I'm not sure how she does it-how she makes me fall in love over and over again, but she does. She can take a trope I've read hundreds of times before-falling for a friend's little sister-and make it seem so fresh, fun and unique. This book had me swooning, laughing, sighing and grinning. I didn't want it to end but couldn't stop grinning when it did.

Mia was so much fun. I adore her sense of self, her strength. I admire her guts and willingness to go all in and make drastic changes in her life to seize a potential opportunity. She's willing to put herself out there and how can you not love that? She's down to earth and I love that. This is a character I'd go have a purple snow globe with any day of the week.

Patrick had serious swoon game. A man who knows what he wants, what he's ready for and who he wants it with?? Talk about a unicorn. A smart, hot, sexy and sweet unicorn. I admired Patrick. He wanted to do things the way he felt was right and I really liked that. He put his cards on the table (mostly!) and just went all in.

I have to admit I'm a sucker for the first kiss between the hero and heroine. An absolute sucker for them and I wasn't disappointed in this book. However, this book gave me a new thing to sigh over-the first hand hold. Oh, I was just a puddle. There's no denying the chemistry between these characters. It snaps and crackles in the banter they share and when they finally connect? Let's just say I there are definitely kindle melting moments here.

The writing here was so vivid that I felt like I could SEE everything these characters were experiencing. From the stars in the sky, to the twigs on a hiking trail and the felt on a pool table during a game, I could just see it. My heart skipped a beat more than once at moments between Patrick and Mia because I felt I was just there with them...in a totally non creepy way LOL. I was completely immersed in the story here.

This is the last book in the Big Rock series from this author but it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. That being said, I personally loved getting to revisit characters from past books. It's one of the things this author does so incredibly well. The supporting characters never overwhelm the story, ever. I loved getting to see where those past characters are NOW. So thank you, Lauren Blakely, for giving those little glimpses into the other Big Rock characters here.

This book is full of sharp, sexy, sweet and fun banter. The pacing is perfect-and while I didn't want it to end, I couldn't keep the grin off my face when it did. Hard Wood was the perfect ending for this series, though it can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone. I highly recommend this book.

**This and other reviews featured on our blog, Booked All Night, http://www.BookedAllNight.com** ...more

flag 57 likes · Like · see review

Oct 10, 2017 Becca - ✭Little Red Reading Hood✭ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, contemporary, contemporary-romance, romance

I know I kinda say it all the time I read a Lauren Blakely book, but this one is my absolutely, top one favorite so far! This lady writes the most entertaining, ’sweetest’ and sexiest book in the book world. I really don’t know what my life would look like without her novels. I think it would be an absolutely dull place to live in.

Hard Wood is pure joy. I don’t really have another world to describe it better. It’s like you have a little taste of book heaven. I know Lauren Blakely always deliver ...more

flag 54 likes · Like · see review

Oct 17, 2017 Maggie V rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely is coming October 23rd!!

Amazon PB ➜ http://amzn.to/2x8Y54c
iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2xoVy6k
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2tIJoQo
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/2gLRTJ2
Google Play ➜ http://bit.ly/2x5DHPH

AUDIO IS NOW LIVE!!!!

Amazon Audio ➜ http://amzn.to/2gHHETO
Audible ➜ http://adbl.co/2x5FyE6

Although most of her books can be read as standalones, they do have characters that intertwine and I recommend reading in this order.

Big Rock Spencer and Charlotte

Mister O Nick (Spencer’s best frie ...more

flag 52 likes · Like · see review

Sep 04, 2017 Janice rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A Review of Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely

Patrick and Mia - 5+++++ stars

I absolutely LOVED this story! We've already met both of the main characters from previous books in the series and this pretty much ties up all the couples. Patrick has been harboring feelings for Mia since he met her but since she lives on the west coast and he lives on the east coast, he's held back. Mia's had feelings for Patrick as well, but since he is her older brother's best friend, she has been holding back.

Which guy a ...more

flag 51 likes · Like · see review

Oct 23, 2017 Alex ♈ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: hero-i-liked, safe

3.75 - 4 stars

It was definitely, nope - for sure!, the safest book by this author I ever read.

This and the amazing adventure cat Zeus made this book for me *lol*

Such a sweet hero. Untypical for contemporary romance. Not a manwhore, a bit shy, but strong and sexy. Too cocky for my taste, but I wasn’t the woman he wanted, so… *lol*

Shame on me, but I couldn’t remember any of previous characters in this series = side characters in this book. And I read them all! Not a name, ugh! It made it a bit dif ...more

flag 49 likes · Like · see review

Oct 13, 2017 Monique rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is the second book I’ve read in a row that has been the last of a series. Even though I am saddened that these characters have been put to bed, so to speak, I know that any book I pick up from this author will have the same feel about it. They are full of fun banter, quick wit and loads of emotion.

Mia is the sister of Chase and Max, and has found her four leaf clover when she met Max’s friend Patrick. Distance just wasn’t on their side as she lives on the west coast and him in Manhattan. W ...more

flag 41 likes · Like · see review

Oct 14, 2017 Jackie Wright rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What can I say about this brilliant rom-com that doesn’t give too much of the storyline away , well let’s start with if you love Romantic Comedy then you will definitely want to read Hard Wood.
Hard Wood is the last of the Big Rock heroes and just like every other book in this series our hero gets his HEA but this the time the journey takes us out into the woods when Mia hires Patrick’s adventure tour company for some team building, what’s wrong with mixing business with a little bit of pleasure ...more

flag 41 likes · Like · see review

Oct 14, 2017 Laura rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

***ARC Provided by the Author***

I loved absolutely everything about this book. Wait, I am not happy that I finished it and it is over. I don't like that part. This is one of those books, the rare ones, where you wish you could forget everything about the book and read it again, for the first time. I don't want it to be over...I wanted another epilogue, and another, and another.

But, seriously, it was perfection.

Yeah, yeah, I know. I say that about all of Lauren Blakely's books. And, it is true ab ***ARC Provided by the Author***

I loved absolutely everything about this book. Wait, I am not happy that I finished it and it is over. I don't like that part. This is one of those books, the rare ones, where you wish you could forget everything about the book and read it again, for the first time. I don't want it to be over...I wanted another epilogue, and another, and another.

But, seriously, it was perfection.

Yeah, yeah, I know. I say that about all of Lauren Blakely's books. And, it is true about every single one of them, and for different reasons every time. This one, I could not stop smiling. And, I adored Zeus. The addition of Patrick's cat (as much as I am sure Zeus would protest this name) gave this book a humor, and a vibe that is so different than other books with pets, I think because Lauren Blakely clearly knows cats, and how they think...or at least how humans believe they think, as who knows. As a cat person myself, and one who absolutely loves the quirks of having a cat in my life (one of the "drag" variety who will not be going outside, unlike this cat), I adored Zeus.

It had characters you love, quotes by one of my favorite authors, cats you want to cuddle and get high on catnip, and recurring characters you are happy to see again. If you haven't read the other books, first, what are you thinking??? Go read them!!! And, second, the recurring characters don't keep this from being a standalone, and you can read it even if you haven't read the others (although I am still stuck on the idea that you might not have read them?!?!?) and still enjoy Patrick and Mia.

Patrick and Mia are perfect. I love that they know how perfect they are for one another from the beginning, and that it takes them a little time to tell one another. Not because they are afraid of rejection, or because they doubt their feelings, but because they are ok with waiting for the other person, for as long as it takes, for them to work out and be together. So perfect, charming and fun to read.

Zeus. I am not even sure what to say about Zeus. Wait, I don't need to say anything. He is a cat, and he already knows. Because, well, he is a cat. And, I ADORED him. I loved that he was a part of the book, and that he got to be a character. Because he is awesome...and all good romances should have a cat. Really.

Romance, for it to work, needs to engage the mind and the heart of the reader. You have to not only believe in the characters, you have to feel what they are feeling, their joy, their uncertainty, and their happiness. This is so easy to do with Lauren's books, as they are so well written they draw you in, and you feel all the feels, you can't help it...it just happens and you are willingly along for the ride.

The ending is perfect, and it is so true to them, to the way they have been the entire time. And, while this is hard to say without spoiling so I will be vague, the sheer romance of his idea, of how they should begin the new phase of their relationship is the kind of thing you will still be swooning over days later. It was probably the cat's idea.

I loved this book. And, I recommend it. Don't believe me? Just ask my cat Maxwell, he knows all...and knew it first. ...more

flag 32 likes · Like · see review

Oct 13, 2017 Julia - The Romance Bibliophile rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs, favorites

NO SPOILERS!

Hard Wood was amazing and one of my TOP FAVORITE romantic comedies of the year! Lauren Blakely is so incredibly talented and never ceases to blow me away with every novel she releases. She is definitely one of the Queens of romantic comedy and she truly exceeded my expectations with Hard Wood. Patrick and Mia's story was wonderful and I couldn't have loved it more if I tried.

Patrick and Mia were two of my favorite characters that Lauren Blakely has written so far. I loved their perso NO SPOILERS!

Hard Wood was amazing and one of my TOP FAVORITE romantic comedies of the year! Lauren Blakely is so incredibly talented and never ceases to blow me away with every novel she releases. She is definitely one of the Queens of romantic comedy and she truly exceeded my expectations with Hard Wood. Patrick and Mia's story was wonderful and I couldn't have loved it more if I tried.

Patrick and Mia were two of my favorite characters that Lauren Blakely has written so far. I loved their personalities and chemistry together, and how their story and relationship progressed throughout. The pacing of the story was pretty quick, but it wasn't annoying in the slightest. I prefer to read books from both character's perspectives, but I've really enjoyed reading the Big Rock series solely from each hero's POV. Patrick was by far my favorite hero in this series and I loved him and Mia as a couple. They were a perfect match for each other in every way, and I couldn't have been more ecstatic with the conclusion to their story and the entire Big Rock series.

I loved all of the secondary characters, and I was beyond excited to see all of the previous couples in the Big Rock series again. It was amazing to find out more about them and what was going on in their lives now. Lauren Blakely did a phenomenal job with tying all of the couples' stories together and creating an absolutely perfect ending for each and every one of them.

Hard Wood was sexy, addicting, hilarious and entertaining, and my absolute favorite installment in the Big Rock series! I honestly loved everything about it and it was definitely my favorite novel from Lauren Blakely so far. She truly outdid herself and I couldn't have been happier with the conclusion to Patrick and Mia's story and the entire series. It was absolutely perfect and made me extremely happy. If you haven't read any of Ms. Blakely's books yet, especially the Big Rock series, I highly recommend you do so ASAP!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews and other book news, please visit: https://theromancebibliophile.com ...more

flag 31 likes · Like · see review

Oct 12, 2017 Konny rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely is a full-length, standalone, romancve novel.
When you liked Big Rock, youre gonna love this book !

Patrick Milligan is a very busy and successful business owner. He has the hots for his friends sister since forever.
Mia Summers lives on the West Coast and builds her new company. That takes a lot of work and time. Regularely shes in New York and visits her brothers. And with her brother comes Patrick. Shes smitten, but doesnt know how to make a long distance relationship ...more

flag 30 likes · Like · see review

Oct 21, 2017 Alba and Her Secrets..♥ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-stars, alpha-male, arc-netgalley-gift, beautiful-hot-cover, best-boyfriend, best-dirty-talk, best-relationship, contemporary-romance, dirty-talk, emotional

5 'Why the hell not?' Stars!
ARC provided by the author via Ink Slinger PR in exchange for an honest review.

I can’t believe this is the last book in the Big Rock world. It seems like yesterday that I fell in love with Lauren’s writing and her wonderful characters. Actually, Big Rock was my first book by hers and after that I could not stop reading: as soon as she drops a release, I am all over it! Well, of course, this one was no exception. And Lauren made it an epic ending!

Hard Wood is, as I sai ...more

flag 25 likes · Like · see review

Oct 03, 2017 Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Hard Wood is a standalone by the amazing Lauren Blakely! At this point I think she could write a rom-com in the male POV in her sleep and it will still make the Bestsellers list. One element I love in a Lauren book is the connections. I have been waiting for this story. The story of Mia (Max and Chase’s sister) and Patrick (Evie’s brother). They met a few months ago while Mia was traveling to NY on business and staying with his friend and neighbor Max. He wanted to get to know her then and falls ...more

flag 26 likes · Like · see review

Oct 07, 2017 Terri rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Where do I begin with this book. Amazing, great, fantastic, page turner, can't put it down. Those kind of describe how I feel about Hard Wood but still don't express how much I loved this book.
Every book Lauren Blakely writes is always great and this one is no exception. Hard Wood though gave me so many emotions. We met Patrick and Mia in Joy Ride and Matchmaker. Patrick lives in the same building as Max and they are best friends and Mia is Max's little sister. They met a few months back and ea Where do I begin with this book. Amazing, great, fantastic, page turner, can't put it down. Those kind of describe how I feel about Hard Wood but still don't express how much I loved this book.
Every book Lauren Blakely writes is always great and this one is no exception. Hard Wood though gave me so many emotions. We met Patrick and Mia in Joy Ride and Matchmaker. Patrick lives in the same building as Max and they are best friends and Mia is Max's little sister. They met a few months back and each have had a huge attraction for the other but problem is Mia lives in California and Patrick in New York so could a long distance relationship really work and she is Max's little sister don't forget that little tidbit. Patrick is the kind of guy we all want to fall in love with, he's "normal", just a good guy and he has an amazing cat named Zeus that you will love as well. No spoilers here, you are going to love this book so you will learn all the ins and outs when you read it but I will say this is probably my favorite of this series. So funny, honest, sexy as all get out, and sad to me since it's the end of this series. We get to catch up with the other characters and see how they are and we definitely fall in love with Patrick and Mia. This is told from the male(s) prospective which I love. Nice to get in the head of these male characters and Lauren always gives us such a ride with these books and always makes you feel as though you are right there with them and in someways are part of the friends yourself. I always come away from reading her books as though I really know these characters which is the best part of reading a good book for me, if it feels real and this book definitely does. You believe in these characters and root for their HEA. I received an early ARC to voluntarily read and give my honest opinion. I obviously LOVED this book and I know you will too. I HIGHLY recommend it. I will say this one more thing. All the books in this series are standalone books so you don't have to read the others before reading this one but I would suggest you read at least one or preferably all if your smart of the others before reading this one just so you get a feel for the other characters in this close net group of friends. They are all fantastic. ...more

flag 23 likes · Like · see review

Oct 20, 2017 Tijuana *BookTwinsReviews* rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-beta-or-proof, brothers-best-friend, cute-animals-or-pets

Who wouldn’t fall in love with an outdoorsman who loves animals? Certainly not me!! Patrick is such a great character! He’s normal, sweet, and downright swoony. Plus he wants to settle down. He’s a total winner, ladies!

Here’s the breakdown:
Patrick and Mia have been denying their mutual attraction for months. She’s his best friend’s little sister and she lives clear across the country. That doesn’t abate the attraction they both feel and the obvious connection they share. So, how can these make t ...more

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Genres

Romance

82 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

46 users

Contemporary

33 users

See top shelves…

About Lauren Blakely

Lauren Blakely

12,026 followers

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 100 times, and she’s sold m ...more