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Hard to Love #2
Hard Truth
The first time I met Alexander Harding, I yelled at him for taking my parking spot. Rich and powerful, I saw him as nothing more than my new coldhearted boss. I hated him once but now…now things aren’t that simple. There’s a man beneath the beast, and the more I get to know him, the more I fall in love with him.
Though just as I’m able to envision a future together, the past comes back to haunt us both.
Six years ago, my life changed forever when I found out I was pregnant. The last thing I expected was to see Michael Cooper again, but now he’s here and is ready to make up for lost time. He wants to be involved in his daughters’ life. My life. And it’s making me question everything.
I never thought it was possible to be in love with two men at the same time. One from my past, and one I want in my future. My heart is completely torn in two, with each half going in a different direction. I’d give them each half if I could.
But then I would be left with nothing.
Though just as I’m able to envision a future together, the past comes back to haunt us both.
Six years ago, my life changed forever when I found out I was pregnant. The last thing I expected was to see Michael Cooper again, but now he’s here and is ready to make up for lost time. He wants to be involved in his daughters’ life. My life. And it’s making me question everything.
I never thought it was possible to be in love with two men at the same time. One from my past, and one I want in my future. My heart is completely torn in two, with each half going in a different direction. I’d give them each half if I could.
But then I would be left with nothing.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2019
208 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Emily Goodwin
95 books3,987 followersEmily Goodwin is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of over a dozen of romantic titles. Emily writes the kind of books she likes to read, and is a sucker for a swoon-worthy bad boy and happily ever afters.
She lives in the midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she's not writing, you can find her riding her horses, hiking, reading, or drinking wine with friends.
Emily is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency.
www.emilygoodwinbooks.com
facebook.com/emilygoodwinbooks
emily@emilygoodwinbooks.com
She lives in the midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she's not writing, you can find her riding her horses, hiking, reading, or drinking wine with friends.
Emily is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency.
www.emilygoodwinbooks.com
facebook.com/emilygoodwinbooks
emily@emilygoodwinbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 3, 2019
Worth the wait. Hard place was good but the sequel Hard truth was excellent. This is a continuous story and the books need to be read in order. Both are available on Kindle Unlimited. I haven’t found an Emily Goodwin book I didn’t like yet. They have everything I’m looking for; great dialogue, lovable characters and a storyline that has you sucked in.
Harper and Alex start as an office romance in the first book. She’s a single mum and he’s a rich overconfident pain in the behind. At the end of book one with have a cliffhanger which changes the dynamics for book two.
Micheal, Harper’s baby daddy is everything she thought she ever wanted. He’s just found out he’s a father and wants the family he never knew he had.
Alex is working through his emotions trying to deal with the fact he could lose the only woman he ever loved.
Harper has two perfect men and one very strange stalker. Her life is up in the air. The hard truth will set her free.
This book was my favourite so far by this author. It had me smiling, screaming and completely sucked in. I loved it. 5 out of 5.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Harper and Alex start as an office romance in the first book. She’s a single mum and he’s a rich overconfident pain in the behind. At the end of book one with have a cliffhanger which changes the dynamics for book two.
Micheal, Harper’s baby daddy is everything she thought she ever wanted. He’s just found out he’s a father and wants the family he never knew he had.
Alex is working through his emotions trying to deal with the fact he could lose the only woman he ever loved.
Harper has two perfect men and one very strange stalker. Her life is up in the air. The hard truth will set her free.
This book was my favourite so far by this author. It had me smiling, screaming and completely sucked in. I loved it. 5 out of 5.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2019
Quick Take: I was really rooting for Alex throughout this book and I couldn’t wait for book 2 but I ended up being slightly disappointed at this drawn out love triangle. I’m sure my disappointment stems from my love of Alex though, because even though Michael was a decent guy, I had fallen in love with Alex in the first book and I just wanted him to win. I did feel bad for Michael and although I understood what a tough spot Harper was in, I was still frustrated by her more in this book than the first. Overall, I’m glad it was HEA for Harper.
October 4, 2019
➳ Rate: 4,5/ 5 stars
Goodness! The beginning of this book hit me right in the feels. I mean I knew what was coming but going through all those emotions alongside Alex and Harper was harder than I had expected.
Alex realy had my heart aching for him... seeing his true feelings and not acting on them because he loved Harper that much wow. I got admit though Harper kind of got on my nerves a little with her whole sudden feelings for Michael coming back.. like they had a one night stand 6 years before, they only spent a few hours together...I'm sorry I'm just not for insta love, to me it's very unrealistic.
I guess I just loved Alex a lot more in this book than I did Harper. As much I felt for her too, I felt for him more and gosh he was so incredibly sweet and caring. My poor heart. He stole it. I loved the precious moments between him and Harper's girls. And the moments between him and Harper were either really sweet, really hot or emotional! This book was a bit of an angst galore and I loved that.
Hard Truth was an amazingly sweet and emotional conclusion to Alex and Harper's story. I enjoyed it a lot and I was so happy with that ending. I also adored that Emily connected this series to Eastwood. I hope that we got more books in this world.. praying it's Dean that comes next!
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
Goodness! The beginning of this book hit me right in the feels. I mean I knew what was coming but going through all those emotions alongside Alex and Harper was harder than I had expected.
Alex realy had my heart aching for him... seeing his true feelings and not acting on them because he loved Harper that much wow. I got admit though Harper kind of got on my nerves a little with her whole sudden feelings for Michael coming back.. like they had a one night stand 6 years before, they only spent a few hours together...I'm sorry I'm just not for insta love, to me it's very unrealistic.
I guess I just loved Alex a lot more in this book than I did Harper. As much I felt for her too, I felt for him more and gosh he was so incredibly sweet and caring. My poor heart. He stole it. I loved the precious moments between him and Harper's girls. And the moments between him and Harper were either really sweet, really hot or emotional! This book was a bit of an angst galore and I loved that.
Hard Truth was an amazingly sweet and emotional conclusion to Alex and Harper's story. I enjoyed it a lot and I was so happy with that ending. I also adored that Emily connected this series to Eastwood. I hope that we got more books in this world.. praying it's Dean that comes next!
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
October 3, 2019
⭐️ 5 Stars ⭐️
As soon as Hard Truth landed on my kindle, I was eager to dive into this story! With the way the previous book ended, I needed answers. This sequel was absolutely amazing, filled with emotion and precious moments! I loved everything about this story and juts couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting!
I just didn’t know how this book would play out though. With the bomb dropped on us at the end of Hard Place, Harper is faced with lots of conflicting feelings! She has hard choices to make and her heart is balancing between two men.
Omg! Alex! In the first book he was rather arrogant but was slowly peeling his layers and opening up a little more. It’s still in the process and I loved discovering his tender side. The moments her shared with the twins are so endearing. You clearly feel he not only has feelings for Harper, but the little girls too and it shows how he’s truly devoted to this family. He is the perfect partner to Harper too. Their connection is evident and intense!
As much as Alex is remarkable, I understand why Harper is torn between him and the father of her kids when he returns. Michael is very easy to like and is truly a good guy. He wants to be involved in his daughters’ life and the chemistry with Harper is still there. Talk about a real dilemma!!!
Hard Truth is a captivating story that put a smile in my face by its beauty and sweetness, but also had me anxious with Harper’s ultimate decision! Emily Goodwin concluded in force this wonderful duet!!!
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
October 3, 2019
4.5 Stars
Hard Truth is the conclusion of the Hard to Love duet. And after the cliffhanger at the end of the first book I was anxious and needed to know how everything would turn out. To say I was shocked after I read the blurb would be an understatement. The fact that this book could possibly be a love triangle had me shaking. If you know me then you already know how I feel about love triangles and to put it nicely, we’re not friends. So, you could imagine my reluctance to read this book. Despite knowing that though, there was no way I wasn’t reading seeing as I desperately needed answers and hoping I didn’t end up heartbroken.
Usually when a first book in a duet ends on a cliffhanger the second book starts right where that book ended, but that was not the case here. We get to learn about Michael and get his and Harper’s backstory. And what do you know? I could not not like him, and honestly it wasn’t hard. But even though I liked Michael, I was never torn between who I wanted Harper with. I mean, she couldn’t go wrong with either guy, but my heart was set on Alex and there was nothing changing that.
I’m obviously not going to reveal too much because it’d be spoiling. I will say that I was fully hooked from the start. I commend Harper for wanting what’s best for her daughters. No matter what, they always come first and all she wants is their happiness.
Hard Truth brought the angst and intrigue. It had me guessing here and there. I won’t say if I was satisfied at the ending because that’ll give it away since I already said I was rooting for Alex. No matter what though, this book and these characters had me smiling nonstop.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
Hard Truth is the conclusion of the Hard to Love duet. And after the cliffhanger at the end of the first book I was anxious and needed to know how everything would turn out. To say I was shocked after I read the blurb would be an understatement. The fact that this book could possibly be a love triangle had me shaking. If you know me then you already know how I feel about love triangles and to put it nicely, we’re not friends. So, you could imagine my reluctance to read this book. Despite knowing that though, there was no way I wasn’t reading seeing as I desperately needed answers and hoping I didn’t end up heartbroken.
Usually when a first book in a duet ends on a cliffhanger the second book starts right where that book ended, but that was not the case here. We get to learn about Michael and get his and Harper’s backstory. And what do you know? I could not not like him, and honestly it wasn’t hard. But even though I liked Michael, I was never torn between who I wanted Harper with. I mean, she couldn’t go wrong with either guy, but my heart was set on Alex and there was nothing changing that.
I’m obviously not going to reveal too much because it’d be spoiling. I will say that I was fully hooked from the start. I commend Harper for wanting what’s best for her daughters. No matter what, they always come first and all she wants is their happiness.
Hard Truth brought the angst and intrigue. It had me guessing here and there. I won’t say if I was satisfied at the ending because that’ll give it away since I already said I was rooting for Alex. No matter what though, this book and these characters had me smiling nonstop.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
October 14, 2019
Whew - and we are back my furry friends, it is time, Hard Truth is finally here and boy oh boy, was my heart in a tizzy as I dived into this gem. Anyone who knows my reading obsession know that Office Romances and Emily Goodwin is my top auto buying everything. I am downright smitten with this duet and waiting for book two was torture, TORTURE I TELL YOU.
Jumping right in where Hard Place left off, which if you haven't read - stop, some spoilers incoming to some degree - Hard Truth is back and forth from the moment that Alex and Harper finally acted on their deliciously amazing sexual chemistry and whoop, baby daddy Michael shows up on the doorstep with the 'Pink Letter'. So where does this leave our bundle of nerves? A hot mess of excitement that's where.
Harper has definitely become one of my favorite female leads, I fell hard for her personality right from the start. I felt she was strong willed, passionate and honestly, the woman could stand on her two feet without a care, she was empowering. This is definitely still very much present going into Hard Truth though at points, Harper does show a more weaker sense, maybe even naive or possibly easily influenced. The push and pull of here feelings were understandable to say the least, but I still felt at some points she was being very wishy washy with thinking clearly - obviously if you are picking up what I am putting down, or if not, love triangles my furry friends. I am not the BIGGEST fan of these types of developments, but I did like to an extent how it evolved.
And speaking of this love triangle, obviously we have the out of the blue, sexy one-night stand baby daddy Michael, retired military man meat cop. He definitely felt like a promising character at certain points, I didn't really hold any grudge or hatred towards his character other than I didn't think his cameo was warranted other than a supporting character rather than the intended secondary main character. He was sweet, caring but not memorable, so when I say love triangle, it was there, there was a definite try to make the reader feel something could shift, but at a certain point you knew he was simply there as an additive to the drama and nothing more. Then we have the handsome, rich, amazingly charismatic Alex. During Hard Truth, he was really the character to grow both emotionally and mentally. Dealing with his own struggles and realizing that maybe he has the right one in front of him, he really fights for the attention, and it really made his character worth swooning over.
Alex and Harper really did have the chemistry though, right from the beginning and throughout, which again why I say Michael stood no chance. They had a fun understanding, their sexual chemistry was very much melting off the pages. I think something that did semi irk me however with their romance, I really enjoyed how the Office Romance trope was so adamant in Hard Place but I felt like in Hard Truth, the plot dynamic really stirred away from this, which was kind of disheartening. It had such a great backbone for their tension in the beginning, though there were moments - secret kisses, glances, wishes - it was not like in the first book, which I would have liked more of if I am being honest.
Another sight issue I had that really stuck with me, the stalker situation. I felt this plot twist was more or less pointless. It added a slight thrill-drama factor that was realistic enough, but it honestly it was such a random in and out twist that it really felt lack luster for my appeal. Not bad, just.... not sure if it was needed.
Overall, diehard fan always here for Emily Goodwin, I really enjoyed the Hard Truth. It was a great ending to Harper and Alex's romance. Though I did have my slight pet peeves, it obviously didn't deter my enjoyment entirely. I really love all her romances, they are so fun, creative and just downright swoon worthy. Emily Goodwin just does not disappoint me, I cannot wait to see who comes next!
***Received an Advanced Readers Copy through Author ARC Group in exchange for honest review***
Jumping right in where Hard Place left off, which if you haven't read - stop, some spoilers incoming to some degree - Hard Truth is back and forth from the moment that Alex and Harper finally acted on their deliciously amazing sexual chemistry and whoop, baby daddy Michael shows up on the doorstep with the 'Pink Letter'. So where does this leave our bundle of nerves? A hot mess of excitement that's where.
Harper has definitely become one of my favorite female leads, I fell hard for her personality right from the start. I felt she was strong willed, passionate and honestly, the woman could stand on her two feet without a care, she was empowering. This is definitely still very much present going into Hard Truth though at points, Harper does show a more weaker sense, maybe even naive or possibly easily influenced. The push and pull of here feelings were understandable to say the least, but I still felt at some points she was being very wishy washy with thinking clearly - obviously if you are picking up what I am putting down, or if not, love triangles my furry friends. I am not the BIGGEST fan of these types of developments, but I did like to an extent how it evolved.
And speaking of this love triangle, obviously we have the out of the blue, sexy one-night stand baby daddy Michael, retired military man meat cop. He definitely felt like a promising character at certain points, I didn't really hold any grudge or hatred towards his character other than I didn't think his cameo was warranted other than a supporting character rather than the intended secondary main character. He was sweet, caring but not memorable, so when I say love triangle, it was there, there was a definite try to make the reader feel something could shift, but at a certain point you knew he was simply there as an additive to the drama and nothing more. Then we have the handsome, rich, amazingly charismatic Alex. During Hard Truth, he was really the character to grow both emotionally and mentally. Dealing with his own struggles and realizing that maybe he has the right one in front of him, he really fights for the attention, and it really made his character worth swooning over.
Alex and Harper really did have the chemistry though, right from the beginning and throughout, which again why I say Michael stood no chance. They had a fun understanding, their sexual chemistry was very much melting off the pages. I think something that did semi irk me however with their romance, I really enjoyed how the Office Romance trope was so adamant in Hard Place but I felt like in Hard Truth, the plot dynamic really stirred away from this, which was kind of disheartening. It had such a great backbone for their tension in the beginning, though there were moments - secret kisses, glances, wishes - it was not like in the first book, which I would have liked more of if I am being honest.
Another sight issue I had that really stuck with me, the stalker situation. I felt this plot twist was more or less pointless. It added a slight thrill-drama factor that was realistic enough, but it honestly it was such a random in and out twist that it really felt lack luster for my appeal. Not bad, just.... not sure if it was needed.
Overall, diehard fan always here for Emily Goodwin, I really enjoyed the Hard Truth. It was a great ending to Harper and Alex's romance. Though I did have my slight pet peeves, it obviously didn't deter my enjoyment entirely. I really love all her romances, they are so fun, creative and just downright swoon worthy. Emily Goodwin just does not disappoint me, I cannot wait to see who comes next!
***Received an Advanced Readers Copy through Author ARC Group in exchange for honest review***
October 10, 2019
Misleading
When jumping into this book, I was very confused by the beginning. I didn’t know there was another book before that introduces two of the main characters.
But reading through, I was still disappointed. I felt as if there was a lot of underdevelopment to the two male leads. I don’t know if it’s because I didn’t read what is the first book, ‘hard place’ or if there was something missing. But it fell a pretty flat for me and didn’t hold what I thought would be a more impactful love triangle.
When jumping into this book, I was very confused by the beginning. I didn’t know there was another book before that introduces two of the main characters.
But reading through, I was still disappointed. I felt as if there was a lot of underdevelopment to the two male leads. I don’t know if it’s because I didn’t read what is the first book, ‘hard place’ or if there was something missing. But it fell a pretty flat for me and didn’t hold what I thought would be a more impactful love triangle.
August 12, 2020
*swoon*
I read this book cover to cover, stopping only to use the restroom! I’m so in love with these characters and their story, I just couldn’t wait to see how it all played out. If you want to know the conclusion to what happens with Alex and Harper after the first book, you HAVE to read this! I don’t want to give anything away and I feel that if I write a longer review I will!
I read this book cover to cover, stopping only to use the restroom! I’m so in love with these characters and their story, I just couldn’t wait to see how it all played out. If you want to know the conclusion to what happens with Alex and Harper after the first book, you HAVE to read this! I don’t want to give anything away and I feel that if I write a longer review I will!
October 5, 2019
Oh Y’all! Better get ready to take a ride on a roller coaster of feelings with this one! I knew my heart was in for it when that door opened at the end of the last book and Alex saw Harpers twin girl’s bio daddy who seemed to have appeared out of thin air.
Alex the life long confirmed bachelor who suddenly was maybe thinking this sassy single momma with the adorable mini-me’s, might be changing his stance on #bachelorhoodforever!
I loved Harper in the first book, SO Much! In this book though. GAH! Even more so! But, I was torn for her. What a conflict of emotions. Her past, present and future in a crash collision of confusion. For years she had dreams for her and her girls, then she met Alex and finally started making new dreams.
Then when Michael returns she has the opportunity to have everything she had been dreaming about finally come true, but is that what she wants now?
It was such a struggle because I had fallen so in love with Alex so automatically I wanted to jump on an I Hate Michael bandwagon. But… He was a great guy. The night they met their connection was instant and that connection was what let to those precious girls. Now, is he the guy for Harper forever? You will have to read to find out.
Alex… Y’ALL!! This is a total reformed jerk. The guy the girl changed forever for the better. He loved Harper and her girls so much. So unselfishly that he would do anything, ANYTHING to make them happy. He was willing to sacrifice for their happiness. I LOVE HIM! The way he encourages her.
“I know things have been difficult lately, but if anyone can make lemonade out of it, it’s you.”
This book has everything you could possibly want. Angst, suspense, steam, funny, tears, frustration, heartbreaking, heart fixin’, adorable twin girls and just lots of pure amazingness. Be ready for Emily Goodwin to serve you with one of her emotional beat down’s she so fabulous at!! It’s so worth every.single.minute!!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
⭐⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️- Okay no lie y’all. I would read the ingredient list to some preservative filled snack cakes upside down and backwards if Emily Goodwin wrote them. That’s how good her writing is!! This book was EVERYTHING AND SO MUCH MORE!!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥- I just love the steam this book had. Holy Hot Biscuits and Gravy! Just Yummy!
🌪Cliffhanger Warning- No Cliffhanger Here! You have a ride to get there, but I think you will be happy in the end. I know I was.
October 4, 2019
After the bombshell revelation dropped at the ending of Hard Place, Harper's now faced with two amazing men. One is the man she's just come to know (and love?) and the other is the father of her children. Both are good men. Both love her. Who should she choose? How can she choose?
Needless to say, Hard Truth is spent with Harper agonizing over the men in her life. It's not an easy choice, and no matter who she chooses, someone is going to get hurt. She has to choose the best man for herself, for her children, for her future.
Hard Truth was one hell of a journey. Harper had to make a hard choice, but in the end, it was obvious who had her heart, who she couldn't help but pick. I hurt for the man who lost her, but she made the best choice. This has been a great duet and I loved falling in love with Harper, her daughters, and her men.
ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
Full review ---> Live Through Books Blog.
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October 8, 2019
*** There are spoilers throughout this review***
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
I had got this book as an ARC but didn’t get the chance to READ it before it came out due to me reading different other books at the time.
But......
Finally got around to reading this book. When I started, I was like she better not get into a three-way relationship because I don’t want her with Michael (I by far hate that name), but anyways; I was like how can she not see that Alex liked her more than his job really...
& soon her baby father came into the picture her feeling from him came back. I was saying to myself; girl Michael isn’t the ONE FOR YOU. You better not pick him over Alex. I didn’t like Mike's mom. She seems kind of well no, she was horrible because she says mean things if the kid's personality isn’t like her. I was waiting and see if Harper was going to mention she half - Mexican & that makes her twin daughters mix raced too.
Not only that Mike wasn’t for her because for one he didn’t care she a relationship with Alex he still try to get with her and make her move and date him.. whereas Alex didn’t do any of those things I was glad when she had that talk with Tessa so that she could see clearly. & her mom knew who was the right guy for her too. She (Harper) knew when it came to that necklace. But I was also glad when Max got locked up that problem should’ve been dealt with because he could’ve clearly hurt her (Harper) & even her kids if they were there with her. He was just a horrible creepy pervert person...
P.S. I don’t know why I keep thinking Tessa going to end up with Michael, her best friend (Harper) baby daddy 🤣 , but I hope not; I o want a story on both Mike and Tessa. One will Micheal find someone who loves him, and he loves her back, and feel the same way he felt for Harper he does for his new girl. Whereas I want Tessa to find love into a guy though she gay... I want the guy to come and change her mind about not dating men... I don’t know I am just curious as to who book 3 to this series going to be about...
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
I had got this book as an ARC but didn’t get the chance to READ it before it came out due to me reading different other books at the time.
But......
Finally got around to reading this book. When I started, I was like she better not get into a three-way relationship because I don’t want her with Michael (I by far hate that name), but anyways; I was like how can she not see that Alex liked her more than his job really...
& soon her baby father came into the picture her feeling from him came back. I was saying to myself; girl Michael isn’t the ONE FOR YOU. You better not pick him over Alex. I didn’t like Mike's mom. She seems kind of well no, she was horrible because she says mean things if the kid's personality isn’t like her. I was waiting and see if Harper was going to mention she half - Mexican & that makes her twin daughters mix raced too.
Not only that Mike wasn’t for her because for one he didn’t care she a relationship with Alex he still try to get with her and make her move and date him.. whereas Alex didn’t do any of those things I was glad when she had that talk with Tessa so that she could see clearly. & her mom knew who was the right guy for her too. She (Harper) knew when it came to that necklace. But I was also glad when Max got locked up that problem should’ve been dealt with because he could’ve clearly hurt her (Harper) & even her kids if they were there with her. He was just a horrible creepy pervert person...
P.S. I don’t know why I keep thinking Tessa going to end up with Michael, her best friend (Harper) baby daddy 🤣 , but I hope not; I o want a story on both Mike and Tessa. One will Micheal find someone who loves him, and he loves her back, and feel the same way he felt for Harper he does for his new girl. Whereas I want Tessa to find love into a guy though she gay... I want the guy to come and change her mind about not dating men... I don’t know I am just curious as to who book 3 to this series going to be about...
October 1, 2019
I have been waiting not so patiently to finish the duet. These were my first Emily Goodwin books and I will be reading more for sure. When I first saw these books, I thought it was just an enemies to lovers office romance, which I LOVE, but what I got was so much more. Alex was so much more than an angry boss and Harper was so much more than his good looking assistant. Alex was the broken boy who thought no one could love him because of what was done to him in his childhood and Harper was the girl that thought she had too much baggage to ever find someone to spend her life with.
I binge read both books as soon as I received them because I had to know what happened. This book started out with a chapter from Michael, the twins father, who came back into Harper's life at the end of the last book. It was great to see things from his side, how he met Harper and why he left. When I first started reading this book, I didn't see how Harper could have a tough decision on who to choose, but as I kept going, it became clear why she struggled. She thought for the last 5 years that no one could love her because of all of the baggage she had and she thought that if Michael just came back into their lives they could be a family. So when he actually did come back and wanted to be a family, she had that dream in her head that she didn't know how to let go of. Alex was just as wounded from childhood scars and Harper's indecision broke him down more than once.
I was so happy with the way this duet turned out. I loved Alex and Harper and their broken love story.
I binge read both books as soon as I received them because I had to know what happened. This book started out with a chapter from Michael, the twins father, who came back into Harper's life at the end of the last book. It was great to see things from his side, how he met Harper and why he left. When I first started reading this book, I didn't see how Harper could have a tough decision on who to choose, but as I kept going, it became clear why she struggled. She thought for the last 5 years that no one could love her because of all of the baggage she had and she thought that if Michael just came back into their lives they could be a family. So when he actually did come back and wanted to be a family, she had that dream in her head that she didn't know how to let go of. Alex was just as wounded from childhood scars and Harper's indecision broke him down more than once.
I was so happy with the way this duet turned out. I loved Alex and Harper and their broken love story.
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October 2, 2019
I have been waiting for the conclusion to Harper and Alex’s story since finishing Hard Place and this was NOTHING like I expected. If you haven’t read Hard Place, you NEED to read that first because this picks up pretty much where it left off.
I didn’t think I could love Alex even more than I already did. He is so much more than just a cocky boss. Once his walls start to come down he is super caring, not just for Harper but for her girls. He would do anything for the three of them and he’s proved it so many times.
Harper, I loved her in the first book, but in this one she made me a little crazy. I was yelling at her to make up her mind on what she wanted. Though, I could see where she was coming from but it was frustrating at times.
I wanted to dislike Michael, I did, because I am Team Alex all the way, but he wasn’t a bad guy. Him and Harper had a connection, they shared their daughters, but there was just something missing with their chemistry.
Harper and Alex together were perfect. He was so caring, supporting and loving. He was her lemonade. They had the chemistry and the connection that Harper and Michael were missing.
If you've read the Dawson family you may pick up on a few easter eggs, too.
This book is angsty, it is sweet, steamy and an emotional rollercoaster but completely worth the ride it will take you on.
I didn’t think I could love Alex even more than I already did. He is so much more than just a cocky boss. Once his walls start to come down he is super caring, not just for Harper but for her girls. He would do anything for the three of them and he’s proved it so many times.
Harper, I loved her in the first book, but in this one she made me a little crazy. I was yelling at her to make up her mind on what she wanted. Though, I could see where she was coming from but it was frustrating at times.
I wanted to dislike Michael, I did, because I am Team Alex all the way, but he wasn’t a bad guy. Him and Harper had a connection, they shared their daughters, but there was just something missing with their chemistry.
Harper and Alex together were perfect. He was so caring, supporting and loving. He was her lemonade. They had the chemistry and the connection that Harper and Michael were missing.
If you've read the Dawson family you may pick up on a few easter eggs, too.
This book is angsty, it is sweet, steamy and an emotional rollercoaster but completely worth the ride it will take you on.
October 3, 2019
So much has changed for Alex and Harper as they didn’t get off to a great start when they met for the first time. Harper realized that underneath the cold exterior of her boss lies a man who has been hurt by his past but once he opened his heart he would do anything for those he loved and that included her and her daughters. Just when they think they can become the family they both dreamed off Harper’s past comes crashing into their present and turns their world upside down.
Michael is the father of Harper’s daughters and not only does he want to be part of her daughter’s life, but he wants Harper as well. She is conflicted as before Alex that is all she ever wanted and now she is torn between the man from her past and the man in her present.
Full of emotion and angst this story pulls at the heartstrings and is a great conclusion to the duet. In my opinion Harper made the right choice and ended up with the man who would fill her life with love and laughter but getting to that point certainly had its ups and downs.
Michael is the father of Harper’s daughters and not only does he want to be part of her daughter’s life, but he wants Harper as well. She is conflicted as before Alex that is all she ever wanted and now she is torn between the man from her past and the man in her present.
Full of emotion and angst this story pulls at the heartstrings and is a great conclusion to the duet. In my opinion Harper made the right choice and ended up with the man who would fill her life with love and laughter but getting to that point certainly had its ups and downs.
October 2, 2019
I was desperately awaiting Hard Truth landing on my kindle so when it did I had no other option but to jump straight in. I just had to find put if Harper and Alex would make it or if the reappearance of her baby daddy would through a spanner in the works and let me just say I wasn't disappointed.
The reappearance of Micheal, the father of Harper's twin girls has come completely out of the blue and stirred up so many emotions for Harper. This could be the chance to give her children a complete and happy family but there's also her feelings for Alex to take into consideration. When she and Alex started out he also took on her daughters without even giving it a second thought. Alex is in love with Harper but her head and heart are all over the place will she make the right decision and go with her head or her heart?
A fantastic conclusion to this aghasty duet from Emily Goodwin. I look forward to what she gives us next.
The reappearance of Micheal, the father of Harper's twin girls has come completely out of the blue and stirred up so many emotions for Harper. This could be the chance to give her children a complete and happy family but there's also her feelings for Alex to take into consideration. When she and Alex started out he also took on her daughters without even giving it a second thought. Alex is in love with Harper but her head and heart are all over the place will she make the right decision and go with her head or her heart?
A fantastic conclusion to this aghasty duet from Emily Goodwin. I look forward to what she gives us next.
October 4, 2019
Hard Truth by Emily Goodwin is book 2 in the Hard to Love Duet series. This is the continuation of Alexander and Harper's story. This is more than an office romance/ enemies to lovers romance...oh believe me, it's so much more. Book 2 starts back up right where we left off -- with Michael Cooper aka the baby daddy back in Harper's and her children's life. Although she didn't think that he would be back , there is still some feelings for him.
Alex is still Alex. Yet Harper is her sassy, sweet, beautiful self and she shows him why she won't put up with his behavior. It's quite clear why Alex is the way he is... there are some clear twists in the book. Will Michael be able to get his children back AND Harper? Or can Alex show Harper she is the only thing he truly loves... the angst, passion, feels, romance, drama and heat is fantastic. Love the ending!!
My Rating: 4.5 stars ******
Alex is still Alex. Yet Harper is her sassy, sweet, beautiful self and she shows him why she won't put up with his behavior. It's quite clear why Alex is the way he is... there are some clear twists in the book. Will Michael be able to get his children back AND Harper? Or can Alex show Harper she is the only thing he truly loves... the angst, passion, feels, romance, drama and heat is fantastic. Love the ending!!
My Rating: 4.5 stars ******
October 9, 2019
This is book two of the Hard To Love duet. This is not a standalone. You must read book one...
Harper was being annoyingly indecisive and so was Alex... it went on for quite some time—the push and pull... and for a while there I was rooting for the under-dog...
I'm just going to stop here before I give anything away. I know I'm being very vague but folks who has read book one would understand why... I have mixed feelings with this one because book one ended with a bang, and this didn't quite make the same impression on me. I'm sorry...
Overall I enjoyed reading the duet. It has great word building, it's entertaining and it's fairly easy to read... not too angsty or heavy.
https://benderdreamergirl.blogspot.co...
Harper was being annoyingly indecisive and so was Alex... it went on for quite some time—the push and pull... and for a while there I was rooting for the under-dog...
I'm just going to stop here before I give anything away. I know I'm being very vague but folks who has read book one would understand why... I have mixed feelings with this one because book one ended with a bang, and this didn't quite make the same impression on me. I'm sorry...
Overall I enjoyed reading the duet. It has great word building, it's entertaining and it's fairly easy to read... not too angsty or heavy.
https://benderdreamergirl.blogspot.co...
October 3, 2019
Omg my heart!!! I didn’t know what to expect after the cliffhanger and I must say it was really, really good. My heart was splitting in three. Alex had to let go something’s from his past in order to move on with Harper. Harper continued bring a sweetheart and her heart is so big that she has love for everyone. I thought things weren’t going to workout with them but it did. Honestly I wouldn’t have mind if it didn’t because the other person in this trip was also a sweetheart surprisingly. And the twins?! 😍😍😍 those little girls are amazing and I hope in the future there’s a story about them because they are hilarious too.
October 4, 2019
The truth about this story is that it is GREAT! We all met Alex & Harper in Hard Place. Harper, the single mother, who is the administrative assistants to Alex, the (alleged) millionaire playboy, CEO.
Once she started working for him her admiration for him grew and so did her feelings, what she didn’t know was so were his. But, when her long lost baby daddy shows up out of nowhere, Harper is totally confused and unsure of her feelings.
I really enjoyed how this story unfolded. I laughed and even got a little teary eyed:)
Once she started working for him her admiration for him grew and so did her feelings, what she didn’t know was so were his. But, when her long lost baby daddy shows up out of nowhere, Harper is totally confused and unsure of her feelings.
I really enjoyed how this story unfolded. I laughed and even got a little teary eyed:)
October 4, 2019
5 PERFECTION STARS AGAIN!! Wow....Harper and Alex's story was PERFECTION!! Their story but all my emotion buttons and I loved every word. Emily Goodwin is a phenomenal author and I can't get enough of her words. Do yourself a favor and download this book.
November 18, 2019
Love triangle
The first book was so much better than the second one. I think the issue is I was into the love triangle part of it. I think the drama with max should have been the focal point instead.
The first book was so much better than the second one. I think the issue is I was into the love triangle part of it. I think the drama with max should have been the focal point instead.
October 3, 2019
Omg I devoured this story. These characters really stuck to me. This is a great ending to this duet.
June 23, 2021
Just like it’s predecessor, this just wasn’t my favorite. Our characters get their HEA which is great, but some things just didn’t fit. I was annoyed with Harper actually saying she loves both Alex and Michael. I think she should’ve been in love with Alex but wondered if it would be best for the girls if she picked Michael instead of being like….I love them both, poor me. I felt sorry for Alex. It was hard to read the Michael scenes. She finally got mad that Michael ignored that Alex was in her life but that was after she thought about how many times he did that and I think it was too late for her to just then start to care. I knew she would be with Alex and so it was hard to read her flirty Michael scenes and “I love him too” stuff.
Also, I feel like Alex didn’t get a fair shot at dealing with his issues in this book. It was all about Harper and her emotional drama. Alex got like half a page to open up and tell her that his dad was abusive and she was like, “oh that’s awful. I’m sorry.” Case closed. Again, where is she helping him overcome his issues? Alex thinks about how she’s helped him but that’s just to himself, not actual communication with Harper. I wanted them to connect and bond over him wrestling with and overcoming GT nose childhood scars. Maybe she could have taken up for him to his parents or something? A gesture no one else had done before…. But nope, it was just all about her being in love with two men and having to pick.
Also, I feel like Alex didn’t get a fair shot at dealing with his issues in this book. It was all about Harper and her emotional drama. Alex got like half a page to open up and tell her that his dad was abusive and she was like, “oh that’s awful. I’m sorry.” Case closed. Again, where is she helping him overcome his issues? Alex thinks about how she’s helped him but that’s just to himself, not actual communication with Harper. I wanted them to connect and bond over him wrestling with and overcoming GT nose childhood scars. Maybe she could have taken up for him to his parents or something? A gesture no one else had done before…. But nope, it was just all about her being in love with two men and having to pick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2022
Review at 50%: If Harper weren’t so snarky I think I’d slap her upside the head! Seriously, she has watched one too many Disney princess movies.
Review after finishing: The statement above still holds. You have to read Hard Place before Hard Truth. If you do not, you will not really have the whole picture and the significance of events as they happen.
I was, and continued to remain, Team Alex all the way! Harper is a romantic which isn’t a bad thing as long as you stay grounded in reality. Harper did not always do that. Alex is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination and he has very good reasons for why he is as closed off as he is. However, he did keep reality front and center. I really liked Harper, but good golly, she got tiring with her waffling. I felt the love triangle (which was mental more than physical) was way too drawn out. I get why EG did it, I really do, and maybe because I had made up my mind is why it annoyed me. That’s really the only complaint I have of this book.
I have not truly been disappointed with an EG book yet. They are all good. Hard Truth is no exception!
Review after finishing: The statement above still holds. You have to read Hard Place before Hard Truth. If you do not, you will not really have the whole picture and the significance of events as they happen.
I was, and continued to remain, Team Alex all the way! Harper is a romantic which isn’t a bad thing as long as you stay grounded in reality. Harper did not always do that. Alex is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination and he has very good reasons for why he is as closed off as he is. However, he did keep reality front and center. I really liked Harper, but good golly, she got tiring with her waffling. I felt the love triangle (which was mental more than physical) was way too drawn out. I get why EG did it, I really do, and maybe because I had made up my mind is why it annoyed me. That’s really the only complaint I have of this book.
I have not truly been disappointed with an EG book yet. They are all good. Hard Truth is no exception!
August 2, 2021
The conflict is not there but the setup to a conflict is there. It's frustrating. And even Alex as a playboy isn't there -- there's no showing. too much telling.
I don't know how this became a book.
The only good parts were the funny lines, the Annabelle doll, and the dialogues -- all hilarious. But sometimes I couldn't tell between Alex and Harper at all. Both of them now have lumps in their throats.
Even Max, sadly, I was rooting for a protracted conflict on this one. But I just can't stand the rushed ending. Alex's sister, Nicole, is a convenient character to push the hero to act. That's cheating and readers know if the author has a sneaky agenda in mind.
Again, I thought this book was self-published, because some of the lines needed to be edited.
I don't know how this became a book.
The only good parts were the funny lines, the Annabelle doll, and the dialogues -- all hilarious. But sometimes I couldn't tell between Alex and Harper at all. Both of them now have lumps in their throats.
Even Max, sadly, I was rooting for a protracted conflict on this one. But I just can't stand the rushed ending. Alex's sister, Nicole, is a convenient character to push the hero to act. That's cheating and readers know if the author has a sneaky agenda in mind.
Again, I thought this book was self-published, because some of the lines needed to be edited.
January 11, 2021
Having read the first book I needed to know what happened between Alex and Harper. I wasn't disappointed.
Michael has reappeared in Harper's life and has learnt he is the father of twins. He wants to be part of their life but also thinks that he can pick up with Harper where things ended all those years ago. Alex backs off also thinking Harper needs Michael but actually she is in love with Alex.
Of course, just as you think Alex and Harper are back on track and going to realise they need each other there is a further misunderstanding which places Harper in danger. But then Alex and Michael come together to save Harper and Harper and Alex get their happy ever after.
Michael has reappeared in Harper's life and has learnt he is the father of twins. He wants to be part of their life but also thinks that he can pick up with Harper where things ended all those years ago. Alex backs off also thinking Harper needs Michael but actually she is in love with Alex.
Of course, just as you think Alex and Harper are back on track and going to realise they need each other there is a further misunderstanding which places Harper in danger. But then Alex and Michael come together to save Harper and Harper and Alex get their happy ever after.
November 16, 2020
I really didn’t like the long drawn out love triangle that wasn’t really a love triangle. Then there was this really dumb dramatic part at the end where Alex and Harper ‘broke up’ stupidly and it lasted all of 60 seconds. Honestly the drama part was poorly written which was disappointing since I really like most of Goodwin’s books. This book could have been better if it just focused on Alex and Harper dealing with the twins dad showing up and the changes that come with that while navigating a new relationship. Harper was never ‘in love’ with Michael and her thinking it was ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
Harper and Alex
Single mother struggles. When a mother loves her children, they will always come first. Finding a true partner may be difficult, but when you do, it’s beautiful . Harper is that mom and also a woman. Bright, caring and hard working, putting her twins first. Then she meet a handsome, rich guy that looks like he has it all, until Harper makes he realize she the one thing he never knew he needed.
Single mother struggles. When a mother loves her children, they will always come first. Finding a true partner may be difficult, but when you do, it’s beautiful . Harper is that mom and also a woman. Bright, caring and hard working, putting her twins first. Then she meet a handsome, rich guy that looks like he has it all, until Harper makes he realize she the one thing he never knew he needed.
May 25, 2020
Heart-wrenching Romantic Story
Harper's and Alex's story is spellbinding and wonderfully romantic. I loved both their characters immediately. These two are from very different financial backgrounds, but have physical and emotional scars that shaped instead of breaking their spirits. I really enjoyed reading this amazing book. This book made me laugh, cry and hurt at times, but was worth every emotional curve.
Harper's and Alex's story is spellbinding and wonderfully romantic. I loved both their characters immediately. These two are from very different financial backgrounds, but have physical and emotional scars that shaped instead of breaking their spirits. I really enjoyed reading this amazing book. This book made me laugh, cry and hurt at times, but was worth every emotional curve.
October 6, 2020
Swooned!!!
I really loved reading Harper and Alex’s story. The way she’s made him change to become a better person or just realize that he is deserving of love. Often times someone’s childhood can really mess them up but throughout life you need to know how make lemonade with the lemons you got and I truly love how Harper and Alex worked it out.
I really loved reading Harper and Alex’s story. The way she’s made him change to become a better person or just realize that he is deserving of love. Often times someone’s childhood can really mess them up but throughout life you need to know how make lemonade with the lemons you got and I truly love how Harper and Alex worked it out.
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