by Lauren Blakely
Narrator: Sebastian York
Length: 5 hours and 16 minutes
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups
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 is precisely the one I need to stay far away from.
After that fantastic night with Mia Summers, I’m ready to give her many more. But there's a hitch in my plans — she just hired my company. If there’s one thing I’m committed to, it’s running a squeaky clean adventure tour business. One of the iron-clad rules?
Don’t screw your customers.
But what's a guy to do when she's so hard to resist? How hard can it be to keep our hands off each other for a quick group tour down the hills and over the trails? I’m about to find out, and I have a feeling I’m going to need a new badge of honor because things are about to get very hard in the woods.
Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely is a romantic comedy told from the male pov that will leave you smiling. Narrated by Sebastian York, we watch the developing relationship between Patrick and his best friend’s sister Mia. Prepare to laugh, wipe away a tear and fall in love…
Hard Wood is a standalone romance. However, characters from previous novels appear beginning with Big Rock. Fans requested the series order, and they are now all under the Big Rock series if you want to meet them all.
One of the things I love about Blakley’s romcoms is that no matter what kind of a day you are having, you know when you listen you are going to a good place. A beautiful happy place filled with humor, good friends, adorableness, heat and swoons and all delivered from the male point of view.
Hard Wood shares Patrick Milligan’s story. This sexy cat lover fell for Mia the first time he saw her but has never acted. First, she is his best friend’s sister and second Mia Summers lives on the West Coast. Throughout the novels, we have witnessed these two together and felt their chemistry, so it was beautiful to watch their romance unfold. Delicious back and forth banter, unexpected moments and passion made the relationship feel genuine.
It was fun watching them navigate their feelings, get nervous and deal with family, friends and work ethics. Hikes, grilled cheese sandwiches, and kitties kept me entertained allowing the outside world to slip away as Sebastian York shared their story. One of the things I like about York, aside from his sexy, soothing voice is his ability to handle the female pov. His rendition of Mia was fantastic.
Are you a cat lover? Wait until you meet Zeus, Patrick’s cat. Blakley treats us to his pov, and it was fantastic.
“She was taking too long. He needed food, and he needed it stat. He’d have to try her other leg. Perhaps rubbing that one would activate the can opener.”
Hard Wood is the last book featuring characters we first met in Big Rock, but we did get updates on couples and enjoyed a sweet epilogue.
Prepare to laugh, wipe away a tear and fall in love... Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely, narrated by Sebastian York. #mustlisten #RomCom Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lorna
I love her books. I think I’ve only missed one of them in this series besides this one. I listen to them because Sebastian York. Enough said. Having said that, I don’t remember these characters? Or maybe they are in the one I missed. I am sure I will read or listen eventually to this one.
Stefanie
I like it when an author is able to catch the fun of male characters. That’s one thing I like about Nora Roberts’s writing; her male characters are realistic and I love how they bag on one another. I’ll check out this series.
Blessie (Mischievous Reads)
I need to continue reading this series. Bigger Rock is a hoot! Lauren Blakely’s books are always the perfect go-to. And yes, I’m so addicted to Sebastian York’s voice too. Super sexy! Lovely review!
Lily
oh a romcom told from a males POV is sure to be a thrill 😀 I have to see if I read anything by her before, her books sound fun
Jenea's Book Obsession
I love the sounds of this and that it is a stand-alone too.
Bookworm Brandee
I’ve yet to read a book from Blakely but you’re always piquing my interest in her romcoms. The fact that Sebastian York narrates is also a draw. 😉 And now I really have to read this series so I can get to Sebastian narrating Zeus the cat! LOL
Nise'
All you had to mention was Sebastian York and I’m in!
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
I could totally go for a male pov in a romance novel. But you really had me at cat’s pov. I put this on my Audible wish list. 🙂
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I’ve really been wanting to try Lauren Blakely and this one sounds like a lot of fun. The fact that we get the cat’s POV is what really sold me though!
Heidi
Blakely always manages to capture the male voice perfectly!
Kristin @ Addicted to HEA
Abso-freakin-standing!!!! Damn, time to buy another book… I want a Zeus, too 🙂
JoLee
Best friend’s sister sounds like my kind of read.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
*sighs* I love authors whose books I can pick up no matter what kind of day I’m having, and just know that I’ll have a good time with their story.
Great review, Kim!
I hope you’re feeling better – I keep sending those healing vibes!
Angela Adams
That book cover tells the tale! Thanks for the post. Hope you’re feeling better.
Blodeuedd
Ack, one day I will try her books
sherry fundin
Sounds like fun.
Maggie
I love her books, the humor and characters are always something I look forward to. Mister O, was funny and sweet/sexy.
Debbie Haupt
I Love these loosely connected novels by Blakely Kim, her characters are so genuine and funny and no one does them better than the amazing Mr. York. Did you know that one of our fellow bloggers can’t stand him. I want this and the only way to experience Lauren’s novels is through Sebastian York’s sexy rendition. Thanks
Nick
I’ve read a few books by her this past year, and she always does a good job at cracking me up. Loving the sound of this one! The chemistry sounds great!
kindlemom1
I had to giggle at the title alone! I’m such a immature girl sometimes. 😛
Glad this was fun, it looks like it would be.
Nadene
I like when stories are told from the male’s POV. This book sounds like you had lots of fun while listening. Lovely review. Kim, I hope you are feeling better..
Quinn's Book Nook
Oh my gosh, this looks like too much fun! I definitely need to read this. Thanks for the review.
Melliane
It’s nice that it’s a point of view of a guy there and I confess that it makes me curious! I like books like that!