Erryn and Bethany review ‘Hard Hart (Hart’s Bay Book 1)’ by E. Davies. This book was released by the author on August 20, 2019 and is about 262 pgs long. The audiobook version of this story was narrated by Greg Boudreaux, released on October 3, 2019 and is 7 hrs and 19 mins long. Copies were provided in exchange for honest reviews.
Why I read this book:
Erryn – I’ve listened to several audios from this author and have enjoyed them so was happy to grab another one.
Bethany – I have read the book and when I saw that Greg Boudreaux was the narrator I knew I wanted to listen.
I felt all wrong until I met you.
Jesse Stone is rebuilding his life. He’s ditched his no-good ex, sworn off men, moved to a new town with his four best friends, and started the pottery business of his dreams. And then he slept with his hunky new neighbor. Oops. Jesse needs to focus on work, but all he can think about is getting Finn between his hands like a perfectly-shaped work of clay.
Trouble just blew into town, and his name is Jesse. Finn Hart knows that pursuing Jesse will ignite old family tensions, but he can’t stay away. The construction foreman has never built a lasting relationship. He’s too busy keeping the peace in a town that was founded by one Hart, but is slowly being strangled by another – Finn’s grandfather.
Finn and Jesse are on the same page: they want to save Hart’s Bay, and it starts by bringing tourists in with Jesse’s new art gallery. But their hearts are bruised, and taking a chance comes with a price. Not everyone in Hart’s Bay wants change. For a few narrow minds, nothing good should come to Finn’s branch of the Harts, and that includes love.
Can love wash away 20 years of bad blood and bring a new dawn for Jesse, Finn, and all of Hart’s Bay?
Hard Hart is the first book in the new Hart’s Bay series about a small town full of nosy but well-meaning neighbors and brotherly banter. It’s a stand-alone novel with a happily-ever-after ending, and plenty of smiles and steam along the way. If that cove could talk…oh boy, has it ever seen things.
Buy Links: Audible | Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Erryn’s Review:
In some ways this book is a simple love story. The book begins with a proverbial bang. Kind of shocked me a bit, but it worked. I wasn’t convinced, at first, that a lasting relationship could be built on what was essentially one encounter, but when there’s a spark, sometimes that can flan into flames.
Jesse is new in town. He and a close group of friends have abandoned Portland to seek out a small town where they can get a fresh start. Their agreement? No boyfriends allowed. They are going to focus on their art and getting a co-op up and running. And although great in theory, Jesse meeting Finn changes everything. Suddenly he’s yearning to be more than just a fuck buddy. He’s torn between his commitment to his friends and what his body and mind want.
Finn is a bit cynical. He’s watched Hart’s Bay decline and he can’t believe anyone would want to actually come here. Most people leave. He meets a cute guy and they hook up. He tells himself it’s nothing more but pretty soon he’s yearning to be more than just a fuck buddy. He’s torn between the family feud that has dogged him for years, and what his body and mind want.
There are many Harts in this book and the feud was complicated, but what wasn’t was Finn and Jesse. Aside from a couple of hiccups, the two men are meant to be together. What surprises them is how supportive their close family and friends are.
This was, as I said, a simple book. A lovely piece of sea glass. I’ve come to expect that from E. Davies and, frankly, I love it. Low angst, mini black moment, and lots of love. A formula that works well as this author proves time and time again. Greg Boudreaux narrated the book and I just adore him. He always does a great job differentiating the voices and he delivers a solid performance. I highly recommend the book.
Erryn’s Rating:
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
Bethany’s Review:
I first discovered this author when I picked up the first book in his ‘Significant Brothers’ series and I was hooked. I devoured that series and many more by E. Davies. So when he announced a new series I couldn’t wait to read it. And I did, I bought the ebook as soon as it came out, and really enjoyed it. But I love audios. I love that I can get so much done while listening.
When we were offered this audio, I almost didn’t take it since I read the book. But I am glad I did, because Greg Boudreaux is one of my favorite narrators. He did this book justice by bring these characters to life for me.
I really liked the premise of this book. A group of friends moving to a new town to start fresh, making a pact not to date. Each needing a fresh start. And Jesse really does plan to stay single. Till he meets Finn. What started out as a one off, soon leads to more, then feelings, and the need to be with Finn. I don’t really blame either cause they are just so adorable together, and just seem to fit together.
Yes they hit a few bumps in the road regarding the Harts of the town but it was easily worked out. There was not a big amount of angst in this book and is perfect if you are looking for a light easy read/listen. I really enjoyed these two characters and can’t wait to get the other guys story.
Bethany’s Rating:
8.5/10 Pots of Gold ( 85% Recommended) – Compares to 4.25/5 Stars
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E. Davies was proficient in real estate ad shorthand (the old-fashioned newspaper kind) by the age of nine. Growing up moving constantly taught him what people have in common, the ways relationships are formed, and the dangers of “miscellaneous” boxes.
As a teen, he tore through a stack of found romance novels, wishing someone had written similar for M/M, though he could never find anything at Chapters or the library. Just after graduating university in 2013, semi-out and clutching his English B.A. for dear life, he stumbled on an Amazon M/M short story. It was a whole new… phrase he dares not repeat for fear of lawyers. It shone and shimmered splendidly, though.
After failing forty times to avoid crafting happily-ever-after endings for steamy short stories, he plunged into romance novels and hasn’t looked back. As a young gay author whose formative gay fictional role models were characters punished for their sexuality, Ed prefers his stories lightly dramatic, full of optimism and hope.
Now out and proud, he writes full-time, goes on long nature walks, tries to fill his passport, drinks piña coladas on the beach, flees from cute guys, coos over fuzzy animals (especially bees), and is liable to tilt his head and click his tongue if you don’t use your turn signal.
To find out when E. Davies has a new release, you can subscribe to his newsletter at edaviesbooks.com/subscribe, like his Facebook page at facebook.com/edaviesbooks, or visit his website at edaviesbooks.com.
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