Review: Hard Knox by Riley Hart
SYNOPSIS:
Callum
A gay guy walks into a straight bar and notices the hottest man he’s ever seen.
Why am I not surprised my life sounds like the beginning of a bad joke? First, my ex cheated on me, and I went running to Havenwood and the mom I have a complicated relationship with. Then, there’s Knox, the gorgeous lumberjack I don’t stand a chance with. To top it off, he’s more than just a pretty face, and I start to fall for him. Knox is kind, funny, honorable, quickly becoming my best friend, and unfortunately, straight with a capital S.
Knox
My life has taken a few unexpected turns lately. First, the new guy in town, Callum, has me strangely confused. Then my son, Logan, comes to live with me. He connects with Callum instantly, and I do too. Before we know it, he’s become a daily fixture in our lives, making us laugh, calling me his lumberjack and making this foreign warmth spread inside me.
It doesn’t matter that I’ve never been with a guy before—one kiss from Cal, and it’s clear I’m bi. He turns me upside down. With every laugh, every conversation, every touch and exploration, I fall harder. Sneaking around isn’t ideal, but there’s a lot for us to consider. All I know is I need him. Life has a funny way of throwing a wrench into your plans, though, and things become a mess. But then I’m reminded that while nothing in life is guaranteed, not even love, what Callum and I have built is worth fighting for.
REVIEW:
This story might just be my favorite in the Havenwood series thus far. I had a feeling Callum was going to be a delight, and he didn’t disappoint. It was a sticky sweet slow burn, with plenty of heart and character growth.
I absolutely adored the pacing in this story. The romance was done right, it gave Knox time to come to terms with his sexuality while also allowed Callum and Knox to develop a deeper emotional connection. The chemistry between the two is a simmer that burns throughout the story. Add in the fact that Knox’s son, Logan, is positively enamored by Callum, it was just the icing on the cake. Callum and Knox’s relationship flowed effortlessly and between the two of them, the drama was minimal.
What I wasn’t expecting was the external drama in the form of Knox’s daughter. I didn’t care much for the tension there and it felt rather rushed as it happened in the last 25% of the story. I did like how supportive and accepting Knox’s ex-wife, Carol was. They are the dream team of co-parenting. I really enjoyed this read, and the hints of tension between Josh and Griff have me excited to start their book.
LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
