Hard Hart

By: E. Davies

Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's Summary

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.

©2019 E. Davies (P)2019 E. Davies

Finding your Hart and learning to love!   

Delightful discover of friendship, love, acceptance and the inspiration for a town coming together. I loved the narration, it really brought the characters alive to me.  I really enjoyed reading this book, but the audible version just makes it really awesome!   

I just so enjoyed these two MC's and their honesty, caring, insecurities and hopes all blended together to create the perfect balance of finding love and happiness together.

Jesse and Finn have a very intense and wonderfully steamy connection and i loved how they explored.  These guys are both lovable and i would want to live near and work with these guys.  I loved their back stories and how they found their way to grow and become more than they were apart.

Hard Hart is the first book in the Hart's Bay series and i am so looking forward to the next book coming out on audible.  I am so looking forward to Rain's story

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Letting go

I loved this story the first time I read it. Greg's narration is perfection and brings even more life to such wonderful characters. You will not be disappointed when you listen to this story.
Jesse is trying to make his dreams come true and he plans on doing it without getting distracted. Finn is the best distraction, b it he comes with baggage that could ruin Jesse's chances to reaching his dreams. These two need to overcome the obstacles in their relationship to both reach for what they want.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great New Series

A brand new series by E. Davies set in the small town of Hart's Bay in the Pacific Northwest. Jesse, an artist, moves to Hart's Bay with his four best friends, and promptly hooks-up with his new neighbor (without either of them knowing they were ever going to see each other again!)! Finn has not only grew up in Hart's Bay, but his family is who founded the town. Now though he is working to improve the town, not everyone in his family feels the same way. In addition to this, they are also homophobic, and Jesse & Finn's new connection raises some family tensions. But can these two men work together to go against Finn's family and help save the town? Or will they let their pasts, his family and some narrow minds drive them apart?
This book is one that has so much going on in it, but it all fits together so well that the book was a great read. There are some difficulty parts of the book that include some homophobia and harassment, but the relationship between Jesse and Finn and the friendships between Jesse and his friends makes those parts a little easier for me to read. The family aspect of the book is intriguing and watching Finn go against his family for who and what he really wanted was nice. The small town feel was spot on - E. Davies truly nailed what it is like to be in a small town.
Greg Boudreaux nailed it with the narration! The characters’ voices were unique and easy to listen to and distinguish!
Overall, this was a great opening book to the series, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

What a Hart Wants

Main Characters: Fin Hart/Jessie Stone

Fin is a man burdened by a terrible sense of responsibility. Believing that because he is a Hart that he has a duty to the citizens of the beautiful but declined town named for his family, Hart's Bay. He does what he can to improve the lives of those living in the city as do his part of the Hart family (referred to as "good Harts") but their efforts are constantly undermined by the "bad Harts" (Think Hatfields and McCoys except all within the same family it's brutal).

Jessie found the courage to leave an abusive relationship standing up for himself wasn't easy and he is marked by the relationship and has sworn that he will not be put in that position again. With the help of a motley crew of amazing friends he sets out to create a new life for himself. Life in a small town may be just what the doctor ordered but is the reclusive community ready for a gaggle of proud men to enter their city?

Fin meets Jessie and sparks fly but Jessie is determined not to be distracted by anyone, this is his life and he has to make it work, dependent on nobody...but maybe Fin is just what he needs a friend and possibly more. You can never have to many friends right? And passion...what is life without passion. Passion creates art and he is an artist so it's kind of job requirement and it's something that has been missing for so long. But will he get distracted by the power of this beautiful man with haunted eyes? Will Fin chase Jessie away when the family feud threatens Jessie's new life?

Listen to the melodic voice of Greg Boudreaux and find out. I personally cannot wait for the rest to come out. Greg is outstanding as always and E. Davies knocks this one outta the park.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Loved it!!

I always love hearing the characters come to life and Greg did an amazing job at it!!

Small town romance with all of the feels!

I really loved this first-in-a-series small town romance. Jesse and friends move to Hart's Bay and Jesse, fresh off a bad breakup and unsure of himself, is instantly attracted to Finn upon meeting... he doesn't feel ready for more than friends-with-benefits, but both he and Finn are feeling it all. There were just the right amounts of heat and steam for me, and a great story. E Davies writes beautifully, and I can't wait to read more in this series. Narration by Greg Boudreaux was brilliant; he, as well, will be on my radar. Highly recommended!!

Perfection!

OMG I am just can't get over how much I love this story! Jesse and Finn are so perfect for each other. They are so sweet and just what the other person needs in their life. Just listening to their story made me so happy and I love them so much. And having the amazing Greg Boudreaux doing this narration just makes in so much better. I love listening to Greg's voice. He makes these characters feel so alive and I fall in even more in love. Just absolutely perfection!

Sweet & Sexy

I love all of the series written by this author and this new one is off to a great start. Jesse and Finn are wonderful characters with incredible chemistry and a deep connection. Each one is wary of a relationship for their own reasons but some things just can't be denied. I really like how their relationship progresses and how they have the strength to fight against those who are against them and go after them. I can't wait to get the rest of the stories in this series.
The narrator did an incredible job with this story and the characters. I especially love his voice for Finn it’s a deep raspy sexy voice that will drive you wild. I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this book.

Can't wait for the next.

AMAZING start to a new series. Greg Boudreaux is fantastic with Jesse and Finn! Sexy chemistry that's hot from the start and weaved in with sweet romance its all my buttons. Also, side characters like Jesse's friends (Ezra, Aaron, Beau, Ross) are all unique and different and I want to know more about them. With each new personality Boudreaux captures it, and delivers the perfect tone for the series, the flow is amazing and I can't wait to see what he and Davies come up with next.

Excellent start to a new series

I am a huge fan of E. Davies' work, and this book is no exception. I loved the setting and the characters, and it had such a great flow to it. It fits the kind of style that I am used to from Ed's books, and I loved every minute of it. Finn and Jesse start off as a little hookup, but so much more comes of it. I liked watching them navigate from not wanting any relationship to realize that what they had was perfect, and I liked seeing Finn break down some of the Hart Family walls. Finn and Jesse were a great match together. I am really looking forward to more of these guys and the Hart's Bay world. I can't wait to figure out what the deal is with Rain, but I already love him. Greg Boudreaux did an awesome job narrating this.

LOVED it

a great start to a great new series from the marvelous Ed Davies. loved every minute and the gorgeous narration was an added bonus.

Brilliant

Loved the book great narration. Characters are well built and can't wait to continue their journey.

When love is enough

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.

Fireworks

So many possibilities in this series. New town and a new start for Jesse and his friends. Add in a family feud they unwittingly get caught in and explosions are bound to happen. I felt sorry for the residents of Hart’s bay. They have given up and are just existing. Jesse has plans to bring some life back to the Town. Along the way he meets Finn. Finn is a Hart. And he is caught up in a family feud which is harming the town as much as it has split the family.
Fin and Jesse’s story is wonderfully positive and it’s great to feel that the whole town is embracing a new start just like the main characters are. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
Greg Boudreaux’s dulcet tones are perfect. He gave Finn a lovely sexy voice and Jesse had a touch of hesitancy and vulnerability which made him so endearing.

Beautiful, captivating, heartwarming!

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 4
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration: 5

Beautiful, captivating, heartwarming!

I loved Jesse and Finn and Hart's Bay! I found this story dynamic and heartfelt and while it deals with serious issues that were incredibly frustrating Ed approaches these topics gentle but still boldly as they should be.

I found Jesse and Finn's connection incredibly hot from the start and with a little humor and coincidence, thrown in, it made for a steamy, lust-filled time! As they got to know each other they changed their views and ultimate wants and their relationship grew organically.

I loved Jesse's friends, they are some colorful, and wonderful characters and I truly look forward to more of them and can't wait to watch them each find their person in their new little home of Hart's Bay.

This was a fantastic start to this small town series sand I look forward to more from the Hart family and can't wait for Rain's story!!!

Thanks for reading!

NSFW warning for the 1st chapter

yeah..I read this book first. After reading chapter 1, I told E he needed to put a warning if/when this went to audio. He teased me with a clip of said chapter when it was being recorded and geez.

So of course I had to grab the audio and listen to this book and all it's hot AF NSFW scenes. Greg was a new narrator for me but yeah I'll be checking out his catalog as he is amazing.

Wonderful new series

E. Davies did it again, he whisked his readers into the small town of Hart’s Bay and made them fall in love with his characters. Finn and Jessi’s story was just the beginning of the series. I can hardly wait to hear more about Jessi’s friends and Finn’s family.

Greg Boudreaux managed it fantastically to bring E. Davies words to life. I really enjoyed this audiobook

I really enjoyed this.

Greg Boudreaux and E. Davies and Instant one click, I got this as an ARC I instantly listened as I love this combination of author and Narrator.
The story brought to life and I loved it.

A great start to a new series

What a fantastic setup for a new series. I loved this book, and wow, the chemistry between Finn and Jessie is explosive right from the start. Finn is a member of the feuding Hart family that founded the town and Jessie is starting fresh, with a group of his friends, after a bad breakup. He has totally sworn off relationships but it is not long before Finn worms his way into his heart. I loved how Jessie and his friends / roommates are determined to help breath new life into a town and community stagnating as the result of a bitter family feud.

New Town, New Start

Loved it, couldn't put it down, listened in one session. Greg Boudreaux was excellent, for me personally narrated this exactly as I envisioned when reading the book previously.

For me, my most memorable moment was, the one line tribute to my favourite movie of all time(if you know the movie, you will catch the line), laughed out so loud when I read it, even more when hearing it on the audio.