Hard Wood

De: Lauren Blakely

Narrado por: Sebastian York

A friends-to-lovers stuck-in-a-cabin sexy romantic comedy!

I’ll be the first to admit I’ve got it bad for my good friend Mia. But I’ve never acted on this crush. She’s my best friend’s little sister and, oh, there’s that little problem of her living 3,000 miles away.

So I resist her every time I see her...until one night she’s in town and she confesses she’s been wanting me too.

What’s a guy to do? I give in till she’s screaming out my name.

But in the morning we swear we won’t let it ruin our friendship.

Especially since she hires my adventure-tour company for a weeklong retreat for her new business.

If there's one thing I'm committed to, it's running a squeaky-clean business. Number one on my list of ironclad rules?

Don't screw your customers.

It’s hands-off when we head into the woods.

At least that was the plan until we wind up stuck in a tent, then a car, then a cabin....

Find out what happens next in this he-falls-first sexy romance!

©2017 Lauren Blakely (P)2025 Lauren Blakely

Patrick and Mia have a special place in my heart!

Hard Wood is a sexy standalone by the talented Lauren Blakely. It is written in such a way that you can't help but fall in love with the memorable characters Lauren has created. It tells a fantastic story about a man who actually is wanting to be in a committed relationship, but just hasn't met the woman he is destined for, as of yet. Well, that is if he could get his best friend's sister out of his mind. She is not geographically desirable, so it keeps things in the "friend zone" for now anyways. When fate intervenes and Patrick and Mia are forced to be in the woods together for a week, his commitment to staying "hands off" is put to the test.

This story is filled with quick wit, perfect puns, love, laughter and combustible chemistry. I love the world Lauren has created in New York city. She has an amazing talent to tell an entire story from the male's perspective. She is so talented she even gets into the inner-workings of a cat's mind as well. She intricately weaves multiple story lines across her stand alone stories in this series. I certainly hope there will be more where this comes from in the future.

PS - Sebastian York does a phenomenal job of narrating this story. His talents only enhance the work of Lauren Blakely. When the two of them pair together, I know I am in for a treat!

omg that was delicious

loved it no struggle their need and love to be together he's an awesome narrator

Patrick & Mia (and Zeus)

Sebyo is the perfect voice for Patrick!

Patrick is 33 and ready to settle down. He's had feelings for his friend's sister - Mia - since he met her several years ago. The problem was distance - he lives in NYC and runs a business doing hikes and camping and corporate retreats, and Mia lives in San Francisco running her animal cruelty free beauty product line.

When she comes to visit for her brother's wedding, Patrick decides he's done with waiting to tell her that he's kind of crazy about her and wants to date, even if it means long distance.

Mia's been crazy about Patrick just as long - but she's held back because of a prior relationship with one of Max's friends, and she's not sure that Patrick is attracted to her.

Wonder no more - these two are made for one another and even if they have to maintain a little distance for a while, it's worth opening up and sharing those feelings.

Special Guest in this book is Zeus, the hiking cat, who contributes his own furry thoughts on occasion throughout the story.

Sweet Scale: 5/5
Spicy Scale: 3/5

So Sweet!

I love this one! There are a couple of chapters that are narrated by the cat, and I love that so much! Totally what a cat would think or say. :) "Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry"

So sweet!

I loved hearing Patrick and Mia’s story. I also have much love for Zeus and the chapters about conversations with him! I do wish it was a bit longer though. I loved the full circle that was completed for all of our favorite New York friends... splendid!

Gotta Love a "Boy Scout"!

Another great Male POV Rom-Com from Lauren Blakely! She is a master at making me feel warm and fuzzy from these sweet alpha males and their journey to get their girl.

Patrick is a boy-scout, he is sweet and adventurous and he knows what he wants! Mia is a workaholic who needs to be reminded how to slow down and relax and Patrick is just who she needs to help remind her. Their story is sweet and sexy. And to no surprise for most this book is filled with pets ;)

The narration was great as always! I don't care what anyone says I never tire of Sebastian York ;)

Zeus stole the show!

This was a cute short read. I have to say, I think Zeus stole the show. He just had so much personality, which is common for his kind. It did take me a while to get totally engrossed in this one. But, when I did, I liked the characters and the fun of it. It was a nice, easy listen.

Fast moving and satisfying

You don't have to wait long for sparks to fly. At 1st I was disappointed by just the POV of the male character though I do enjoy Sebastian York as a narrator. But then I was pleasantly surprised to hear the perspective from Zeus the cat. Interesting twist on the narrative

Smooth Talker

Loved this story! Love Sebyo always! And there was a cat in the story! There were so many faves I enjoyed in this book.One was lets just say I would love to go camping under the stars. Loved Zeus too! Always love Lauren's books! They make you swoon and laugh! xo

One of the Best!

I loved this book! Zeus stole the show from the very beginning. Sebastian York did an excellent performance in this book with the male POV. It was fun having some couples from other books mentioned in this story as a side note and not focus. How Lauren Blakely outdoes herself on each book is amazing. She weaves humor into all of the books and they leave me feeling happy listening to them. Conversations with the cat were especially funny. This review is my opinion of the book and not a synopsis. This story is totally original and a standalone listen with a happy ending. I received this book and wanted to write a review, but feel that I am not eloquent enough to do this book justice. This book is one of my top favorites.