Hard Wood

By: Lauren Blakely

Narrated by: 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!