Hard Compromise - Book Review

By Samanthe Beck

Synopsis

Laurie Peterson assumes her impulsive one-night stand with sinfully sexy Sheriff Ethan Booker is the biggest surprise of the year…until her bakery burns down while she’s basking in the afterglow. It looks like her dreams are up in smoke, but then Ethan proposes a deal too tempting to resist.

Ethan has no intention of settling for a one-night stand with Laurie. Nor does he want anything to do with the women his wealthy family wants him to meet. Not when he’s waited ten years for his chance to make his move. His deal might have strings—and Laurie may not know the stakes—but nothing will stop this sexy cop from staking a real claim on her body and her heart.

Review

HARD COMPROMISE is a romance story that was ten years in the making.

Laurie is a woman who was born on the wrong side of the tracks and is desperate to make a name for herself away from her mother’s reputation. Despite being nothing like her mother, she believes that’s how everyone sees her, so she keeps everyone at arm’s length and only has one good friend. Her mother is a horrible woman, threatening what little Laurie holds dear, and I was glad when Laurie finally put a stop to it.

Booker (Ethan) was born into a wealthy family, but he never once acted like a snob or thought he was better than anyone, and I loved that about him. He’s naturally protective and fills his sheriff role perfectly. Other than finally convincing Laurie that he is someone she can turn to and lean on, I can’t really say much about him because most of the story focuses on Laurie. Ethan’s mother was a real surprise and despite her small role, I liked her a lot.

HARD COMPROMISE is a story that I liked, but didn’t love. The sex between Booker and Laurie? Hot. The scene where Laurie opens the door dressed in nothing but a robe and a pair of handcuffs? Totally awkward and completely hilarious. Booker and Laurie constantly fighting for dominance in the relationship? A turn off. I wouldn’t exactly call this a friends-to-lovers romance, but more of an acquaintances-to-lovers romance. HARD COMPROMISE is told in dual POVs, comes with a HEA and while it’s part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone.