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lurker_stalker's review against another edition
4.0
Another sweet, light-angst romance from Aurora Rey. For sure one of my go-to romance authors. Mira and Dylan were such a sweet pairing and it was SO NICE to have a Black woman as a main character!
Hard Pressed really does have it all, as far as I'm concerned. A lovely not-quite-enemies to lovers story with protagonists that have great chemistry, realistic expectations, and practice adult communication (mostly) skills. And I liked the way the book ended. After chatting with some other folks about epilogue fails, it was a nice bonus to have an ending I felt fine with.
I haven't read the book that features Rowan and Audrey but, even though they were present throughout Hard Pressed, I didn't feel like I was missing anything or hit with loads of backstory that wasn't crucial to this book.
I feel good recommending Hard Pressed to all the wlw romance readers out there.
Thanks to BSB and NetGalley for helping to feed my Aurora Rey addiction.
Hard Pressed really does have it all, as far as I'm concerned. A lovely not-quite-enemies to lovers story with protagonists that have great chemistry, realistic expectations, and practice adult communication (mostly) skills. And I liked the way the book ended. After chatting with some other folks about epilogue fails, it was a nice bonus to have an ending I felt fine with.
I haven't read the book that features Rowan and Audrey but, even though they were present throughout Hard Pressed, I didn't feel like I was missing anything or hit with loads of backstory that wasn't crucial to this book.
I feel good recommending Hard Pressed to all the wlw romance readers out there.
Thanks to BSB and NetGalley for helping to feed my Aurora Rey addiction.
00leah00's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
destijlx's review
3.0
Mira and Dylan are chosen to co-chair Finger Lakes' Cider Week. A reserved and independent boss babe meets carefree, go with the flow Dylan, and the only thing they have in common is their love for Cider.
Mira, who heads an established traditional cider company, has to work with Dylan, who is the complete opposite of her, with a cider business comparatively small & is all about taking risks. The story follows how they deal with having to campaign for a successful Cider Week while getting to know one another and acknowledging the clear attraction that's there between the two of them.
First off, I love that Mira is a poc and bi and also that there's poly representation. I also have to mention that there's some light BDSM in here. Rey's writing style also works great for me, as I'm able to dive straight into reading the book. The MCs being so different meant that they had a great rapport, they were able to banter and tease each other and I like the way the book just flowed. It also helps that the side characters had a real depth to them and weren't there just for the sake of it but instead added value to the MCs and their story.
Now, I get it and I enjoy it too when books do the whole - it's going well, but hang on, we need a problem so there can be some angst and heartbreak before the MCs can truly have their happily ever after. Though I don't think this book needed it and I just felt that when that problem arose, it felt forced and was unnecessary and so easily resolved.
This book might not have been 100% satisfying, but it was definitely better than other books I've read recently.
Mira, who heads an established traditional cider company, has to work with Dylan, who is the complete opposite of her, with a cider business comparatively small & is all about taking risks. The story follows how they deal with having to campaign for a successful Cider Week while getting to know one another and acknowledging the clear attraction that's there between the two of them.
First off, I love that Mira is a poc and bi and also that there's poly representation. I also have to mention that there's some light BDSM in here. Rey's writing style also works great for me, as I'm able to dive straight into reading the book. The MCs being so different meant that they had a great rapport, they were able to banter and tease each other and I like the way the book just flowed. It also helps that the side characters had a real depth to them and weren't there just for the sake of it but instead added value to the MCs and their story.
Now, I get it and I enjoy it too when books do the whole - it's going well, but hang on, we need a problem so there can be some angst and heartbreak before the MCs can truly have their happily ever after. Though I don't think this book needed it and I just felt that when that problem arose, it felt forced and was unnecessary and so easily resolved.
This book might not have been 100% satisfying, but it was definitely better than other books I've read recently.
claire60's review
4.0
Really enjoyable follow up to Greener pastures by the same author that first introduced us to the world of making cider in up state New York. The rural descriptions are wonderful and I really enjoy the way this author develops her characters. Extra points awarded for having a Black Bisexual main character and also first time I've read a female/female romance that mentions safe sex. I also enjoyed that this is another low angst romance so much more believable and fun to read.
With thanks to Netgalley and to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
kjanie's review
3.0
3.5/5 stars
This was such an engaging book! It’s kind of shocking to me that this is my first Aurora Rey book, but it was a great introduction to her. While this featured some characters from a previous novel, it was still easy to read as a stand-alone. They were featured just enough to that I gained interest in them as well (and might just go off to buy their book) but not so much that I feel like I’m out of the loop.
Dylan and Mira were such dynamic characters, who were completely different from each other but somehow seemed to compliment each other well. Dylan was a very suave and charming, but down to earth cider maker. On the other hand Mira, is a very well put together, organised and elegant boss of a major cider company. When made to come together for a project, they butt heads but sparks also seem to fly. I have a soft spot for some good banter and tension, so watching Dylan and Mira interact was delightful for me. Lots of banter, teasing and a whole lot of instant chemistry and attraction to make everything more interesting. Their romance was super engaging to read, we got plenty of spicier scenes and lots of great chemistry.
While I did really enjoy the romance, I do think the major conflict of the book felt very artificial. While I definitely understand the intentions, I just don’t think the characters would have gotten that angry. It kind of just felt like the character had to argue so it was placed in their with conflict, without making sense for the characters. Even so, I won’t let it ruin the romance for me, which was still super fun to read.
This was such an engaging book! It’s kind of shocking to me that this is my first Aurora Rey book, but it was a great introduction to her. While this featured some characters from a previous novel, it was still easy to read as a stand-alone. They were featured just enough to that I gained interest in them as well (and might just go off to buy their book) but not so much that I feel like I’m out of the loop.
Dylan and Mira were such dynamic characters, who were completely different from each other but somehow seemed to compliment each other well. Dylan was a very suave and charming, but down to earth cider maker. On the other hand Mira, is a very well put together, organised and elegant boss of a major cider company. When made to come together for a project, they butt heads but sparks also seem to fly. I have a soft spot for some good banter and tension, so watching Dylan and Mira interact was delightful for me. Lots of banter, teasing and a whole lot of instant chemistry and attraction to make everything more interesting. Their romance was super engaging to read, we got plenty of spicier scenes and lots of great chemistry.
While I did really enjoy the romance, I do think the major conflict of the book felt very artificial. While I definitely understand the intentions, I just don’t think the characters would have gotten that angry. It kind of just felt like the character had to argue so it was placed in their with conflict, without making sense for the characters. Even so, I won’t let it ruin the romance for me, which was still super fun to read.
stitchnlich's review
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
I really loved this book. Not only was the romance perfect, but so was the cider making theme - I've dabbled in homebrewing and love trying new ciders. Honestly though, the characters were wonderful and felt like real people I would love to meet. I can't wait to attack this author's back catalogue.
I received an ARC of this book but my opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book but my opinions are my own.
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