A Hard Man to Love (Hawthorne Family) [Kindle Edition]

Delaney Diamond (Author)

Book Description

Hating him is easy. Loving him is hard.

Derrick Hoffman never quite got over not having a relationship with his biological father. The woman he was seeing is pregnant, and there’s no way he’s going to let her raise his child without him—even if it means coercing her into marriage.

Eva Jacob made the mistake of falling in love with Derrick, a man she knows is incapable of love. After their breakup, she discovers she’s pregnant. When she agrees to a loveless marriage, she tries to shield her heart from further pain. But she soon discovers that the heart wants what the heart wants, and her heart wants Derrick’s love.

Word count: 37,800

Product Details

• File Size: 251 KB
• Print Length: 117 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Delaney Diamond (February 3, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0073QE67C
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,581 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Not Great March 7, 2012

By That 313 gurl

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I had high hopes for this book. I read the sample first and liked it but the sample proved not to be enough for me to judge it. When I actually read the book I thought Derrick was hard to like. And Eva made me mad also. He would make demands and she would give in all the time. Whatever he wanted from her he got it. She gave up her job, moved to his city, got a new lifestyle, and all the other changes, but he hardly made any sacrifices. She took up a traditional role as estate manager and got involved in charity (what every rich wife does). It was just so cliche and traditional. And I thought it would be different and more to it, so I was disappointed. If you like different and non traditional then this book is not for you. If you like the typical stubborn male who has to have everything his way, with the girl who always gives in then you will like this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not so Hard to Love this Book February 4, 2012

By K.D.Y VINE™ VOICE

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

A Hard Man to Love is the perfect title for this book. In the beginning Derrick comes across as a callous alpha jerk but as the story unfolds you realize it is a coping mechanism. You know Derrick has a heart since he wants to be there and fully engaged in raising his child. Eva is a good counter-balance to Derrick's bravado. I was instantly drawn to her and wanted to her get her man! I am so pleased she had a backbone and did not allow herself to be a doormat.

As the story develops you warm up to Derrick and understand the walls he puts up. You go on the journey with him as he falls in love and allows himself to be loved not just by Eva but his family as well. I am happy that while he soften toward Eva he was still a man that did not suffer fools.

This is a great story that stayed with me long after I read it. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm In Love! February 19, 2012

By Sharon Cooper

Format:Kindle Edition

Ms. Diamond is a talented writer/storyteller, and once again it showed in A Hard Man to Love. I'm a huge fan of stories with real alpha males and Derrick Hoffman didn't disappoint. He started out as hard, callous, and at times downright ruthless, but it was all in the name of love (most times). As a reader, I watched him change as the story progressed and enjoyed every moment of his transformation - from the time he bullied Eva into marrying him, up to the moment he came to her rescue toward the end. I liked him from the beginning ... but I was in love with him by the end.

The story left me wanting more...of Derrick!! Nice job Ms. Diamond. I'm looking forward to reading future stories by you!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED IT!! February 2, 2012

By Blessed

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Ms. Diamond, you did it again, hit another one right out of the park. This book is awesome, I enjoyed the entire book, I could not put it down. EVA and DERRICK was a perfect match, it just took them some time to realize it. I know that there will be a sequel, brother MATTHEW needs a love connection, does EVA meet her father, CELESTE and ROARKE, please don't leave us hanging, this story is just too good!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Hard Book to Put Down May 6, 2012

By Chanta Rand

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Derrick Hoffman is not a nice guy. In fact, I'd go so far as to call him a mean son-of-a-bitch. Make that a mean, rich son-of-a-bitch. He has a lot of baggage from growing up and feeling unwanted as a child. This fear of rejection manifests itself in his adult relationships. He's a "No-Strings Attached" kind of guy. But when he meets Ava, he starts to fall for her. Oh, he doesn't show it - because that's the kind of man Derrick is. He can't reveal his true feelings because that would be a sign of weakness. Then, Ava breaks up with him, which of course, crushes his ginormous ego.

The plot thickens when Ava finds out she's preggers. Well, Derrick decides he can't let his child feel emotionally neglected the way he was. So, he strong-arms Eva into marrying him. He tells her that if she refuses, he'll fight her for custody. Eva ain't no punk, but she knows she doesn't stand a chance against his money - especially when she only has a part-time job and no benefits. Plus, deep inside, she still has feelings for Derrick. In the end, she finally capitulates, agreeing to be his wife.

Now, I can't tell you what else happened. If you want to know, you have to read the book for yourself. The author does an excellent job of making me hate Derrick, then making my Texas-sized heart swell with compassion for him. From the first page of the story, I was hooked. I admired how Eva put Derrick through his paces too. The love scenes were steamy, despite the fact that Eva was pregnant. I loved how the author included this in the book. Pregnant women can get their freak on too - how do you think all of you got here?! At any rate, pick up this book. You'll be glad you did.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Just ok... April 30, 2012

By S. Hayes

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

The title of this book is accurate, Derrick was definitely a hard man to like, let alone love. Eva just felt like a weak heroine to me. She didn't stand up to the man at all. I'm sorry, but being bullied is a dubious way to start a relationship, but to continue on that path after you've gotten the ring...inexcusable-lol.

The story was well written and wasn't rife with errors, which I definitely appreciate. I just didn't feel the urge to read this story again once I finished.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Hello, Derrick! Ooh-la-la! March 21, 2012

By IR Book Reviews

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Description: When cigar-smoking multi-millionaire Derrick Hoffman finds out that his ex-girlfriend Eva Jacobs is pregnant with his child, he does whatever it takes to ensure that the baby remain in his custody, including blackmailing Eva into a marriage of convenience. But, as it turns out, it's a thin line between convenience and passion...

The Good: First off, that cover is the business, a perfect representation of the hero. I actually picked it up, thinking I wouldn't be able to review it, but wanting to read it because of its Harlequinesque situation and fantastic cover. What a page turner! I love a hero with issues, and Derrick had plenty. I also appreciated the story's sweet little domestic touches -- there's an ongoing argument about crumbs in the bed that I've had with my own husband. Last but not least, the resolution was satisfying and felt fully earned.

The Bad: There's a story arc, involving the identity of Eva's father that was introduced late, somewhat tangential, and left unresolved.

The Naughty: Sensual. Pregnant sex.

Editing issues: None.

Publisher: Diamond Press (indie author)

Length: 37,800

Final Grade: A- (4.5 stars)

Happy Reading,
Theodora from irbookreviews.com

More About the Author

Delaney Diamond was born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She writes sweet and sensual romance novels with African-American and interracial characters. As a diehard foodie, when her head's not buried in a book, she's in the kitchen trying out new recipes or dining at her favorite restaurants with friends. To find out about new releases and free reads, visit her website and join her e-mail mailing list.

www.delaneydiamond.com
www.facebook.com/delaneydiamond