Hard Compromise

Hard Compromise is a count your blessings story. A reminder that not everyone has it easy materially or emotionally. Ms. Beck told a tale of strength with a sensual vulnerability that is not found in many romances. Sassy and sexy Laurie is a tough girl with an uninhibited personality but her exterior hides painful insecurities that have haunted her since childhood. I don't get angry often but Laurie's mother had me seeing red. Neglectful, hateful, manipulative and mean spirited user are polite ways of describing a person like her, but I have a ton of less polite ones. The contrast in upbringing, social class and outside forces may have proved a stumbling block for Laurie but Ethan was made of stronger stock. He saw her worth even if she didn't and that's the greater gift of all. Having someone lift you up in the darkest moments. Keep tissues handy.

Ten years ago, a rookie cop, Ethan Booker, finds a sixteen year old Lauralie Peterson at a college beach party on New Year's Eve. He escorts her home and when she comes on to him, he promises that in ten years maybe that could happen. Fast forward exactly ten years later and Sheriff Ethan Booker is ready to collect on his promise to bakery owner Laurie Peterson. She's determined to keep it to one night, just like she does with every other man she's been with but when her bakery burns down and she's left with nothing, Booker is the person to get her life back on track. All she needs to do is play girlfriend for six events leading to Booker's sister's wedding. Booker has six events to convince Lauralie that she should be with him. I totally fell in love with this book. Laurie was strong and hilarious. She definitely wasn't one to be pushed around, especially by Booker. Booker is so dedicated and protective. He does everything he can to convince Laurie that she can lean on him and that doesn't in any way make her weak. I loved the Booker family and how everyone rallied to help each other. I didn't read book one in this series but it has definitely been added to my TBR! *This is my voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy*

"Hard Compromise" by Samantha Beck is book number two in the "Compromise Me" series. This is Laurie (Lauralie) Peterson and Sheriff Ethan Booker's story. Ethan and Laurie come from extremely different backgrounds. Ethan comes from a very wealthy family. He has chosen to work in law enforcement instead of a desk job with his dad. No matter how hard Laurie works her past seems to bite her in the butt every time. Laurie has had a rough life and Ethan has been keeping an eye on her for ten years. There was just something about Laurie that got to him over the years. He wants a relationship with her not just a one night stand. This story is an emotional and extremely steamy romance with depth. Ethan's character was just amazing. Will he be able to get through to Laurie that she is a wonderful person and deserves happiness? Can he get Laurie to see his love for her and that she fits perfectly into his life? Curl up and be prepared for a wild ride because when it involves Ethan and Laurie it's never boring. FYI, includes mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.