Feeling romantic: Love Hard by Louise Bay

Hi, book buddies :-) New year, new books. That's one of the highlights, don't you think? I have a romantic recommendation just for you. 

LOVE HARD

Author: Louise Bay

Release Date: 6 January 2026

Where to get it

Are you ready for Jack?

What to expect:

💚Small Town

💚Billionaire Romance

💚Colorado & New York 

💚Long Distance

💚Different Worlds

​​💚Love at first sight

💚Destined to be together

💚Opposites Attract

💚standalone

He’s an uptight New Yorker. She’s a real-as-you-can-get farm girl.

They’re from different worlds, but their worlds just collided!

I’m Jack Alden—the only son of the Alden dynasty. The kind of New York family that’s been around since ships were made of wood and fortunes were built on steel.

My mother’s been trying to find me a “suitable” wife for years.

So naturally, I fall for a woman who couldn’t care less about any of it.

Iris Williams.

I first saw her at the New York City Ballet—crying in the stalls like the music had cracked her open.

They say you can’t choose where you come from.

Maybe not.

But you can choose who you fight for.

And this time, I’m choosing her.

Because when it comes to Iris Williams—I don’t just love.

I love hard.

MY OPINION

A woman with a lost dream. A man with a duty to his family. When their paths cross, there's no turning back.

Serendipity, forbidden romance and male longing that will make you breathless. This is another favourite of mine. Loved it!

This tale of fated romance, legacy and sacrifice feels deeply romantic and intensely sensual.

Jack is a gentleman, sweet and devoted in his relationship with Iris. New York elite meets farm girl from Colorado who dreams of ballet and freedom when she's done her peace with real life practicalities.

It feels momentuous when they see each other for the first time. The connection, the looks, the conversation, they are just fated and profound. I loved the old-fashioned pining and longing, the epic emotional earthquake of their reuniting and realising their bond. You cannot imagine the beauty and sensuality of their first intimate encounter. It's as ardent as it is erotic.

I loved so many things. The family commitments on both sides, how these are taken seriously by both Jack and Iris, how they struggle to make everything work despite the huge chasm in station and expectations. Even the absence of anger is perfect because they treat the obstacles to their romance as real life and not as an offence on anyone's part, so they still love and respect each other through thick and thin. I loved the resolution because it is both fitting and surprising and it wraps up everything so perfectly.

I highly recommend it for romantic readers who need a bit of happiness and some compass to guide them. 

*****

ABOUT THE MASTERMIND

International, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes contemporary romance novels that make you laugh – the kind she likes to read.

Ruined by the bonk-busters of the eighties, Louise was inspired by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, but wants to be Emily Henry when she grows up.

Louise loves the rain, RHOBH, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, hanging out with her kid, elephants and champagne (not necessarily in that order).

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Website - Newsletter - Facebook - Reader Group

💓

 Enjoy your reading life :-)