Hard Knock Hero by Hannah Shield:

4 stars

Aiden was supposed to be on vacation, not trapped in Hartley, CO. He was supposed to be enjoying a few days of self-imposed isolation, not helping a pretty restaurateur deal with her ex and his obnoxious family. He also wasn’t supposed to be the type to fall in love, but, you know, things change.

An Instagram ad that I saw several times made me decide to try this book. Jessi anxiously peeking out from the kitchen at her only customer, was a bit too relatable. I’m glad I picked this one up. Hard Knock Hero has many of my favorite romance elements—small town, an independent-minded heroine, a growly stoic teddy bear who is no slouch in a fight, caution and chemistry—I could go on.

The character development for Aiden is fun; reading about his youthful plan for his future was charmingly spiteful, in a sibling rivalry way. The way he describes his family feels authentic and believable; I’m an introvert, fortunately in a family of introverts. Not everyone is so lucky.

Jessi’s history has less to admire, but plenty to sympathize with. She learned some hard lessons the hardest way, but doesn’t let it break her. The Rigsbys should have realized sooner what they were up against, but then we’d have a very different story.

Owen and Scarlett add texture and interest within the community, as well as humor. Trace, and his reticence about his past, lay a nice hook for the next book in the series.

The story structure is solid; however, it could have benefited from some little hint, just a shadow of doubt about Sawyer earlier on. None of the female members of the Rigsby clan make an appearance; maybe there’s a reason why. The level of entitlement shown is not an unknown, unfortunately, but for the more restrained relations, a little mud in the reputational waters—not too much, but enough to create a thread of doubt—would have strengthened the core conflict.

The story does hit hard emotionally. Jessi has been strong in an unfair world and stronger still to stand her ground. She’s smart enough not to rely too much on any man and to take it slow, even over four days, when she catches feelings for Aiden. Reading it, I wanted her to throw caution to the wind, but I’m glad she didn’t. It made it more realistic, and the reward was sweeter.

Hard Knock Hero is suitable for romance readers who enjoy self-contained heroes, strong heroines, a thread of mystery, and sassy gal pals. This story provides a delicious escape layered with food descriptions and musculature to make your mouth water!