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Hard Way Home #1
The Hard Way Home
A coming-of-age romance about love, loss, heartbreak, hope, and the labels that don’t define us.
Star pitcher. Town golden boy. Heartbreaker. Nemesis.
Caleb Winters was a familiar name long before he deigned Landry High with his presence. It took me all of ten seconds to determine he’s everything I’m not: charismatic, captivating, and celebrated.
Unlike most of Landry, he doesn’t shy away from my messy background. Or pretend I don’t exist. He answers my caustic remarks with choice retorts of his own. Our notorious bickering aside, I don’t have time for the town golden boy. I have actual problems. Challenges. Crushing responsibilities.
But when I’m suddenly forced to spend more time with him, I unexpectedly discover Caleb Winters might be more than just the entitled jock I’ve sparred with since freshman year.
And that realization can only end badly. For me.
Because everyone knows he’s destined for big, impressive things, and I’m� not.
Star pitcher. Town golden boy. Heartbreaker. Nemesis.
Caleb Winters was a familiar name long before he deigned Landry High with his presence. It took me all of ten seconds to determine he’s everything I’m not: charismatic, captivating, and celebrated.
Unlike most of Landry, he doesn’t shy away from my messy background. Or pretend I don’t exist. He answers my caustic remarks with choice retorts of his own. Our notorious bickering aside, I don’t have time for the town golden boy. I have actual problems. Challenges. Crushing responsibilities.
But when I’m suddenly forced to spend more time with him, I unexpectedly discover Caleb Winters might be more than just the entitled jock I’ve sparred with since freshman year.
And that realization can only end badly. For me.
Because everyone knows he’s destined for big, impressive things, and I’m� not.
ebook
Published March 18, 2021
316 people are currently reading
3,136 people want to read
About the author
C.W. Farnsworth
30books4,751followersC.W. Farnsworth is the author of numerous adult and young adult romance novels featuring sports, strong female leads, and happy endings.
Charlotte lives in Rhode Island and when she isn’t writing spends her free time reading, at the beach, or snuggling with her Australian Shepherd.
Find her on Facebook (@cwfarnsworth), Twitter (@cw_farnsworth), Instagram (@authorcwfarnsworth) and check out her website for news about upcoming releases!
Charlotte lives in Rhode Island and when she isn’t writing spends her free time reading, at the beach, or snuggling with her Australian Shepherd.
Find her on Facebook (@cwfarnsworth), Twitter (@cw_farnsworth), Instagram (@authorcwfarnsworth) and check out her website for news about upcoming releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
June 23, 2021
This had it's cute moments, but I didn't like it as much as the previous book I read by this author. I enjoyed the banter between Lennon and Caleb, but Lennon's attitude frustrated me a good deal of the time. I also thought the heavier topics could have been explored a lot more. Everything was kind of surface level.
The one big thing that bugged me about the other book I read, still bugged me in this one. Some of the word choices are just so odd - especially for teenagers. I have a couple examples this time...
"'Yes,' I sigh, enervated by the thought of all the exigent tasks waiting for me..."
"A puissant combination of felicity and anticipation fizzes inside of me."
Like, why???
The one big thing that bugged me about the other book I read, still bugged me in this one. Some of the word choices are just so odd - especially for teenagers. I have a couple examples this time...
"'Yes,' I sigh, enervated by the thought of all the exigent tasks waiting for me..."
"A puissant combination of felicity and anticipation fizzes inside of me."
Like, why???
August 1, 2023
Dit boek is vergelijkbaar met het steken van vorken in je ogen
July 3, 2021
GRIPPING & ANGSTY!
A feisty & sweet coming of age, enemies to lovers romance!
The angst in this one will have you on the edge of your seat.
I've never read this author before so I wasn't sure what to expect. This one being a baseball romance might have been what kept me reading...haha! I have no shame! Baseball romances are my kryptonite!
Lennon Matthews was feisty & determined; the amount of strength this girl possessed even after all the tragedy in her life and the way that her family was viewed in her small town! It just really made me admire her that much more! The best part of the book for me was her learning that at some point it's okay to let go of what you've always known things to be and embrace the chances that are shown to you and enjoy those moments!
I loved the banter back and forth between Caleb and Lennon. You'll find little things throughout this book that will have you swooning over this hero. Caleb Winters was a mystery for me most of the book, I couldn't get a good read on him. That was most likely due to only having Lennon's POV for pretty much the entire book.
I normally don't enjoy single POVs that often, I prefer dual POV! But somehow this one kept me reading the entire day! I just about couldn't put it down. I only wish I had gotten more of Caleb's POV. What little we did get just didn't give me what I wanted to get from his POV!
Another thing...this was definitely a clean read! There were only a couple kissing scenes in it. Just an FYI for anyone that is looking at this as a YA read for their teenager and doesn't want them exposed to a ton of sex! BUT also a heads up for for anyone that wants more...normally I do not enjoy clean reads! However, this one kept me engrossed the entire book!
A feisty & sweet coming of age, enemies to lovers romance!
The angst in this one will have you on the edge of your seat.
I've never read this author before so I wasn't sure what to expect. This one being a baseball romance might have been what kept me reading...haha! I have no shame! Baseball romances are my kryptonite!
Lennon Matthews was feisty & determined; the amount of strength this girl possessed even after all the tragedy in her life and the way that her family was viewed in her small town! It just really made me admire her that much more! The best part of the book for me was her learning that at some point it's okay to let go of what you've always known things to be and embrace the chances that are shown to you and enjoy those moments!
I loved the banter back and forth between Caleb and Lennon. You'll find little things throughout this book that will have you swooning over this hero. Caleb Winters was a mystery for me most of the book, I couldn't get a good read on him. That was most likely due to only having Lennon's POV for pretty much the entire book.
I normally don't enjoy single POVs that often, I prefer dual POV! But somehow this one kept me reading the entire day! I just about couldn't put it down. I only wish I had gotten more of Caleb's POV. What little we did get just didn't give me what I wanted to get from his POV!
Another thing...this was definitely a clean read! There were only a couple kissing scenes in it. Just an FYI for anyone that is looking at this as a YA read for their teenager and doesn't want them exposed to a ton of sex! BUT also a heads up for for anyone that wants more...normally I do not enjoy clean reads! However, this one kept me engrossed the entire book!
January 12, 2024
If you're looking for a clean, sweet, and drama free high school story, this book is for you.
I've read many C.W. Farnsworth books, and most of them have been amazing.
Lennon annoyed me sometimes, but I'm giving it 5 stars for Caleb.
I've read many C.W. Farnsworth books, and most of them have been amazing.
Lennon annoyed me sometimes, but I'm giving it 5 stars for Caleb.
March 24, 2021
The Hard Way Home is the second book that I've read by C.W. Farnsworth and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite YA romance authors. This is the story of Lenny and Caleb. Living in a small town, Lenny is somewhat of an outcast due to her family's past while Caleb is the town's golden boy - son of the wealthiest family in town and a star baseball player. Lenny has spent the past 4 years of high school hating Caleb while everyone else loves him, and the hatred seems to be mutual. When these two are thrown together during their Senior year though, Lenny realizes that she may have been wrong about Caleb all this time. The future will lead Lenny and Caleb in very different directions though so forming a friendship (or anything more) isn't realistic and Lenny needs to protect her heart.
I absolutely loved both Caleb and Lenny. Lenny is a feisty young lady that gives as good as she gets, and there is definitely more to Caleb than his reputation would lead you to believe. The banter between these two is fun and their chemistry is undeniable, and I really enjoyed Caleb's friends too. This is a well written YA romance that truly shows the growth of these characters as they become young adults and find their own way. Although I was satisfied with how this story ended, I wouldn't mind a sequel (or even an extended epilogue) to this story just to see where these characters end up down the road -- I need more! 5-star YA romance from one of my new favorite authors.
I absolutely loved both Caleb and Lenny. Lenny is a feisty young lady that gives as good as she gets, and there is definitely more to Caleb than his reputation would lead you to believe. The banter between these two is fun and their chemistry is undeniable, and I really enjoyed Caleb's friends too. This is a well written YA romance that truly shows the growth of these characters as they become young adults and find their own way. Although I was satisfied with how this story ended, I wouldn't mind a sequel (or even an extended epilogue) to this story just to see where these characters end up down the road -- I need more! 5-star YA romance from one of my new favorite authors.
December 28, 2021
Two different worlds collide
I forgot how much I enjoy young adult novels until this moment. I absolutely adored this story, specially Caleb. He's an awesome guy, sweet, honest, friendly and overall, he's not afraid of his feelings. On the other hand, Lennon is very special. She's strong, mature, but closed off and scared of feeling too much. She adores her gramps and sacrifices her life to stay and be with him even though she had all the potential to go to college. But who says staying and taking care of the farm is wasting your potential away? It's a different path, sure, but is as good as any, which Caleb didn't understand from his privilege pov. These two were pure fire together and I love how everyone knows how bad he has it for her, except her, of course. I also love how Lennon grew up and opened herself up to other people. I didn't know this was part one, but I'm super excited to read the second one.
I forgot how much I enjoy young adult novels until this moment. I absolutely adored this story, specially Caleb. He's an awesome guy, sweet, honest, friendly and overall, he's not afraid of his feelings. On the other hand, Lennon is very special. She's strong, mature, but closed off and scared of feeling too much. She adores her gramps and sacrifices her life to stay and be with him even though she had all the potential to go to college. But who says staying and taking care of the farm is wasting your potential away? It's a different path, sure, but is as good as any, which Caleb didn't understand from his privilege pov. These two were pure fire together and I love how everyone knows how bad he has it for her, except her, of course. I also love how Lennon grew up and opened herself up to other people. I didn't know this was part one, but I'm super excited to read the second one.
December 18, 2022
3. 5 stars
Lennon has been an outcast most of her high school life. Senior year is a bit different. It seems after the winter break, Caleb Winters is there around the corner almost every second. The more she talks to him the more she starts to realize he’s starting not to be her enemy.
Super quick read. This is the second book I have read by Farnsworth. Like the first book I read by her, the characters use last names a lot when talking to one another. I do plan on starting the second book. I like Caleb and Lennon’s bickering/flirting. I do want more of them which thankfully the second book continues on their story.
The one thing I didn’t buy into too much was everyone staying clear of her because of her dad and mom. That didn’t make much sense to me. I wonder if we will see more family dynamics with Caleb’s family in the next book?
Lennon has been an outcast most of her high school life. Senior year is a bit different. It seems after the winter break, Caleb Winters is there around the corner almost every second. The more she talks to him the more she starts to realize he’s starting not to be her enemy.
Super quick read. This is the second book I have read by Farnsworth. Like the first book I read by her, the characters use last names a lot when talking to one another. I do plan on starting the second book. I like Caleb and Lennon’s bickering/flirting. I do want more of them which thankfully the second book continues on their story.
The one thing I didn’t buy into too much was everyone staying clear of her because of her dad and mom. That didn’t make much sense to me. I wonder if we will see more family dynamics with Caleb’s family in the next book?
May 22, 2023
The good easy romance that I needed
September 20, 2024
Unfortunately I did not like this book, AT ALL. It was full of stereotypes, with the popular wealthy boy and the poor outcast girl, tropes I usually devour, however it missed a mark with me.
FIRST OF ALL, I had a massive issue with Caleb, the MMC, he and Lennon (FMC) met when he first started in the school and because of his family and looks and whatever, he became instantly popular. But this was a guy who supposedly had feelings for Lennon for quite some time (as implied in the book) BUT never told her, or hinted at any feelings. Instead they just insulted eachother 🙄 and everyone knew they hated eachother. But he apparently warned every other boy off her and so no one messed with her but no one also acknowledged her. So I just find that stupid, especially because he wasn't exactly lacking with the girls, one scene, she literally catches him making out with the popular girl (her EX Best friend) which makes it worse.
I don't know, from then on, I didn't exactly feel any warm feelings towards this guy. And they both seriously lacked communication issues, they went from insulting eachother to making out.
Also this feels like a rant but idc, Lennon was irritating with all her woe me, no one likes me because I'm poor and my dad overdosed, so everyone looks at me weird blaa blaa. She just had too much of a woe me attitude, however she also did have responsibilities that the Caleb (MMC) clearly didn't understand which I found really silly.
Anyways hopefully the conclusion to this book is better because this just wasn't it. ✋️
FIRST OF ALL, I had a massive issue with Caleb, the MMC, he and Lennon (FMC) met when he first started in the school and because of his family and looks and whatever, he became instantly popular. But this was a guy who supposedly had feelings for Lennon for quite some time (as implied in the book) BUT never told her, or hinted at any feelings. Instead they just insulted eachother 🙄 and everyone knew they hated eachother. But he apparently warned every other boy off her and so no one messed with her but no one also acknowledged her. So I just find that stupid, especially because he wasn't exactly lacking with the girls, one scene, she literally catches him making out with the popular girl (her EX Best friend) which makes it worse.
I don't know, from then on, I didn't exactly feel any warm feelings towards this guy. And they both seriously lacked communication issues, they went from insulting eachother to making out.
Also this feels like a rant but idc, Lennon was irritating with all her woe me, no one likes me because I'm poor and my dad overdosed, so everyone looks at me weird blaa blaa. She just had too much of a woe me attitude, however she also did have responsibilities that the Caleb (MMC) clearly didn't understand which I found really silly.
Anyways hopefully the conclusion to this book is better because this just wasn't it. ✋️
March 2, 2023
A horse girl fantasy in a nutshell
I was a bit intrigued while also being scared? Unsure how to feel. Help.
Clip clop 🐎🐴🏇🏻
I was a bit intrigued while also being scared? Unsure how to feel. Help.
Clip clop 🐎🐴🏇🏻
July 31, 2021
I usually never dock stars from YA Romances. I don't hold them to super high standards, since it's a bit silly to take YA Romance seriously. But, despite that, I'm only giving this novel 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐. That's because the author seems to have overused her Thesaurus. Those huge, clunky words got in the way of the story's flow and distracted me from the plot.
The other reason was that Caleb didn't seem all that invested in Lennon, like we are supposed to believe. There were times when he could've been nicer to her, to draw her in, but he always chose to push her away instead. He always chose to be cruel. Then there's the hinting that he's always busy hooking up with girls, but Lennon even speaking to another guy upsets him...?! Abusive douche alert!! He's entirely too cocky and disrespectful. I think a girl who's already been through enough trauma deserves someone better than a narcissistic guy like Caleb. And he waits six months to see her again, and I'm sure he wasn't a celibate monk during that time, either. All of this didn't make for swoonworthy romance. I just felt bad for Lennon that she's got such a tough life already, and then she fell in love with a total dick on top of that. Because if there's one thing I know about good guys who really genuinely love someone: they don't give up on the person they love; they fight tooth and nail to hold onto that person. And Caleb just never did. He wasn't a good guy. Too bad Lennon didn't believe she deserved better, like that one truly sweet guy who likes her, but she never liked him back (Will? Can't remember the name of that guy).
The other reason was that Caleb didn't seem all that invested in Lennon, like we are supposed to believe. There were times when he could've been nicer to her, to draw her in, but he always chose to push her away instead. He always chose to be cruel. Then there's the hinting that he's always busy hooking up with girls, but Lennon even speaking to another guy upsets him...?! Abusive douche alert!! He's entirely too cocky and disrespectful. I think a girl who's already been through enough trauma deserves someone better than a narcissistic guy like Caleb. And he waits six months to see her again, and I'm sure he wasn't a celibate monk during that time, either. All of this didn't make for swoonworthy romance. I just felt bad for Lennon that she's got such a tough life already, and then she fell in love with a total dick on top of that. Because if there's one thing I know about good guys who really genuinely love someone: they don't give up on the person they love; they fight tooth and nail to hold onto that person. And Caleb just never did. He wasn't a good guy. Too bad Lennon didn't believe she deserved better, like that one truly sweet guy who likes her, but she never liked him back (Will? Can't remember the name of that guy).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2022
Este libro ha sido una grata sorpresa. En sí el libro nos habla de Lennon y de Caleb.
En sí, Lennon me ha gustado como protagonista pero aun así tenía momentos en los cuales me daban ganas de explicarle como son las cosas en realidad. Aun así creo que Caleb no la comprendía del todo, ella sufrió mucho y sufría mucho y él como lo tenía prácticamente todo no sabía lo que era estar casi sola.
Aun así, me gustó mucho la pareja y en el segundo libro se observa de verdad el amor que había entre ellos.
Lo recomiendo mucho.
## REVIEW IN ENGLISH ##
This book has been a pleasant surprise. The book tells us about Lennon and Caleb.
In itself, I liked Lennon as a protagonist but still had moments in which I wanted to explain to him how things really are. Still I think Caleb didn't quite understand her, she suffered a lot and suffered a lot and he as he had practically everything didn't know what it was like to be almost alone.
Still, I really liked the couple and in the second book you can really see the love between them.
I highly recommend it.
En sí, Lennon me ha gustado como protagonista pero aun así tenía momentos en los cuales me daban ganas de explicarle como son las cosas en realidad. Aun así creo que Caleb no la comprendía del todo, ella sufrió mucho y sufría mucho y él como lo tenía prácticamente todo no sabía lo que era estar casi sola.
Aun así, me gustó mucho la pareja y en el segundo libro se observa de verdad el amor que había entre ellos.
Lo recomiendo mucho.
## REVIEW IN ENGLISH ##
This book has been a pleasant surprise. The book tells us about Lennon and Caleb.
In itself, I liked Lennon as a protagonist but still had moments in which I wanted to explain to him how things really are. Still I think Caleb didn't quite understand her, she suffered a lot and suffered a lot and he as he had practically everything didn't know what it was like to be almost alone.
Still, I really liked the couple and in the second book you can really see the love between them.
I highly recommend it.
July 2, 2023
Five *
Fictional story, rich boy/poor girl , but very sweet. I love how strong Penny is, how resilient and guarding her heart. I love Caleb more for being down to earth. I'm downloading book two to see their HEA
Fictional story, rich boy/poor girl , but very sweet. I love how strong Penny is, how resilient and guarding her heart. I love Caleb more for being down to earth. I'm downloading book two to see their HEA
Shelved as 'avoid'
November 21, 2022Self note clean YA romance.
Some old person wrote a no sex college story for teens.
Here’s a hint, teenagers are having more sex than you these days.🙄
Some old person wrote a no sex college story for teens.
Here’s a hint, teenagers are having more sex than you these days.🙄
May 14, 2023
i loved the slow burn enemies to lovers arch! i’m excited to read the next one!
October 20, 2022
What do you do when you find an author who writes best YA/highschool romance? What do you do when you find an author whose books you want to read again and again? What do you do when you find an author whose books characters are so addicting you don't want the book to ever finish ?
You squeal in delight and want to shout to everyone to read her books!!! ❣️❣️
That is what is happening to me. I have read two books from this author and both were amazing with epic chemistry and banter between the characters and addicting stories. 💞💞
You squeal in delight and want to shout to everyone to read her books!!! ❣️❣️
That is what is happening to me. I have read two books from this author and both were amazing with epic chemistry and banter between the characters and addicting stories. 💞💞
June 23, 2022
I felt like I barely knew Caleb by the end of this book. We never heard WHY he likes Lennon. She is so hostile towards him and we never really understood exactly what her problem is and what he sees in her. At the end of the book I was more confused than at the start.
August 7, 2021
It was ok but to be honest I have no interest in reading the 2nd book. I liked where the story was going but felt it was drawn out to make room for book 2.
January 9, 2023
Title: The Hard Way Home
Author: C. W. Farnsworth
Hero/Heroine: Caleb & Lennon
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Small Town, Opposites Attract,
TW/CW: Death of a loved one, mentions of drug addiction and overdose, mention of gambling addiction,
THE GOOD 😀
Tension. So much tension and banter. Just when I thought it would ease and everything would be good, these two were like ‘hold my beer�. Honestly, right up until the end of the epilogue (also, can you say minor cliffhanger, how dare you C. W. Farnsworth, good job I downloaded the second book straight away), I was like ‘Will they? Won’t they?. Pretty sure I gained a few more grey hairs just from the stress of trying to work these two out.
Caleb and Lennon met during freshman year of high school where their first impressions of one another weren’t exactly favourable. Throughout the years, they’ve constantly been drawn to one another, whether that be for class projects where they’ve had to work together or just swapping sarcastic barbs. From each exchange between the two, you could tell that there was some serious chemistry which neither Caleb nor Lennon were willing to acknowledge. Probably why I’ve got the extra grey hairs.
I loved the whole opposites attract aspect of this story, with Caleb and Lennon coming from two very different backgrounds. It was so refreshing to see that this didn’t matter to Lennon, she was still as sarcastic and sassy as ever toward Caleb. I think this helped build the tension between them to such a point where I was like ‘Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey, just KISS EACH OTHER ALREADY!�
Even though I really liked Caleb’s character, I’d have to say that Lennon stood out more for me. She was so confident and sarcastic, I loved how, no matter the person, she never let anyone get the better of her, which to me gives her ultimate queen status. Her backstory was sad and you come to understand why she is the way she is with people, keeping them at a safe distance.
As always, this was an addictive story with wonderful characters and humour. Obviously I’ll be reading the next one pretty damn soon� ok more like today, not sure why I was trying to play it cool.
THE BAD ☹️
Pffft please.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: An addictive and humour filled enemies to lovers romance
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: C. W. Farnsworth
Hero/Heroine: Caleb & Lennon
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Small Town, Opposites Attract,
TW/CW: Death of a loved one, mentions of drug addiction and overdose, mention of gambling addiction,
THE GOOD 😀
Tension. So much tension and banter. Just when I thought it would ease and everything would be good, these two were like ‘hold my beer�. Honestly, right up until the end of the epilogue (also, can you say minor cliffhanger, how dare you C. W. Farnsworth, good job I downloaded the second book straight away), I was like ‘Will they? Won’t they?. Pretty sure I gained a few more grey hairs just from the stress of trying to work these two out.
Caleb and Lennon met during freshman year of high school where their first impressions of one another weren’t exactly favourable. Throughout the years, they’ve constantly been drawn to one another, whether that be for class projects where they’ve had to work together or just swapping sarcastic barbs. From each exchange between the two, you could tell that there was some serious chemistry which neither Caleb nor Lennon were willing to acknowledge. Probably why I’ve got the extra grey hairs.
I loved the whole opposites attract aspect of this story, with Caleb and Lennon coming from two very different backgrounds. It was so refreshing to see that this didn’t matter to Lennon, she was still as sarcastic and sassy as ever toward Caleb. I think this helped build the tension between them to such a point where I was like ‘Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey, just KISS EACH OTHER ALREADY!�
Even though I really liked Caleb’s character, I’d have to say that Lennon stood out more for me. She was so confident and sarcastic, I loved how, no matter the person, she never let anyone get the better of her, which to me gives her ultimate queen status. Her backstory was sad and you come to understand why she is the way she is with people, keeping them at a safe distance.
As always, this was an addictive story with wonderful characters and humour. Obviously I’ll be reading the next one pretty damn soon� ok more like today, not sure why I was trying to play it cool.
THE BAD ☹️
Pffft please.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: An addictive and humour filled enemies to lovers romance
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 14, 2022
This is the second book I have read by this author and I devoured it! I loved Caleb and Lennon's dynamic. While it was very highschool-esk, it was very realistic. From kids being total A-holes to guys picking on girls they like... took me right back to high school! While there were times I wish Caleb would have been a bit nicer, Lennon could have been nicer/more open as well.
Lennon does not have an easy life but, Caleb appears to. They could not be more different and well-known for entirely different things. Opposites-attract is a very real thing though... just takes some pushing.
I admired Lennon's want and need to be independent. I also adored that she was a "take no crap" kind of gal but, I wish we could see more of her soft side. Very few people got to see the Lennie that her grandfather loved and thought so highly of. Given her rough life, she was brilliantly smart, hardworking, VERY STUBBORN, and guarded. She is afraid of feeling anything but hate towards the one man who knows how to get under her skin.
I did not like Caleb at first. I thought he was the typical stuck-up rich kid who was mean to those "under" him. However, I grew to love him immensely. His feelings for Lennon are so apparent to everybody, but her. He is equally as hardworking, despite being able to have anything at his fingertips, fiercely protective, and just as stubborn.
Their tension was strong and the bickering was funny. Waiting on them to face their feelings was like waiting for a pan of boiling water to boil over. Watching both characters grow in their own way, together was just pure bliss. I am emotionally attached to both Lennie and Caleb and need more than just one additional book for them.
Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, sports romance, high school romance
Lennon does not have an easy life but, Caleb appears to. They could not be more different and well-known for entirely different things. Opposites-attract is a very real thing though... just takes some pushing.
I admired Lennon's want and need to be independent. I also adored that she was a "take no crap" kind of gal but, I wish we could see more of her soft side. Very few people got to see the Lennie that her grandfather loved and thought so highly of. Given her rough life, she was brilliantly smart, hardworking, VERY STUBBORN, and guarded. She is afraid of feeling anything but hate towards the one man who knows how to get under her skin.
I did not like Caleb at first. I thought he was the typical stuck-up rich kid who was mean to those "under" him. However, I grew to love him immensely. His feelings for Lennon are so apparent to everybody, but her. He is equally as hardworking, despite being able to have anything at his fingertips, fiercely protective, and just as stubborn.
Their tension was strong and the bickering was funny. Waiting on them to face their feelings was like waiting for a pan of boiling water to boil over. Watching both characters grow in their own way, together was just pure bliss. I am emotionally attached to both Lennie and Caleb and need more than just one additional book for them.
Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, sports romance, high school romance
November 4, 2022
4 It's The Whole Point Of The Game, After All Stars
The Hard Way Home is the first book in the series by C. W. Farnsworth.
I think this is probably one of my favorite opposites attract tropes. Paired with the very enjoyable separation of class and popularity that this high school couple work to overcome with their undeniable attraction. Even while they were playing their roles of opposition against the obvious sexual tension they shared from their first interaction.
I don't think we've come to understand Caleb Winters fully yet. We did glimpse the man beneath the prestige of his family name, in small doses as he explored his relationship with Lennon. But I still feel he has more depth to answer to. I hope we get to discover his more latent personality traits in the sequel.
I love how kind and giving Lennon is. I appreciate the role she plays in being so strong given her parents deaths, and her grandfather's health. She made such a distinctly difficult decision to stay behind in Landry after high school, and she committed to it. It was beautiful to watch as she realized there were others of her peers that didn't cast her in the light of the Mathews infamy, and wanted to befriend her. I truly enjoyed the moments she allowed herself to step away from responsibility and enjoy herself.
I'm simply waiting for the moment in the sequel where they inevitably reach another obstacle or burden within their path to an HEA... I wonder what it will manifest as in the coming continuation of their story?
The Hard Way Home is the first book in the series by C. W. Farnsworth.
I think this is probably one of my favorite opposites attract tropes. Paired with the very enjoyable separation of class and popularity that this high school couple work to overcome with their undeniable attraction. Even while they were playing their roles of opposition against the obvious sexual tension they shared from their first interaction.
I don't think we've come to understand Caleb Winters fully yet. We did glimpse the man beneath the prestige of his family name, in small doses as he explored his relationship with Lennon. But I still feel he has more depth to answer to. I hope we get to discover his more latent personality traits in the sequel.
I love how kind and giving Lennon is. I appreciate the role she plays in being so strong given her parents deaths, and her grandfather's health. She made such a distinctly difficult decision to stay behind in Landry after high school, and she committed to it. It was beautiful to watch as she realized there were others of her peers that didn't cast her in the light of the Mathews infamy, and wanted to befriend her. I truly enjoyed the moments she allowed herself to step away from responsibility and enjoy herself.
I'm simply waiting for the moment in the sequel where they inevitably reach another obstacle or burden within their path to an HEA... I wonder what it will manifest as in the coming continuation of their story?
March 18, 2023
This book was fine. Nothing too special about it. I'm starting to think that this author's writing style and books might not be for me. I've read a few and idk, now that I look at their name, I just think "oh do I actually want to read this?" I found the beginning a little boring. Nothing was pulling me to continue the book for a while. While I'm glad that we got to see a bit of their history (freshman, sophomore, junior, etc), I didn't see anything special about it. I didn't really like how things progressed between Lennon and Caleb. I related to Lennon a little. Not being a social pariah but more like she's closed off. I've been told a time or two to let people in, open up and you'd be surprised, etc. Caleb wasn't anything special. He didn't stand out. Kinda cute how he admired to being in love with her for the last few years. I didn't get the point of them seeing each other every night and kissing and shit. There wasn't much detail or development in that and I just wasn't that interested. The ending was also tough. Like they solved their issues in the epilogue. I have to say, that's a first for me. All that happened was he came back to town for the holidays, they see each other, act all weird at a party and then she admits she loves him. At the end, they decide to give it a try. Like the story feels incomplete. What happens after? Idk, the ending was just very unsatisfying and wasn't it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2023
3.75
““Have you ever known you should want something, but you just can’t make yourself want it?� Caleb shakes his head. “No. I’ve just wanted something I shouldn’t.”�
“It’s not a quick peck. Not an awkward motion I could attempt to laugh off. I follow an idiotic, uncharacteristic impulse, and I kiss the boy who I used to hate. Who I thought hated me.�
“I don’t give him a chance to finish saying my name. I knock his cap upwards, and then I kiss him. Really kiss him. The way I would if we were alone, rather than surrounded by a whole lot of people who are probably staring. The way he kissed me next to the campfire. And I pour everything I am into it. My hopes. My fears. My dreams. Because somehow, when I wasn’t paying attention, while I didn’t know to stop it, Caleb Winters became all those things to me. Someone I hoped to see. Became afraid to lose. Dreamt about. He mixed with all those other things that make me Lennon Matthews, and is now so snarled in the rest of me I don’t know how to untangle him�
““People have a tendency to come back home, Lennie.� “Like birds?� I quip, trying to lighten the mood and lessen his worries. “Or baseball players,� Gramps responds. “It’s the whole point of the game, after all.� “We’ll see,� I reply softly.�
““Have you ever known you should want something, but you just can’t make yourself want it?� Caleb shakes his head. “No. I’ve just wanted something I shouldn’t.”�
“It’s not a quick peck. Not an awkward motion I could attempt to laugh off. I follow an idiotic, uncharacteristic impulse, and I kiss the boy who I used to hate. Who I thought hated me.�
“I don’t give him a chance to finish saying my name. I knock his cap upwards, and then I kiss him. Really kiss him. The way I would if we were alone, rather than surrounded by a whole lot of people who are probably staring. The way he kissed me next to the campfire. And I pour everything I am into it. My hopes. My fears. My dreams. Because somehow, when I wasn’t paying attention, while I didn’t know to stop it, Caleb Winters became all those things to me. Someone I hoped to see. Became afraid to lose. Dreamt about. He mixed with all those other things that make me Lennon Matthews, and is now so snarled in the rest of me I don’t know how to untangle him�
““People have a tendency to come back home, Lennie.� “Like birds?� I quip, trying to lighten the mood and lessen his worries. “Or baseball players,� Gramps responds. “It’s the whole point of the game, after all.� “We’ll see,� I reply softly.�
March 21, 2021
"Unlike most of Landry, he doesn't shy away from my messy background. Or pretend I don't exist . He answers my caustic remarks with choice words of his own. Our notorious bickering aside I don't have time for the town's golden boy. I have actual problems.
I haven't been reading much YA recently but this book reminded me of why I love it.
Lenny is such a great character, she's so complex and withdrawn yet she has every right to be. The girls been through a lot! She's spent years being judged and ridiculed due to the actions of her parents and she's just learnt to push back.
Then there's Caleb, he could literally be the poster boy for "there's more to him than meets the eye". He's witty and rude yet he cares so much, he's just scared to show it. But every now and then we get to see his protective side coming out. The tension and the bickering between these two characters is so entertaining and I just couldn't wait to see when they'd crack.
I was slightly confused by their reunion after how they'd left things but it was fun to see them revert back to their usual cycle. I really did enjoy this book, It was fun, so sweet and kinda sad at the same time. Thanks so much to the author @authorcwfarnsworth for sending me the ebook
I haven't been reading much YA recently but this book reminded me of why I love it.
Lenny is such a great character, she's so complex and withdrawn yet she has every right to be. The girls been through a lot! She's spent years being judged and ridiculed due to the actions of her parents and she's just learnt to push back.
Then there's Caleb, he could literally be the poster boy for "there's more to him than meets the eye". He's witty and rude yet he cares so much, he's just scared to show it. But every now and then we get to see his protective side coming out. The tension and the bickering between these two characters is so entertaining and I just couldn't wait to see when they'd crack.
I was slightly confused by their reunion after how they'd left things but it was fun to see them revert back to their usual cycle. I really did enjoy this book, It was fun, so sweet and kinda sad at the same time. Thanks so much to the author @authorcwfarnsworth for sending me the ebook
August 9, 2022
A good read, another YA high school romance from this author. A 3.5 this time though. I didn’t enjoy it as much as Wes and Maeve’s story, mainly because I found it hard to like Lennon. Her attitude was not it. I respect that she was guarded because of her parents and her past, but she was on the defensive instantly and just snarked at Caleb for no reason. The other reason is because we didn’t get any POV from Caleb until the epilogue. Which is a shame because it was so painfully clear that he was in love with Lennon throughout this entire book and I would have loved to have been in his POV to see the way his boy obsessed mind obsessed over Lennon. But other than that, it was a good read. Nothing really happened, just them finishing up high school. And it also was a major slow burn but they also weren’t ever an official couple. But I liked their banter when they weren’t arguing. I hope their second book is more coupley and domestic and romantic and fun.
February 22, 2023
reading books by this author is like a tried and tested reading slump cure i swear. regardless, i decided to start this because I'm making my way through her backlist and i wanted to read about a couple that gave me more ( ? ) because most of her standalones, while absolutely amazing always have me pining for more of them, hence starting this duology instead. lennon and caleb were the perfect definition of academic rivals to lovers, especially the way they bickered just go get eachothers attention. honestly I love how realistic this was, and the way lennon approached things really made sense to me. despite this, i genuinely loved every scene of watching caleb pine, and everyone realising he loves her before she did <3
“When has me saying something you didn’t want to hear ever bothered you?�
“It’s always bothered me, Caleb.�
“When has me saying something you didn’t want to hear ever bothered you?�
“It’s always bothered me, Caleb.�
March 18, 2021
enemies to lovers in high-school done right! *chefs kiss*
“You’ve got a colourful vocabulary ....�
“I’d be happy to nail you in the nose and see what sort of pleasantries come out of your mouth�
I LOVED LENNY. She’s a firecracker! She was already over Caleb 10 seconds after meeting him.
Caleb loves to fight with her and those sparks fly. The kind that you know would set the place ablaze if they gave in to the love/hate they have going on .... but they’re both stubborn as mules.
I love that they both *thought* they knew what the other person was all about because of their last names but neither of them knew shit. They do get to know each other when forced to work together.
This is my FAV book by CW and I’ve loved them all!
“You’ve got a colourful vocabulary ....�
“I’d be happy to nail you in the nose and see what sort of pleasantries come out of your mouth�
I LOVED LENNY. She’s a firecracker! She was already over Caleb 10 seconds after meeting him.
Caleb loves to fight with her and those sparks fly. The kind that you know would set the place ablaze if they gave in to the love/hate they have going on .... but they’re both stubborn as mules.
I love that they both *thought* they knew what the other person was all about because of their last names but neither of them knew shit. They do get to know each other when forced to work together.
This is my FAV book by CW and I’ve loved them all!
November 6, 2021
Finally
I haven't read a book about high schoolers since I was in high school myself, but I've had such a horrible time with other romance novels that I decided to try. I wasn't disappointed. It's been a long time but I was still able to relate to the insecurity that comes with being a teenager. The H and h were both likeable. Although the author made a weird choice imo with Caleb. Almost every time he spoke, it's done with a smile, grin or smirk. It was weird. Nobody smiles that much. After 50 times reading it I felt put off. Other than that, I did enjoy the book. I didn't realize it was a 2 parter and I will read the 2nd part next. I just hope the characters show growth and Lennon doesn't spend this next book trying to push Caleb away again.
I haven't read a book about high schoolers since I was in high school myself, but I've had such a horrible time with other romance novels that I decided to try. I wasn't disappointed. It's been a long time but I was still able to relate to the insecurity that comes with being a teenager. The H and h were both likeable. Although the author made a weird choice imo with Caleb. Almost every time he spoke, it's done with a smile, grin or smirk. It was weird. Nobody smiles that much. After 50 times reading it I felt put off. Other than that, I did enjoy the book. I didn't realize it was a 2 parter and I will read the 2nd part next. I just hope the characters show growth and Lennon doesn't spend this next book trying to push Caleb away again.
July 16, 2022
This is my third book by this author and while not my favorite, still a 5 star read. I would've been obsessed with the book back in middle school/early high school before I knew about all the spice a book could have. 10-15 years and hundreds of books later, I know this book could've dug deeper into some topics, played out more drama than it did, but it was kind of refreshing to not have all that in Lennon and Caleb's story. Their banter was great and it was nice to not have such harmful words and actions to forgive between the two when they finally got together. While kind of a surface level book, I appreciated not having the dark, intense, heartbreaking scenes most enemies to lovers books have.
April 23, 2021
#1 book from CW Farnsworrh
This is the second book I’ve read by C.W. Farnsworth and it’s definitely my favorite. I absolutely loved Lennon and Caleb’s bickering. Even from the beginning you could tell their connection would be epic even though Lennon didn’t. My favorite parts of this book are when Lennon’s friends telling her how much Caleb was into her. Experiencing their small moments from the past four years where she thought he hated her through their eyes showed how much he loved her. My only wish is that there would be at least one more chapter showing them together a couple years later.
This is the second book I’ve read by C.W. Farnsworth and it’s definitely my favorite. I absolutely loved Lennon and Caleb’s bickering. Even from the beginning you could tell their connection would be epic even though Lennon didn’t. My favorite parts of this book are when Lennon’s friends telling her how much Caleb was into her. Experiencing their small moments from the past four years where she thought he hated her through their eyes showed how much he loved her. My only wish is that there would be at least one more chapter showing them together a couple years later.
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