Title: Hard Time
Series: Responsible Adult 02
Author: C.F. White
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (215)
ISBN: 9781786515988
Publisher: Pride Publishing (5th September 2017)
Heat Level: Low – Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Love isn’t always responsible.
After Micky O’Neill is remanded in custody for breaching his court order, his already tempestuous relationship with Dan Peters is tested to the limits.
Having to battle their way through a court case that could end with Micky in jail, social workers breaking up the family home, and the return of Micky’s deadbeat father, it seems everything is set to destroy their relationship before it even had the chance to start.
With such high stakes involved, not just for Micky but for once-burned, twice-shy Dan, they both have to learn that falling in love isn’t always responsible.
Purchase Link: Pride | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order.
After the startling end to Misdemeanor we have an explosive beginning in Hard Time, Micky’s been arrested and is facing a police sergeant who has it out for him. Micky has a lot to lose if the Courts throw the book at him; it’s dodgy now with Flynn being placed in emergency foster care but it’s lucky for Micky that he has Dan in his corner.
In this new addition in the Responsible Adults series we see some huge dangers that Micky faces, he has decisions to make and Micky learns he can’t always rely on his fists to sort his problems out. Micky’s dangers aren’t physical they are mainly mental, because Micky could lose everything he’s working towards if he doesn’t break the cycle of his reactions.
Dan is an amazing support for both Micky and Flynn, he’s there for Flynn while Micky is locked up and he’s also there for Micky as Micky struggles to keep control of his life. Dan is just amazing and his family are just wonderful, Dan is so lucky to have such a supportive family.
Micky’s and Dan’s relationship grows in leaps and bounds, while they might have only been together a short amount of time their feelings for each other are solid. They face a lot in the short time line of this book, you have Micky’s impending court case, social services sniffing around Flynn, Micky’s dad pushing his luck and Dan’s decision regarding his job.
I really enjoyed this story; C.F. White doesn’t just give us the rosy view of Flynn’s disability C.F. gives it all in technicolor so we end up taking Micky deeper into our hearts as we see just what he has dealt with by himself for years. We also get to see Jason (Micky’s best friend) again and we can also see the huge change in him as well, there’s a lot of growing for several characters in this story and it’s a pleasure to see.
I recommend this story to those who love great characters who develop and grow, two men supporting each other through thick and thin, loving and supportive parents and friends, an adorable little boy who will steal your heart, and a great ending that hints at more to come.