Title: Too Hard to Forget
Author: Tessa Bailey
First published April 25, 2017
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9781455594184 (ISBN10: 1455594180)
Rating: 3.69
Overview
who’s impossible to resist.
When Peggy Clarkson returns to her hometown, she has only one thing on her mind – getting even with Elliott Brooks. He was the man who broke her heart, and she’s ready to remind him of what he lost.
But there’s a problem – seeing him again after all these years only reignites the passion between them. Elliott has been focused on football, but Peggy is a distraction he can’t ignore.
As they spend more time together, it becomes clear that Peggy is no longer the girl he once knew – she’s a woman he can’t forget. Will they be able to resist each other, or will their past keep pulling them back together?
Find out in Tessa Bailey’s Too Hard to Forget.
About the Author
Tessa Bailey, a renowned author whose books have made it to the New York Times Bestsellers list, is an expert at solving problems – except her own. Instead, she directs her efforts towards creating relatable characters in her stories, particularly blue-collar men and endearing heroines.
She lives on Long Island, where she tends to avoid social interactions and the sun, only to wonder why no one’s reached out to her. Entertainment Weekly has dubbed her the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” and rightfully so – her writing is spiced up with just the right amount of spirit and swoon, culminating in a guaranteed happily ever after.
For more information on her books, visit tessabailey.com, or catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey.
Editoral Review
Too Hard to Forget by Tessa Bailey takes readers on a steamy and emotional journey through the past and present of a tumultuous romance. Bailey, known for her romance novels, delivers yet again with this book, published on April 25, 2017.
The plot follows Peggy, a high school teacher who was previously in a relationship with Elliott, a star football player and her former student. Peggy tries to move on from their past but finds it difficult when Elliott returns to their hometown, forcing them to confront their unresolved feelings for each other.
Baileys writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making the book a quick and enjoyable read. The main characters, Peggy and Elliott, are well-developed and their chemistry is both palpable and frustratingly complicated.
The setting, a small town in Texas, adds a southern charm to the story while also reinforcing the conservative values that fuelled Peggy and Elliotts tumultuous relationship. Despite the book being a romance novel, it tackles serious themes such as sexual harassment, consent, and the lingering effects of trauma.
Bailey incorporates these themes in a thoughtful and respectful way, giving readers the chance to reflect on their own experiences and preconceptions. The books biggest strength lies in Baileys ability to create a wholly immersive story that is impossible to put down.
Her pacing is spot on, with just the right amount of tension building and resolution. The plot structure, while not overly complex, is both satisfying and emotionally impactful.
However, Too Hard to Forget does have a few limitations. The book relies heavily on flashbacks, which can be confusing at times and disrupt the flow of the story.
Additionally, some readers may find the power dynamics and age gap between Peggy and Elliott uncomfortable. Overall, Too Hard to Forget is a compelling romance novel that leaves a lasting impression.
Baileys writing is confident and precise, successfully navigating complex themes and emotions with grace. Readers who enjoy steamy romance novels with a hint of social commentary will find this book impossible to resist.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
