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Hard Focus: What happens when your intuition lies?

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Where do you place your trust when your own instincts betray you?


Connie Rowe is a receptionist at a respected legal firm. She’s a little bit sassy, a lotta bit happy, has good friends, and is adored by her neighbors.


Life is good.


She’s got a boyfriend she enjoys spending time with. He can be a little intense, but he’s got a lot going on in his own life, sorting out his young daughter and nightmare of an ex.


Life is grand.


“Trust your gut.” That’s what Connie’s police officer father told her often, training his daughter to believe in herself through the years.


But … what happens when you can’t? When your intuition lies?


What happens when things come into Hard Focus?


------------------
Early reader
"Hard Focus was totally edge-of-the-seat, what shoe is about to drop next!"


"Made me really ponder how well you know someone, and how someone can screw up your gut instinct."


"[deMora] can write about anything and her characters come alive."


"This is really really good. I'm supposed to be working but they can wait."


"It is a great story. Definitely one I wanted to read straight through."

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2018

8 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

MariaLisa deMora

80 books565 followers
Raised in the south, Wall Street Journal & USA TODAY bestselling author MariaLisa deMora learned about the magic of books at an early age. Every summer, she would spend hours in the local library, devouring books of every genre. Self-described as a book-a-holic, she says "I've always loved to read, but then I discovered writing, and found I adored that, too. For reading...if nothing else is available, I've been known to read the back of the cereal box."

A member of Romance Writers of America, deMora​ has penned a variety of stories, with five established series that include motorcycle romance, veteran repatriation, and time travel, as well as a romantic standalone, dark suspense, and a legal thriller. Her website is filled with links and information, as well as extras like character interviews, playlists, poetry, and trailer videos!

Her short bio reads, "Plate-spinner / cat herder at work; totally geeked author; single mom in the thick of autism at home; hockey freak; wanna-be hiker; usta-be/on-again EQ gamer."

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5 stars
59 (69%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,943 reviews418 followers
September 3, 2018
This was a fabulous read for me. Totally not what I expected and that delighted me.

The author threw me on a rollercoaster of a ride with this story. The twists kept coming and I didn’t know what to think.

Go in blind. This is one of those stories that needs to be felt, to be read without spoilers.

I absolutely loved this story. From start to finish I devoured this story. You need to as well.

Can’t wait to read more fro this author.
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,350 followers
March 1, 2019
The main topic of the story is the one I didn't think ever exists...

Copareting with a rapist.

I repeat: coparenting with a rapist!
And also the debate if the woman may terminate the pregnancy caused by rape...
In some US states, if the identity of the man is known, termination of the pregnancy is only allowed if the woman's rapist agrees.

What???! Is it a sick joke???!

Is our legal system really that broken, that women, who were raped and got pregnant, are forced by law (are you kidding me?) to share a custody with their rapists?

What world are we living in?

Respect to the author for raising this issue!!!

PLEASE READ THE AFTERWORD!!!
BE THE CHANGE!!!!
Profile Image for Rose  Puls .
1,867 reviews323 followers
August 15, 2018


"It still felt like her bad-guy radar was broken."

Sometimes I feel like MariaLisa deMora is the one I should be watching out for. I started reading her books because I'm addicted to MC Romance, but then she decides to change things up and I just follow her wherever she leads me like a Pied Piper. I never know what to expect, and sometimes I'm afraid to find out, but it's always an adventure.

The author was really kinda sneaky by writing the synopsis the way that she did. She had me doubting myself before I even started reading. I was reluctant to trust my own instincts because I thought she was setting me up. I have to admit my red-flag-system was working overtime almost immediately, but was it faulty? That's what I kept asking myself over and over as my skin crawled and I hesitantly turned the next page.

Connie is a very smart girl, she's careful and observes her surroundings. Her father taught her to trust her instincts and she's learned to listen to her gut feelings. When her life takes a turn she wasn't expecting and everything she thought she knew turns out to be false, who can she trust? She no longer believes the voices in her head that tell her when something is true or safe. How can she when she was so wrong before?

Yeah, going into a story knowing those things will have you on high alert, right? It had me fine tuning my 'spidey senses' and polishing my 'profiling skills' as I carefully tried to put everything into 'hard focus' as I read. I must tell you, some things had the hair on the back of my neck tingling and once I knew the facts I wanted to grab a shovel and shove someone into a big hole. I wasn't feeling very law abiding when I learned a few truths that were very disturbing.

As always, MariaLisa deMora also created some amazing characters that I fell in love with. She made me feel their care and support for each other and I laughed at their banter. I always finish her books sad to be leaving my new friends, but always with a smile on my face, hoping that I might meet them again later in another story. I'll probably need backup myself, depending on what crazy adventure the author decides to take me on next. The line forms here...
Profile Image for Marie Vasquez.
1,598 reviews77 followers
August 29, 2018
What an amazing story! Filled with a smidge of suspense, a dash of action and a heap of realism of our country’s laws and how their vague application to victims can adversely affect its citizens and the people in their lives.

There may have been a bit of romance in this book...but it was not the sole focus of the story just a byproduct for the characters’ journey. I’m truly amazed at the information I gained from this book. I had no clue and would like to start by telling this amazing author, Thank You, for opening my eyes to something I was blind to until now.

Told from three character perspectives we see different angles to this story as Connie lives her life day to day. In the dating world she’s just as open as the next girl to meeting new people and taking on a relationship in a casual way. She’s independent and strong and isn’t in search of a forever. She’s strong on her own and isn’t one of those women looking to be saved. Thanks to her wonderful upbringing she has her standards high and isn’t one to settle.

Her current relationship is still new but it’s comfortable. He’s a nice guy and they get along well..but what Connie learns is that not everyone’s true colors show as easily as hers. What happens when you find out the person you’re spending time with isn’t their true self? Her strength becomes more evident as the reader sees her handle this as well as how she recovers from what affects it has on her life.

Not only am I in awe of the story but MariaLisa deMora continues to blow my mind with her way of telling a story. She’s so descriptive with the characters emotions and action without it even appearing that way. As a reader I have a tendency to zone out when the author starts to describe every grain of sand in the beach (I’m exaggerating a bit, but you know what I mean) but this author can weave her words to make it all seem so poetic. Whether she’s describing the life of a biker or telling the tale of relationship like in this story, she makes it so impactful as well as unforgettable. Every experience I’ve had with her characters has always been a fully realized journey.

When I started this book, it was in the late hours when I should have been going to bed. I figure, why not start on it now while I have a few mins before I crash. The only mistake I made was in not realizing how captivated I would be. Those few mins turned into hours until I had to force my self to bed in the wee hours of the morning. But what can I say? I COULD NOT put it down. That’s a statement that has always described my experience with any and all books written by this author and I have a feeling it should just be placed on every one of her covers as a fair warning to the reader. Especially if they start late at night and have work the next day. But I wouldn’t have it any other way when a MariaLisa deMora novel is on the table. *wink wink*
Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,124 reviews13 followers
September 3, 2018
What happens when one of your favorite MC authors writes a book totally not MC ?
You get a book that totally makes you wonder what the hell you just read but in a good way, I am not usually into this kind of edge of your seat needing to read the next page after page to see just where this story is going and if it is at all where you think it is going.
I will tell you this if I was not a fan of MariaLisa Demora before I totally am now.

You totally rocked my reading world with this one and I am forever grateful!!!
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,112 reviews39 followers
August 12, 2018
Had no clue what this one was even going to be about. Wow was this an interesting read. Connie is involved with someone but she doesn't realize who he really is until after they break up. Some twists and turns that have you on the edge of your seat. Enjoyable read with some great characters who have great chemistry. A strong subject matter that was well written. Really made me think about the subject matter and how it affects people. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Kim Easley.
66 reviews7 followers
June 5, 2019
Hard Focus

Amazing author, amazing read. Pulled all the emotions out of you. Love this author so much. Tough topic written with knowledge and understanding. Thank you.
Profile Image for Glenna Maynard.
Author 143 books1,487 followers
September 4, 2018
I have been in a bit of a book funk so when MariaLisa offered me an ARC of this book I said hell yes please. This book kept me turning the pages wondering what was going to happen. I am usually pretty good at guessing twists but not with this book. She totally surprised me and brought me out of my funk. No spoilers. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews360 followers
September 3, 2018
4 ~ 4.5 stars
~Jess
This is my first book by this author and there was just something about the synopsis that intrigued me. This was not quite what I was expecting but it was an intriguing page-turner. There were moments where I was on the edge of my seat. Moments were I held my breath. Moments were I found myself lost in thought.

Connie has always thought of herself as a good judge of character. She was told to always trust her instincts, but what happens when you miss the signs? This book was more thought-provoking than I expected it to be. Connie is caught up in a twisted story that she was totally blind to. But no fault of her own she realizes that the person she thought she was with was really a stranger.

This really isn't a romance book, while there is a budding romance found in the pages, this was more about the ways in which we can be blinded by what people want us to see. It is about always trusting your instincts and if your gut is telling you something seems off, it might be right. This book also brings to light a flawed system that we can only hope is changed in the future. It brought to light larger societal problems, then just a monster in disguise.

This story was well written and certainly interesting. As I said, not quite what I was expecting but I think the surprise made me like it more. I like being taken off guard. There were some twists and turns and some really hair-raising scenes. I liked the way the story was woven and I didn't really put this down once I started it. As this was my first taste of this author, I certainly need to look into her other works.
Profile Image for Tabitha.
612 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2018
An Amazing Story!

I am such a huge fan of MariaLisa. She puts so much of herself into her stories, she has an amazing talent and I am honored to be able to read her masterpieces.

Hard Focus is one very well-written tale. 5 stars is not enough for me.

This story shocked me to the core. This is one eye-opening story that I never knew existed.

I received an ARC and in return, I am giving my honest review. I Absolutely loved this story. MariaLisa's storytelling and the storylines are very emotional.

I will highly recommend it to my friends.
663 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2019
Wow

What a way to bring deficiencies in Laws to people who can add their voice to change them. Brilliantly written, confronting in what happens in the non-fictional world and meshing it with a rather sweet romance.
Profile Image for Kathleen Kelly.
Author 54 books1,207 followers
October 29, 2021
I loved this book.
The characters are really well written.
Connie our heroine, has a boyfriend. I kept waiting for him to step up, be the "man"
MLD threw me a curveball.
It wasn't something I expected, it didn't even occur to me. The plot twist is so good.
I'm NOT going to spoil it for you but read this book.
Follow Connie as she goes with her gut and eventually comes out the other side... maybe a little damaged but a whole lot better off.

And as people who know me know, MLD is one of my favourite Authors. If you haven't read her, give this one a go, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for JL Roberts.
766 reviews91 followers
September 12, 2018
***Arc was given by author for an honest review***

Some suspense, a smidgen of romance and you get a pretty great read. This was my first MariaLisa deMora read and I quite enjoyed it. I will definitely pick up more reads by this author.
3,341 reviews18 followers
August 24, 2018
"Trust your gut." Women's intuition and so many other versions of the same requires you believe in your own judgment. What happens when something proves everything you've believed in is wrong?

Connie liked her job, liked her boyfriend, you could say she loved one and it wasn't the man. Life was good. Not perfect but good. They'd been dating a while when suddenly their date involved picking up the daughter Connie didn't know he had. The little girl was adorable if shy and not well bonded with daddy. There was the worst handoff of the child to father possible. Connie felt for her boyfriend and the little girl.

As things developed she began to see things that made her realize their relationship was not going to become permanent. A serious accident brought with it information she couldn't believe.

To keep any spoilers from the reader, no more information can be revealed. What I can say is the author has taken a real-life appalling situation and written into a touching story that brings it to life for the reader. Perhaps the reason Connie doesn't hear her gut this time is that the situation is so unbelievable. She does a wonderful job of creating characters we love or hate, families that are true to life and friends of the kind we all wish we had.

I strongly recommend this book for both entertainment and to broaden your knowledge of certain laws that must be revisited.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On.
Profile Image for Shaly.
1,198 reviews
September 5, 2018
So I purchased this book yesterday, began reading it this morning and could not for the life of me put it down! Whenever I did have to take a break..you know like to feed my daughter....I would hurriedly complete my task to get back to this hard to believe read!

I cannot believe that laws like this truly exist! I'm so disgusted right now! I mean like its not enough that a woman has been taken against her will, but to have to relive that horrible event over and over again because some fucked up law basically feels bad for a fucking rapist!!!! Since when did a disgusting attacker deserve any rights to anything!!! That is just so fucking absurd!!!

As far as the book, well MdM has yet another hit, while I was just shocked and revolted to read what happened to poor Audrey, MdM wrote this with her usual eloquence and informative style. The book may have been fiction but the premise it was based on was, unfortunately very real and MdM knows how to convey such a hurtful story into something that ends up beautiful and helping people. These women, Audrey and Connie are not victims! They are fighters and MdM captured that perfectly in this story! It was a very infuriating but very intriguing read and I for one will definitely look into the laws in my state because shit like this should not happen to anyone who has been assaulted...never!

BTW...Cole was just the most sweetest guy ever! Absolutely loved him and Connie!

Great book MdM...as always I look forward to your next one...
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews36 followers
September 1, 2018
When I read the introduction to the book stating there was an incident that encouraged the author to write this book I thought ok this is going to be interesting. Boy was I right. This author writes a great story that even with the subject matter doesn't end up being brutal and hard to read. Nope this story mostly dealt with the impact the violence has on those that have been victimized by rape and what may be the result of it. This is a great read and while it did have it's emotional side it was not dark and dreary. The subject matter can be intense and this author also gives us staggering statistics in the afterwords. I won't get on this soap box because this is about the book not justification.

Cole watched her every time she came and couldn't understand what reason she would have for staying with him. He was one of his sisters protectors and even if he hadn't been there to protect her before he would now. This is a great book for many reasons but Cole and Connie each play a vital roll in the outcome. Connie is strong and self-reliant, independent and she thought a good judge of character. She finds herself in the middle of a mess she wouldn't wish on her enemies but one she wont back down from. Awesome read for many reasons. Find out for yourself why changes need to be made and hard focus placed where it hasn't been before.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews176 followers
September 3, 2018
Hard Focus is one of those stories that I never saw coming. The talented MariaLisa deMora really threw me for a loop with the synopsis, so seriously, when I say the twists came out of left field, I mean it for real. They were around every corner, so my f-bomb dropping button was set to high throughout this story, with that huge twist leaving me to the point of speechlessness. Normally, I would give a brief description of the plot, but since I want everyone to have that same OMG experience that I had, there will be no description, brief or otherwise, in this review whatsoever. I can say that this author floored me with a topic that had me thinking about the unfairness in our society today, which is something that must be changed immediately, and did it in a way that will stay in my head forever, since she used it in a story, with characters that I imprinted on 100%. I stayed in one position cover to cover, with my heart racing, because while I felt something off, I had no clue what that feeling was, but knew that I had to find out, so I couldn't put this book down until every last word was devoured. Anyway, that's enough out of me, since it only wastes time that everyone could be using to one click the fantastic Hard Focus, so bottom line, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,266 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2018
Holy Smoke. This book!!!

This author has a way of blowing my mind every time I read one of her books. She can write anything, romance, bikers, tough topics anything.
This one was no different. From the moment I started reading this book, I knew something was going to happen. And I knew it wasn't going to be good. I went into this book knowing nothing, I didn't read the blurb, I just wanted to read it because of the author. And man was I surprised.

In the beginning Cole annoyed me because he was being harsh towards Connie and he didn't even know her. But as you read further you can understand his feelings. I liked that the book was told from Connie, Cole and Jonas's point.

I am not telling you what its about. You have to read this book for yourself. It will have you hooked from the start. You will be happy, annoyed, freaked the hell out and then so many other emotions. Lots of twists and turns and things you wont see coming.

Another amazing job MariaLisa... you keep amazing me women
Profile Image for delane.
179 reviews20 followers
August 25, 2018
"BE THE CHANGE"
I keep sayin that there just aren't enough stars to give to some of Marialisa deMora 's books...this one is no different!
Damn this is good!
I read this book in 5 hours!
Crying, cussing, clapping, and coughing!
It's sweet where ya want it. It's funny where ya need it. It pisses you right the hell off when you're so not expecting it and believe me.....it will make you stop, slam on the brakes, and do a double take at just how good you really think YOU are at reading people.
This book is creepy as hell!
This is one of those books that NEEDED to be written. That NEEDED to be put in people's faces. That NEEDED to be brought out into the light. I hate like a son-of-a-bitch that what goes on in this book is something that does happen, but the fact of the matter is that it does happen.
Read this book. Really read it. Enjoy it! Cuz it is that damn good! But then, read the afterwards....and think...what can you do...what can we all do to Be The Change?
Profile Image for Naughty Nightie.
625 reviews13 followers
September 5, 2018
Wow, MariaLisa hooks you in right from the beginning with this one. Once you start it's hard to put down and you have to keep going right until the end. Connie has everything going for her a great job she loves, great friends and a new boyfriend Jonas. Jonas has a child from a previous relationship who he has every second weekend. After a couple of months, Jonas decides its time for Connie to come along and join him on visitation pick up. Connie didn't see why she has to go along and she doesn't feel comfortable when she sees the confrontations between Jonas and his ex's brothers on pick up.
One day Connie is in the wrong place at the wrong time and has an accident and fate changes everything. I can't say too much more without giving everything away. I received a copy (thank you) to do an honest review for Naughty Nightie Book Blog. This one is full of twists and turns you don't see coming ending up with a book hangover.
Profile Image for Cassie Ashford.
1,073 reviews9 followers
September 3, 2018
This book was completely unexpected and I loved it! Reading the blurb you think you have an idea where this is going but the author completely throws you off course and makes you wonder if you really knew what you were getting in to. Connie has a boyfriend she cares for but hasn't decided if she wants to go the distance with him. Things are strained with the mother of his daughter and we have no idea why. I thought maybe they had a tumultuous relationship and experienced a hard break up. But things are never what they seem. In steps Cole. Firefighter and savior uncle to Connie's boyfriend's daughter. Cole saves Connie's life and this event leads Connie down a path of awakening she wasn't ready for. This book has so many twists and turns you get whiplash but it's all for the good. This is an amazing book and I'm so glad to have found this author!
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,402 reviews75 followers
September 4, 2018
4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story flowed well and kept you interested. The story has pain, sadness, secrets, suspense, and danger.

This is Connie’s story. Connie has a good life or so she believes. He father taught her to always trust her gut. But what happens when her gut instinct is off? Does she really know who to trust? Can she trust herself to figure out who is out to get her? Can you figure out what is going on or will you be trying to figure out throughout the entire book? This is an edge of your seat ride that will pull you in and keep you turning the pages. Get ready for a bumpy ride. You think you can trust anyone in this story? Think again.

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Manda Mellett.
Author 52 books333 followers
August 9, 2018
An Outstanding Read

A plot full of twists and turns, a story that’s not quite what it seems, strong characterisation, jaw dropping revelations… what more do you need from a book? This one’s got it all. Intertwined with an insight into bizarre legal processes which can lead to some people landing up in impossible situations.
This is a page turner. As you read on, your assumptions are challenged as things are not quite what they seem. If you want a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this book won’t disappoint. A full 5* read.
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,009 reviews54 followers
September 2, 2018
Wow, what an absolute page turner. When I first began reading I wasn't exactly sure what to expect but once I started I just couldn't put it down. It was really interesting to see how other parts of the world deal with the sensitive issue of rape especially where it results in the birth of a child.

Connie is in a relationship with Jonas but she has no idea what kind of man he really is. Once they break up and things start to unravel she realises what a narrow escape she really had.

It's a great read with twists and turns to keep you locked into the story throughout!

Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,556 reviews85 followers
August 19, 2018
Reviewer: Raychel
Rating: 4.5 Stars

I could not put Hard Focus down, right from the beginning it drew me in. Connie is the main character and I enjoyed her strength. She isn’t the only POV we get, at first I wasn’t sure who the main male character was because we have Cole and Jonas. We find out later stuff and stuff happens and we know Cole is the perfect guy for Connie. I love how the whole issue is written and handled. The writing is smooth and flows nicely.
6 reviews
August 26, 2018
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I believe every woman should read this, and just soak it all in and take it to heart. As the story progressed, my emotions went from terrified to triumphant. ML has a certain magical touch to writing her characters, that they become either your nemesis, your best friend, or your love interest. That is certainly portrayed in this spin around. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Happy reading.
Profile Image for Sharee.
238 reviews
September 5, 2018
Wow. Just wow. First time reading this author and it blew me away. I didn't expect this at all. I was thinking this would be another cheating ex kind of thing. Yeah, no. It was stressful lol. The twist was insane!! I can't really express how I truly feel without giving too much away but it was a really great read. I would have like to have seen closure from Audrey, but who knows, maybe she'll get her own story. *fingers crossed*
Profile Image for Wendy Ihnat.
274 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2018
Where do I start with this one.....I read this in 3 1/2 hours uninterrupted, I absolutely could NOT put it down. Very deep, keeps you guessing, what's gonna happen next, kind of book. I love how strong her characters are, especially the females! I have this on pre-order but was honored to receive a copy early. And yes, I am still keeping the pre-order! MariaLisa is the kind of writer that grabs you by the seat of your pants and doesn't let go from start to finish.
#BigTimeFanGirl
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
410 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2018
Wow! I am in awe of ML DeMora’s skill in crafting this story. It is a thriller without feeling like one. You don’t realize just how many pieces of the puzzle are missing until they are revealed and you get them. There are so many deeper veins of thought running through this story. I want to say more, but I don’t want to say anything to ruin the story. Just know this story is deep and a must read!
1,961 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2018
Wow, this book is emotional. It touches so many subjects, and leaves you gasping. I didn't see it going this way.

MariaLisa did simply amazing with this book, and dealt with all the issues very well.

You couldn't help, but feel for these characters. You can't help, but feel their strength, and kindness.

I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it. Wtmo
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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