Friday, May 16, 2014

[Pat's Review]: "Hard As You Can"

Hard As You Can by Laura Kaye
Publisher: Avon (February 25, 2014)
Series: Hard Ink, 2
Genre: Romantic Suspense



Five dishonored soldiers.
Former Special Forces.
One last mission.
These are the men of Hard Ink. 

Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he’s shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister’s sake, Crystal can’t get too close. Until her job and Shane’s mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed. 

Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn't want him to uncover. Too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can—and never let go.


Where to Buy*:
More Info:


Reviews of Kaye's Previous Books:

Hard As It Gets (#1) -- Kame


Pat's Review:



This is the second novel in the Hard Ink Series, and continues where Hard As It Gets ended.  Nick Rixey and his band of former Special Ops warriors are working to rescue Becca  Merritt's brother Charlie. These men are like brothers and work together like a well oiled machine.



Shane McCallan is working through his anger at Nick for turning away from him after the teams last mission went very bad.  This rescue is all about Becca and her brother, and all other feelings are brushed aside for now.


Crystal Dean works as a waitress/dancer at Confessions. It's a strip club catering to some questionable characters, and thugs. Crystal landed there after her father passed away, and she had to pay his debt to a mob boss named Church. Crystal has a younger sister, Jenna, who she is trying to protect and prevent getting involved in this life. She becomes unwittingly entangled with helping the rescue of Charlie, and comes to the attention of Shane. He is immediately intrigued, especially when she begs him to hit her for the benefit of the camera.  He needs to find out more about this woman, and the pain and fear in her eyes.



This novel is violent, graphic and exciting. We are reintroduced to Jeremy, Nick's brother, who is a tattoo artist and owner of Hard Ink. An exciting addition is Ian, another tattoo artist who is a member of a motorcycle club. He and his club, for a very high price, are willing to help Nick and the others accomplish their mission. Crystal and Shane learn each other's secrets and can't stay away from each other despite Crystal's protector Bruno, and all he is involved in. His name is an apt description of him! There is more information about the ongoing effort to find out the truth about Becca's father and commander of the ill fated spec ops mission. Shane  and Crystal can't fight their feelings for each other, but she is in so much danger they are allowed very little contact.  Would have loved more Crystal and Shane.



This novel has everything, tattooed warriors, bikers, and sweet hot romance. Can't wait for Hard To Hold On To, the next in the series.


4 STARS! 

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Pat received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for her honest opinion.

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Thanks for the review, Pat! :) I really need to start this series soon! Ex-military men and tatts? I'm in! :) 

Have you read Laura Kaye? Do you have a favorite book of hers?





Enjoy!


Until Next Time,


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12 comments :

Sophia Rose said...

I need to start this series. It sounds fab.

Sharlene Wegner said...

I have this & the first book in my TBR. I need more time!

The_Book_Queen said...

Me, too! If you find the trick or magic potion that leads to more time, let me know the secret! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

I know -- I'm tempted to try it on Audio, since I finished at least 4 of those a month while walking and working out. :) Kind of ties in with the "find more time" that Sharlene mentioned, but in a loop-hole way.


Enjoy!
TBQ

Sophia Rose said...

That's awesome! The walking and working out while reading part. I, apparently, step into traffic and get off pace when I try to do that. My limit are listening while doing chores around the house. Haha!

Sharlene Wegner said...

Winning the lottery, so I don't have to work would be a great solution! And very realistic! LOL!

The_Book_Queen said...

:) True! Know of anyway to rig the lottery in our favor? Hm . . .

The_Book_Queen said...

LOL. Believe me, I get distracted once in a while, too, especially if it's a good smexy scene! :) But most of my walks are with the two dogs, and they keep my mind on the path ahead so as to avoid be tripped, tangled, yanked, etc. :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Ooh, now I'm curious about Jeremy and I haven't even read the books yet! :)

Sophia Rose said...

Haha! Yes a sexy scene would definitely get me into trouble especially walking dogs.

The_Book_Queen said...

Let me tell what's even worse than being distracted by it -- having a friendly neighbor stop to chat while it's playing, making you blush and hurry to hit pause on the player! LOL Happened more times than I care to admit . . .

Sophia Rose said...

Oh my glands! That's hilarious!