Review: Hard to Hold

Title: Hard to Hold
Author: Incy Black
Publisher: Entangled: Ignite
Release Date: April 28, 2014
Pages: 177
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

Anna Key Marshall is about to get what she’s always wanted: a baby. Granted, it’s through a sperm donor instead of her ex-husband, but you can’t have everything. She has no idea why someone wants her dead, but she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her unborn child—even if it means turning to her ex, the Black Ops specialist who broke her heart.

Five years ago, British Intelligence agent Nick Marshall slammed the door on the woman who betrayed him. But now Anna’s back in his life with a vengeance, pregnant and full of attitude. He’d like nothing better than to walk away, but with her life on the line, he has no choice but to do what he does best—protect her at all costs.

As old wounds resurface, Nick begins to doubt his version of what went down with Anna so long ago. And he begins to believe they might have a second chance together. But with Anna’s would-be killer on the loose—it will take the full force and fury of his protective instincts, fueled by a powerful love he can’t leave behind, to hold on to the woman he still loves.

Review

Like sunshine and rain, Anna and Nick did not mix well. However, that doesn't mean their bodies didn't mold well together...

From beginning to end, Anna and Nick were taking bites off each other's heads. There was no apparent warmth between them. Only the two of them knew that deep down, they deeply care about each other.

This book was quite serious and heavy in conflict. I liked it, but there wasn't enough romance for me. I liked that they both were willing to protect each other no matter the cost. However, it was a bit predictable. There also wasn't enough humor in the story to lighten it up a bit. Nick was always grumpy and Anna was always hiding behind her wall. Even when they have monkey sex together, they still weren't one. The scene below was one of the only funny scenes I remembered.

Anna: "I've reconsidered. I'll move into any safe house you designate, but alone."
Nick: "Uh-uh. Will's right. We need to conserve resources. Fortress is off the case. The Service has taken over. And you can stop looking so desperate, Anna, it's insulting. I'm moving in, so get used to it."
Anna: "We tried living together once before, Nick, and look what a disaster that turned out to be. The only thing that held us together was..."
Nick: "Were you about to say 'great sex' again? You didn't hold back last time. But just so we're clear, I'm moving in, but not to share your bed. At least, not without an invitation, and you're blushing, Anna."
Anna: "Really? I wonder why? God, of all the presumptuous, insensitive, arrogant -- I was going to say ancient history."
Nick: "Liar. I was bang on target the first time, no pun intended."
Will: "Feeling decidedly uncomfortable here, people. Way too hot for me. Forensics left five minutes ago, and I believe I'll join them. You two obviously have a few ground rules to discuss, and I really don't need to be a party to them."
Anna: "You embarrassed Will."
Nick: "No, I embarrassed you. Will could barely contain his laughter. By the morning he'll be running a bet at the Cube as to which one of us survives this arrangement."

Overall, the story was good. It's worth a read if you have nothing else to do on a weekend. The tension and danger sure wasn't lacking, so that should keep you interested :)