Book Review: Hard Ever After

If you didn't know already, I've read every single Hard Ink novel that Laura Kaye ever published. So, I was over-the-moon excited when I saw that there was a wedding novella for one of the couples. I was very thankful to have the opportunity to review the book before it was even released!

Title: Hard Ever After
Series: Hard Ink, #5
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Release Date: February 2, 2016
Pages: 96
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | Harper Collins

Blurb:

Justice served. Honor restored. Team reunited. 

After a long battle to discover the truth, the men and women of Hard Ink have a lot to celebrate, especially the wedding of two of their own--Nick Rixey and Becca Merritt, whose hard-fought love deserves a happy ending.  

As Nick and the team shift from crisis mode to building their new security consulting firm, Becca heads back to work at the ER. But amid the everyday chaos of demanding jobs and their upcoming nuptials, an old menace they thought long gone reemerges, threatening the peace they've only just found. 

Now, for one last time, Nick and Becca must fight for their always and forever, because they know that when true love overcomes all the odds it lasts hard ever after.

I've always loved the Hard Ink series, and this one was no different. As soon as I started the book, I wanted to devour it. I don't know what it was about Laura Kaye and her writing, but I just didn't want to put it down. So, you could probably guess the torture that I had to go through when I had to put down the book and get back to work in the office. The horror!

Anyway, Becca was such a strong and courageous woman. However, even the strongest women feel afraid and defeated sometimes, too. I admired the way that Becca bounced back from her situation and the support that the rest of the team provided her.

One thing that I really loved about the series was the sense of belonging that was very clear. There were times when I was getting a bit choked up along with the characters because their bond was incredible.

Nick was as fierce as ever, and very sweet (but don't tell him I said that). Becca was his weakness, but also the source of his strength. It was such a privilege to be some sort of witness to their love.

"A man with so many rough edges...and a dimple. It slayed her every time."

There was a line that kept being repeated in this book and it was "Always and Forever"... For some reason, I kept thinking of the breakup song that Taylor Swift wrote called "Forever and Always." Thankfully, Nick and Becca's love story was a good one and truly, they were each other's forever. How cute was that?!

I was also thankful for the glimpse into the future of each of the rest of the characters/couples. That was such a nice touch, and bravo to Laura for giving that to the fans.

Last but not least, I've always loved the humor of the Hard Ink series, and this book was no different. The comedic relief was so brilliant!

"Gentlemen, start your livers."

P.S. Becca had the best bachelorette party ever! I want one just like hers!

Want to read my review of the whole series?

1. Hard as it Gets

2. Hard as You Can

2.5 Hard to Hold on To

3. Hard to Come By

3.5. Hard to be Good

4. Hard to Let Go

4.5 Hard as Steel

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Review: One Night Stand

Hi everyone! I was randomly browsing Amazon's free books when I stumbled upon One Night Stand. Check out how I got on with the book below!

Title: One Night Stand
Series: One Night of Danger, #1
Author: Clara Bayard
Self-Published
Release Date: April 22, 2013
Pages: 80
Buy Links: Amazon | ARe | BN | iBooks | Kobo

Blurb:

When Carly Chase, reluctant office assistant, faces off with an irate man at work- bringing up memories she's trying to forget - she's shaken and in need of something to make her feel better. That something arrives in the form of gorgeous, sexy Sam Rollins who appreciates her curves and knows exactly how to please her – all night long. 

But their passionate encounter sets off a series of events that leave Carly in peril and Sam in a tough spot. The one-night stand turns into a risky partnership seeking to bring down a dangerous criminal enterprise with little time to plan or prepare. Standing together they can face the danger, but can the attraction that brought them together keep them alive?

You know that feeling sometimes of wanting to read something short and steamy? Well, that's why I got this book. It was nice that it was free as well. What I got in return was something so much more! This book became intense quickly and I was hooked! When it ended, I refused to believe it. I needed the second book right away!

Carly was curvy and she was always insecure about it, especially when a sexy guy like Sam showed her some passionate attention. She couldn't believe it, but she thought she'd enjoy it while it lasted. 

I was able to guess what Sam's job was just before he told Carly. Finding out what he did made him extra sexy if that was even possible at all. Gosh, I really would like the second book now so I could devour it!

If you're looking for something sexy, but fun, and also intense, give this book a try. It's free, so what have you got to lose? :)

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New Release Promo: Love in the Light

Hi everyone! I have another amazing new release to share! This time, it's Laura Kaye's sequel to Hearts in Darkness! Check it out below!

Title: Love in the Light
Series: Hearts in Darkness, #2
Author: Laura Kaye
Self-Published
Release Date: January 12, 2016
Pages: 197
Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon UK | iBooks | Kobo | Nook

Blurb:

Two hearts in the darkness… 

Makenna James and Caden Grayson have been inseparable since the day they were trapped in a pitch-black elevator and found acceptance and love in the arms of a stranger. Makenna hopes that night put them on the path to forever—which can’t happen until she introduces her tattooed, pierced, and scarred boyfriend to her father and three over-protective brothers. 

Must fight for love in the light… 

Haunted by a childhood tragedy and the loss of his family, Caden never thought he’d find the love he shares with Makenna. But the deeper he falls, the more he fears the devastation sure to come if he ever lost her, too. When meeting her family doesn’t go smoothly, Caden questions whether Makenna deserves someone better, stronger, and just more…normal. Maybe they’re just too different—and he’s far too damaged—after all…

I've read so many of Laura's books, but I haven't read this duet yet. It's honestly so hard to keep up when I have so many favorite authors! Help!

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New Release Promo: In Deep with the FBI Agent

Hi everyone! I've been so busy lately since I'm moving houses and also editing a book and reading a book to review! Whew, so sorry! But today, I wanted to tell you all about one of my favorite author's new release! Check it out below :)

Title: In Deep with the FBI Agent
Series: The Alpha Heroes, #3
Author: Lynne Silver
Publisher: Forever Yours
Release Date:  January 12, 2016
Pages: 272
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo

Blurb:

PASSION UNCOVERED
To Casey, Montgomery Prep isn't just DC's most prestigious private school-it's her alma mater, the place where her fondest memories were made. It's also her current employer and the target of a dangerous cyber criminal. But even more shocking than the crime is the sexy FBI agent who comes to investigate . . . 

With his six-plus frame and gym-sculpted body, no one would suspect FBI special agent Sam Cooper was once an awkward teenage computer geek-no one, that is, except Casey, the gorgeous girl who captured his heart on the first day of high school and held it for the last fourteen years. When a hunt for a hacker brings Casey back into Sam's life, his long-denied desire becomes impossible to ignore. He knows just how to make her forget the boy he was . . . and show her the man he's become.

I've been bad and have not read any of the books in the series, but if you've read any of Lynne's books before, you know that they're going to be amazing. I'll eventually get to reading them, after I've finished all the review books I was sent last month. Yikes!

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Review: A Fall From Yesterday

Title: A Fall From Yesterday
Series: The Standish Clan, #1
Author: Norah Wilson
Publisher: Something Shiny Press
Release Date: January 5, 2016
Pages: 350
Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | iBooks | Nook

Blurb:

Ocean Siliker has come back to Harkness, New Brunswick in defeat, after failing to set New York on fire with her playwriting. The first item on her agenda? Climbing White Crow Cliff, where her best friend Lacey Douglas died six years ago. If she conquers the mountain, perhaps she can rediscover her courage. But the only thing she finds herself is…lost. 

Family obligations have left Titus Standish stuck in Harkness. While his younger siblings went off into the world, he stayed, working the farm and running the local search and rescue. He was there when Lacey fell to her death and blames himself. He dreads the day another mission takes him up there again. But when Ocean’s mother calls, concerned that her daughter is wandering the mountain, he leaps into action. 

Ocean is thrilled to be found…until she sees her savior. She’s known Titus Standish all her life, and has loved him almost that long. But at four years his junior, she was just a kid with a crush. When Titus finds her, he’s determined to march her back down the mountain to safety. But Ocean has other plans; she’ll be damned if she’ll give up this trek. Yet all trails seem to lead to one place…straight into Titus’s arms. 

I was crying towards the end of this book. 

This was the first book I read that was set in Canada. At first, I didn't know even know that so I was a bit weirded out by the names of places and even the names of the characters. Anyway, beyond all of that, I did not expect anything from this book. The author approached me to review it, I read the blurb, and I thought, "hey, sounds interesting enough."

When I first started reading it, I wondered to myself what I was getting myself into. However, as soon as Titus got to the mountain, I was hooked. I couldn't put the book down and I was pleasantly surprised.

Titus finally had the chance to follow his lifelong dream. It was his time to leave Harkness, but he had one more job to do: fetch Ocean from the mountain and bring her back in one piece.

Ocean was so stubborn, but I did admire her determination. Seeing Titus through her eyes was an enjoyable read. To her, Titus was a responsible man who gave himself to the town for many years. On the other hand, I also loved seeing Ocean through Titus' eyes. One thing I remembered was that she had really glossy hair. Their little chats to get to know each other was exciting. I really felt like a fly in the wall when I read this book.

The inner turmoil that Titus went through was so elaborate that I was brought to tears when it was time for him to leave. And then I thought to myself, "oh my gosh, I could totally see this as a movie!" Although it was set in Canada---and I know nothing about the landscape of Canada---I had pictured a western movie and Titus was driving away to chase his dream. 

My other favorite part of this book was the comedic relief. I really appreciate books that was serious and romantic, but had a small (or big) injection of comedy in it. 

"Mrs. Siliker, you're going to spoil that old dog." Scott glanced at the pie. "And us. But keep it up. Though I don't know what either of us did to deserve such a treat." Turning his back to the older woman, he waggled his eye brows at Titus suggestively. Dammit. Titus was going to pummel that boy.

"Just a neighborly gesture," Faye said.

Titus looked at Ocean to see the color rising in her cheeks.

"Axl is out at the Far South Barn with Dad, Faye," Titus said. "Scott would be pleased to walk you out there." It wasn't a long walk, not was it rough or hazardous. And Faye Siliker would certainly know the way, after all the holiday dances she'd attended there. But Titus wanted to be alone with Ocean.

Never slow on the uptake, Scott was already across the room. "It would be my pleasure, Mrs. Siliker."

He extended his elbow and she latched onto it. "That's a splendid idea. And while we're walking, we can have a chat about your moral character, young Mr. Standish."

He blanched. "My moral character?"

"That's right," she said. "We need to discuss your stretching the truth in our phone conversation of the other night. You remember it, don't you? The night you called me to tell me Titus was with Ocean. We should talk about how wrong it is to mislead women on such things as her daughter's suitors, or lack thereof."

Titus shot a baffled look at Ocean, who shrugged.

Scott cleared his throat. "I don't think I said anything that was really...um...wrong?"

"Did you not suggest that Ocean and Titus were dating or something? I believe you also suggested I should feel free to rake Titus over the coals."

"Oh, that."

Titus grinned. So his brother had tried to stir up a little shit for him with their old teacher and it had backfired on him. When would the guy learn?

"Yes. That."

Scott shot a half-serious help me look over her shoulder as she marched him out the door.

Titus turned to Ocean. "Looks good on him, doesn't it?"

She laughed. "Mom is so going to enjoy making him squirm."

"It's like Christmas came early." He glanced back at the table. "And it came with pie. Join me?"

Overall, I would recommend you get this book and tell your friends. And then, if you have a friend in Hollywood, tell that friend to consider pitching this for a movie deal. :)

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