Book Review: Hard Ever After ~ Provocative Pages

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