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: Hard to be Good

Title: Hard to be Good
Series: Hard Ink, 3.5
Author: laura Kaye
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Release Date: April 14, 2015
Pages: 99
Buy Link: Amazon

I was provided an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Blurb:

Hard Ink Tattoo owner Jeremy Rixey has taken on his brother's stateside fight against the forces that nearly killed Nick and his Special Forces team a year before. Now, Jeremy's whole world has been turned upside down--not the least of which by a brilliant, quiet blond man who tempts Jeremy to settle down for the first time ever.

Recent kidnapping victim Charlie Merritt has always been better with computers than people, so when he's drawn into the SF team's investigation of his army colonel father's corruption, he's surprised to find acceptance and friendship--especially since his father never accepted who Charlie was. Even more surprising is the heated tension Charlie feels with sexy, tattooed Jeremy, Charlie's opposite in almost every way.

With tragedy and chaos all around them, temptation flashes hot, and Jeremy and Charlie can't help but wonder why they're trying so hard to be good...

This was my first M/M novel. Honestly, I only read it because Laura Kaye wrote it. Boy, was I glad I did! It was so cute and so heartwarming!

Jeremy was the kind of guy that I would totally have a crush on. He was such an open book and also very positive and humorous. He chased after what he wanted and he gave without expecting anything in return. In short, he had a big heart.

Charlie was the guy that was kidnapped and tortured. He was a computer genius, but his father didn't accept his homosexuality. Unlike Jeremy, Charlie was very shy and unsure of himself. Jeremy was a good influence on him, though.

I would be honest and say that it was weird reading about two men getting it on. However, since this was a book, and a well-written one at that, all I saw was love and I was all for love. It was so romantic and I really felt for the characters when they had a little conflict. Ooh, I just wanted to hug them both!

I urge you to have an open mind and read this book. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did. 

Arianne

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Review: Hard To Hold On To

Title: Hard To Hold On To
Series: Hard Ink, 2.5
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Pages: 208
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

Edward "Easy" Cantrell knows better than most the pain of not being able to save those he loves—which is why he is not going to let Jenna Dean out of his sight. He may have just met her, but Jenna's the first person to make him feel alive since that devastating day in the desert more than a year ago.

Jenna has never met anyone like Easy. She can't describe how he makes her feel—and not just because he saved her life. No, the stirrings inside her stretch far beyond gratitude.

When the pair is thrust together and chaos reigns around them, they both know one thing: The things in life most worth having are the hardest to hold on to.

Review

This book had so much emotions embedded in it. I just love how vulnerable and strong Easy was. It was interesting how he was incredibly attracted and protective towards Jenna. 

The panic attacks that Jenna experienced in the book hit close to home. I don't have panic attacks, but I do have anxiety attacks. Reading about Jenna's experience made me feel like I was there with her. I loved that Easy was able to be her rock throughout her ordeal. 

Even though this book was serious in many ways, I also enjoyed the comedic relief once in a while.

     He nodded and gestured to the hall. "Be right back." Just before he walked out the door, he glanced over his shoulder, and found her gripping the bed and bouncing her foot again. Because he was leaving.
     Then he wouldn't leave. At least, not enough to actually leave her alone. "All right, Jenna. I'm getting dressed right outside the door. Don't come out now. Wouldn't want to tarnish my reputation."

"Dude," Jeremy said, rubbing his arm. "Maybe you aren't doing it right 'cause sex is supposed to chill your ass out." (to Nick)

This is a must-read just like all the other books in the series... Go and get it now!

Check out my other reviews here:

Hard As It Gets, #1

Hard As You Can, #2

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