ARC Review: Ride Hard

Ever since I became one of the lucky ones to be granted an ARC every time Laura Kaye releases a new book, I have read the entire Hard Ink series, and I cannot wait to read the whole Raven Riders series! I hope you'll stay with me as I review my way through Laura Kaye's masterpieces. Let's start with the first book of her new series below.

Title: Ride Hard
Series: Raven Riders, #1
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: April 26, 2016
Pages: 384
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo

Blurb:

Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders...

Raven Riders Motorcycle Club President Dare Kenyon rides hard and values loyalty above all else. He'll do anything to protect the brotherhood of bikers--the only family he's got--as well as those who can't defend themselves. So when mistrustful Haven Randall lands on the club's doorstep scared that she's being hunted, Dare takes her in, swears to keep her safe, and pushes to learn the secrets overshadowing her pretty smile.

Haven fled from years of abuse at the hands of her criminal father and is suspicious of any man's promises, including those of the darkly sexy and overwhelmingly intense Ravens' leader. But as the powerful attraction between them flares to life, Dare pushes her boundaries and tempts her to want things she never thought she could.

The past never dies without a fight, but Dare Kenyon's never backed down before...

Laura Kaye did it again! This book was riveting and I couldn't put it down!

First of all, let's take a moment to appreciate one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen. From the moment she revealed the cover until now, I'm still in love with it.

Haven was such an interesting character. She was strong and the most amazing baker that ever existed, apparently! I honestly wish I had the talent to make such heavenly creations like she did in the book. 

Shaking away the thought, Dare elbowed his way to the table. "Y'all are a bunch of goddamned vultures," he said, diving in for another and taking two more for good measure.

As per Laura's signature, there was just the perfect amount of humor in this book. I really did enjoy the camaraderie among the riders. I could really sense the unity and their love and respect for each other. It was written so well that these factors were simply jumping out the pages.

Eyes still down, Dare shrugged. He saw it. He saw her. "Doesn't really matter, does it?" Something hit him in the forehead. He flinched as a pencil tumbled down his front and fell to the floor.

Dare: "Ow, you fucker. Coulda taken my damn eye out."

Maverick: "Uh-huh. Stop shitting me for a minute."

Dare: "What do you want from me, Maverick?"

Maverick: "You like her."

Dare: "Mav--"

Maverick: "You fucking like her."

The big idiot grinned. Like there was anything good about Dare's errant feelings.

Dare: "Good-bye, Maverick. Don't let the door hit ya in the ass on the way out."

Dare wasn't the kind of alpha male that growled and marked his territory, because come on, he's the club president. He kind of already had the automatic respect from everyone. I also liked that Haven was stepping out of her shell. It reminded me a little bit of myself the way she was sheltered. Also, the way that she grew up; only knowing about pain and fear, and not about acceptance and kindness.

Don't get me wrong though. Nothing's hotter than a dangerous-looking Dare. Oh wait, there is, actually. A badass Haven. I can't say anything more than that because those details would be spoilers, so you'll just have to read the book.

"...[she] guarded you like a lioness guarding her cubs."

JUST ABSOLUTE BRILLIANCE!

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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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Cover Reveal: Ride Hard

I don't usually do cover reveals, but Laura Kaye is one of my favorite authors AND this new cover is so hot, I just had to share! Behold, the cover of the first book of the spinoff Raven Riders series, Ride Hard! *applause*

Being a member of her street team, I had the privilege of seeing this cover days before today. Upon closer inspection, I fell in love with how beautiful it looked. From the black and white effect, to the sexy man on the bike, to the fact that I knew this book would be amazing; I couldn't contain my excitement. Thus, the reason I'm sharing this cover reveal with you.

What do you think? Are you excited for this series?

Title: Ride Hard

Series: Raven Riders, #1

Author: Laura Kaye

Publisher: Harper Collins

Release Date: April 26, 2016

Pages: 320

Blurb:

Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders...

Raven Riders Motorcycle Club President Dare Kenyon rides hard and values loyalty above all else. He'll do anything to protect the brotherhood of bikers--the only family he's got--as well as those who can't defend themselves. So when mistrustful Haven Randall lands on the club's doorstep scared that she's being hunted, Dare takes her in, swears to keep her safe, and pushes to learn the secrets overshadowing her pretty smile.

Haven fled from years of abuse at the hands of her criminal father and is suspicious of any man's promises, including those of the darkly sexy and overwhelmingly intense Ravens' leader. But as the powerful attraction between them flares to life, Dare pushes her boundaries and tempts her to want things she never thought she could.

The past never dies without a fight, but Dare Kenyon's never backed down before...

Arianne

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Promo: Courting Innocence

Today, we have another sexy, modern romance involving escorts! Hope you'll check it out! I'd definitely want to read this!

Title: Courting Innocence
Series: Courting Series, #1
Author: Kimberly Dean
Publisher: Harper Collins Mischief
Release Date: July 30, 2015
Pages: 248
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo | ARe

Blurb:

Even Nice Girls Have Needs.

Erin starts using matchmaker Luxxor Limited, not realizing that the company is truly an escort service. She meets a series of hunky men, but the dates are disappointing. She wants a man that will awaken her senses, challenge her thoughts, and rev up her body. But she gets more than she bargained for when Luxxor sets her up with another client, lawyer Colton King. Her big brother’s best friend.

Erin has always lusted for Colt. Dark, muscled, and brooding, he was her first teenage crush. Now he’s her favourite fevered fantasy. He’s just never taken notice of her before. She has his attention now.

Colton is horrified when he learns the scandalous game Erin has been playing with Luxxor’s escorts. He orders her to stop, but things go a bit too far … and become a bit too sexy … Soon Colt is escorting Erin straight to his bed.

Years ago, her family forbade him to touch her. How will he defend himself when they learn how impure his thoughts are for their innocent, loving daughter? The one who’s grown up into the sweetest, naughtiest, little temptress.

‘Colt –’

She didn’t get his whole name out, because his mouth was suddenly covering hers in a kiss so hot, she worried her shoes would melt.

He caught her wrists and pressed them flat against the wall on either side of her head, and arousal gushed inside her. Slick and viscous, it filled her veins, making her muscles tense and relax at the same time.

It had been good when she’d kissed him before. Fantastic.

This was the first time he’d taken the lead, and the sensuality was insane.

He tore his mouth away from hers. His chest was rising and falling in jagged movements. ‘You have to stop this,’ he said hoarsely. ‘You have to stop teasing me. Stop tempting me.’

‘No, I don’t.’ Her breaths were coming hard, too, and she ran her tongue over her lips. ‘Give in.’

‘Erin.’ His voice was sharp, like when he went after someone on the stand.

She arched sexily. She wanted him to come after her.

‘I have,’ she whispered.

His eyes flashed to nearly the colour of midnight. His fingers bit into her wrists, and Erin revelled in it. A sound left the back of his throat, and his mouth came down hard on hers again. Their lips sealed tight, and his tongue laved hers.

‘Mmm,’ she hummed when her need cranked up a notch.

He had her trapped, held down, but she arched her back to rub against his body. His weight pressed against her as he leaned in, his chest hard against her breasts, plumping them and making her nipples pinch.

The kiss went on and on. It had been years in the making.

‘Take me upstairs,’ she whispered when they were forced to come up for air. ‘To my old bedroom.’

His curse echoed in her ear. ‘Do you really want my head on a platter?’

She didn’t understand. She wanted his body on a bed. Or the floor. Or right here.

His mouth ran down the side of her neck, and his teeth closed around the muscle that led to her shoulder. She let out a moan and twisted into him. The sound echoed down the hallway, but he cut it off with another blistering kiss.

Erin strained against her constraints. She couldn’t touch him, couldn’t hold him. It was hot as hell, but so frustrating.

‘Let me touch you.’

‘Not going to happen.’

Yet he didn’t stop kissing her. Or rubbing intently against her breasts.

But he deliberately kept his hips away. She could feel his hardness barely brushing against her belly. She wanted more. She needed to feel his hot, muscled body against hers.

She did the only thing she could; she climbed him like a tree.

Swinging a leg high around his waist, she hitched herself up. His hips swung forward, almost as if they had no other option. She took advantage of the opportunity. Knowing he wouldn’t drop her, she hopped up and wrapped both thighs around his waist.

When she settled down, his erection was right where she needed it the most. Big, hard and hot. They both shuddered when she ground against him.

‘God! Sunny, I can’t do this. Not here.’

‘Then where?’

‘No.’ He shook his head as if to clear it. ‘That’s not what I meant.’

Erin had never felt a desire so intense or a need so strong. She had to be with him. She needed to feel him inside her. It was the only thing that would douse the heat in her core. She was ready to burst into flames at the smallest spark.

She rolled her hips almost frantically. This was no dry hump this time. Just a few more strokes, and she would be ready to come. He pumped up to meet her, and she let out a whimper of need.

‘Erin?’ They both froze when her mother’s voice came down the hallway.

Colton tore his mouth away from hers, and his muscles went taut.

‘Yes?’ Erin called, her voice squeaky.

‘Could you bring me a cup of tea, dear?’

Erin swallowed hard, but her voice still came out all wrong. ‘Sure, mom. Just . . . ohhhh . . . just give me a moment.’

About the Author

When taking the Myers-Briggs personality test in high school, Kimberly was rated as an INFJ (Introverted-Intuitive-Feeling-Judging). This result sent her into a panic, because there were no career paths recommended for the type. Fortunately, it turned out to be well-suited to a writing career.

Since receiving that dismal outlook, Kimberly has become an award-winning author of romance and erotica.  She has written for seven publishing houses, both domestic and international, and has recently focused her efforts on the exciting world of self-publishing.

When not writing, she enjoys movies, sports, traveling, music, and sunshine. In her mind, a beach, some rock ‘n’ roll, and a good book make for a perfect day.

Twitter | Website | Amazon

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