ARC Review: Hard to Serve

As always, I feel so lucky to be one of the early readers of Laura Kaye's new releases. Check out her newest below!

Title: Hard to Serve
Series: Hard Ink, 5.5
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc.
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Pages: 140
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:

To protect and serve is all Detective Kyler Vance ever wanted to do, so when Internal Affairs investigates him as part of the new police commissioner’s bid to oust corruption, everything is on the line. Which makes meeting a smart, gorgeous submissive at an exclusive play club the perfect distraction… 

The director of the city’s hottest art gallery, Mia Breslin’s career is golden. Now if only she could find a man to dominate her nights and set her body—and her heart—on fire. When a scorching scene with a hard-bodied, brooding Dom at Blasphemy promises just that, Mia is lured to serve Kyler again and again.

Then, as their relationship burns hotter, Kyler learns that he’s been dominating the daughter of the hard-ass boss who has it in for him. Now Kyler must choose between life-long duty and forbidden desire before Mia finds another who’s not so hard to serve.

HOT, HOT, HOT!

I honestly don't know how Laura does it, but she manages to surpass the greatness of every book she's released in the past. This new novella was so hot and such a great little teaser to her new series Blasphemy.

The chemistry between Kyler and Mia was so explosive from the very start. I loved the way Laura wrote the book in such a way that even I could feel Kyler's dominant aura. It was, quite possibly, one of the hottest things I've ever read.

This book was exactly the kind of story that got me into reading BDSM stories. I enjoyed reading about the dominance, but more than that, I enjoyed the trust between the two characters. I also loved the way that they were meant to serve each other equally, though not obvious at first. There's nothing better than a Dom taking great care of his sub after an intense scene.

Mia: "Oh, my God. Are those chocolate chip?"

Kyler: "Is there any other kind of cookie? I mean, really."

Mia: "I agree completely, Sir."

Kyler: "Good. That's always the best course of action."

Kyler and Mia also genuinely cared for each other. It was so sweet when Kyler asked about Mia's gallery, and when Mia asked if Kyler was okay when he looked so angry. 

Kyler: "You really do look beautiful."
Mia: "Thank you."

Kyler: "How did your big gallery opening go?"

Mia: "How did you remember that?"

Kyler: "Because it was important to you."

Another thing I loved, of course, was the humor in the book. I could always count on Laura to have some of the other characters grill the main character in some way. It was honestly one of the most enjoyable things to read.

Griffin: "Kyler? What am I missing here? Why was she unhappy?"

Kyler: "She can't afford the membership."

Griffin: "Can't afford...? But aren't you..."

Quinton: "Yeah, I kinda thought so, too."

Kyler: "I don't do relationships. You know this. So you thought wrong."

Quinton: "That's some bullshit right there, Kyler. But tell yourself whatever you need to sleep at night, I guess."

Speaking of Quinton, I was absolutely in love with his character! (But don't tell Kyler) He was such a beacon of light and joy when Mia was down. I honestly cannot wait for his book!

Over text messages:

Mia: "Hi Master Quinton. It's Mia Breslin. We met at Blasphemy last month. Just wanted to thank you again for your kindness that night."

Quinton: "You've been thinking about my superpowers, haven't you? Admit it. Q"

Mia: "How could I not? Who can resist a great mystery?"

Quinton: "When are you coming back in?"

Mia: "I don't have a membership. I was actually hoping you might be able to recommend another club in Baltimore. I love Blasphemy but it's outside my range."

Quinton calls Mia:

Quinton: "Mia, I'm not your Dom, but I'm about to give you an order. You ready?"

Mia: "Um. Maybe?"

Quinton: "Get you ass over here right now."

Mia: "What? I'm in pajamas."

Quinton: "This is Blasphemy. Clothing is entirely optional. Problem solved. What else you got?"

Mia: "Master Quinton, maybe you didn't get my last text. I can't come back to Blasphemy-"

Quinton: "I got it. You can come back. You have a membership."

Mia: "I returned it."

Quinton: "Uh huh. Which is why your card is waiting for you at registration. Memberships are nonrefundable, Mia. You have one. Please use it. This is the only place where I can guarantee your safety, especially given some of your interests."

Can you tell yet how much I enjoyed this book? There were so many good parts that tugged at the heartstring one way or another. If you like BDSM stories, this one is definitely a must-read!

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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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Review: Hard as Steel

Title: Hard as Steel
Series: 1001 Dark Nights | Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc.
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Pages: 128
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

After identifying her employer's dangerous enemies, Jessica Jakes takes refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. Fellow Hard Ink tattooist and Raven leader Ike Young promises to keep Jess safe for as long as it takes, which would be perfect if his close, personal, round-the-clock protection didn't make it so hard to hide just how much she wants him--and always has. 

Ike Young loved and lost a woman in trouble once before. The last thing he needs is alone time with the sexiest and feistiest woman he's ever known, one he's purposely kept at a distance for years. Now, Ike's not sure he can keep his hands or his heart to himself--or that he even wants to anymore. And that means he has to do whatever it takes to hold on to Jess forever.

This book was over in a blink of an eye. I want more Ike and Jess!!!

The sexual tension between Ike and Jess was so apparent right from the very beginning. I love how Ike was the typical alpha male: protective, guilt-driven, and secretly a teddy bear. How cute was that?! I also loved that Jess was a firecracker. In Ike's words, she was "unapologetic" for being who she was. She was carefree and honest, which I totally loved!

She asked Ike to get Pop-Tarts and Hot Pockets at the store, and he came home with fruit. Go figure. "Toast is boring. Doritos are life."

I've always loved Laura's writing. Although since I've read the whole Hard Ink series, I've noticed quite a similar theme: woman in distress, protective alpha male, they kind of like each other...  No matter what, though, I loved this book! The tension was so thick, but they always had each other's backs. 

He was sick and flat on his back, but something about the quickness of his answer and the intensity of his gaze sent a ripple of awareness through her body. "Well, then scooch over, ya big lug." "You say the sweetest things," he said, voice like gravel. "I know, right? I'm such a peach."

I definitely would recommend this book. I wish it was longer, for sure, but I can't wait for the Raven Riders series!!! *fangirls*

Arianne

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Review: Hard to Come By

Title: Hard to Come By
Series: Hard Ink, #3
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: November 25, 2014
Pages: 384
Buy Link: Amazon
Amazon is having a 30% off sale on any one print book. Just use HOLIDAY30 at checkout. Ends November 30, 2014.

Blurb:

Caught between desire and loyalty...

Derek DiMarzio would do anything for the members of his disgraced Special Forces team--sacrifice his body, help a former teammate with a covert operation to restore their honor, and even go behind enemy lines. He just never expected to want the beautiful woman he found there.

When a sexy stranger asks questions about her brother, Emilie Garza is torn between loyalty to the brother she once idolized and fear of the war-changed man he's become. Derek's easy smile and quiet strength tempt Emilie to open up, igniting the desire between them and leading Derek to crave a woman he shouldn't trust.

As the team's investigation reveals how powerful their enemies are, Derek and Emilie must prove where their loyalties lie before hearts are broken and lives are lost. Because love is too hard to come by to let slip away...

Review

Funny and sexy, that's how I would describe Derek DiMarzio. Losing a limb didn't diminish his thirst for life. He was so lighthearted and fun to be around. The joker of the group, Marz seemed like the picture of a perfectly happy soldier.

Beckett and Marz used to be close, but Beckett felt guilty for barely getting a scratch while Marz lost his leg saving his friend. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two when Beckett wasn't so awkward around Marz. Beckett made a speech once that really touched my heart. Whodathunkit? The big man had feelings, haha.

    "Just give it a minute," Beckett said. "You don't always have to be too strong to accept help. No one here thinks you're weak."
    Derek's eyes went wide as he gazed at his friend. How could anyone think Derek weak? The guy had saved her twice in two days and used his own body as a human shield for hers. He'd been hit with a bat and kicked in the head, and still had enough presence of mind to try to take out her brother's fleeing truck."

Marz's story was a bit predictable when it came to Emilie Garza. Regardless, I enjoyed their connection and his protectiveness towards her, as with all the other guys in Hard Ink. I also loved reading about Marz in action - being the computer genius and all. One of my favorite things about Marz was his shameless singing. 

Emilie: "You give excellent orgasms...But um, has anybody ever told you that--"
Marz: "I can't sing?"
Emilie: "Uh, yeah?"
Marz: "All the time. I can't hear it, so it doesn't bother me."

I definitely would recommend this book. Lots of laughter and romance to keep you occupied :) 

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RELEASE DAY LAUNCH: HARD TO COME BY

 

We are beyond thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Laura Kaye's HARD TO COME BY! HARD TO COME BY is the third full length novel in Laura's Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance.

As a special treat, through December 2, pre-order Hard to Come By or purchase it during release week, and receive exclusive bonus content! Just fill out the quick form here!  

Buy at:  Amazon | Amazon.ca | Amazon UK 
BN | iTunes| Kobo

Hard to Come By on Goodreads

Pre-order or purchase before December 2, and get awesome bonus content!

Blurb:

Caught between desire and loyalty...

Derek DiMarzio would do anything for the members of his disgraced Special Forces team--sacrifice his body, help a former teammate with a covert operation to restore their honor, and even go behind enemy lines. He just never expected to want the beautiful woman he found there.

When a sexy stranger asks questions about her brother, Emilie Garza is torn between loyalty to the brother she once idolized and fear of the war-changed man he's become. Derek's easy smile and quiet strength tempt Emilie to open up, igniting the desire between them and leading Derek to crave a woman he shouldn't trust.

As the team's investigation reveals how powerful their enemies are, Derek and Emilie must prove where their loyalties lie before hearts are broken and lives are lost. Because love is too hard to come by to let slip away...

Excerpt

Marz was playing with fire. He damn well knew he was. But that didn’t make him want to pull away. He just wanted more of the heat. Marz nuzzled the side of Emilie’s face with his nose, his lips. She turned her face toward him and offered her lips. He couldn’t refuse. Capturing her mouth on a tortured groan, Marz poured every ounce of his longing and confusion and desire into the kiss. They grasped at each other and Emilie turned in his arms. He pinned her against the railing and planted his hands in her hair. She opened to him and accepted his tongue, sucking him in until Marz’s blood ran hot and his hard-on ached. He ground himself against her and devoured every little moan and whimper and gasp she spilled. Trailing kisses from her mouth to her jaw to her ear, Marz dragged a hand down her body and grasped her breast in his palm. She cried out and her head dropped back, drawing his mouth to her neck, where he licked and sucked and nipped as he kneaded her soft flesh. “You are so damn sexy.” Her hand flew to his hair and grasped the back of his head. “Touch me,” she said. “Don’t stop touching me.” Marz pulled away long enough to do a three-sixty scan. The lighthouse cast a dark shadow over them, and the pier was otherwise empty. His heart raced and his pulse hammered. He dove back in, trailing kisses down her neck to her collarbone, which he traced with his tongue. Her nails scratched deliciously at his scalp and her grip urged him down. Through the thin material of her blouse and bra, he mouthed and flicked at her nipple. He shifted the deep vee of the neckline to reveal a lacy royal blue bra. He tongued her through the lace until she was panting and moaning and writhing against the railing. “Oh, my God,” she rasped as he shifted her shirt and moved to her other breast. This time, he tugged the lace down to bare the deep pink of her nipple. She tasted and smelled like something fruity and sweet, and it made Marz hunger for more. “Derek,” she gasped. “Yes, yes, yes.” Her palm cupped and squeezed the bulge of his erection through his jeans. His hips jerked into the touch, craving more of her, all of her. He groaned and it seemed to egg her on, because she pressed and rubbed her hand against his trapped cock until he was panting and imagining taking her down to the ground. “Jesus, Emilie, you’re driving me fucking crazy,” he said as he worked kisses back up her body to her mouth. “I know just what you mean,” she said. Her molten hot gaze met his. Eyes hooded, lips shiny and swollen, cheeks flushed, she was a freaking goddess standing under the moonlit sky. He felt the force of her beauty every bit as much in his chest as in his cock. “You sure about that, babe?” he asked as he took her mouth in a deep, wet kiss. “Because my imagination has me stripping you of those fuck-hot jeans.” “Yeah?” She rubbed his cock in a long stroke with the heel of her hand. “Mine has us getting a room at the hotel back there. So I’m sure,” she said with a smile. Marz’s heart hammered against his breastbone and his cock jerked, clearly liking her idea, too. Except, if he took her up on it, he was going to end up buried inside her for as long as she’d have him. And so long as this clusterfuck of a situation defined their relationship, he couldn’t take things that far. Could he?

 

 

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:
Hard As It Gets
Hard As You Can
Hard to Hold On To

Praise for Hard to Come By:

"Rough sex and explosive fights power Kaye's third Hard Ink novel, a thrilling adventure that feels more like an action movie with a romantic subplot than a typical contemporary romance. New readers will head straight for Kaye's backlist after powering through this installment." ~Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"TOP PICK! If you're looking for danger, gritty action, and sizzling passion, then Kaye has just the book and the series for you." ~RT Book Reviews Magazine

   

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance.

Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. 

She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.    
    

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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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