HARD AS YOU CAN by Laura Kaye

HARD AS YOU CAN

(Hard Ink #2)

by Laura Kaye

ARC Review

Published: February 25, 2014, Harper Collins Publishers

My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐️







Recently reunited with the four other surviving members of his former Special Forces unit, Shane McCallan and his team of 'brothers' have stumbled on a possible conspiracy that involved their former commander. A man who cost them their brothers in arms, their careers and their reputations. Working on a mission, Shane gets unexpected help from a cocktail waitress at a stripclub, not once, but twice. Putting herself at risk and Shane's protective instincts immediately flare to life.

It's been four years since Crystal Dean sold her soul to the devil. Of course she had no idea at the time, nor did she really have an option and by the time she realized her predicament she was stuck. At least for now..... As soon as she can guarantee her sister's safety and has enough saved up for them to disappear. But then her carefully laid plans start crumbling when she decides to help a grey-eyed rescuer.

It doesn't take long for Shane to figure out that Crystal is dealing with her own set of problems. The girl is terrified and under someone's control, but not willing to part with her secrets yet. Shane is torn between needing her for information and wanting to keep her far away from the dangers the club harbors. He won't push hard, for fear she will shut down on him, but he will keep a very close eye out.... he is becoming very invested in her safety.

Crystal is afraid to trust the feeling of safety Shane gives her. So used to taking care of herself and her sister for so long, she doesn't want to ask for help. But when a phonecall alerts her to imminent danger, Shane is the one person she knows will do everything to help her......

******

Another great Hard Ink Novel!

I love this group of slightly damaged and battle-weary guys. All with a considerable amount of emotional baggage of some sort, and scars both visible and invisible, but with a strong connection of brotherhood and the power of a common goal that negates their individual shortcomings. Add to that a few roughed up but kick-ass women, who have stood strong in the face of adversity, and what looks like a motley crew on the outside is in fact a force to be reckoned with.

Each of these novels is a story in itself,  however, the larger background story is all but done. There is no real closure in this book. There is for Shane and Crystal to some extent, but not for the entire group. So although I cannot say it can be read as a standalone, I can't quite call it a cliffhanger either. I strongly suggest reading these books in the sequence they were written.

In the first book, HARD AS IT GETS, we were introduced to the background story, the entire premise for the series and on top of that, we were given a good action suspense and romance novel. A very complete, intricately woven story.

In HARD AS YOU CAN, we continue building on that background story with another great action suspense novel, but somewhat more predictable in layout and not quite as intricate as the first novel. The romantic portion of the book was also a little milder, more careful and subdued but no less heartfelt. 

There are some interesting new developments and connections that are being explored that include the addition of an MC to the scene as well as a possible new love connection for a future book between Crystal's sister and Easy, one of the guys....... Who knows? 

This is an exciting series to follow especially with the broad variety of characters introduced. I'm already pumped for the next one!

✨A sexy, testosterone driven and action-packed thrill ride!!✨

**ARC provided in return for an honest review.**