Hard to Let Go (Hard Ink #4) by Laura Kaye - @laurakayeauthor

Kat and Beckett were the perfect couple to wrap up this series, about five soldiers trying to clear their name and figure out what happened along the way.

Kat, who is Nic and Jeremy's sister, had her own personal issues with an ex that she was trying to handle on her own - and when she came to see her brothers, she realized what him and his friends were going through was so much more important than her troubles.  So,  she put aside her problems, and dove head first into helping them out too.   Even if that meant dealing with the difficult, sexy man - Beckett.

Beckett had a lifetime of pain in his past - and not just with what happened with his dishonorable discharge from the military, and the loss of some of his team.  He had a childhood of pain and misery with a horrible father, something he kept to himself and never told anyone.

 

Beckett and Kat's first meeting wasn't the best introduction - but after that, whenever they were together, you couldn't help but feel the sexual tension radiating between these two.  And, when these two finally do get together....phew!!! - I needed a cold drink and a cigarette afterwards!!

But, with all their personal issues - the road for them was not going to be easy.   There was some definite push and pull between these two.  But once they gave in to what was there, it was totally worth the work.

 I have to admit, that I am really sad that this series is over.  I totally loved every broken person and animal in these books - you just couldn't help yourself rooting for them and wishing things would all work out.  The story wrapped up nicely, answering all the questions that swirled throughout all the books.  I just really hope there is a spin-off series here, and we get to see all these people again!

Hard to Come By (Hard Ink #3) by Laura Kaye - @laurakayeauthor

If you love a fast paced romantic suspense, with lots of action - in more ways than one, then you definitely need to be reading this series.  You can't help but fall in love with all these 'damaged' ex-military men, who are trying to clear their names, and help others out along the way.

I fell for Derek right away.  Besides be a great dirty talker,  he had such a great personality and tried to keep things light.  Even with everything he faced in his past and the things coming at him now, he always seemed to stay positive.  He deserved to find his happiness - and Emilie was perfect for him.  I couldn't help but hope for the best for them, especially when their relationship hit a few bumps.

This is definitely one of my favorite romantic suspense series, it always leaves me wanting more - and I look forward to the next book, as I try and figure out exactly where everything will end up.

Worth Forgiving (MMA Fighter #3) by Vi Keeland - @vikeeland

Really, there is one great quote from this book that basically sums up what Lily needs to do - and actually what we all need to decide and do at some point in our life....

This is what Lily has to do.  Forget Caden, because that man is freaking crazy.  Seriously, I was ready to call the police on him, and kick him in the junk for how he acted towards her - and then smack her a little, because she kept taking his phone calls!!

Luckily Jax showed up at the gym when he did.  Little did Lily know that Jax would be helping her out in more ways than she could ever imagine.  They really were so good for each other, the only problem was that if Jax didn't soon tell Lily his own "little secret", it was going to cause issues.  And, this is where Lily would have to truly decide whether to Forgive or Forget.

One of the problems with forgetting someone, you think about all their qualities and what you'll miss when they're gone. I think Lily explained Jax the best.

How was she going to let that go, along with everything else that Jax brought into her life?

I really enjoyed this book, it had my emotions all over the place at times, but in the end I was so glad that Jax and Caden got what they both deserved.  It was also good to see Jax get to connect with his brother and start to build a relationship with him.  As always, you can't go wrong with this MMA Series - these guys are all wrapped up in the best package ever!

Hard to Hold on To (Hard Ink #2.5) by Laura Kaye - @laurakayeauthor

This novella takes place over the span of about 3 days, after Jenna is rescued by Easy and the others after being taken and held by Church's gang for a few days.  Easy is the one to carry her to safety, and between the short amount of time they spent together before she was taken, and the feelings of security she has around him after he rescues her - their bond only intensifies.  She needs him close - and for the first time in the past year, he's realizing how much her needing him, is exactly what he needs to ease his pain.

These two are really a great couple, and I really believe they'll be able to help each other heal and grow as they get to know each other.  Jenna has her issues, but Easy has held so much inside - and when he opened up to his brothers about his feelings and thoughts, I found a whole other level of respect and admiration for them all.  The way they handle each other, and have each other's back is commendable.

I'm loving this series, and even though the books so far have only taken place over about the length of two to three weeks, with the intensity of the situation they are all in, all of the relationships they are developing feel realistic and believable.  I love that these guys are tough, hard ass, ex-military - but yet all of them are coming to realize and ask for the help that each one so desperately needs, which makes their characters all that more appealing to me.  I'm looking forward to seeing who the next book will be about and what situation will happen as they attempt to find out the answers regarding what ended their military career.  Laura Kaye is definitely one of my "Must Read" authors!

Mended (Connections #3) by Kim Karr

 

I just knew I was going to be in for a rocky ride with Xander and Ivy.

 

They were each other's "first" for love and more - but unfortunately being young, family issues, rash decisions, took their lives in different directions - with pain and hurt feelings dragging along behind them.  After twelve years apart though, fate brings them back together, but Ivy has moved on and Xander can't believe who's she's with.  Xander can't stay away from Ivy, he's drawn to her and he finally realizes he needs to talk to her and set things straight about the past.

 

Ivy only knows what she saw happen twelve years ago.  When they find themselves unexpectedly working together, being around each other on a daily basis, Ivy begins struggling with her feelings.  Not missing an opportunity - finally Xander explains all the details of what really happened years ago, and Ivy has to decide what to do now.

 

 

This book had me crazy.  The sexual tension, the twists, the disappointments, the hope for the two of them to work it out had me totally in knots at times.  I devoured the book, leaving feeding my family and cleaning for another day!  Getting through this book was more important!

 

I really enjoy Kim Karr's writing style, and incorporating the other characters from other books, always gives a book more depth to me.  This is definitely one of my favorite series to read, and if you loved River and Dahlia, Jagger and Aerie - you will truly enjoy Xander and Ivy!  I'm so looking forward to Bell's story.

 

Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare #0.5) by Laura Kaye

Now this is the way to start off a series - this book was smoking hot - and I absolutely loved the storyline.  If you know me a little, novellas don't usually get over a 4 star rating from me - but this one totally had me sold, and I loved every moment of it.

 

The story takes place over a time period of about 24 hours - but truly, Kady and Colton's relationship has been in the works for many years.  Colton is Kady's brothers best friend, and in is his mind she's off limits - even if the line was crossed just a bit three years ago.  Plus, he likes his sex a little rough (oh yeah, you're gonna have to add him to your boyfriend list girls!!).

 

Kady has wanted Colton for years, and three years ago she thought she was finally getting her chance to be seen as more than his best friends sister.  It didn't quite work out like that back then - and she retreated, realizing maybe they would never have a chance.  That is, until they meet up again as they both try to win the same Security Contract - and are put in a situation where they have some "quality" time together where they both discover some surprising new things about each other.

 

I am absolutely looking forward to the next books in this series written by all of my favorite authors.  If the first book is any indication of how the series will play out - we are all in for a treat!

 

 

 

 

Hard as You Can (Hard Ink #2) by Laura Kaye

Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he’s shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister’s sake, Crystal can’t get too close. Until her job and Shane’s mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed.

Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn't want him to uncover. Too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can—and never let go.

 

This book continues after Crystal had helped Shane and his friends get Charlie freed from the gang that was holding him at the strip club - and since then Shane just cannot get her out of his head.  He just can't shake the feeling that something more is going on with her being there, other than waitressing - and he can't shake the attraction he felt towards her.

Crystal is still reeling from her meeting with Shane - she was so attracted to him, but with the situation she's in there is no way someone like him would be interested in her.  Working at the club to pay off her father's debt and help take care of her sister - she's in a situation she can't get out of, yet.  Not to mention, she's involved with Bruno, not by choice - and there is no safe way to end that relationship.  She figures, she'll probably never see Shane again anyways. 
 

Shane places himself in Crystals life - he's determined to help her out, whether she wants the help or not.  She's used to taking care of it all on her own, and is not liking Shane trying to help out (well, maybe she is just a little bit!!) Because seriously, Shane is one sexy, southern ex-military guy - who makes you melt when he's calling Crystal darlin and using all his southern charms on her. 

 

When she finally gives in to the attraction - sparks are flying - until Crystal remembers she has other things she's hiding, and before she knows it - Shane has discovered one of her deepest secrets.  She freaks - and runs away.  Shane doesn't give up - getting help from his friends who are still trying to find out Becca and Charlie's father's secrets, he enlists their help to help Crystal and her sister out of their situation.

 

"The definition of courage is action in the face of fear.  By that definition, sweetness, you're the bravest person I know."
 

 Shane was such a caring man - accepting Crystal as she is - and never judging her.  This was a great continuation of the first story - full of sexy hot guys with a heart and determination to set things straight clearing their names, and the names of their "brothers" who lost their lives.  Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.