Double Review: Hard To Hold On To & Hard To Come By by Laura Kaye

Hard To Hold On To by Laura Kaye

(Hard Ink #2.5)

August 19, 2014

208 pages

Genre: Military Romance, Suspense 18+

Contains: Strong language, explicit sex, violence

Source: Personal purchase

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 reach far beyond gratitude.

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

This was the first book I read in this series. I was intrigued by the cover because I love inter-racial couples. Plus, it's a novella, so it was an easy way to see if this series was for me or not. Well, I'm so glad I did. I felt like I could jump right into this series and get caught up quickly without feeling out of the loop. Yet, now I am also intrigued to read the previous books, if not for the story set-up, then for the love stories of the previous couples. So this can definitely be read as a standalone, but if you like it like me, you may get hooked into the rest of the series.

As for Easy and Jenna, I loved them. There is an age gap, but it didn't bother me. Probably because they are so great together, and I know couples with age gaps and it isn't a big deal. These two have a great connection, and I loved their chemistry as well as the sincere bond, respect, and consideration I felt between them. The beauty of their relationship is also how well they help and heal each other. Jenna has just been rescued from a kidnapping, but Easy has been struggling with suicidal ideation since his military discharge. Easy's situation was the most compelling for me. I'm really glad that the author used this story to bring to light the suicidal struggles so many military and ex-military go through, and I thought Easy's story really did it justice.

Now, if you don't like a quick romance, than be warned that these two fall fast and hard. But if you like a whodunit where this group of ex-military are trying to clear their names, find out who set them up, and get into all kinds of suspenseful situations, combined with couples like Easy and Jenna finding love in the midst of these intense situations, then you will love this. I'm looking forward to catching up on, and continuing this series.

Hard To Come By by Laura Kaye

(Hard Ink #3)

November 25, 2014

384 Pages

Genre: Military Romance, Suspense 18+

Contains: Strong language, explicit sex, violence

Source: Personal purchase

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… 

Once again, this series tackles another sensitive but important topic that military members (or anyone) can face: amputation. Derek not only has had to adjust to life with one leg, but he also lost that leg while protecting a friend, causing a bit of awkwardness and guilt from said friend. Derek's storyline was quite compelling and I loved how the author dealt with another issue too common amongst veterans. But Derek himself is more than a disability. I loved Derek! Gosh, what a fantastic character. He is honorable and sincere and truly swoonworthy. 

Derek meets Emilie in not-so-ideal circumstances, but the attraction between the two cannot be denied. Emilie has her own set of difficulties in her life, namely her loser ex-husband and her increasingly erratic brother. Though there are choppy waters to wade through, Derek and Emilie are just what the other needed, even though they weren't looking. I loved these two together. There was something beautiful about how they respected and treated each other, while at the same time they could mirror each other's passion.

I also loved the continuing intrigue about where the big mystery of what happened to this group of men and women was going. It's one of those question everything/assume nothing situations. Because truths and lies continue to be revealed, and I found myself glued to the pages. This is such an exciting series, full of both romance and suspense, and I can't wait to see what happeens next!

Hard Ink series:

Hard As It Gets #1

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Hard As You Can #2

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Hard To Hold On To #2.5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Hard To Come By #3

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Hard To Be Good #3.5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Hard To Let Go #4

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Hard As Steel #4.5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Review: Love Bites by C.C. Wood

Love Bites by C.C. Wood

(Bitten #4)

April 20, 2015

249 pages

Genre: Paranormal Romance 18+

Contains: Explicit sex, strong language, violence

Source: eARC for Honest review

I didn’t think one night could change the course of my entire life.

With his piercing green eyes, Calder Atwood sees straight through my defenses. He’s more than sexy; he’s a werewolf. Though he says he wants more than a one night stand, I can’t believe him. I learned long ago that men lie, and I vowed not to follow in my mother’s footsteps, pining away for a man who doesn’t know the meaning of the word fidelity. The only way I trust myself not to break that promise is to avoid Calder completely.

Eluding him becomes impossible when I’m thrust into a world of danger and darkness. Despite my resistance, Calder forces his way into my life and my resolve weakens with each day we’re together. After an attack leaves me on the edge of death, I find myself bound to him, body and soul.

Now, I can’t walk away, regardless of how badly I yearn to do just that.

Love Bites is my favorite of the series so far. Is that because it's about Calder and Ricki? Maybe. I was first introduced to this series with Ricki and Calder's novella, One Little Bite, that appeared in the Shiver anthology. After getting a peek at them, I've been eager for the rest of their story ever since. But their story led me to this entire series, which has been fantastic.

But what makes this book so great is that it encompasses so much. I mean, it feels like this puppy has a bit of everything. And in a good way. First, we have Ricki and Calder's love story. From their previous novella, we know they had a one night stand. But Calder isn't about to settle for just one night. With a past like Ricki has, however, she is in no hurry to trust this werewolf who is all up in her life, and not to be deterred. Watching these two maneuver around and about each other, working through their issues - whether be control, trust, doubt, fear, attraction, love - and learn how to be a better, stronger couple was great. Plus, they are super sexy together.

I really loved getting to know Ricki and Calder on a deeper level, watching their two very different worlds collide, and then seeing how great they were together. Ricki, a no nonsense gal, tired of being hurt by the men in her life, but skittish of trustworthy men, had a habit of running, and not in the track and field sense. Calder, finding the woman he wanted, had to work through how to deal with the idiosyncrasies of the female human mind, which was no easy task. I loved watching him work so hard to be the best he could be, and win Ricki over. Calder was definitely a keeper. And when Ricki figured out how great he was, and let down her walls, she knew he was a keeper, too. Truly, Calder and Ricki together equals awesome.

Then, there's this whole Faction trying to take over the world thing. This isn't just some small footnote. Big things are happening here plotwise to the overall series. Great stuff. I won't give away anything. But I love the direction being taken. Uncovering all the crazy stuff happening with the prophecy, who can be trusted, who cannot, and what the heck is going to happen next - all exciting stuff. Add in the other couples, plus Lachlan and Chloe, and this story had so much goodness.

And then the ending! Ahh, it all came together and set up the future in one big swoop. Not only was this a great book, but it also left me with so much to look forward to. I loved this book - love, friendship, intrigue, intensity, mystery, suspense, hope, and all. This is such a great paranormal romance series, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Have you started the Bitten series yet?

Bite Me #1

My Review ~ Amazon

Once Bitten, Twice Shy #2

My Review ~ Amazon

One Little Bite #2.5

My Review ~ Amazon

Bewitched, Bothered, & Bitten #3

My Review ~ Amazon

Review: ASA by Jay Crownover

ASA by Jay Crownover
(Marked Men #6)
April 21, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+
Contains: Explicit sex, strong language

Jay Crownover’s New York Times and USA Today bestselling Marked Men series continues with the much anticipated story of southern charmer and certified criminal Asa Cross.

Starting over in Denver with a whole new circle of friends and family, Asa Cross struggles with being the man he knows everyone wants him to be and the man he knows he really is. A leopard doesn’t it change its spots and Asa has always been a predator. He doesn’t want to hurt those who love and rely on him, especially one luscious arresting cop who suddenly seems to be interested in him for far more than his penchant for breaking the law. But letting go of old habits is hard, and it’s easy to hit bottom when it’s the place you know best.

Royal Hastings is quickly learning what the bottom looks like after a tragic situation at work threatens not only her career but her partner’s life. As a woman who has only ever had a few real friends she’s trying to muddle through her confusion and devastation all alone. Except she can’t stop thinking about the sexy southern bartender she locked up. Crushing on Asa is the last thing she needs but his allure is too strong to resist. His long criminal record can only hurt her already shaky career and chasing after a guy who has no respect for the law or himself can only end in heartbreak.

A longtime criminal and a cop together just seems so wrong . . . but for Asa and Royal, being wrong together is the only right choice to make.

    

I have truly loved the Marked Men series, and look forward to all my future re-reads. Ending the series with Asa's story was really cool because, though he was not one of the original "marked men," for a country boy with a checkered past, he became just as integral to the group as all of the other boys. And watching him go from where he started to where he ended up - in life, in love, in friends, and in family - was a beautiful thing.

I definitely enjoyed Asa and Royal's story, which truly was a journey for both of them, Asa in particular. Having met Asa in Jet's book, and knowing his dark and crooked past, I was excited and nervous for his story. Excited because I love people getting a second chance at life; nervous because I feared the Southern charmer might make new mistakes he would regret. I didn't know where his journey would take him, except that it would intersect with Royal.

I liked that this story wasn't entirely predictable. I fully expected certain things to happen, and when they didn't and went a different direction, I was actually quite pleased. I don't mind certain predictabilities in romances. In fact, sometimes I want them. But I also love when an author keeps me on my toes. Asa and Royal's story was able to fulfill all my expectations and then some.

I wasn't expecting so much depth from Asa. Well, maybe I was expecting the depth, but not all the inner conflict. But it was so important. He had so much from his past to deal with and consider, reflect upon and repent of, forgive and learn from his mistakes. I admire all the consideration on Jay's part to display all of Asa's dimensions, and make his present and future legitimate considerations. I admired Asa's intentions, and even as he doubted himself, you could feel him becoming the man he was always meant to be. And the man Royal needed.

Royal had her own journey, and though perhaps it wasn't at the same magnitude as Asa's, it was just as important. I love that she held on to her integrity. Just because you fall for a boy with a criminal record, doesn't mean you both are going to go in that direction. Royal was so good, and yet knew how to let loose just the right amount. Then watching Royal and Asa together, how well they worked and helped each other. Even with their hang-ups, you could tell they would have a beautiful partnership at the end of all the struggle.

It's sad to see the end of the Marked Men series, but what a great way to end it. I agree with Asa when he said things came full circle -- full circle for Asa, full circle for the series. I leave the Marked Men with utter contentment, wistful of my time with them, grateful for the journey, and hoping for glimpses of them in the spin-off series.

 

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks

 Kobo ** IndieBound ** Other

And don’t miss the previous books in The Marked Men Series!

RULE ~ My Review

JET ~ My Review

ROME ~ My Review

NASH ~ My Review

ROWDY ~ My Review

  About Jay Crownover: Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series. She also introduced the dark and sexy world of The Point that started with BETTER WHEN HE's BAD and is currently working on her newest series The Saints of Denver. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.    

Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter

ASA Goodreads ** Jay Crownover Goodreads

New Release, Excerpt & Giveaway: ASA by Jay Crownover

 

Holy smokes!! We are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Jay Crownover's ASA! ASA is a New Adult Contemporary Romance novel being published by HarperCollins, and it is the 6^th book in The Marked Men Series. We sure hope you're ready for this amazing book!

 

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound ** Other

Jay Crownover’s New York Times and USA Today bestselling Marked Men series continues with the much anticipated story of southern charmer and certified criminal Asa Cross.

Starting over in Denver with a whole new circle of friends and family, Asa Cross struggles with being the man he knows everyone wants him to be and the man he knows he really is. A leopard doesn’t it change its spots and Asa has always been a predator. He doesn’t want to hurt those who love and rely on him, especially one luscious arresting cop who suddenly seems to be interested in him for far more than his penchant for breaking the law. But letting go of old habits is hard, and it’s easy to hit bottom when it’s the place you know best.

Royal Hastings is quickly learning what the bottom looks like after a tragic situation at work threatens not only her career but her partner’s life. As a woman who has only ever had a few real friends she’s trying to muddle through her confusion and devastation all alone. Except she can’t stop thinking about the sexy southern bartender she locked up. Crushing on Asa is the last thing she needs but his allure is too strong to resist. His long criminal record can only hurt her already shaky career and chasing after a guy who has no respect for the law or himself can only end in heartbreak.

A longtime criminal and a cop together just seems so wrong . . . but for Asa and Royal, being wrong together is the only right choice to make.

   

I pulled the Nova to a stop in front of a duplex that had clearly seen better days. It wasn’t a rusted-out trailer in Kentucky, but it might as well have been. I turned off the ignition and sat back in the seat so I could turn to look at Ayden. She was watching me carefully and I could see how frustrated she was with the entire conversation in the way her shoulders were tensed up and the way her hands had curled into tight balls on her lap. It was the way she used to look whenever I got into trouble and she had to do something desperate and drastic to get me out of it. I reached out a hand and put it on top of her fists.

“I died in that hospital, Ayd. There were no angels playing harps. There was no redemption and repentance. I died and it was very clear that I was going to get exactly the kind of fate I had been courting with all the messed-up shit I had been doing to other people. All I could see was every wrong I had ever committed and every bad decision I had ever made exploding all around me. For once I could see how all of that affected you. I was dying, and I knew what was waiting for me on the other side, yet I couldn’t go knowing that was all you were going to have to remember me by. I had to come back and give you something else to hold on to, some kind of good memory to go with the endless miles of bad I laid at your feet. I wanted to have the chance to show you I could be the kind of brother you deserved all along, so no, I didn’t save myself—you saved me. Just like you’ve always done for my entire life.”

I saw her bottom lip tremble until she snapped her teeth around it to keep it still. Her fists unclenched below my palm and she curled her shaking fingers around my hand and her already husky voice rasped with even more emotion when she told me what I think I had needed to hear from her all along.

“I have always been proud that you’re my brother, Asa. Yes, there have been times in the past I would have gladly fed you to the wolves, and it’s no secret that I had to leave home because I didn’t know what to do to help you anymore, but we both made it out alive and are better people for it. I know you’re sorry for the way things went down when we were younger, but I need you to open your eyes and take some credit for the way you have turned it around to make things the way they are now. I’ve long since come to terms with the Asa from my childhood. What I want to do is love the Asa that’s here with me now. You need to let go of those boulders weighted with all the bad things from past that are dragging you down before you get crushed under them.”

It was eerily similar to what Royal had been telling me the deeper and deeper I sank in with her. I don’t think I was ready to let any part of those stones go just yet, but a sexy redhead was slowly and surely eroding bits and pieces of the rock the more and more time I spent with her. By the time she was done, maybe she would be able to carve out something that was worthwhile, something that didn’t eviscerate me to look at.

I leaned over enough that I could kiss Ayden right on the center of her forehead between her midnight eyebrows and I felt her let out a shuddering sigh.

“I’m never going to let you down again, Ayd. That is the one and only thing in the entire world that I can promise and know it’s a promise I will keep.”

We stared at each other for a long and silent moment. The seriousness of the words I had said to her and the fact that I could see that she understood that I really, truly meant them finally worked to absolve me of some of the guilt that seemed to suffocate me whenever I thought about the things she had done to keep me safe.

   

And don’t miss the previous books in The Marked Men Series!

 

RULE ~ My Review

 

JET ~ My Review

 

ROME ~ My Review

 

NASH ~ My Review

 

ROWDY ~ My Review

  About Jay Crownover: Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series. She also introduced the dark and sexy world of The Point that started with BETTER WHEN HE's BAD and is currently working on her newest series The Saints of Denver. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.      

Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter

ASA Goodreads ** Jay Crownover Goodreads

 

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (43)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.

It was a slow reading week for me, with so much going on with the kids and work and such. But I did attend the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books this weekend with my oldest son. We had a great time and saw many amazing authors as usual. And I got way too many new book reading ideas. It's hard to decide what to read next!

What I Read Last Week:

 
One in a Million by Jill Shalvis
     

My Reviews Last Week:

 
Attraction by Penny Reid (my 5 star review)
Aimee and the Heartthrob by Ophelia London (my 3 star review)
     
What I'm Currently Reading:

Love Bites by C.C. Wood