Hard as You Can

A Hard Ink Novel, Book 2

By: Laura Kaye

Narrated by: Seraphine Valentine

Length: 13 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Five dishonored soldiers. Former Special Forces. One last mission. These are the men of Hard Ink.

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.

©2014 Laura Kaye (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers

Good but not as good as the first book.

Any additional comments?

A well written story if not a little long. Besides a couple of steamy scenes, that were a long time coming, this story falls more into the Romantic Suspense genre, IMO. I am not saying that is a bad thing but I have realised I need my steam and less drama in my stories.

Just as good as the first one

Any additional comments?

I absolutely loved this book. The story continues from the first book seamlessly. You won't be sorry using a credit on this book!!!

Fantastic All Around

I enjoyed everything about this book. The story line, the narration, the content of each incident and character was so very well done. I also enjoy how the first book of this series and it's events carry on in the following books. All of it making perfect sense and the comradory of the male characters is touching.
It's a true romance and I found the interactions between Shane and Sara to be very beautifully done.
I look forward to buying the next book in this series.

The story continues and only gets better.

Love how this continues on. You must read these in order! Love these guys and what they stand for. Awesome!

ACTION & ROMANCE & SO SO GOOD!!

This series is fantastic so far! This second book is just as good as the first. I totally loved Shane in book one and his romance with Crystal (Sarah) was so incredibly special. The intensity and emotion in the story made me really connect with the characters. Well written, great performance, absolutely an overall 5-star listen.

A solid continuation

Same storyline continues, different main character’s part in it. Moving on to #3 right away!

WHAT AN AWESOME HERO FROM AN AWESOME LISTEN

This book has it all.... excitement, mystery, thrills, suspense, bad guys, a Team of good guys, passion, romance, sex, a three legged dog, a MC Club and a drool-worthy handsome Hero with guts, compassion, a tortured past and a downtrodden Heroine and her Sister that desperately need saving. There's also more groundwork done to put in place a great Team of disgraced Special Forces men ready to right wrongs, get justice and clear their names and, if they can help a frightened and threatened woman along the way, then they're happy.

Their covert Mission (from book 1) has entangled them with powerful enemies who are involved in drug and human trafficking, kidnapping and torture but these hunky Alphas are kind and caring too and are more than capable for the job. But when Shane stumbles across Crystal she haunts his thoughts and he vows to protect her... no matter the cost.

Very well written and the narration was perfect.

Worth the credit? It's action-packed, edge of your seat exciting and thrilling with secrets, a brotherhood of great characters, passion, sex and a tender romance which all adds up to a very creditworthy listen.

It was very good. I was really pleased.

If you could sum up Hard as You Can in three words, what would they be?

It was Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved everybody. Especially Shane, Crystal(Sarah), Nick Becca and everyb ody else.

Which character – as performed by Seraphine Valentine – was your favorite?

Shane

Any additional comments?

I just got it the other day, and I have already listened to it 5'X's. It was that good.

Suspenseful and Passionate

Laura Kaye never fails to deliver action and passion filled stories. I couldn't wait for the next installment after listening to Hard As It Gets. You think you won't have a new favorite couple and then she blows you away. Shane was the sweetest sexiest southern gentleman that I've had the pleasure of listening too. His protective nature and loyalty just warmed my heart. From the moment he literally crashes into "Crystal" his life was never going to be the same.

Sara "Crystal" tried to fight off the attraction between this sexy soldier and herself but everywhere she looked this 6 plus foot "Pretty Boy" was always there. He made her feel safe in a world of pain and betrayal. He made her feel beautiful in a world of scars and ugliness. Shane took goodness and put it back in her life. He put the person she loved the most right in his protective circle and made Crystal feel safer than her and her sister have ever felt.

The friendships between these ex-soldiers are something that kept me riveted. I saw so many facets of how loyalty truly is born and bred. So many characters that kept me wanting more and more of each man's story. Big Easy with is smoldering depth, Marz with is funny quirkyness. Jeremy with his sexy stand up brother to everybody nature. I could go on and on but the guys in this book are one of a kind and Laura knows how to not only write romance , she delivers relationships of all kinds and makes you feel like you really know these characters in the end.

They were becoming a family born of choice rather than blood.

The romance still built and built and sexual tension was evident from the beginning but more beautiful was watching this strong broken man fall for this girl who never thought she'd find happiness again.
How Shane saw the real woman beneath the facade was beautiful and inspiring. He knew what to say and do to make her feel loved and cherished.

But most of all he saw the fighter underneath the meekness.

This was a suspenseful and passionate story and I was left wanting the next as soon as I finished. So much more will be in store for these amazing characters and I want to right in the front seat.
Thank you Laura for such an amazing group of characters.

Again IMHO Seraphine Valentine was outstanding with the delivery of the story.

Awesome story!

Where does Hard as You Can rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This series has become one of the best series in my library.

What other book might you compare Hard as You Can to and why?

This book may be similar to Secret Maneuvers by Jessie Lane. They are both about ex military, and they both have romance, action, and suspense.

Have you listened to any of Seraphine Valentine’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, Book one in this series and it is just as good as book two.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Most definitely.

Any additional comments?

I totally love this series. This book has everything you could ask for such as romance, action, and suspense. I also like that the next book in the series doesn't take long to come out. If you like awesome books then this is one. Happy reading!