Hard to Be Good (Hard Ink #3.5) by Laura Kaye

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This is Jeremy and Charlie’s novella and it has everything that I want to read about. Hot ex-military guys trying to clear their name, tattoo artists being badass, a motorcycle club and pets in the mix. You see, what’s not to like?

This series has become one of my favorites and I knew this book wouldn’t disappoint me either. Laura Kaye has a true talent to make me happy, cry, laugh and sigh. The romance between Jeremy and Charlie was just perfect! I was rooting for them to get together since the moment they met in Hard as It Gets. Charlie is shy and smart. He tries to avoid people while Jeremy is an extrovert, with funny T shirts, and with a body full of tattoos.  

“I’ve loved the things we shared today, Charlie. For real. But what I’m feeling for you isn’t just physical. It’s something more. I’m not sure what yet, but I . . .” Jeremy shrugged. “ . . . don’t want you to think this is just about sex for me.”

Their romance has been building up during all the prior books. Now that Jeremy feels responsible for the lives lost in the last battle against the bad guys, Charlie is there for him, supporting him and making him deal with his guilt. Just like Jeremy was always there for Charlie after his kidnapping and torture. Having them as a couple made perfect sense despite appearing to be so different.

It’s always nice to revisit with the old characters too. I liked learning more about the ones who don’t have a story yet, *cough*Dare*cough*. The addition of Cy was just the icing on the cake. 

I can’t wait for Trigger and Kay’s book next. 

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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

Hard To Hold On To

This is Easy's novella. Edward "Easy" Cantrell is battling his own fight with PTSD. He feels guilty about surviving the mission that changed his life and killed his best friend over a year ago. When he was called by Nick to come and help rescue the son of his ex-commander who betrayed them in Afghanistan and maybe get some answers, he felt like he finally had a purpose in life.

“He should feel happy—or at least happier—but those feelings were foreign countries for Easy. Had been for a long time.”

What they discover was so much more than lies including sex slavery, drugs, gangs with human collateral damage. One of those is Jenna Dean. When Jenna is saved by the team, the only person who brings her security is Easy. She wants to be with him. She is also attracted to him. Easy is thrilled to feel needed and this time he won't fail the person who believes in him.

“Because I like you. And you deserve to be treated with kindness. And it feels good to be needed.”

My thoughts:

I love this series. The Hard Ink books have romance, action, tattoos, beautiful men, great heroines and a cute one legged dog. What more can you ask for?

I have loved every couple and I can see love is in the air for a few more. I do wonder if one of the Raven Riders MC guys will fall in love too.

One of the things that I love about Laura's writing is that these characters deal with real issues. The one that is affecting Easy is unfortunately too common in our military.

I can't wait for the next book! 

“I see a woman who’s made me feel more alive in the past few days than I have in a long, long time.”

A complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 Fangs

ML