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

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.

My Review:

Sara Dean has been known as Crystal for the last four years. She's carrying the heavy burden left by her father, while trying to protect her sister, Jenna. She dared to do something that she wouldn't have done four years ago: think of someone other than herself or her sister.

Sara is haunted by the eyes Pretty Boy had. Pretty Boy is actually Shane McCallan, a former Special Forces Medic who thinks it was very brave of Crystal to help his men.

Shane and his fellow Special Forces members are on a mission to find out what Colonel Frank Merritt was hiding that got them dishonorably discharged and threatened with prison if they didn't keep their mouths shut. They've got several clues they're working through to make important connections.

When Shane reappears at Confessions to talk to Crystal, he finds himself boiling with rage at the sight of Crystal's bruised face. Shane has never known attraction like this before, but it could affect the mission.

For Crystal, seeing Shane again makes her want, wish, and hope things in her life were different. Will The Hard Ink men find the truth they're seeking? Can either Shane or Sara admit their attraction? Your answers await you in Hard as You Can.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The second installment in the Hard Ink Series is definitely heart wrenching, heart breaking, and hopeful. I loved how the author slowly built the story and characters bit by bit, without losing the threads of storytelling throughout the whole book.

I have to admit this series is becoming a new favorite for me as well as must-buy, too. Definitely looking forward to the next installment in the series!

Hard as You Can features:

• erotica
• oral sex
• military
• angst
• alpha male
• mystery

Rating: 4 Kisses