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Hard Ink #4
Hard to Let Go
Five dishonored soldiers.
Former Special Forces.
One last mission.
These are the men of Hard Ink.
Beckett Murda hates to dwell on the past. But his investigation into the ambush that killed half his Special Forces team and ended his Army career gives him little choice. Just when his team learns how powerful their enemies are, hard-ass Beckett encounters the biggest complication yet—seductive, feisty Katherine Rixey.
A tough, stubborn prosecutor, Kat visits her brothers’ Hard Ink Tattoo following a bad break-up—and finds herself staring down the barrel of a stranger’s gun. Beckett is hard-bodied and sexy as hell, but he’s also the most infuriating man ever. Worse, Kat’s brothers are at war with criminals her office is investigating. When Kat joins the fight, she lands straight in Beckett’s sights—and his arms. Not to mention their enemies’ crosshairs.
Now Beckett and Kat must set aside their differences to work together, because the only thing sweeter than justice is finding love and never letting go.
Former Special Forces.
One last mission.
These are the men of Hard Ink.
Beckett Murda hates to dwell on the past. But his investigation into the ambush that killed half his Special Forces team and ended his Army career gives him little choice. Just when his team learns how powerful their enemies are, hard-ass Beckett encounters the biggest complication yet—seductive, feisty Katherine Rixey.
A tough, stubborn prosecutor, Kat visits her brothers’ Hard Ink Tattoo following a bad break-up—and finds herself staring down the barrel of a stranger’s gun. Beckett is hard-bodied and sexy as hell, but he’s also the most infuriating man ever. Worse, Kat’s brothers are at war with criminals her office is investigating. When Kat joins the fight, she lands straight in Beckett’s sights—and his arms. Not to mention their enemies’ crosshairs.
Now Beckett and Kat must set aside their differences to work together, because the only thing sweeter than justice is finding love and never letting go.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 30, 2015
About the author
Laura Kaye
72 books7,504 followersLaura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink, Raven Riders, Blasphemy, Heroes, and Hearts of the Anemoi series. Laura's hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura grew up amidst family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses, cementing her life-long fascination with storytelling and the supernatural. Laura also writes historical fiction as Laura Kamoie, and lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 583 reviews
June 30, 2015
5 - "I've never been the kind of man who believed in dreams... That wasn't the hand I got dealt." Stars!
IT's LIVE!!!
This book, as well as the series as a whole is another outstanding example of why I love Laura Kaye’s work. It is hard to believe that the whole series encompasses approximately one month in the lives of the characters it involves. Beckett and Katherine’s story is told around the climax of the whole Church Gang / Seneka Worldwide Security investigation, as well as Nick, Marz, Shane and Easy trying to clear their own names and military records in the process, with a lot of help from the women they have met and fell in love with, Charlie Merritt, Jeremy Rixey and the Raven Riders MC.
”Dude. I am so not the one with the problem.”
The chemistry has been bubbling between Beckett and Kat since she turned up at Hard Ink unannounced, after pulling a gun on her for thinking she was an intruder, their relationship has been one of sarcasm, snark and winding each other up at every opportunity ever since.
As with all the previous books, Beckett like his team mates before him, is struggling with the mental and physical after-effects of the mission in Afghanistan that saw him lose pretty much everything that was important to him. Their careers, their brothers-in-arms and their reputations.
They all carried a little dose of fucked up around with them.”
I liked Kat as well, strong, confident and prepared to do anything and everything she can to help her brothers and their partners, not to mention the rest of the team go forward to live a life without threat and fear hanging over them. This couple together, full on steam coming off my Kindle hot!
"That won't be the last time you come down my throat... And this won't be the only time you come on my cock."
Beckett opening up to Kat and the team about his past, the repercussions of what went down in Afghanistan on him on a personal level, and his gradual realization that he is a person who is deserving of love, a life and a future with someone by his side…
Maybe he was meant to float through life – unattached, unfeeling, unwanted.
Absolutely. Outstanding.
It wasn’t really a surprise though, because Laura has dealt with every one of the issues these guys have been dealing with, whether it be mental, physical or a mixture of the both with absolute respect and when reading, what feels like thorough research and understanding.
”Don’t let me hurt you. Never let me hurt you, Angel. Promise me.”
You need to have read all of the previous books to really understand just how good this series is. The overall plot and how it grows and branches out, the gradual inclusion and depth of development of all of the characters into the storyline, the secondary characters relevance, everyone’s back-stories and the ultimate finale, the pace and how everything comes to pass are just another example as to why I love this authors work.
Although the Hard Ink series is fully drawn to a finish in this one, with a pretty spectacular and emotional epilogue, Laura has definitely left the door open for these guys… The bridging novella Hard As Steel that takes us from this to the Raven Riders MC series is due in September 15, but as an avid stalker… I mean fan!! It looks like we might be revisiting the Rixeys and the rest of the Hard Ink family again in 2016 –
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
”Wherever our paths lead, you are my family. No matter what.”
ARC generously provided by the publisher via Edelweiss, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
IT's LIVE!!!
This book, as well as the series as a whole is another outstanding example of why I love Laura Kaye’s work. It is hard to believe that the whole series encompasses approximately one month in the lives of the characters it involves. Beckett and Katherine’s story is told around the climax of the whole Church Gang / Seneka Worldwide Security investigation, as well as Nick, Marz, Shane and Easy trying to clear their own names and military records in the process, with a lot of help from the women they have met and fell in love with, Charlie Merritt, Jeremy Rixey and the Raven Riders MC.
”Dude. I am so not the one with the problem.”
The chemistry has been bubbling between Beckett and Kat since she turned up at Hard Ink unannounced, after pulling a gun on her for thinking she was an intruder, their relationship has been one of sarcasm, snark and winding each other up at every opportunity ever since.
As with all the previous books, Beckett like his team mates before him, is struggling with the mental and physical after-effects of the mission in Afghanistan that saw him lose pretty much everything that was important to him. Their careers, their brothers-in-arms and their reputations.
They all carried a little dose of fucked up around with them.”
I liked Kat as well, strong, confident and prepared to do anything and everything she can to help her brothers and their partners, not to mention the rest of the team go forward to live a life without threat and fear hanging over them. This couple together, full on steam coming off my Kindle hot!
"That won't be the last time you come down my throat... And this won't be the only time you come on my cock."
Beckett opening up to Kat and the team about his past, the repercussions of what went down in Afghanistan on him on a personal level, and his gradual realization that he is a person who is deserving of love, a life and a future with someone by his side…
Maybe he was meant to float through life – unattached, unfeeling, unwanted.
Absolutely. Outstanding.
It wasn’t really a surprise though, because Laura has dealt with every one of the issues these guys have been dealing with, whether it be mental, physical or a mixture of the both with absolute respect and when reading, what feels like thorough research and understanding.
”Don’t let me hurt you. Never let me hurt you, Angel. Promise me.”
You need to have read all of the previous books to really understand just how good this series is. The overall plot and how it grows and branches out, the gradual inclusion and depth of development of all of the characters into the storyline, the secondary characters relevance, everyone’s back-stories and the ultimate finale, the pace and how everything comes to pass are just another example as to why I love this authors work.
Although the Hard Ink series is fully drawn to a finish in this one, with a pretty spectacular and emotional epilogue, Laura has definitely left the door open for these guys… The bridging novella Hard As Steel that takes us from this to the Raven Riders MC series is due in September 15, but as an avid stalker… I mean fan!! It looks like we might be revisiting the Rixeys and the rest of the Hard Ink family again in 2016 –
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
”Wherever our paths lead, you are my family. No matter what.”
ARC generously provided by the publisher via Edelweiss, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
May 20, 2022
Hard to Let Go is my favorite from this series. After a mediocre previous books, I am finally happy to give this book 4 stars. I have to admit, it is a struggle to listen through this book. The wording is not exactly easy to follow.
In Hard to Let Go we finally see the conclusion of the suspense in the story. With 3 main heroes finaly getting their HEA, I am happy to see Beckett finally get it on with Kate. They both have some emotional past. I am happy they both work it out together.
Beckett especially is a hero that wins my heart with his brooding. Kate is strong and smart. I like that from the heroine.
Overall a very enjoyable read.
4 stars
In Hard to Let Go we finally see the conclusion of the suspense in the story. With 3 main heroes finaly getting their HEA, I am happy to see Beckett finally get it on with Kate. They both have some emotional past. I am happy they both work it out together.
Beckett especially is a hero that wins my heart with his brooding. Kate is strong and smart. I like that from the heroine.
Overall a very enjoyable read.
4 stars
September 7, 2015
Great "end" to this series. Beckett and Kat had sparks flying every where. All loose ends tied up and bad guys taken care of. LOVED the epilogue.
And it's great cause there's another novella with Jess and Ike. Plus I saw on Amazon there's another book, Hard Ever After, but not until January.
And it's great cause there's another novella with Jess and Ike. Plus I saw on Amazon there's another book, Hard Ever After, but not until January.
July 9, 2015
This is more of a 4.5 but I'm rounding up because it's the culmination of a very enjoyable series.
Beckett Murda is a damaged veteran who blames himself for his best friend's disability (amputation of the lower leg). He's a member of a group of five special forces soldiers who were wrongfully disgraced and drummed out of the military. They've all come back together to try to figure out why they were targeted, who did it and to clear their names.
Kat Rixey is a lawyer with the Department of Justice. Her brother, Nick is the leader of this band of five brothers. Her other brother, Jeremy, is the owner of the building that houses both Hard Ink tattoo parlor and the operational set up the group has put together to work on the project of clearing their names.
So much has happened by this point that I can only say, read the books from the beginning. They're solid, tight, romantic suspense. My one big complaint is the timeline. It's absurd. By this book it's been less than a month since this whole thing started and all of them (along with Jeremy) have fallen in love with someone. That's a lot of instalove with an intense circumstances backdrop. BUT, the stories are good and the tangled web that brought them to this place is intricate enough that it's a pleasure to watch the untying of the knot.
From the moment Beckett and Kat met each other in an earlier book, they were clearly going to be romantic leads eventually. They didn't get along at all. Major sparks. But they're very good for each other, they're very hot together sexually and, even though Beckett is beyond damaged (by more than just his combat related PTSD) they appear to have a strong future.
The epilogue was a great wrap-up to the series and it made me cry.
Looking forward to the off-shoot series, "Raven Riders", which promises to be every bit as enjoyable as this one. I only hope Kaye expands the timeline. I don't think it was necessary with this one for everything to happen so quickly. Each of these books could have had a few months in between and each one could also have had arcs that took place over a longer space of time. It would have been less ridiculous by the end. I mean, six soul mate relationships in a month's time? It became distracting every time something came up that reminded me of the miniscule passage of time.
That said, two thumbs up for this series and for Laura Kaye. She's one to watch.
Beckett Murda is a damaged veteran who blames himself for his best friend's disability (amputation of the lower leg). He's a member of a group of five special forces soldiers who were wrongfully disgraced and drummed out of the military. They've all come back together to try to figure out why they were targeted, who did it and to clear their names.
Kat Rixey is a lawyer with the Department of Justice. Her brother, Nick is the leader of this band of five brothers. Her other brother, Jeremy, is the owner of the building that houses both Hard Ink tattoo parlor and the operational set up the group has put together to work on the project of clearing their names.
So much has happened by this point that I can only say, read the books from the beginning. They're solid, tight, romantic suspense. My one big complaint is the timeline. It's absurd. By this book it's been less than a month since this whole thing started and all of them (along with Jeremy) have fallen in love with someone. That's a lot of instalove with an intense circumstances backdrop. BUT, the stories are good and the tangled web that brought them to this place is intricate enough that it's a pleasure to watch the untying of the knot.
From the moment Beckett and Kat met each other in an earlier book, they were clearly going to be romantic leads eventually. They didn't get along at all. Major sparks. But they're very good for each other, they're very hot together sexually and, even though Beckett is beyond damaged (by more than just his combat related PTSD) they appear to have a strong future.
The epilogue was a great wrap-up to the series and it made me cry.
Looking forward to the off-shoot series, "Raven Riders", which promises to be every bit as enjoyable as this one. I only hope Kaye expands the timeline. I don't think it was necessary with this one for everything to happen so quickly. Each of these books could have had a few months in between and each one could also have had arcs that took place over a longer space of time. It would have been less ridiculous by the end. I mean, six soul mate relationships in a month's time? It became distracting every time something came up that reminded me of the miniscule passage of time.
That said, two thumbs up for this series and for Laura Kaye. She's one to watch.
July 5, 2015
This was the BEST and the HOTTEST and most INTENSE book of the series. What a way to end it!! Brava, Laura Kaye. I was crying while reading several different emotional scenes and fanning myself during some of the sexy scenes and still laughing at the T-shirts!
I feel like a re-read of this series is in order--to read them back to back as if they were happening in real time. I always have to remind myself that even though I've been following this series for a couple of years (year and a half??), from start to finish, this is only a few weeks of adventure for this group. I know 6 couples all finding love amidst danger and intrigue in such a short amount if time is improbable and fantastical, but I don't care, this series is brilliant!
I feel like a re-read of this series is in order--to read them back to back as if they were happening in real time. I always have to remind myself that even though I've been following this series for a couple of years (year and a half??), from start to finish, this is only a few weeks of adventure for this group. I know 6 couples all finding love amidst danger and intrigue in such a short amount if time is improbable and fantastical, but I don't care, this series is brilliant!
September 29, 2015
The Hard Ink series just got better and better with every book and I think this final instalment was my favourite. Fans have been waiting a long time to find out if the guys would manage to figure out exactly who was behind the ambush that killed several of their team members and we've all been hoping to see them clear their names but they've had quite a fight on their hands and I wasn't quite sure if they'd all manage to survive the final battle. I'm not going to answer any of those questions for you so you'll just have to read the book for yourself to find out how it all ends but I will say that Hard to Let Go was an epic, action packed finale that was everything I'd hoped for and more.
Alongside the conclusion to the ongoing investigation and a chance to catch up with the previous couples this book gives us the chance to get to know Beckett, the gruff and closed off member of the team who has always held himself at a distance from the others. We know he's best friends with Marz and we know he blames himself for Marz's injuries but we haven't had a chance to get to know him that well before now so I wasn't too sure what to expect. There is so much more to Beckett than first meets the eye, his heartbreaking past brought tears to my eyes and I fell head over heels for the bossy, grumpy bastard.
Beckett and Kat are like oil and water and they can barely spend more than a minute in the same room without starting an argument but underneath the banter is a deep attraction that turns completely explosive when they finally give into it. Beckett has worked hard to keep himself closed off from others, thanks to his upbringing he's never really had a close connection to anyone but Kat makes him feel things he's never felt before and he doesn't know quite how to handle it. He isn't used to the emotions that she brings out in him and he's scared of hurting Kat if he gets too close. Kat is much more open and willing to act on the chemistry between them but she doesn't want to push Beckett into something he's not comfortable with so she's willing to take their relationship slowly. Here we have two strong and independent individuals who are wary of letting anyone close but who are both willing to fight for what they want. They make a fantastic couple and I loved spending time with them.
Hard to Let Go is a fantastic conclusion to the Hard Ink series, it ties up all the loose ends and gives readers answers to all our questions. It also sets things up nicely for the spin off Raven Riders MC series that starts next year with Ride Hard and I really hope that we're going to see some of the Hard Ink characters make the occasional appearance in the new series.
Alongside the conclusion to the ongoing investigation and a chance to catch up with the previous couples this book gives us the chance to get to know Beckett, the gruff and closed off member of the team who has always held himself at a distance from the others. We know he's best friends with Marz and we know he blames himself for Marz's injuries but we haven't had a chance to get to know him that well before now so I wasn't too sure what to expect. There is so much more to Beckett than first meets the eye, his heartbreaking past brought tears to my eyes and I fell head over heels for the bossy, grumpy bastard.
Beckett and Kat are like oil and water and they can barely spend more than a minute in the same room without starting an argument but underneath the banter is a deep attraction that turns completely explosive when they finally give into it. Beckett has worked hard to keep himself closed off from others, thanks to his upbringing he's never really had a close connection to anyone but Kat makes him feel things he's never felt before and he doesn't know quite how to handle it. He isn't used to the emotions that she brings out in him and he's scared of hurting Kat if he gets too close. Kat is much more open and willing to act on the chemistry between them but she doesn't want to push Beckett into something he's not comfortable with so she's willing to take their relationship slowly. Here we have two strong and independent individuals who are wary of letting anyone close but who are both willing to fight for what they want. They make a fantastic couple and I loved spending time with them.
Hard to Let Go is a fantastic conclusion to the Hard Ink series, it ties up all the loose ends and gives readers answers to all our questions. It also sets things up nicely for the spin off Raven Riders MC series that starts next year with Ride Hard and I really hope that we're going to see some of the Hard Ink characters make the occasional appearance in the new series.
June 26, 2015
ARC Review
Originally posted at Love Affair with an E-Reader
I went into this book with a bit of wistfulness. This is the last of the Hard Ink series for the original characters introduced in book one. It says a lot about Laura Kaye's writing that I have become so attached to these characters and this storyline. And I'll say this up front, I loved the ending. It is fitting and poignant.
This book features the stories of Becket Murda and Katherine Rixey. Becket is the stoic one of the Hard Ink crew. He's brooding with a level of dangerous energy just beneath the surface. Katherine is a prosecutor for the Justice Department. She's committed and loyal with a strong sense of right and wrong. I like my heroines to have great character with a sense of value and purpose. Kat is right up my alley. She is also smart and competent with both her mind and her shooting. She is a standout heroine in this series of big alpha male personalties. They are an unlikely pair, but that is what makes this story so appealing.
On the surface Beckett seems so hard. He hard muscled and hard headed. They say still waters run deep. Beckett is like the Grand Canyon. When Ms. Kaye opens him up, shows his vulnerability, I was hooked. Because of his difficult upbringing with his dad, Beckett goes through life numb. The only thing he really feels is anger, and that frightens him. Therefore, he tamps down most of this emotions. If there are no highs, there can be no lows. If you don't want for things, you won't be disappointed. Wanting something puts you at risk. Taking a chance with Kat opens up his world to new possibilities both good and bad.
The relationship between Beckett and Kat is explosive. After their first meeting in which Beckett held a gun on Kat, they are antagonistic toward one another. There are very explicit sexual encounters brimming with overwhelming tension. What starts as basically sex with a stranger morphs into something deeper as admiration, respect, and adoration settles in.
My one small critique of this story is that I would have liked to see more MacGyver-ness from Beckett. He is suppose to be the gadgets-guy with the ability to fix things. I would've been great to experience more of this.
IN A NUTSHELL:
I'm sorry to see it end. This book is prompting me to start over and read the series from the beginning. I see an episode of binge reading in my near future.
Originally posted at Love Affair with an E-Reader
I went into this book with a bit of wistfulness. This is the last of the Hard Ink series for the original characters introduced in book one. It says a lot about Laura Kaye's writing that I have become so attached to these characters and this storyline. And I'll say this up front, I loved the ending. It is fitting and poignant.
This book features the stories of Becket Murda and Katherine Rixey. Becket is the stoic one of the Hard Ink crew. He's brooding with a level of dangerous energy just beneath the surface. Katherine is a prosecutor for the Justice Department. She's committed and loyal with a strong sense of right and wrong. I like my heroines to have great character with a sense of value and purpose. Kat is right up my alley. She is also smart and competent with both her mind and her shooting. She is a standout heroine in this series of big alpha male personalties. They are an unlikely pair, but that is what makes this story so appealing.
On the surface Beckett seems so hard. He hard muscled and hard headed. They say still waters run deep. Beckett is like the Grand Canyon. When Ms. Kaye opens him up, shows his vulnerability, I was hooked. Because of his difficult upbringing with his dad, Beckett goes through life numb. The only thing he really feels is anger, and that frightens him. Therefore, he tamps down most of this emotions. If there are no highs, there can be no lows. If you don't want for things, you won't be disappointed. Wanting something puts you at risk. Taking a chance with Kat opens up his world to new possibilities both good and bad.
The relationship between Beckett and Kat is explosive. After their first meeting in which Beckett held a gun on Kat, they are antagonistic toward one another. There are very explicit sexual encounters brimming with overwhelming tension. What starts as basically sex with a stranger morphs into something deeper as admiration, respect, and adoration settles in.
My one small critique of this story is that I would have liked to see more MacGyver-ness from Beckett. He is suppose to be the gadgets-guy with the ability to fix things. I would've been great to experience more of this.
IN A NUTSHELL:
I'm sorry to see it end. This book is prompting me to start over and read the series from the beginning. I see an episode of binge reading in my near future.
July 9, 2015
HOLY FUCK, COULD MURDA GET ANY HOTTER?!?! **wiping drool** He's my kind of broken and I love it. And Kat, what a KICK ASS, TAKE NO PRISIONERS KIND OF WOMAN. She was PERFECT!!!!!
Wow, I'm kinda speechless right now. I want to scream and cry from the relief I feel for the team and the sadness of knowing this series is over. I HATE THAT!!!! I love this entire series and am heartbroken to see it go. Although Hard as Steel will be here soon, so I guess I have to wait for that tasty little morsel.
Reading Order
Hard As it Gets (Hard Ink 1)
Hard as you Can (Hard Ink 2)
Hard to Hold on To (Hard Ink 2.5)
Hard to Come By (Hard Ink 3)
Hard to Be Good (Hard Ink 3.5)
Only, Always, Forever: A Hard Ink Bonus Story (Hard Ink 3.6)
Hard to Let Go (Hard Ink 4)
TBR 9.22.15Hard as Steel (Hard Ink 4.5 Raven Riders MC crossover)
TBR 2.23.16Ride Hard (Raven Riders MC 1)
TBR 1.19.16Hard Ever After (Hard Ink)
April 5, 2016
3.5 stars
August 28, 2015
So, I have to admit, I totally missed the release of this book. I mean, how could I? I was so waiting for it after reading Hard to Be Good but oh man!
“But meeting you . . .if I could’ve dreamed, if I’d have even known what to dream of, it would’ve been of you.”
Beckett and Katherine met the first time when the latter arrived at Hard Ink in Hard to Come By, and it was something hilarious and fucking epic. I mean yeah, go meet a girl by pointing a gun at point blank range. Great!
So fast forward to what happens next is a whole lot of fun – humorous banters and strained conversations, more investigations and dead ends, more sexual innuendo shirts and love teams, and of course Cy and Eileen which are both cute.
Beckett is a whole lot of fucked up like the rest of the gang with all those that he have to go through, but it’s one of the reasons why he’s so close to my heart. I mean I know I love all of them, but with the five guys, Beckett got ahead than anyone else. Well of course, aside from Jeremy and Charlie because that’s another story.
Katherine. Nothing left to be said. She have made it to my Kick Ass Female List and that just shows how I admire her personality.
Katherine is definitely the light to Beckett’s darkness, whereas Beckett is the strength that Katherine needs. He always ends up saying the wrong things, making a fucked up mess of everything but always challenging her, making her strong without her knowing it. And she, by fighting making him strong and accepting himself.
“We’re clearly better at fucking than talking.” He arched a brow.
“Moderately,” she said. Though, to be honest, it was hard to affect a convincing blasé attitude while impaled on a glorious, nine-inch cock.
From reading the first installment of this series, I’ve always stalked and waited for the updates of what’s new to come. And here, finally it was a mixed of fast-racing heartbeat, excitement and trepidation. There were lives lost already, and I was afraid there's more. Another dead end, another frustration. But, I didn’t expect what happened. It came out as a surprise. The light in all their darkness.
The ending was just as heartbreaking as it was beautiful. And really, my heart broke for these five men and the lives that have been affected. They may have found their happily ever after, the love of their lives, and yet everything still hang in the balance but, that was just perfectly pulled. It’s just- I don’t know what to say.
P.S. I wanted to #VoteBeckettAndKat, really. I wanted them to have a child, ahead of everyone else but I ended up choosing #VoteJeremyAndCharlie.
August 3, 2015
Hard to Let Go is the final novel from Laura Kaye's Hard Ink series. It wraps up the weeks of investigation conducted by the disgraced Special Forces men in order to clear their names. As a closure of this series, I will say that this book delivered. In fact, this might be my favorite of the series alongside the M/M novella Hard to Be Good.
The key of this is definitely due to the couple: Beckett Murda and the younger Rixey, Katherine and their intense chemistry. Sure, just like previous books, it happened pretty fast -- but somehow the several days of this couple coming together didn't feel as quick, which is a good point in my eyes.
My favorite heroes from this series have always been Marz (book #3) and Jeremy (book #3.5). However, Beckett definitely gave the two men a run for their money. Sure, he was another Alpha man and he was protective towards Katherine. However, he also knew how to step back and gave Katherine her space and respected Katherine's request -- even if that ended up with a clusterfuck event and a big punch from Nick. I especially loved the way that he acknowledged his feelings towards her. Oh, and the part where Beckett told Nick that he wanted to date Katherine? PRECIOUS.
Katherine was gutsy, which was kind of expected coming from Rixey bloodline -- and she could hold her own against protective big brother like Nick. I really liked her, she was probably my favorite heroine among them all (she surely more memorable to me).
Their attraction was gold, and while the sexual element was high, there was some tender moments as well. Combined with fast-paced action as they raced towards the end of their investigation, when they found out who was responsible for everything, this book was pretty satisfying. And will admit that I had my eyes all teary during the Epilogue chapter as well.
Personal Note :
I've learned about the steamy level from previous books. I easily skimmed through it all. Having said that, the sex scenes here felt more 'sporadic' (in a positive sense) in between the main story ... Meaning that timing wise, I wasn't too annoyed when Beckett and Katherine decided to have sex.
The key of this is definitely due to the couple: Beckett Murda and the younger Rixey, Katherine and their intense chemistry. Sure, just like previous books, it happened pretty fast -- but somehow the several days of this couple coming together didn't feel as quick, which is a good point in my eyes.
My favorite heroes from this series have always been Marz (book #3) and Jeremy (book #3.5). However, Beckett definitely gave the two men a run for their money. Sure, he was another Alpha man and he was protective towards Katherine. However, he also knew how to step back and gave Katherine her space and respected Katherine's request -- even if that ended up with a clusterfuck event and a big punch from Nick. I especially loved the way that he acknowledged his feelings towards her. Oh, and the part where Beckett told Nick that he wanted to date Katherine? PRECIOUS.
Katherine was gutsy, which was kind of expected coming from Rixey bloodline -- and she could hold her own against protective big brother like Nick. I really liked her, she was probably my favorite heroine among them all (she surely more memorable to me).
Their attraction was gold, and while the sexual element was high, there was some tender moments as well. Combined with fast-paced action as they raced towards the end of their investigation, when they found out who was responsible for everything, this book was pretty satisfying. And will admit that I had my eyes all teary during the Epilogue chapter as well.
Personal Note :
I've learned about the steamy level from previous books. I easily skimmed through it all. Having said that, the sex scenes here felt more 'sporadic' (in a positive sense) in between the main story ... Meaning that timing wise, I wasn't too annoyed when Beckett and Katherine decided to have sex.
April 4, 2018
From the previous novels, I knew seeing Kathrine and Beckett's tango was going to fun and intense. These two have bickered since Beckett pulled a gun on her and the banter has been off the charts, so of course, I knew the heat would be too, and Kaye did not disappoint.
We finally learn why Katherine showed up on her brother’s doorstep and I give her credit for the way she handled it. The thread was interesting both in the relationship department and in the danger, it represented.
We already know going into this story that Beckett has some issues but learning his backstory had me wanting to snuggle with him. OK! Sheesh, you got me that was not my only reason for wanted to snuggle with Beckett. The man is F-I-N-E fine. I loved seeing him and Kat together; the initial tension and banter gave way to this incredible heat, coupled with some downright tender moments that had me wiping the corner of my eyes.
Of course, the gang is all present working to clear their names and restore their honor. Kaye took us on one hellacious ride as we finally get answers and work our way through some intense action scenes, near deaths and tears before bringing us a conclusion that satisfied and dare I say left room for the possibility of a revisit. It looks like there will be a spin-off series with the bikers who aided them and I am looking forward to beginning them. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
We finally learn why Katherine showed up on her brother’s doorstep and I give her credit for the way she handled it. The thread was interesting both in the relationship department and in the danger, it represented.
We already know going into this story that Beckett has some issues but learning his backstory had me wanting to snuggle with him. OK! Sheesh, you got me that was not my only reason for wanted to snuggle with Beckett. The man is F-I-N-E fine. I loved seeing him and Kat together; the initial tension and banter gave way to this incredible heat, coupled with some downright tender moments that had me wiping the corner of my eyes.
Of course, the gang is all present working to clear their names and restore their honor. Kaye took us on one hellacious ride as we finally get answers and work our way through some intense action scenes, near deaths and tears before bringing us a conclusion that satisfied and dare I say left room for the possibility of a revisit. It looks like there will be a spin-off series with the bikers who aided them and I am looking forward to beginning them. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 22, 2015
A story of corruption, redemption, and love - Hard To Let Go by Laura Kaye was everything I could have hoped for in a series ender. It feels like forever that I have been waiting for Beckett's story, and Ms. Kaye delivered on every single level, giving him the happily ever after that he so deserves. Book 4 in the amazing, heart-pounding, sexy Hard Ink series was not only Beckett and Kat's HEA, it was everyone's Happily Ever After. The tough, intense, and suspenseful journey these characters have been on, have come to an end, wrapping up so nicely and so perfectly, you can't help but to feel so wonderfully content with it all.
This is a story about a man who was alive, but not LIVING - A man who was numb, unattached, and closed off to the world - until he meets the beautiful and feisty Katherine Rixey. With her touch and her heart, she has opened him up to a world full of emotions, he doesn't know what to do with it all. He becomes overwhelmed, but at the same time, he knows he can't loose this feeling ever again. He will hang on to Kat as long as he can, giving her pleasure, and at the same time feeding his soul with light. He found his solace, his strength. He found the woman who would be the one to help him fight his demons. The one he would do anything for. He found his heart in Kat Rixey.
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This is a story about a man who was alive, but not LIVING - A man who was numb, unattached, and closed off to the world - until he meets the beautiful and feisty Katherine Rixey. With her touch and her heart, she has opened him up to a world full of emotions, he doesn't know what to do with it all. He becomes overwhelmed, but at the same time, he knows he can't loose this feeling ever again. He will hang on to Kat as long as he can, giving her pleasure, and at the same time feeding his soul with light. He found his solace, his strength. He found the woman who would be the one to help him fight his demons. The one he would do anything for. He found his heart in Kat Rixey.
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
August 5, 2020
WOW!!!
I couldn't be more pleased with how this series has wrapped up.
This was an awesome close to this series. All my questions answered. A great view into what the future holds for these awesome Hard Ink Men and the women and (male), that loves them.
I hate to say goodbye, but am so pleased with their send off.
Beckett and Kat... My Gawd, My Gawd! They were just... Whew! Together. I love them.
I will come back and read the final Novella of Becca and Nick, sometime in the near future.
I would HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone.
Please read in order.
I couldn't be more pleased with how this series has wrapped up.
This was an awesome close to this series. All my questions answered. A great view into what the future holds for these awesome Hard Ink Men and the women and (male), that loves them.
I hate to say goodbye, but am so pleased with their send off.
Beckett and Kat... My Gawd, My Gawd! They were just... Whew! Together. I love them.
I will come back and read the final Novella of Becca and Nick, sometime in the near future.
I would HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone.
Please read in order.
December 1, 2023
It's always hard when a beloved series comes to an end, but HARD TO LET GO was an amazing conclusion. This book was filled with tons of action, a boat load of emotion, and great character development; I will truly miss reading about the Hard Ink team.
Beckett comes across as very intimidating and tough but now we got to see Beckett’s inner soft side. From the previous books I was already intrigued by what was going on inside his head and it was a lot apparently and some of it was heartbreaking. Watching Beckett try to be a better partner with Kat was a highlight of this book. There were some tough times where I just wanted to shake Beckett, but he always corrected himself and after a few start-stops, he got it together where Kat is concerned.
Kat was just plain awesome, she’s totally the tough, strong, successful woman that we all hope to be when we grow up. I also loved how feisty, sarcastic, and down to earth Kat is. She has no problem getting her hands dirty, and she’s not afraid to go after what she wants in the bedroom.
I won't give away anything, but this was a great conclusion to the series, especially the epilogue, which was beautiful. Laura Kaye packs quite a lot of pain, tears, and happiness into the last 25% of this book and it’s a roller coaster of emotion.
Content Warning: past parental abuse; stalker ex-boyfriend; references to human trafficking, gang violence, part death of a parent, depression, suicide
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“I've never been the kind of man who believed in dreams, Kat. That wasn't the hand I got dealt. So I sure as hell never spent any time chasing them.” He swallowed hard and nodded. “But meeting you . . . if I could’ve dreamed, if I’d have even known what to dream of, it would've been of you.”
Beckett comes across as very intimidating and tough but now we got to see Beckett’s inner soft side. From the previous books I was already intrigued by what was going on inside his head and it was a lot apparently and some of it was heartbreaking. Watching Beckett try to be a better partner with Kat was a highlight of this book. There were some tough times where I just wanted to shake Beckett, but he always corrected himself and after a few start-stops, he got it together where Kat is concerned.
Kat was just plain awesome, she’s totally the tough, strong, successful woman that we all hope to be when we grow up. I also loved how feisty, sarcastic, and down to earth Kat is. She has no problem getting her hands dirty, and she’s not afraid to go after what she wants in the bedroom.
I won't give away anything, but this was a great conclusion to the series, especially the epilogue, which was beautiful. Laura Kaye packs quite a lot of pain, tears, and happiness into the last 25% of this book and it’s a roller coaster of emotion.
Content Warning: past parental abuse; stalker ex-boyfriend; references to human trafficking, gang violence, part death of a parent, depression, suicide
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
“I've never been the kind of man who believed in dreams, Kat. That wasn't the hand I got dealt. So I sure as hell never spent any time chasing them.” He swallowed hard and nodded. “But meeting you . . . if I could’ve dreamed, if I’d have even known what to dream of, it would've been of you.”
November 26, 2021
Hard to Let Go by Laura Kaye is a prefect ending to her Hard Ink series.
If you haven’t read Kaye’s Hard Ink series you should start with book 1, Hard As It Gets since the series focuses on the story arc of the guys clearing their name from an event that happened while they were in the army together. And with the series being a relative short one you can play catch up quickly.
We’ve followed the guys and gals of Hard Ink through action, danger and mystery to get to the collective HEA of everyone. And in Hard to Let Go Laura Kaye pulls out all the stops. I’d have to say that Kat and Beckett are my favorite couple and relationship of the group.
They fight like cats and dogs that translates into some serious attraction smoking hot sexy times. Really I don’t remember the other books being this hot. Oh the whole series is super sexy but dang Kat is one lucky lady with Beckett. He’s known in the group as the quite one and comes off as an ass but it’s all the mask he wears to hide what’s going on in his head. But when is his soft and sweet to Kat it just melts my heart and his back story makes me what to just hug him until I get massive paper cuts (cuz he’s a fictional character in a book).
The trade mark humor is very present in Hard to Let Go. I love how Kaye lightens the darker notes of the series with the funny as hell one liners and zingers these guys through at each other.
“Glad he’s not,” Charlie said, humor and embarrassment mixed in his voice. He crossed his arms. “He’d probably wear his ‘I’ve got a pole you can dance on’ T-shirt just to spite me.”
Marz burst out laughing. “Charlie Merritt! I didn’t know you had that in you,” he managed, still laughing.
Charlie gave Beckett a Did he really just say that? look, his embarrassment easing in favor of amusement.
“Dude. Think about what you just said and remember you’re talking to a gay man.”
What’s not to love about a tough as nails alpha hero with a heart of gold in need of some major snuggling to get over his low self-esteem. And a smart and sassy heroine that needs some snuggling herself.
“Stay,” he said, closing his arms around her back. He pulled her in tight.
And as they stood in the dark holding each other, Beckett had a goddamned ridiculous realization.
He could count the number of people who had hugged him before this moment on one finger—Becca, when she’d apologized to him for what they’d all thought her father had done. Before that, Beckett couldn’t ever remember being hugged. Not once.
Hard to let go is how I felt finishing Hard to Let Go by Laura Kaye. I can’t wait to read the spin-off series that will focus around The Ravens, the motorcycle gang that came in earlier in the series to help the Hard Ink gang take down the bad guy and finally find out the truth. Here’s hoping we’ll get some cameos from our soldiers and their gals.
If you haven’t read Kaye’s Hard Ink series you should start with book 1, Hard As It Gets since the series focuses on the story arc of the guys clearing their name from an event that happened while they were in the army together. And with the series being a relative short one you can play catch up quickly.
We’ve followed the guys and gals of Hard Ink through action, danger and mystery to get to the collective HEA of everyone. And in Hard to Let Go Laura Kaye pulls out all the stops. I’d have to say that Kat and Beckett are my favorite couple and relationship of the group.
They fight like cats and dogs that translates into some serious attraction smoking hot sexy times. Really I don’t remember the other books being this hot. Oh the whole series is super sexy but dang Kat is one lucky lady with Beckett. He’s known in the group as the quite one and comes off as an ass but it’s all the mask he wears to hide what’s going on in his head. But when is his soft and sweet to Kat it just melts my heart and his back story makes me what to just hug him until I get massive paper cuts (cuz he’s a fictional character in a book).
The trade mark humor is very present in Hard to Let Go. I love how Kaye lightens the darker notes of the series with the funny as hell one liners and zingers these guys through at each other.
“Glad he’s not,” Charlie said, humor and embarrassment mixed in his voice. He crossed his arms. “He’d probably wear his ‘I’ve got a pole you can dance on’ T-shirt just to spite me.”
Marz burst out laughing. “Charlie Merritt! I didn’t know you had that in you,” he managed, still laughing.
Charlie gave Beckett a Did he really just say that? look, his embarrassment easing in favor of amusement.
“Dude. Think about what you just said and remember you’re talking to a gay man.”
What’s not to love about a tough as nails alpha hero with a heart of gold in need of some major snuggling to get over his low self-esteem. And a smart and sassy heroine that needs some snuggling herself.
“Stay,” he said, closing his arms around her back. He pulled her in tight.
And as they stood in the dark holding each other, Beckett had a goddamned ridiculous realization.
He could count the number of people who had hugged him before this moment on one finger—Becca, when she’d apologized to him for what they’d all thought her father had done. Before that, Beckett couldn’t ever remember being hugged. Not once.
Hard to let go is how I felt finishing Hard to Let Go by Laura Kaye. I can’t wait to read the spin-off series that will focus around The Ravens, the motorcycle gang that came in earlier in the series to help the Hard Ink gang take down the bad guy and finally find out the truth. Here’s hoping we’ll get some cameos from our soldiers and their gals.
November 9, 2016
Meh I don't think I'll ever read this author again after finishing this series !
December 24, 2016
review to come.
June 24, 2015
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!
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
June 30, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
If this title doesn't say it all I don't know what does...from the first book in this series, Hard As It Gets, Laura Kaye drew me into her world of government conspiracy and injustice and I've loved every minute of it even though there have been moments that were hard to read it is very HARD TO LET Go of this series. This author made me care about these men whose lives were torn apart not only by a mission gone badly, but by the atrocities committed against them by the people whom they served under. I was invested in their lives as they came to realize that things were not as they seemed, that this incident was way bigger than themselves, as they worked to save innocent people caught up in this game and as they fought to find out the truth not only for themselves but for those who had lost so much because of it. I've watched them mourn, I've watched them accept no matter how hard it was to do so, I've watched them begin to heal, and I've watched them find love not only with another person but within themselves. It's hard for me to believe that series takes place in basically a month's time yet it is a reality that once they began to seek the truth that time was of the essence and they were forced to respond quickly and with as much force as necessary to keep others out of harm's way. I've loved that while the ongoing investigation was a story arc that carried throughout this series that anyone could pick up any book and not feel like they were missing something as she did a very good job of always including background information for new readers yet not so much that those who have read the whole series were bored. While it is never easy to say goodbye to a series, Ms. Kaye could not have ended this series any better as she not only wrapped up the suspense plot nicely she let us know that despite everything these men (and their significant others) have been through life was looking up for them and with hard work and dedication everything would work out. While it would be easy for the romance of two people to be lost in this series finale, that was not the case as both Beckett Murda and Katherine (Kate) Rixey are two larger than life individuals who not only demanded their time they were essential to the events that brought this team and this series closure.
There is something so special about a hero who not only admires a smart, successful, capable and strong woman but he celebrates her and has the upmost respect for her and Beckett is just that hero. There was never a time that he questioned Kate's capabilities but as he began to develop feelings he realizes that even though he relishes her independence that he wants her safe and will do anything to make sure that happens. Beckett is a hard man, he not only suffers from guilt that his best friend lost a good portion of his leg saving him; his childhood as left him scarred both physically and mentally all of which makes him question his worth in anyone's life. He is quite simply a broken man which is why someone like Kate was perfect for him.
Growing up with two older brothers Kate has always had someone to look out for her which could have made her develop princess like behavior but Kate is so not a princess. She's a badass who knows how to take care of herself and as a lawyer knows how to keep those she loves out of trouble or at least warn them when they are skirting the lines of the law. I loved watching her with her brothers Nick and Jeremy and seeing how different her relationship was with these two very different men but I also appreciated she didn't let them run roughshod over her, she stood her ground and made sure they knew she didn't appreciate when they didn't trust her to take care of things. Watching her accept all the pieces of Beckett made me love her even more especially when she began to realize just how much baggage he was dragging along with him.
While these two got off to the wrong foot from their first meeting, I give Kate credit for making Beckett pay for his mistake with her very entertaining "pet" names. From the start sparks were flying off these two and while most people saw their relationship as antagonistic there is a fine line between love and hate and these two figured that out. Holy hell did they figure it out: against walls, on tables, floors, and every other surface you can imagine. Damn these two burned up the pages yet they also shared some remarkably tender and poignant moments that led them both to realize something big was happening between them.
There's nothing like falling in love when emotions are high and lives are in danger especially when you both have a vested interest in doing whatever you can to see a favorable outcome. While they did manage to have some time alone there were also many tense moments and some that were downright scary but through it all they persevered and learned to trust each other fully.
As romantic suspense series go The Hard Ink series has been phenomenal in that it has featured some strong female characters that didn't sit back and let the men do all the hard work they were equally instrumental in making things happen, offering support and working alongside these pretty extraordinary men. As sad as I am this series has come to a close I'm excited to see what this author does next as I have thoroughly enjoyed being along for the ride in this series and I have no doubt I'll be right in the thick of the next one because this author never fails to entertain and entice. While Hard To Let Go is the last book in this series it is one of the best not only because we finally see justice done but for the two very unforgettable and amazing main characters that not only found each other but found their home.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
If this title doesn't say it all I don't know what does...from the first book in this series, Hard As It Gets, Laura Kaye drew me into her world of government conspiracy and injustice and I've loved every minute of it even though there have been moments that were hard to read it is very HARD TO LET Go of this series. This author made me care about these men whose lives were torn apart not only by a mission gone badly, but by the atrocities committed against them by the people whom they served under. I was invested in their lives as they came to realize that things were not as they seemed, that this incident was way bigger than themselves, as they worked to save innocent people caught up in this game and as they fought to find out the truth not only for themselves but for those who had lost so much because of it. I've watched them mourn, I've watched them accept no matter how hard it was to do so, I've watched them begin to heal, and I've watched them find love not only with another person but within themselves. It's hard for me to believe that series takes place in basically a month's time yet it is a reality that once they began to seek the truth that time was of the essence and they were forced to respond quickly and with as much force as necessary to keep others out of harm's way. I've loved that while the ongoing investigation was a story arc that carried throughout this series that anyone could pick up any book and not feel like they were missing something as she did a very good job of always including background information for new readers yet not so much that those who have read the whole series were bored. While it is never easy to say goodbye to a series, Ms. Kaye could not have ended this series any better as she not only wrapped up the suspense plot nicely she let us know that despite everything these men (and their significant others) have been through life was looking up for them and with hard work and dedication everything would work out. While it would be easy for the romance of two people to be lost in this series finale, that was not the case as both Beckett Murda and Katherine (Kate) Rixey are two larger than life individuals who not only demanded their time they were essential to the events that brought this team and this series closure.
There is something so special about a hero who not only admires a smart, successful, capable and strong woman but he celebrates her and has the upmost respect for her and Beckett is just that hero. There was never a time that he questioned Kate's capabilities but as he began to develop feelings he realizes that even though he relishes her independence that he wants her safe and will do anything to make sure that happens. Beckett is a hard man, he not only suffers from guilt that his best friend lost a good portion of his leg saving him; his childhood as left him scarred both physically and mentally all of which makes him question his worth in anyone's life. He is quite simply a broken man which is why someone like Kate was perfect for him.
Growing up with two older brothers Kate has always had someone to look out for her which could have made her develop princess like behavior but Kate is so not a princess. She's a badass who knows how to take care of herself and as a lawyer knows how to keep those she loves out of trouble or at least warn them when they are skirting the lines of the law. I loved watching her with her brothers Nick and Jeremy and seeing how different her relationship was with these two very different men but I also appreciated she didn't let them run roughshod over her, she stood her ground and made sure they knew she didn't appreciate when they didn't trust her to take care of things. Watching her accept all the pieces of Beckett made me love her even more especially when she began to realize just how much baggage he was dragging along with him.
While these two got off to the wrong foot from their first meeting, I give Kate credit for making Beckett pay for his mistake with her very entertaining "pet" names. From the start sparks were flying off these two and while most people saw their relationship as antagonistic there is a fine line between love and hate and these two figured that out. Holy hell did they figure it out: against walls, on tables, floors, and every other surface you can imagine. Damn these two burned up the pages yet they also shared some remarkably tender and poignant moments that led them both to realize something big was happening between them.
There's nothing like falling in love when emotions are high and lives are in danger especially when you both have a vested interest in doing whatever you can to see a favorable outcome. While they did manage to have some time alone there were also many tense moments and some that were downright scary but through it all they persevered and learned to trust each other fully.
As romantic suspense series go The Hard Ink series has been phenomenal in that it has featured some strong female characters that didn't sit back and let the men do all the hard work they were equally instrumental in making things happen, offering support and working alongside these pretty extraordinary men. As sad as I am this series has come to a close I'm excited to see what this author does next as I have thoroughly enjoyed being along for the ride in this series and I have no doubt I'll be right in the thick of the next one because this author never fails to entertain and entice. While Hard To Let Go is the last book in this series it is one of the best not only because we finally see justice done but for the two very unforgettable and amazing main characters that not only found each other but found their home.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
June 6, 2015
Hard to Let Go is an incredible, action filled, hot and steamy, special forces romance experience.
The antagonizing relationship between Kate and Beckett is about to come to a head and so is the war between Hard Ink and the mastermind that destroyed their military careers. Both highly volatile situations; both making for marvelous reads; combine them you have a 5 star tale to inhale!
How apropos is this title, Hard to Let Go? It is truly a series I didn't want to see end.
Kaye masterfully wraps up this storyline but manages to work in every character you’ve come to love in for one major hurrah.
So, sit back, make yourself comfortable and enjoy because this action infused story, in and out of the bedroom, is sure to keep you riveted.
I received this ARC copy of Hard to Let Go from Avon in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 30, 2015.
Written by: Laura Kaye
Series: Hard Ink
Sequence in Series: 4
Page Count: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon
Publication date: June 30, 2015
Rating: 5 Stars
ISBN-10: 0062267949
ISBN-13: 978-0062267948
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
The antagonizing relationship between Kate and Beckett is about to come to a head and so is the war between Hard Ink and the mastermind that destroyed their military careers. Both highly volatile situations; both making for marvelous reads; combine them you have a 5 star tale to inhale!
How apropos is this title, Hard to Let Go? It is truly a series I didn't want to see end.
Kaye masterfully wraps up this storyline but manages to work in every character you’ve come to love in for one major hurrah.
So, sit back, make yourself comfortable and enjoy because this action infused story, in and out of the bedroom, is sure to keep you riveted.
I received this ARC copy of Hard to Let Go from Avon in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 30, 2015.
Written by: Laura Kaye
Series: Hard Ink
Sequence in Series: 4
Page Count: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon
Publication date: June 30, 2015
Rating: 5 Stars
ISBN-10: 0062267949
ISBN-13: 978-0062267948
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 23, 2019
Hard to Let Go was the fourth book in the Hard Ink series by Laura Kaye. It was a continuation of the suspenseful plot that started in book one but focused on Beckett and Kate.
Beckett Murda was one of the five former Special Forces team that was injured in an ambush and then dishonorably discharged. The surviving members of the team were secretly working together to clear their names.
Katherine “Kate” Rixey was the sister to Nick (book one, Hard As It Gets) and Jeremy (book three.five, Hard to Be Good). She was beautiful, sassy, smart, independent and a successful attorney.
I really enjoyed this story. It was fast paced, suspenseful, sexy, fun and emotional all at the same time. It concluded the main storyline that was flowing throughout the series while highlighting the personalities and baggage of each team member, ultimately bringing healing and a new beginning for each one.
Although all of the team members have their HEA story, the Ravens Riders MC, who were introduced in this series, have their stories next so hopefully we’ll still see the Hard Ink gang going forward. I’m looking forward to whatever Kaye brings us next.
Beckett Murda was one of the five former Special Forces team that was injured in an ambush and then dishonorably discharged. The surviving members of the team were secretly working together to clear their names.
Katherine “Kate” Rixey was the sister to Nick (book one, Hard As It Gets) and Jeremy (book three.five, Hard to Be Good). She was beautiful, sassy, smart, independent and a successful attorney.
I really enjoyed this story. It was fast paced, suspenseful, sexy, fun and emotional all at the same time. It concluded the main storyline that was flowing throughout the series while highlighting the personalities and baggage of each team member, ultimately bringing healing and a new beginning for each one.
Although all of the team members have their HEA story, the Ravens Riders MC, who were introduced in this series, have their stories next so hopefully we’ll still see the Hard Ink gang going forward. I’m looking forward to whatever Kaye brings us next.
September 10, 2017
Really love this one. Sorry I waited so long to read the final edition to the series.
Kat is a great heroine. Tough, smart, confident, loyal...
Beckett...sigh...who knew the big lug was such a softee at heart! He really is a big teddy bear.
There was push/pull. But not much. Like all the other guys, Beckett has "issues". His chemistry with Kat was off the charts.
The story had loads of action, and a great wrap up of the series.
Kat is a great heroine. Tough, smart, confident, loyal...
Beckett...sigh...who knew the big lug was such a softee at heart! He really is a big teddy bear.
There was push/pull. But not much. Like all the other guys, Beckett has "issues". His chemistry with Kat was off the charts.
The story had loads of action, and a great wrap up of the series.
July 20, 2015
Excellent ending to a great series. I think Murda may very well be my favorite of the group. I'm really looking forward to the spin-off series about the Ravens now.
October 23, 2015
Hard to Let Go is the final book of the Hard Ink Series by Laura Kaye and let me tell you the title alone of this book pretty much sums up my sentiments on this book. It is a bittersweet feeling to say goodbye to this unforgettable ensemble cast of characters that Ms. Kaye has introduced us to. In this final installment, Ms. Kaye does not disappoint her readers at all. She DELIVERED a book that was full of raw emotions, grit, and an action-packed thrilling suspense all the while weaving a buddy love story with Beckett Murda and Kat Rixley.
Hard To Let Go consumes readers on a whirlwind romance that was was drawn out through one hot sexual story built tension, lust, and a palpable tangible connection. The love/hate relationship of Kat and Beckett was one part of the story that I loved but what drew me into this story was the camaraderie that Laura Kaye continues to install in each book while highlighting the brotherhood, friendship, and redemption each character were able to find. As always, Ms. Kaye never fails to deliver a hot, passionate, sexy, intense, and action packed story that will grip your hearts and will leave you begging for more as your take on a rollercoaster of emotions. Be prepared to fall in LOVE with these hot alpha male heroes and the strong and feisty woman that can stand by their side.
Hard To Let Go consumes readers on a whirlwind romance that was was drawn out through one hot sexual story built tension, lust, and a palpable tangible connection. The love/hate relationship of Kat and Beckett was one part of the story that I loved but what drew me into this story was the camaraderie that Laura Kaye continues to install in each book while highlighting the brotherhood, friendship, and redemption each character were able to find. As always, Ms. Kaye never fails to deliver a hot, passionate, sexy, intense, and action packed story that will grip your hearts and will leave you begging for more as your take on a rollercoaster of emotions. Be prepared to fall in LOVE with these hot alpha male heroes and the strong and feisty woman that can stand by their side.
August 25, 2016
Loved all the books in this series so far, and book 4 does not disappoint. Beckett and Kat's story is an action packed drama that takes us on a rollercoaster ride of intrigue, suspense and romance. Kat is gutsy and not afraid of her feminine side, Beckett is hot, and territorial, and during all their encounters I love his alpha side, what a truly well matched stubborn couple. Together they, and the rest of the Hard Ink team battle the forces that were responsible for their dishonourable discharges from The Special Forces, and are trying to put an end to their investigations to clear heir names once and for all. Love the dual POV, love the story and love all the characters that I've got to know and love in this series. I'm sad to see the series end, but I've got to say it ends on a high. One of my favourite series to date.
July 6, 2015
4 1/2 Hard Ink Stars!!!
First of all, I'm so sad to see this series end, but wow what a way to go out. Becket and Kat were a great couple. The romance and action are perfectly balanced. Loved it. Happy reading!
First of all, I'm so sad to see this series end, but wow what a way to go out. Becket and Kat were a great couple. The romance and action are perfectly balanced. Loved it. Happy reading!
July 2, 2015
Great end to a great series!
July 1, 2015
I have been DYING for this book. Ever since book one, when Beckett Murda showed up on the scene, I knew he'd be my favorite. I'm always a sucker for the strong, silent types. The ones who seem to shoulder everyone else's burdens before their own. The ones who have a hard time letting someone in. And, I like these guys the best because, when they meet that one person that makes them want to soften and help shoulder the load, the wait for that moment is so, SO sweet.
Beckett carries so many burdens, from his crappy childhood to the ambush that caused his best friend to lose his leg, all because of him. The pain and blackness and guilt eat away at him daily, but he shoves it all down so that he can soldier on and do his job. And, now he and his four Army brothers are so close to getting to the bottom of whatever it was that caused their bogus dishonorable discharge from the Army, there is a light that he can actually grab on to. But, Kat is in the house now, and she does things to him. All of a sudden, Beckett has another person to worry about, because he can't lose another person in his life.
My heart broke for this man. He was beaten and told repeatedly how worthless he was as a child. I hate reading about that kind of stuff, because I can't imagine how anyone could say such things to a little kid. I remember there was this one part in Hard To Let Go where Kat gives Beckett a hug, and he was startled by it because, in his entire life, that was only the second time that someone had voluntarily put their arms around him in affection. Can you even imagine?
Beckett grew up believing all the things said to him, and no one ever gave a damn about him until he joined the Army and was put on a team with Nick, Marz, Easy and Shane. These men were the closest thing to real family that he had ever had. The relationship that these five men have with one another is incredible. They really are family to one another. And, when each man found someone to love, that person was inducted into this makeshift family unit as well.
Kat was already sorta halfway there, since she's Nick and Jeremy Rixey's sister. She and Beckett had a volatile beginning to their relationship thanks to Kat's take-no-shit personality and Beckett's I-live-to-be-scary-and-broody way about him. They were like oil and water, until they quit talking and used their mouths for more fun things.
Man, these two had PASSION. The way they felt about each other, even from the beginning, was expressed in extreme ways. They could fight and argue like pros. And, then they could make up in ways that were so hot. Passion was definitely not a problem for Beckett and Kat.
What WAS a problem was learning to rely on someone else to help you through your crap. Both of them are very used to being self-sufficient and holding in their feelings. They try to pretend like things don't bother them. They solve their own problems. And, all of those things cause some major bumps in their road to happiness. Their trial-and-error way of working through all this was what absolutely endeared me to this couple. They weren't perfect by a long shot, but neither of them ever gave up, and when they realized they had made a mistake, they sought to rectify it.
The big mystery surrounding the team's commanding officer and his motives on that final mission has all culminated in this final book of the series. All the questions are answered. There is a ton of action and nail-biting moments. And, the payoff is HUGE. The final chapter is absolutely incredible. It makes me hope that Laura Kaye keeps on writing about these six couples that have found each other during this horrific and stressful month together. (Can you believe that's all the time that's passed in this series?) I don't want to let them go!
But, if I have to let them go, I'm glad it all ended with Beckett and Kat. Beckett's transformation was the bread to my butter. I love that man so hard, and I happen to think that Kat is perfect for him. This finale is how finales are done.
Beckett carries so many burdens, from his crappy childhood to the ambush that caused his best friend to lose his leg, all because of him. The pain and blackness and guilt eat away at him daily, but he shoves it all down so that he can soldier on and do his job. And, now he and his four Army brothers are so close to getting to the bottom of whatever it was that caused their bogus dishonorable discharge from the Army, there is a light that he can actually grab on to. But, Kat is in the house now, and she does things to him. All of a sudden, Beckett has another person to worry about, because he can't lose another person in his life.
My heart broke for this man. He was beaten and told repeatedly how worthless he was as a child. I hate reading about that kind of stuff, because I can't imagine how anyone could say such things to a little kid. I remember there was this one part in Hard To Let Go where Kat gives Beckett a hug, and he was startled by it because, in his entire life, that was only the second time that someone had voluntarily put their arms around him in affection. Can you even imagine?
Beckett grew up believing all the things said to him, and no one ever gave a damn about him until he joined the Army and was put on a team with Nick, Marz, Easy and Shane. These men were the closest thing to real family that he had ever had. The relationship that these five men have with one another is incredible. They really are family to one another. And, when each man found someone to love, that person was inducted into this makeshift family unit as well.
Kat was already sorta halfway there, since she's Nick and Jeremy Rixey's sister. She and Beckett had a volatile beginning to their relationship thanks to Kat's take-no-shit personality and Beckett's I-live-to-be-scary-and-broody way about him. They were like oil and water, until they quit talking and used their mouths for more fun things.
Man, these two had PASSION. The way they felt about each other, even from the beginning, was expressed in extreme ways. They could fight and argue like pros. And, then they could make up in ways that were so hot. Passion was definitely not a problem for Beckett and Kat.
What WAS a problem was learning to rely on someone else to help you through your crap. Both of them are very used to being self-sufficient and holding in their feelings. They try to pretend like things don't bother them. They solve their own problems. And, all of those things cause some major bumps in their road to happiness. Their trial-and-error way of working through all this was what absolutely endeared me to this couple. They weren't perfect by a long shot, but neither of them ever gave up, and when they realized they had made a mistake, they sought to rectify it.
The big mystery surrounding the team's commanding officer and his motives on that final mission has all culminated in this final book of the series. All the questions are answered. There is a ton of action and nail-biting moments. And, the payoff is HUGE. The final chapter is absolutely incredible. It makes me hope that Laura Kaye keeps on writing about these six couples that have found each other during this horrific and stressful month together. (Can you believe that's all the time that's passed in this series?) I don't want to let them go!
But, if I have to let them go, I'm glad it all ended with Beckett and Kat. Beckett's transformation was the bread to my butter. I love that man so hard, and I happen to think that Kat is perfect for him. This finale is how finales are done.
June 13, 2015
After four full-length novellas and two novellas, the Hard Ink series by Laura Kaye has finally come to an end and the title of the final book, Hard to Let Go, pretty much sums up my thoughts on saying goodbye to this unforgettable cast of characters I’ve gotten to know and love along the way. Like its predecessors, Hard to Let Go is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller, only now readers are finally getting answers to a number of questions as everything comes to a head with protagonists, Beckett Murda and Kat Rixley at the forefront. Between Kat and Beckett's budding romance, a subplot involving Kat's ex, and the culmination of their lead investigation, there is hardly a moment's rest. From the very first sentence and on through the epilogue, Hard to Let Go is an attention-grabbing, emotionally-gripping, entertaining thrill ride and, to put it simply, I loved every minute of it.
After being teased with the prospect of Beckett and Kat’s romance, I was eager to get to their story, which promised to be rife with sexual tension and a flirtation that straddled the border between love and hate. From the moment Beckett and Kat crossed paths when he pulled a gun on her after failing to identify her as Nick and Jeremy’s sister, the couple butted heads and ended most conversations at each other’s throats. Strangely enough, this unconcealed aggression translated to unrestrained lust when the two finally surrendered to the fiery passion that sparked between them. Their chemistry was explosive and their compatibility in the bedroom was undeniable but the road to Happily Ever After was obstructed with misunderstandings, secrets, and of course, their ongoing battle for justice.
Hard to Let Go is very much a character-driven novel, which is as successful as it is because of the depth of these characters’ backstories. While I loved Kat’s fierce, no-nonsense strength, Beckett had a direct line to my heartstrings and elicited some of the most poignant moments of the entire series with his heartbreakingly brutal past. His silent pain had me on the verge of tears – tears that threatened to spill the more Beckett unburdened the thoughts and memories that haunted him. It’s not often that a book makes me cry but, between the series wrapping up and Beckett’s unexpectedly devastating background, this book had my emotions all over the place.
What I love most about the Hard Ink series is that it has one overarching narrative that follows a new pair of love interests with each book so that, even though Hard to Let Go was Kat and Beckett’s story, their romance was just one aspect of the book. As much as I love the romance and the intrigue, it's the camaraderie between the Hard Ink crew that injected so much life into every page of every book in the series. These guys were already as close as brothers, but the bond was renewed and strengthened as they invited one another to share in their vulnerabilities. The series started as a way for this group of former soldiers to clear false charges made against their unit, but it morphed into this incredible journey of love, friendship, and redemption. While I was reluctant to part ways with the series, I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect or more fitting ending for the entire group.
*complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
After being teased with the prospect of Beckett and Kat’s romance, I was eager to get to their story, which promised to be rife with sexual tension and a flirtation that straddled the border between love and hate. From the moment Beckett and Kat crossed paths when he pulled a gun on her after failing to identify her as Nick and Jeremy’s sister, the couple butted heads and ended most conversations at each other’s throats. Strangely enough, this unconcealed aggression translated to unrestrained lust when the two finally surrendered to the fiery passion that sparked between them. Their chemistry was explosive and their compatibility in the bedroom was undeniable but the road to Happily Ever After was obstructed with misunderstandings, secrets, and of course, their ongoing battle for justice.
Hard to Let Go is very much a character-driven novel, which is as successful as it is because of the depth of these characters’ backstories. While I loved Kat’s fierce, no-nonsense strength, Beckett had a direct line to my heartstrings and elicited some of the most poignant moments of the entire series with his heartbreakingly brutal past. His silent pain had me on the verge of tears – tears that threatened to spill the more Beckett unburdened the thoughts and memories that haunted him. It’s not often that a book makes me cry but, between the series wrapping up and Beckett’s unexpectedly devastating background, this book had my emotions all over the place.
What I love most about the Hard Ink series is that it has one overarching narrative that follows a new pair of love interests with each book so that, even though Hard to Let Go was Kat and Beckett’s story, their romance was just one aspect of the book. As much as I love the romance and the intrigue, it's the camaraderie between the Hard Ink crew that injected so much life into every page of every book in the series. These guys were already as close as brothers, but the bond was renewed and strengthened as they invited one another to share in their vulnerabilities. The series started as a way for this group of former soldiers to clear false charges made against their unit, but it morphed into this incredible journey of love, friendship, and redemption. While I was reluctant to part ways with the series, I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect or more fitting ending for the entire group.
*complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
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