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katemarie929's review against another edition
4.0
I'm absolutely in love with this series! Can't wait for more!
nyxshadow's review against another edition
3.0
http://www.nyx-shadow.com/2016/12/hard-ink-t2-fais-moi-male-laura-kaye.html
3.5
Plutôt sympa parce que l'auteur a essayé de construire une vraie histoire de fond et que la romance arrive dans le cadre de cette intrigue.
Alors oui ça reste un peu rapide, mais bon.
J'ai beaucoup aimé Crystal, sa sœur et son histoire, et j'aurai aimé en savoir plus.
Mon plus gros regret c'est la fin. En trois pages l'auteur termine son histoire et ça me frustre !
3.5
Plutôt sympa parce que l'auteur a essayé de construire une vraie histoire de fond et que la romance arrive dans le cadre de cette intrigue.
Alors oui ça reste un peu rapide, mais bon.
J'ai beaucoup aimé Crystal, sa sœur et son histoire, et j'aurai aimé en savoir plus.
Mon plus gros regret c'est la fin. En trois pages l'auteur termine son histoire et ça me frustre !
francesca_rock's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this one! And I'm super intrigued by the next book in the series! Awesome. ((Though, honestly, that cover leaves a little to be desired)).
The characters were obviously lovely. Shane had that southern charm thing going for him - and it really came off the page. I would have also fallen for him. And Crystal ... well, she was not at all what I expected from a woman who works at a strip club. Mind you, I only personally know one .... but she is pretty much the stereotype (and this is said from a place of love). So as you can expect, I did not really want to read a story about a tough stripper. But I was pleasantly surprised and ended up loving both of them. There were also the obvious cameos from people in the last book and Jeremy .... he IS getting his own book right?! Even though he's not a soldier. He totally deserves one.
The primary story here (the one where they fall in love) was simple and direct. It was cute how he wanted to take care of her and she didn't want him to. But only to protect him. Awwwwwww. The secondary story, and the one that is the force behind the entire series, seems to be getting more and more intense. Though I love the little love stories thrown in, I really want to know what the fuck happened! Is Merritt a bad guy or not? Part of me is saying no ...... And that's part of what will keep me reading this series ... the need to know .... though it doesn't look like it'll end until next year. But! I shall persevere!
Overall, a fast paced story with a riveting plot.
Laura Kaye, you totally nailed it.
Check out more of my reviews at http://whatabookbitch.blogspot.ca
xakyr's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this one much better than the first book! I thought it had more action, was believable, and I found it easier to connect to the characters. Crystal was my favorite character of this book, because she showed such inner strength in the face of the direction her life was forced to take. Shane was a very interesting hero, and not without his flaws. That made him more realistic in my eyes. I liked how the author brought in a bit of Motorcycle Club culture to the story, as I've been interested in MC romances of late. The one problem I have with this is that the series can't be read as standalone stories, and it has been a good bit since I have read the first book. I'm kinda looking forward to the next story!
wendylynnm's review against another edition
5.0
Review by Shonna on http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy.blogspot.com/
Shonna's review: Forced into working off her late father’s debt, Crystal (Sara) Dean has learned how to deal with the harsh reality of her world and what she must do to live and survive. Determined to hang on to the promise she made and protect her sister from harm, Crystal stands strong and waits for the day they can slip out of Church’s grip and run to freedom. But until that day, she must retain her well worn poker face to keep her teetered on the fence, knowing one wrong move would throw them both into the world of human trafficking.
Cherishing his missing little sister’s necklace, Shane forever feels the burden of failing to protect her. Overpowered with a need to help any woman in trouble now, he tries to figure out a way to do that while gathering information to help with his teammate's mission from the waitress obviously under Church’s thumb. The brief encounters linger in his mind and fill his heart with needing more than a want to help. He now has a need to have her in his life and his heart.
This amazing installment snaps right into the next heartbeat of the series. While digging for answers they seek, these alluring characters take you on an adventure that glue you to the book. One thing I always admire about Laura Kaye’s work is the emotions she can bring out of me through her characters. And the main hero in this story, Shane McCallan, is no exception. Very realistic and solid, he has a genuine depth that you will no doubt love.
A favorite quote from HARD AS YOU CAN:
Letting go of that hope was like driving a dagger into his heart. It left him grasping his chest and gulping down air. Loosening the grip on his gun, Shane went down on his knees, his head hanging on his shoulders. Long minutes passed, during which he forced himself to stay in that place, to feel what it felt like.
To feel what failure felt like. Again.
Then, looking to the sky, Shane made a vow. If he couldn’t save the victims, he would find a way to avenge them. One way or another, Church was going down. And somehow, some way, Shane would be the one to make it happen.
Although I didn’t quite comprehend how Crystal was able to flip her emotions so easily and turn to trust after all that she had been though, I did admire her courage, strength, and willingness to do what she had to do for her sister and herself. Trust can be a hard pill to swallow, but something in Crystal’s heart didn’t let her give-up on a chance to find it, or the love she developed for Shane.
With the series plot continuing on, I am on pins and needles waiting to find out who will step forward and take the lead in the next story. With all the yummy characters in it, any would make an awesome story. Yet I have to admit, I do have my fingers crossed for Jenna and Easy. *Just saying*
A top notch series.
My rating:5
Shonna's review: Forced into working off her late father’s debt, Crystal (Sara) Dean has learned how to deal with the harsh reality of her world and what she must do to live and survive. Determined to hang on to the promise she made and protect her sister from harm, Crystal stands strong and waits for the day they can slip out of Church’s grip and run to freedom. But until that day, she must retain her well worn poker face to keep her teetered on the fence, knowing one wrong move would throw them both into the world of human trafficking.
Cherishing his missing little sister’s necklace, Shane forever feels the burden of failing to protect her. Overpowered with a need to help any woman in trouble now, he tries to figure out a way to do that while gathering information to help with his teammate's mission from the waitress obviously under Church’s thumb. The brief encounters linger in his mind and fill his heart with needing more than a want to help. He now has a need to have her in his life and his heart.
This amazing installment snaps right into the next heartbeat of the series. While digging for answers they seek, these alluring characters take you on an adventure that glue you to the book. One thing I always admire about Laura Kaye’s work is the emotions she can bring out of me through her characters. And the main hero in this story, Shane McCallan, is no exception. Very realistic and solid, he has a genuine depth that you will no doubt love.
A favorite quote from HARD AS YOU CAN:
Letting go of that hope was like driving a dagger into his heart. It left him grasping his chest and gulping down air. Loosening the grip on his gun, Shane went down on his knees, his head hanging on his shoulders. Long minutes passed, during which he forced himself to stay in that place, to feel what it felt like.
To feel what failure felt like. Again.
Then, looking to the sky, Shane made a vow. If he couldn’t save the victims, he would find a way to avenge them. One way or another, Church was going down. And somehow, some way, Shane would be the one to make it happen.
Although I didn’t quite comprehend how Crystal was able to flip her emotions so easily and turn to trust after all that she had been though, I did admire her courage, strength, and willingness to do what she had to do for her sister and herself. Trust can be a hard pill to swallow, but something in Crystal’s heart didn’t let her give-up on a chance to find it, or the love she developed for Shane.
With the series plot continuing on, I am on pins and needles waiting to find out who will step forward and take the lead in the next story. With all the yummy characters in it, any would make an awesome story. Yet I have to admit, I do have my fingers crossed for Jenna and Easy. *Just saying*
A top notch series.
My rating:5
mary_05's review against another edition
2.0
Technically 2.5 stars
Hard As You Can??? More like TRY AS HARD AS YOU CAN TO FINISH THIS BOOK
I was actually really disappointed with Hard As You Can. I loved the first book, I mean really loved it, because it wasn't all about the romance. There was so much going on, but it didn't feel rushed and there was a good deal of action. The second book however, I felt as though the whole point of the story was over shadowed by the romance.
I'm not going to lie, both of the main characters annoyed me to no end. There was so much that could have been avoided. There were so many things that dragged and dragged on. The romance was so so... boring. I thought it was too cookie cutter. It was so predictable.
Crystal really got on my nerves, I thought she played the victim card way too often. She whined a lot and she never truly tried to take matters into her own hands, she never tried to take charge of her life, she kind of just coasted around, bidding her time.
Shane, ugh Shane! I liked him from Nick's point of view, but my god! His saviour complex, well it perplexed me. I understood it, but I feel like for sixteen years something should have happened. He should have tried to deal with it of at least have seen a shrink or something. He almost compromised the whole mission because of he's issues. Basically the whole point of the series was over shadowed. We didn't even get answers to questions from the first book. There was no significant intel.
I had a very had time finishing this book. The only reason I finished this book was because I wanted to read the third book. I'm really looking forward to Mars's book, but I'm not even going to put high expectations on it. I can't... I don't even know how Hard As You Can took such a 180 from the first book. Hopefully there'll be more about what happened in Afghanistan and and less predictable cheesy romance.
Hard As You Can??? More like TRY AS HARD AS YOU CAN TO FINISH THIS BOOK
I was actually really disappointed with Hard As You Can. I loved the first book, I mean really loved it, because it wasn't all about the romance. There was so much going on, but it didn't feel rushed and there was a good deal of action. The second book however, I felt as though the whole point of the story was over shadowed by the romance.
I'm not going to lie, both of the main characters annoyed me to no end. There was so much that could have been avoided. There were so many things that dragged and dragged on. The romance was so so... boring. I thought it was too cookie cutter. It was so predictable.
Crystal really got on my nerves, I thought she played the victim card way too often. She whined a lot and she never truly tried to take matters into her own hands, she never tried to take charge of her life, she kind of just coasted around, bidding her time.
Shane, ugh Shane! I liked him from Nick's point of view, but my god! His saviour complex, well it perplexed me. I understood it, but I feel like for sixteen years something should have happened. He should have tried to deal with it of at least have seen a shrink or something. He almost compromised the whole mission because of he's issues. Basically the whole point of the series was over shadowed. We didn't even get answers to questions from the first book. There was no significant intel.
I had a very had time finishing this book. The only reason I finished this book was because I wanted to read the third book. I'm really looking forward to Mars's book, but I'm not even going to put high expectations on it. I can't... I don't even know how Hard As You Can took such a 180 from the first book. Hopefully there'll be more about what happened in Afghanistan and and less predictable cheesy romance.
cassdoudoumis's review against another edition
4.0
Although I enjoyed this quite a bit, I find that the pacing is insane. I don't even think it's insta-love at this point... it's like an adrenaline rush of emotions and events that acts as a catapult for our main characters to go from strangers to where they end up.
I'm not mad about the book, I actually have full intention of reading the series until I reach the end/get bored (if I even get bored). Shane and Crystal have an equally as time-sensitive of a situation as Becca and Nick, but these two have a life they're almost trying to run away from. Crystal is stuck. She has nowhere to go and everything to fight for as her sister Jenna's future and health are on the line. With Bruno having been their "provider" of sorts for so long, Crystal needs to have a solid plan to get her and Jenna out from under him and far, far away. Shane is her saving grace, it seems, but she is far too nervous to trust that it will work out.
Laura Kaye has given us a wonderful cast of characters that I really do want to get to know more in their respective books. I am both intrigued by and excited about what is to come. I just wish we had more time to watch things unfold because there is not enough breathing room for it to make sense in my head. Both of these books feel like they take place within a week and a half's time. I also... okay. Hmm.. I know it's a personal preference but the nickname sweetness feels so unnatural. I don't buy it. I DON'T KNOW WHY BUT MY BRAIN JUST REJECTS IT EVERY TIME I SEE IT which is annoying because I wanted to like this for her. If only he had called her sweetheart....... sadness.
Anywhooooo I do think this was worth the read. I can't wait to see what comes next!
I'm not mad about the book, I actually have full intention of reading the series until I reach the end/get bored (if I even get bored). Shane and Crystal have an equally as time-sensitive of a situation as Becca and Nick, but these two have a life they're almost trying to run away from. Crystal is stuck. She has nowhere to go and everything to fight for as her sister Jenna's future and health are on the line. With Bruno having been their "provider" of sorts for so long, Crystal needs to have a solid plan to get her and Jenna out from under him and far, far away. Shane is her saving grace, it seems, but she is far too nervous to trust that it will work out.
Laura Kaye has given us a wonderful cast of characters that I really do want to get to know more in their respective books. I am both intrigued by and excited about what is to come. I just wish we had more time to watch things unfold because there is not enough breathing room for it to make sense in my head. Both of these books feel like they take place within a week and a half's time. I also... okay. Hmm.. I know it's a personal preference but the nickname sweetness feels so unnatural. I don't buy it. I DON'T KNOW WHY BUT MY BRAIN JUST REJECTS IT EVERY TIME I SEE IT which is annoying because I wanted to like this for her. If only he had called her sweetheart....... sadness.
Anywhooooo I do think this was worth the read. I can't wait to see what comes next!
redhairedashreads's review against another edition
4.0
Series: Hard Ink #2
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Ever since Shane McCallan left the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he can’t get her out of his mind. He is determined to help her and bring the club down if he can.
This book picks up right where the previous book, Hard As It Gets, ended. Shane is determined to help Crystal and hopefully gain more information about the Church activities in the process. Shane was just a wonderful character who is supportive, charming and sweet. He was the perfect man for Crystal because he was supportive of her decisions, gave her options to escape, and accepted her for who she was not what had been done to her. I loved their slow and gentle relationship. He also allowed her to give up Crystal (the name Bruno forced her to use) and become her true self, Sara.
Sara was a wonderful and strong heroine. Her story and situation is heartbreaking. She might be oppressed by her situation and Bruno but she is still determined to be free and have a new life. Shane just allows her to get out sooner and gives her more of an incentive to find her true self. I also liked her sister Jenna and hope we see more of her in the future because she seems to be a strong woman.
The plot to find the truth continues in this book. It is a well thought out story that isn't easy to figure out, which I love. There is more character development with the guys which I am loving, especially Marz. Their relationships are starting to be repaired and you can really start to feel how great a team these men are. Also this book was interesting because it introduced us to the Raven Riders MC, who will play more of a part in the rest of the series (and eventually get their own series). Overall, this was a great sequel and I can’t wait to get to know the rest of the team.
Trigger Warnings:
- References to kidnapping, gangs, sexual slavery, human trafficking, rape and torture
- Sara was abused, tortured, and raped by the gang and forced into a relationship with Bruno. Attempted rape by Bruno on page.
- References to Shane’s sister who was kidnapped as a child and the case never solved.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Ever since Shane McCallan left the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he can’t get her out of his mind. He is determined to help her and bring the club down if he can.
This book picks up right where the previous book, Hard As It Gets, ended. Shane is determined to help Crystal and hopefully gain more information about the Church activities in the process. Shane was just a wonderful character who is supportive, charming and sweet. He was the perfect man for Crystal because he was supportive of her decisions, gave her options to escape, and accepted her for who she was not what had been done to her. I loved their slow and gentle relationship. He also allowed her to give up Crystal (the name Bruno forced her to use) and become her true self, Sara.
Sara was a wonderful and strong heroine. Her story and situation is heartbreaking. She might be oppressed by her situation and Bruno but she is still determined to be free and have a new life. Shane just allows her to get out sooner and gives her more of an incentive to find her true self. I also liked her sister Jenna and hope we see more of her in the future because she seems to be a strong woman.
The plot to find the truth continues in this book. It is a well thought out story that isn't easy to figure out, which I love. There is more character development with the guys which I am loving, especially Marz. Their relationships are starting to be repaired and you can really start to feel how great a team these men are. Also this book was interesting because it introduced us to the Raven Riders MC, who will play more of a part in the rest of the series (and eventually get their own series). Overall, this was a great sequel and I can’t wait to get to know the rest of the team.
Trigger Warnings:
- References to kidnapping, gangs, sexual slavery, human trafficking, rape and torture
- Sara was abused, tortured, and raped by the gang and forced into a relationship with Bruno. Attempted rape by Bruno on page.
- References to Shane’s sister who was kidnapped as a child and the case never solved.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
krivera1738's review against another edition
3.0
This book was alright, in my opinion. Personally, I don't think the romance was as good compared to the first novel, but the suspense was great, keeping me engaged and continuously turning the pages. Shane sounds smoking, and there's nothing I love more than a sexy soldier with some killer Southern charm, but I had a hard time connecting with the main heroine of this novel, Crystal/Sara. It was a good read though, and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
shadowmaster13's review against another edition
3.0
There is much less tattoo goodness than you'd expect in a series named after a tattoo parlor.