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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Let me start by saying that if you haven’t read the Hard Ink series, you can read HARD AS STEEL on it’s on as it does read as a standalone. While things and characters are mentioned that occur in the HARD INK Series, it’s nothing that will make the reader feel lost or that affects the story line in HARD AS STEEL.
Ike has been an interesting character from the moment we met him in the HARK INK series and when he runs to the rescue of Jessica we know there’s more there than just friendship! To find out that he would be the Hero in this novella, excitement and intrigue was definitely two of the emotions I was feeling.
This is a story that truly displays Laura’s writing skills. Strip away the action, the running around, adrenaline and that constant fear of being chased that would cause two people to have that ‘instant love’ and you have this! Ike and Jessica have been friends for years and for reasons they both believe to be valid (and we the readers will find out as we read the story) never thought they could or should be more. While the circumstances that have them in a secluded cabin are due to the action and fear of safety, the events themselves are not. They have nothing but time with themselves and nothing else. What happens is much more simple and common but I won’t share, don’t want to give the story away, would we, now? Nope!
Jessica and I definitely have things in common and chemistry. The sexual tension is present and dealt with sarcasm and witty humor. It’s also avoided. However, it can’t be forever. When you’re stuck together and have to confront what’s in front of you, what choice do you have? HOT! Steamy! Again, Laura excels in making it sexy, hot, and tender and fits the story! And POOL TABLE! Just leaving that there! If you read it OMG! RIGHT? And if you haven’t when you do, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!
This was a great read that I couldn’t and didn’t want to put down. It’s also a great start or rather an introduction to the new series Rave Riders! I have a feeling I’m going to really enjoy that one! This reminded me a bit of Laura’s “Hearts in Darkness” novella where the two characters talk and get to know each other. That feel of it being more about the characters vs. the environment. So if you enjoyed “Hearts in Darkness”, I think you’ll enjoy this one too.
This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Laura Kaye via 1001 Dark Nights and InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Ike has been an interesting character from the moment we met him in the HARK INK series and when he runs to the rescue of Jessica we know there’s more there than just friendship! To find out that he would be the Hero in this novella, excitement and intrigue was definitely two of the emotions I was feeling.
This is a story that truly displays Laura’s writing skills. Strip away the action, the running around, adrenaline and that constant fear of being chased that would cause two people to have that ‘instant love’ and you have this! Ike and Jessica have been friends for years and for reasons they both believe to be valid (and we the readers will find out as we read the story) never thought they could or should be more. While the circumstances that have them in a secluded cabin are due to the action and fear of safety, the events themselves are not. They have nothing but time with themselves and nothing else. What happens is much more simple and common but I won’t share, don’t want to give the story away, would we, now? Nope!
Jessica and I definitely have things in common and chemistry. The sexual tension is present and dealt with sarcasm and witty humor. It’s also avoided. However, it can’t be forever. When you’re stuck together and have to confront what’s in front of you, what choice do you have? HOT! Steamy! Again, Laura excels in making it sexy, hot, and tender and fits the story! And POOL TABLE! Just leaving that there! If you read it OMG! RIGHT? And if you haven’t when you do, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!
This was a great read that I couldn’t and didn’t want to put down. It’s also a great start or rather an introduction to the new series Rave Riders! I have a feeling I’m going to really enjoy that one! This reminded me a bit of Laura’s “Hearts in Darkness” novella where the two characters talk and get to know each other. That feel of it being more about the characters vs. the environment. So if you enjoyed “Hearts in Darkness”, I think you’ll enjoy this one too.
This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Laura Kaye via 1001 Dark Nights and InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
This is the first time I've read one of the 1001 Dark Nights books, but I'm no stranger to the Hard Ink series. This story overlapped the events of a couple of those books, so really should not be read without having read that series first. This story wasn't bad, but the characterization was a bit off for me. I really began to hate Ike and how he kept pushing Jess away, and yet wanting to have sex with her at nearly every opportunity. We really didn't get too deep with Jess, other than her love of junk food and her deep, dark secret about her father's death. Thankfully, this was a short story, and an all right introduction to the new Raven Riders series, but it's one I am hesitant to recommend.
Series: Hard Ink #4.5; Raven Riders #0.5
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
When Jessica Jakes is targeted by the enemies of her employer, she finds herself seeking refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club with her coworker Ike Young.
These two were minor characters in the Hard Ink series but I am so glad we got their story. Jessica and Ike have a lot in common and have been friends for years. The attraction has always been there but they both have done a very good job at hiding it. Once they open up to each other and share their tragedies their bond of friendship quickly morphs into one of love.
These two have amazing chemistry and were so steamy! I really enjoyed their progression from friends to lovers. It wasn’t a gentle one but it worked wonderfully for these two. I also liked that this book introduced us to more of the Raven Riders and their headquarters. I especially enjoyed Bunny who sounds like a very cool grandma.
Trigger Warnings:
- References to gangs, kidnapping, and human trafficking.
- Descriptions of the violent death of a parent due to burglary.
- Descriptions of the violent death of a girlfriend and unborn baby.
- Survivors guilt
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
When Jessica Jakes is targeted by the enemies of her employer, she finds herself seeking refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club with her coworker Ike Young.
These two were minor characters in the Hard Ink series but I am so glad we got their story. Jessica and Ike have a lot in common and have been friends for years. The attraction has always been there but they both have done a very good job at hiding it. Once they open up to each other and share their tragedies their bond of friendship quickly morphs into one of love.
These two have amazing chemistry and were so steamy! I really enjoyed their progression from friends to lovers. It wasn’t a gentle one but it worked wonderfully for these two. I also liked that this book introduced us to more of the Raven Riders and their headquarters. I especially enjoyed Bunny who sounds like a very cool grandma.
Trigger Warnings:
- References to gangs, kidnapping, and human trafficking.
- Descriptions of the violent death of a parent due to burglary.
- Descriptions of the violent death of a girlfriend and unborn baby.
- Survivors guilt
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
LOVED this one!
Ike was smoking, and it was a nice change of pace to read about a heroine who wasn't shy about getting around. I could have done with a bit less pushing away by Ike, but it was still a really good read!
I really love this series.
Ike was smoking, and it was a nice change of pace to read about a heroine who wasn't shy about getting around. I could have done with a bit less pushing away by Ike, but it was still a really good read!
I really love this series.
Ike protects Jess. I always wondered what happened to Jess when Ike took her to hide out. In Hard As Steel we find out. This is a great crossover to the Raven Riders series. And of course, Laura Kaye tells a great story!
I am ashamed to say - I actually own all the Hard Ink titles and haven't yet read them all! *hangs head* However, as with all other 1001 Dark Nights titles, this can be read as a stand alone, meaning you don't have to be caught up on the series to be able to follow this story, of course it adds to it, but you don't lose anything by giving it a shot. I love that about 1001 Dark Nights! But I digress ...
Ike and Jess are on the run from some bad dudes, and hole up in Ike's cabin for however long it is going to take to make sure Jess is safe. They are friends, and have been fighting the mutual attraction for years, so hiding alone in a cabin is going to be hard ... get it? I crack myself up. :-)
This is a fun friends to lovers story, about 2 broken people holding on to guilt that neither of them should have to hold on to; for things neither of them should have had to experience. They can heal each other, if given the chance. And yes, they give in eventually. And the road to that eventually is not always easy, but this is a fun, hot, sweet, frustrating, fun, sexy, fun read. Did I say it was fun?
As expected, Kaye delivers a solid story, developed characters, sexual tension, and lots of excitement; even in this shorter format! If this doesn't convince me to FINALLY pick up the rest of Hard Ink already, I don't know what will!
Ike and Jess are on the run from some bad dudes, and hole up in Ike's cabin for however long it is going to take to make sure Jess is safe. They are friends, and have been fighting the mutual attraction for years, so hiding alone in a cabin is going to be hard ... get it? I crack myself up. :-)
This is a fun friends to lovers story, about 2 broken people holding on to guilt that neither of them should have to hold on to; for things neither of them should have had to experience. They can heal each other, if given the chance. And yes, they give in eventually. And the road to that eventually is not always easy, but this is a fun, hot, sweet, frustrating, fun, sexy, fun read. Did I say it was fun?
As expected, Kaye delivers a solid story, developed characters, sexual tension, and lots of excitement; even in this shorter format! If this doesn't convince me to FINALLY pick up the rest of Hard Ink already, I don't know what will!
Jess needs a hand avoiding some bad guys - Ike has the perfect place to hide from said bad guys. Now they just have to keep their hands off each other...
NOTE: don't read as a standalone. Really best within the series as a whole.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam:
NOTE: don't read as a standalone. Really best within the series as a whole.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam:
WOW! Can I just say that and call the review done? No, I didn't think so either but WOW. I loved this book. It is the perfect bridge leading us from the Hard Ink series and into Laura Kaye's upcoming series Raven Riders. It is also VERY swoon worthy. Ike, dude I didn't know you had all that in you but I am so glad to have found out.
Jessica Jakes is scared, her friends are being attacked and now she's being hunted, after a terrifying break in at her house she calls on the one person she knows that can help her, Ike. Problem is she wants him for more than just protection. She wants him to be her everything. Ike Young has kept Jess at arms length. He knows she sees more in him than just a friend, but he's still living with the loss of his first love and the guilt that followed. He can't be what she wants, he can't be more than someone that will keep her safe for a time. So rushing her away on the back of his motorcycle to his secluded cabin outside of the city may not have been his best plan, but he's determined to keep her strictly in the friend-zone. As we all know, the best laid plans don't always work out...Thank Goodness!
I loved these two together. Jess is a strong female character who pulls no punches when it comes to how she chooses to live her life and she isn't going to let anyone make her feel less for her choices. She carries enough guilt on her own, she doesn't need other people adding to it. In that way she and Ike are very much alike. They both struggle with the guilt of issues from their past, but they are living their now on their own terms, except for when it comes to each other. It is clear from the beginning that both characters know even if they don't want to admit it, they love one another but are just afraid to accept that love. They are both scarred emotionally, they have both lost and the fear of loosing again keeps them from accepting the love that is right in front of them. But, when they do.....it is everything. The tension and chemistry between these two is off the charts and when they come together, GAH. This is one steamy read. If you have been reading the Hard Ink series up to this point you know that Laura can write a swoon worthy steamy scene...but those, they don't have anything on this. This is grittier and 'dirtier' than any of those scenes from Hard Ink. They are all fantastic, no doubt, but this book takes it to a different level and it's a level I think we are all going to like, haha.
Another thing I loved is that while this book definitely feels separate from the Hard Ink series, it is still tied in. While Jess and Ike aren't with the rest of the Hard Ink crew they are being kept abreast of the situation through phone calls and texts. You could read this as a standalone, but those little moments when you are getting info from back in Baltimore might seem a bit confusing to you. For those that have read the entire series, these are updates you already know as the time lines coincide.
We get to start meeting more of the Raven Motorcycle club in this book as well and I am already in love with at least one of the characters and hope to see her through out the new series and am hopeful that we will get a few more snippets of Jess, Ike and maybe a mention or two of our Hard Ink family. This book won't give you a lot of insight in to what is coming with the Ravens but like I mentioned earlier it is the perfect little bridge between to merging 'worlds' and will definitely wet your appetite for more. This is an HEA, with no cliffhangers. I hope that you will read the Hard Ink series, but it is not necessary to read this book (one of my favorite things about all 1,001 Dark Nights novellas)
Fans of Hard Ink will find this a most read, fans of Contemporary Romance and/or MC based books will definitely want to pick this one up.
~ HAPPY READING ~
Jessica Jakes is scared, her friends are being attacked and now she's being hunted, after a terrifying break in at her house she calls on the one person she knows that can help her, Ike. Problem is she wants him for more than just protection. She wants him to be her everything. Ike Young has kept Jess at arms length. He knows she sees more in him than just a friend, but he's still living with the loss of his first love and the guilt that followed. He can't be what she wants, he can't be more than someone that will keep her safe for a time. So rushing her away on the back of his motorcycle to his secluded cabin outside of the city may not have been his best plan, but he's determined to keep her strictly in the friend-zone. As we all know, the best laid plans don't always work out...Thank Goodness!
I loved these two together. Jess is a strong female character who pulls no punches when it comes to how she chooses to live her life and she isn't going to let anyone make her feel less for her choices. She carries enough guilt on her own, she doesn't need other people adding to it. In that way she and Ike are very much alike. They both struggle with the guilt of issues from their past, but they are living their now on their own terms, except for when it comes to each other. It is clear from the beginning that both characters know even if they don't want to admit it, they love one another but are just afraid to accept that love. They are both scarred emotionally, they have both lost and the fear of loosing again keeps them from accepting the love that is right in front of them. But, when they do.....it is everything. The tension and chemistry between these two is off the charts and when they come together, GAH. This is one steamy read. If you have been reading the Hard Ink series up to this point you know that Laura can write a swoon worthy steamy scene...but those, they don't have anything on this. This is grittier and 'dirtier' than any of those scenes from Hard Ink. They are all fantastic, no doubt, but this book takes it to a different level and it's a level I think we are all going to like, haha.
Another thing I loved is that while this book definitely feels separate from the Hard Ink series, it is still tied in. While Jess and Ike aren't with the rest of the Hard Ink crew they are being kept abreast of the situation through phone calls and texts. You could read this as a standalone, but those little moments when you are getting info from back in Baltimore might seem a bit confusing to you. For those that have read the entire series, these are updates you already know as the time lines coincide.
We get to start meeting more of the Raven Motorcycle club in this book as well and I am already in love with at least one of the characters and hope to see her through out the new series and am hopeful that we will get a few more snippets of Jess, Ike and maybe a mention or two of our Hard Ink family. This book won't give you a lot of insight in to what is coming with the Ravens but like I mentioned earlier it is the perfect little bridge between to merging 'worlds' and will definitely wet your appetite for more. This is an HEA, with no cliffhangers. I hope that you will read the Hard Ink series, but it is not necessary to read this book (one of my favorite things about all 1,001 Dark Nights novellas)
Fans of Hard Ink will find this a most read, fans of Contemporary Romance and/or MC based books will definitely want to pick this one up.
~ HAPPY READING ~
4.5 stars
This is a short and sizzling hot read. If you wondered what happened to Jessica and Ike, the other employees from Hard Ink Tattoo in the Hard Ink series, here ya go. I loved Jess from the very beginning and had actually thought she’d be involved in Jeremy’s story at first. I’m so glad things went another way than I had at first anticipated as the series progressed because Jeremy found his proper HEA, and now so has Jess.
Ike and Jess are absolute FIRE together. They both have humongous hearts and tough outer shells. Prickly is an understatement. Yet they cannot help but let that shell crack when they are together. They are amazingly sweet together.
This story also serves as a launching point for another series by this author, Raven Riders. Job well done on getting me hooked and anxious to read more. Exactly as a introductory novella should.
You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
This is a short and sizzling hot read. If you wondered what happened to Jessica and Ike, the other employees from Hard Ink Tattoo in the Hard Ink series, here ya go. I loved Jess from the very beginning and had actually thought she’d be involved in Jeremy’s story at first. I’m so glad things went another way than I had at first anticipated as the series progressed because Jeremy found his proper HEA, and now so has Jess.
Ike and Jess are absolute FIRE together. They both have humongous hearts and tough outer shells. Prickly is an understatement. Yet they cannot help but let that shell crack when they are together. They are amazingly sweet together.
This story also serves as a launching point for another series by this author, Raven Riders. Job well done on getting me hooked and anxious to read more. Exactly as a introductory novella should.
You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.