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A review by heabooknerd
Hard as You Can by Laura Kaye
4.0
I am absolutely loving this series! HARD AS YOU CAN has a darker tone compared to book 1 because of the FMC's personal struggles and her past. But I liked that Crystal/Sara wasn't just waiting to be rescued, she had a plan already and was working toward it. She might be oppressed and beaten down by life, but she’s not a passive participant in her troubles. I also admire her dedication to her younger sister and the fact that she’s willing to literally put up with anything in order to keep her sister safe. We see right away how strong Sara is from the beginning and we also get to see her finally have someone to emotionally lean on and support her.
Shane was a great foil for Sara because he’s so charming and sweet. He has that perfect Southern gentleman persona that provided a comforting and safe place for Sara to finally be herself. I loved watching the slow and gentle development of Sara and Shane’s relationship. There were a lot of really great emotional moments between the guys, especially when Nick and Shane finally have a moment to address how things went down after they returned stateside. Watching them have a chance to finally mend some fences was beautiful.
Content Warning: on page partner abuse and coerced sexual relationship (not between MCs); technically cheating but it's because Sara is unable to safely leave her abusive boyfriend; side character with epilepsy and on page seizures; grief over the past disappearance of a sibling; recounting of past torture and rape; references to human trafficking, gang violence, drug abuse
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Favorite Quotes:
If she’d have him, if she’d let him in, he’d want her by his side.
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“They’re proof of survival. They’re badges of honor. They’re marks of strength.” Shane swallowed hard. “You don’t have to show me, Crystal. But you do need to know there’s nothing on your body I won’t love and respect. Because it’s you.”
Shane was a great foil for Sara because he’s so charming and sweet. He has that perfect Southern gentleman persona that provided a comforting and safe place for Sara to finally be herself. I loved watching the slow and gentle development of Sara and Shane’s relationship. There were a lot of really great emotional moments between the guys, especially when Nick and Shane finally have a moment to address how things went down after they returned stateside. Watching them have a chance to finally mend some fences was beautiful.
Content Warning: on page partner abuse and coerced sexual relationship (not between MCs); technically cheating but it's because Sara is unable to safely leave her abusive boyfriend; side character with epilepsy and on page seizures; grief over the past disappearance of a sibling; recounting of past torture and rape; references to human trafficking, gang violence, drug abuse
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
If she’d have him, if she’d let him in, he’d want her by his side.
- - - - -
“They’re proof of survival. They’re badges of honor. They’re marks of strength.” Shane swallowed hard. “You don’t have to show me, Crystal. But you do need to know there’s nothing on your body I won’t love and respect. Because it’s you.”