Hard to Hold on to (Hard Ink Novella, #1) (Hard Ink, #2.5)

by Laura Kaye

• ISBN10: 0062339400
• ISBN13: 9780062339409
• Publish Date: 30 September 2014 (first published 19 August 2014)
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Imprint: Collins
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 208
• Language: English

Reviews

[Cocktails and Books]

Let me start with I’ve loved the last two Hard Ink novels by Laura Kaye, and my only complaint with this one, is that it’s a novella and not a novel. This one picks up right after the second book, and I mean right after. Easy is carrying Jenna inside to get looked at after her kidnapping, and she doesn’t seem to be able to breathe without his presence, and she keeps his demons at bay.

Now that helps with the believability of these two falling in love because they both need each other, I do worry a small bit if a relationship can last under those circumstances with two damaged characters leaning on each other. I’m going to say that through the power of great fiction writing, I’m going to believe in them and their future.

It’s fast paced, and while they do get physical, it doesn’t feel like that’s all they have, it feels like they were two soul mates who found themselves together at the right time in the right place. Ms. Kaye really touched me with Easy and his struggles, and she really got to me further with her note at the end. This book isn’t just a love story, it draws attention to a really serious problem in our country with our returning soldiers. I will recommend this to all my friends, it’s set up that even if you haven’t read the previous books you can fall in love with Easy and Jenna, and get enough of a grasp of the situation to understand what is going on as a standalone.

I look forward to more Hard Ink from Ms. Kaye, and I hope that includes glimpses and updates on how Easy is doing.

Reviewed by Sheri for Cocktails and Books

[leelu92]

4.5 stars
This one took me surprise.  I think because it's a novella, I underestimated the emotional punch it could deliver.  I am a fan of this whole series and Laura Kaye (I'm kicking myself for not getting books signed by Ms. Kaye when I was at Book Bash)

What was so great about this story?  Easy.  I mean, Edward "Easy" Cantrell.  I thought I loved Shane and Nick but Easy is giving them quite a run for their money.  Talk about a man carrying around survivor's guilt...Easy is carrying around a lot of it.

Easy and Jenna came into each other's lives at the perfect time.  Jenna needed to feel protected and Easy provided that for her immediately.  I loved how they connected so easily and deeply.  I think they gave each other exactly what they needed, exactly WHEN they needed it.  Easy was dealing with an untreated case of PTSD and Jenna had it too after surviving her ordeal, so they understood each other.

That she'd found solace in him- a man who had no solace for himself- was the sweetest fucking thing he could ever remember experiencing.  and it made him feel strong in a way he hadn't in what seemed like forever.

I caught myself sighing a lot because of how Jenna needs Easy and he completely surrenders himself to her and what she needs.  So sweet. If you haven't picked this one up yet, do yourself a favor and get it!  For two reasons:

1.  It's just a really, really great story.

2. Ms. Kaye is donating the first 2 weeks of her proceeds to a  to a national non-profit organization that assists wounded veterans as they transition to civilian life. So you have until September 1 to buy it and help contribute!

Purchase:

Amazon // B&N // Kobo // iTunes

This review was originally posted on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

Five Caffeinated reasons to grab Hard to Hold on To

• Kaye delivers a full-length tale that touches on trauma, PTSD, and the fallout from those events while creating a wonderful romance between Easy and Jenna.

• The romance while heated develops slowly and Kaye does not try to wrap it up, allowing it to feel genuine. Be warned there is deflowering for those who are not fans. The scene was beautifully done and believable.

• While there is not much development in the overall story arc, I actually enjoyed the banter, character development and laid back feel to this story. It was not rushed and intense like the previous novels and I truly enjoyed the pace.

• In Hard to Hold on To, difficult subject matter is addressed, and Kaye allows us to connect and understand the characters raw emotions. I loved the way the other characters handled the situation, and offered support.

• Easy and Jenna have a chemistry that I enjoyed and I loved how tender and supportive they were of each other.

Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer