BOOK REVIEW ~ HARD AS YOU CAN BY LAURA KAYE

Title: Hard As You Can (Hard Ink, Book Two)
Author: Laura Kaye

Publisher: Avon
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Paperback, 384 pages

ARC provided by Edelweiss

Book Blurb

Five dishonored soldiers.
Former Special Forces.
One last mission.
These are the men of Hard Ink.

Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he’s shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister’s sake, Crystal can’t get too close. Until her job and Shane’s mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed.

Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn't want him to uncover. Too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can—and never let go.

Book Review 

Laura Kaye has done it again and penned a brilliant romantic suspense with Hard As You Can--the second book in the Hard Ink series.

In fact, I enjoyed this book more than the first.

I think that is due to the on-going story ARC as well as understanding the characters that make up this series. As each fascinating trait or quirk is revealed, I fall more in love with the men of Hard Ink.

Shane McCallan won my vote as all-time favorite with his tenderness and huge heart. His desire to protect Sara (aka Crystal) and her sister was palpable. And the way he holds himself responsible for his own sister's kidnapping broke my heart.

After literally running into Crystal in a strip club during a mission to rescue Charlie, Shane cannot get her out of his mind. And he's determined to find out more about this mysterious woman. When their current mission leads them back to Confessions, Shane reaches out to Crystal for information. When Shane realizes just how dangerous Crystal's current situation is, he can't help but want to reach out and help her. And just maybe, his guilt for not being able to help his little sister years ago will somehow be lessened.

Crystal is waiting for a chance to escape the hell her life has become.For the moment, she is left with no other choice but to work at Confessions as a waitress. And her boyfriend, Bruno Ashe, is paying for the expensive medication her sister needs to help control her seizures. Crystal knows that the club is the devil's playground--one that deals with drugs and the selling of women as slaves. But she puts on a smile and plays the role, praying for the day when she and her sister can escape.

When Shane asks for information that will help bring him and his friends closer to discovering who is behind their dishonorable discharge, Crystal decides to take the risk and helps him out. Used to being treated like a possession, Shane's behavior toward her is a welcome surprise. And Crystal starts to yearn for something that isn't possible, especially when she has no plans to stay in Baltimore.

Hard As You Can is action-oriented and filled with a twisty plot to keep you reading until the last page. And once you're there...you'll be begging for book three.

BOOK REVIEW ~ HARD AS IT GETS BY LAURA KAYE

Title: Hard As It Gets
Author: Laura Kaye
Release Date: November 26, 2013

Reviewer purchased own copy of paperback for review


Book Blurb

Tall, dark, and lethal...

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome--pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge...





Book Review 


I love a great start to a new series. Laura Kaye has written a compelling read that keeps the reader's attention. There is a fast-paced plot filled with action, addictive characters, and military intrigue.

Lets talk about the hero of this book. Nick Rixey. He is super sexy, mysterious, a little dark and rough around the edges. But when you get to the yummy center of his character, you fall ass-over-elbow for him. He has so many interesting layers to him--faults and all--that I was immediately charmed.

And Nick is not the only one I fell hard for. Kaye gives us a heapin' load of Alpha males that I want to know more about. All of them unique, quirky, and interesting in their own way.

Then, there is Becca Merritt, the heroine. She is not only likable, but has such a fierceness about her to be admired. She wasn't weak, but still had a vulnerability to her that made her character believable. And I was totally envious--I mean, she is surrounded by a smorgasbord of men, all willing to stick their necks on the line in order to help her and keep her safe.

There is no fluff romance here--no tatted hero with very little character development and even less plot. I cannot wait to see how the Hard Ink story plot continues, as the bad guy is still out there.

Great characters, plot twists, and shoot 'em up action mixed with sexy times that will knock your socks off. Laura Kaye has written a solid beginning for her Hard Ink series and I will be waiting anxiously for the next book.

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR LAURA KAYE ~ ONE NIGHT WITH A HERO BLOG TOUR and GIVEAWAY

Q & A with author, Laura Kaye

CS:  First off, Laura, welcome back to Where’s My Muse? For those of you who follow my blog, you may remember that Laura was the very first author I interviewed and reviewed here. Her book, Hearts in Darkness, was not the first time I fell in love with this uber talented writer. She wrote a fan fiction a while back that showcased just how gifted Laura was with words. And when I found out that she went mainstream and was published, I was tickled pink and so excited for her.

CS: Welcome, Laura!

Laura: Thanks so much! I’m glad to be back! *grins*

CS: Tell me how your first book came to fruition and what that felt like to see your work in print?

Laura: In the summer of 2008, two things happened. I had a head injury that, after I healed, left me with the urge to do creative things. And, while I was healing, I read the Twilight Saga. In addition to learning to play the guitar (not well!), I thought about what Stephenie Meyer had done, decided I could maybe do that, too, and I dove into writing my first novel, the vampire romance that became Forever Freed. It was thrilling to see my words in book, to hold my book in my hand. Just absolutely a dream come true!

CS: What is like now that this has become your career? Tell us what a typical day is like for you when you sit down to write a book?

Laura: Well, up until now, writing hasn’t been my only career. I’m also a professor of history at the U.S. Naval Academy. So things have been crazy, as I’ve been working two full-time jobs. There hasn’t really been any sort of typical day since I squeeze in writing wherever I can. However, when I’m not teaching, I usually go to Panera every day and write with my best friend, YA paranormal author Lea Nolan, whose first book, Conjure, came out in October. I aim for 2-3,000 words 5 days a week.

CS: Is there a certain author that helped mentor you or someone who inspired you?

Laura: Stephanie Dray (who also writes as Stephanie Draven) has been my single biggest mentor. She taught me a lot about how to think of this as a career and what goes into making it so. She’s been the best friend, and I don’t know what I would do without her!

CS: This next question is a bit controversial, and if you choose not to answer it, I totally understand. What do you think of the hype/exposure that Fifty Shades of Grey got in the last year? Some people think that she shouldn’t be considered an author because her story was once a fan fic that was changed for publishing. What are your thoughts about this, since you came from the same beginnings? (Not by publishing your fan fiction as a new work, but that you both got started out in fan fiction).

Laura: I read the story when it was a fan fiction and enjoyed it, so I get why so many people fell in love with it. And I should note I was in an online writers’ group for over a year with E.L. James (as well as some other former fan fiction authors), and I never found her to be anything but nice and supportive. I remain friends with a number of the women publishing their fan fictions. I’m not entirely comfortable with fan fictions being published as original fiction, but in the end, it’s the readers and the publishers who get to decide. So far, publishers are fully on board with the idea, and readers have absolutely embraced some of these stories. So, you know what? Good for them. In my opinion, Fifty Shades of Grey has brought new readers to romance and opened doors for authors writing spicier contemporary and erotic romance. And that’s a good thing.

And, I should note, I actually wrote my first original novel (Forever Freed) before I started writing fan fiction. I got sick for almost 6 months following a tick bite and couldn’t concentrate well enough to write another original novel right away, so I started reading a lot of fan fiction, and then I decided to write one. Or two… Or…

CS: LOL. Okay, let’s move to a less serious topic of questions. Have you started your Christmas shopping, wrapped your presents, or are you like my hubby and wait until Christmas Eve to do your shopping?

Laura: Have started shopping. Have not finished. Have not even thought of wrapping – that’s usually a Christmas Eve job!

CS: That is so me--in a panic, wrapping gifts around 1 am and trying to be quiet so I don't wake up the kiddos. 
If there was one book that you could get for Christmas this year, what would it be?

Laura: Lover at Last, early, hand-delivered by J.R. Ward herself. And if she wanted to bring Zsadist along for the visit, too, I would totally be okay with that.

CS: Oh, hell yeah!  But if V was the one who hand delivered it, sans clothing, then that would be MY wish. Of course, any Brother, nekked or not, would be a treat.

CS: What was your favorite read for 2012?

Laura: I can’t pick just one book, I’d have to go with Maya Banks’s three-book McCabe Highlander trilogy. ADORED!

CS: What can we expect to see from you in 2013?

Laura: A lot! *grins* My final two Hearts of the Anemoi books and my final two Vampire Warrior Kings novellas will be out in 2013. I’ll also be continuing the Hero series. And the first in my new Hard Ink series will be out at the end of the year. It’s gonna be awesome!

CS: Are you making any New Year’s Resolutions?

Laura: Only this: come hell or high water, I will not be late delivering my first Hard Ink book, to be called Hard as it Gets, to my new editor. So between now and April 1, I need to write like the wind!

CS: GAH!  The title alone has me all tingly and shit. Can't wait. And if you want, feel free to stop here when you're ready to release it and we'll promote the hell out of it!  Maybe even a share a sexy snippet? 

Laura, thank you so much for taking time and answering a few nosy questions from me. I wish you the best in the upcoming new year – personally and professionally.

Laura: Thanks! You too!

One commenter who leaves their email will win an ebook of One Night with a Hero (Heroes #2). Just leave Laura a comment or question! Open to international! Good luck!
Contest runs until Monday, December 17, Midnight ~
Winner will be announced Tuesday, December 18, 2012

See the whole One Night with a Hero Tour here!

“Laura Kaye is synonymous with great, sexy romance.”

~NYT Bestselling Author Jennifer Probst

 
He wants just one night…

After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night-only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away.

…what they need is each other.

Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?

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About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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One Night with a Hero is a story about the aftermath of a one night stand. Two strangers come together, offering no commitments, only pleasure.

But there is no denying that something stronger lies hidden deep between them. And when their one night stand turns into another night, and another...well, it's very obvious that both Brady and Joss have feelings they are unable to admit.

Their fragile relationship, however, is shattered when Joss finds herself pregnant and tells Brady that he will be a father.

Can a relationship that started out wrong turn out to be the right one?

Brady and Joss's journey together is heart wrenching as they both come to terms with their past. Laura Kaye writes an emotional story that delves deep into her characters and shows the reader that we are more than just our past; we have a choice on which path we choose to follow. And most importantly, that love can heal even the most broken of hearts. 

BOOK REVIEW ~ HER FORBIDDEN HERO BY LAURA KAYE

Title:  Her Forbidden Hero

Author: Laura Kaye

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Release Date: May 15, 2012

Copy of book provided by Publishing Company

She's always been off-limits...


Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend's little sister, but her return home changes that...and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco's not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he's not about to let her see the mess he's become.

...but now she's all grown up.


When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can't stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa's not looking for protection—not anymore. Now that she's back in his life, she’s determined to heal her forbidden hero, one touch at a time...
 
 

Book Review

 

Laura Kaye is one of those authors that I literally squee aloud when I see how much her career has taken off in this last year. I will always pimp out her books. LOVE THEM.

 

Her first book, Hearts In Darkness, was my first book review on this site. So when her Publishing Company sought ME out, I couldn't help but do a happy dance.

 

What I love and adore about Kaye's books is the emotional level in her stories---the highly developed three-dimensional characters and the intense connection between her hero/heroine. And HER FORBIDDEN HERO, her newest release from Entangled Publishing DID NOT disappoint.

 

I love the idea of the wounded hero--whether it be a physical or emotional one--and Marco has both in spades.  He suffers from PTSD and struggles with recurring nightmares that leaves him emotionally scarred and isolated. 

 

Allysa has always loved Marco from afar--one of my favorite story lines--and faces her own personal battles. She is determined to stand on her own two feet, make a place in the world, and convince Marco that she is NOT a little girl anymore. The love she had as a young girl has grown and developed into something more...and she must decide if risking their friendship is worth laying her cards on the table about her true feelings.

 

Laura Kaye has a talent for expressing things that touch you and make you wish you could have written something like that.

Even outside in the night air, her scent still filled his nose, sweet like apples and vanilla. His tongue conjured tastes he imagined were hers, and the beckoning heat in her dark eyes was a picture he couldn't forget. ----

Her Forbidden Hero is a sweeter read with a heat level unlike some of her previous reads, but still a great read to lose yourself in.

Contest and Giveaway--Author Laura Kaye.

I am swimming in contests and giveaways today. A ton of websites and blogs are offering great contests and book giveaways. And I HAVE to pass them on to you, dear followers. That's just the kind of gal I am.
NOT that I should be writing my own manuscript, mind you. LOL. But I find myself slightly distracted this morning.
So--
Head over to the Quillery and leave a comment for a chance to win one of two fabulous prizes:

• 1st prize: An e-book copy of North of Need. ( International) 
• 2nd prize: A set of North of Need trading cards. (US and Canadian Mailing Only).

All you have to do is leave a comment--Which cover do you like better of Laura's new series, Hearts of the Anemoi.

Laura Kaye has been reivewed over here twice-check the archives for my review of her eBook novellas, Hearts In Darkness, and Just Gotta Say.

And since I am such a cover hoor---Here are the covers for Laura's books.
Which one makes your girly bits sing?

I've 'Just Gotta Say'.....

Title: Just Gotta Say

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Price: $3.99 

           $2.99 at Decadent Publishing

Buy Laura's Books

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Laura Kaye is a multi-published author of paranormal, fantasy, and erotic contemporary romance.  I discovered her this past year with her first eBook, Hearts in Darkness.

It had such a yummy delish cover---and I HAD to order it.

I am such a sucker for a guy with tatts :)

Hearts in Darkness has finaled in the EPIC eBook Awards for Best Novella in 2012.  

I reviewed this novella on my blog—for a peek of it, take a gander over on my review page.

So, when Laura asked me to review her new eBook, Just Gotta Say, I had no problems saying, “YES, YES, YES!!

First off---Just Gotta Say is an eBook novella, and a smokin’ hawt ménage erotic romance.  And not something you should read when your hubby is OUT OF TOWN—like mine was when I read this short story, lol.

If you are looking for a quick read loaded with steamy sexy times and quirky humor (Yes, I laughed out loud in some parts) this is the book for you.  There is a love story underneath all the erotic play in this book.  There IS a connection between Lucas and Callie, which far surpasses the kinky fantasy that Callie has for her three roommates.  

Laura Kaye does a fabulous job in showing that connection and manages to make this story more than just fluff. She writes the sex scene with emotion and caring between Callie and her men. 

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Just Gotta Say Excerpt ~ Lucas’s Point of View:
Warning: Excerpt includes explicit language and insane sexual tension!
At twenty-seven, Lucas had been to war. Lost close friends. Witnessed unimaginable suffering and selfless heroism. But somehow, as Callie pressed her softness against him and explored his mouth, his whole life boiled down to this moment. The past three years, his whole goddamned future. They met right here.
Lucas hummed as he gave in to passion. He embraced her, crushed her against him. He would never get enough of her feminine curves. As their tongues twisted and tangled, he devoured her sweet taste. Christ, he couldn’t get close enough, deep enough. He gripped her harder, lifted her off her feet. The moan she let loose was the most satisfied sound he’d ever heard, and pleasing her became his total mission in life—like it wasn’t already. She stroked his hair, knowing how comforting he found that sensation, and his heart expanded and warmed at the thought she wanted to please him, too.
Lucas’s mind screamed caution. This was the woman he adored, one of his best friends in the world. How many years had he ached for her? Yet, he’d held back, not wanting to saddle her with his anger, the night terrors, and headaches that lingered from the injury that had left him partially deaf. She was young—six years younger than him—and just starting out in the world.
She didn’t need his drama.
She sucked his tongue into her heat, dragging a low groan from him. God, he wanted this chance, this memory. As he dove back into the kiss, he gave himself temporary permission to get the fuck out of his head for just one night. To just feel. As soon as he did, his dick immediately hardened against her stomach.
Callie unleashed an excited keening into Lucas’s mouth, and his eyes flew open. Jack pressed his body against her back.
Lucas actually growled. Mine, damn it! Callie broke free but stroked his hair, massaged his neck.
Jack’s husky voice came from behind her. “Why don’t we take this upstairs? To your room, Luke.”
Lucas interpreted the suggestion as a peace offering. And in less than a dozen words, Jack had just orchestrated what Lucas had been too damn scared to try to make happen—Callie in his bed.
Lucas cut his gaze from Jack’s chill-the-fuck-out expression to Callie. She smiled. He looked back to Jack and gave a small nod that said, yeah, okay, chilling out over here, and then voiced, “Yeah.”

Review Rating: 4 Stars
Sensual Rating: 5 Stars

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If you would love to win a copy of this eBook, Just Gotta Say, leave a comment below. All you have to do is answer this question—Who is your favorite contemporary erotic romance author?  And if you want to include why or your favorite book by them, that’s great! 

I’ll randomly pick the winner via Random.org and announce the winner on Monday, October 31^st. You have until Midnight Sunday, October 30^th, to leave a comment.  Please be sure to include your email address so that I have a way of contacting you. Good Luck!!

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~Q and A with Laura Kaye~

Since I have Laura’s ear for a bit, I thought I’d ask her a few questions.

Welcome Laura!

Thanks! I’m so glad to be here!

Your erotic romance, Just Gotta Say, was a great read. Are you planning on writing any more ménage stories in the future?

I’m not sure if I’ll write more ménage stories, though I might! I’ll definitely be writing more erotic romance, though! *winks*

So far, you have written paranormal, contemporary, and fantasy. Are you planning on tackling any other genre any time soon? LOL Probably. I have a completed women’s fiction manuscript I hope to begin querying before the end of the year. I really enjoy writing in multiple romantic subgenres—each has its own challenges and norms. Though there’s definitely a theme that runs through my writing despite the subgenre—the intense yearning I believe all people (and even creatures!) have for a place to belong.

You are a newly published author. Tell us a little bit about when you got your first contract-what book was it for—and what was your response—how did you celebrate?

I sold my first book, FOREVER FREED, a paranormal romance about a reclusive, empathic vampire who falls in love with a woman he planned to kill, and her young daughter. He fights his bloodlust, ancient grief, lies by omission, and an old vampire rival threatens everything he holds dear. I queried FOREVER FREED to dozens of agents and received a lot of requests for partials and fulls, but never found a taker. Then I started querying epublishers, and the very first one contracted it—The Wild Rose Press. I was in a Panera with my best friend and writing buddy when I received the email, and it was totally thrilling. We squeed and didn’t care everyone was staring at us. She bought me a chocolate chip cookie, if I remember right! *grins* FOREVER FREED just won the NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011!

That is so damn awesome-and so deserved, lol. I am so happy for you. It was a great read!

Who are some of your favorite authors? Auto-buy authors? Favorite books?

While I read a lot of books in different genres, my favorite books are paranormal and my auto-buy authors are J.R. Ward and Sherrilyn Kenyon. I adore both the Black Dagger Brotherhood and Dark Hunters series. I grew up reading Stephen King and Anne Rice, and still read their new releases to this day.

Are you going to any upcoming events in 2012? 

I’ll be at the Romantic Times Conference in Chicago in April 2012 and the RWA Conference in Anaheim in July of 2012. My local RWA chapter is a co-sponsor of the annual Baltimore Book Festival, so I’ll be there again next September.  I also attended this past weekend for the first time the New Jersey Romance Writers Put Your Hearts in a Book Conference and loved it, so I’ll probably attend that again next year. I’ve been nominated as 2011 Debut Author of the Year in the Authors After Dark (AAD) Bookie Awards, so if I can swing that August conference, I might try to go there, too! So many trips, so little time!

What are you working on now? Can you tell us a bit about it?

I am currently working on my Hearts of the Anemoi series, a four-book contemporary fantasy romance series featuring wind gods the Greeks associated with the seasons. The first one, NORTH OF NEED, releases 11/1 and features an ancient snow god falling in love with a grieving widow. The others in the series are called: West of Want, South of Surrender, and East of Ecstasy, and will release in March, July, and November of 2012. I’m also working on a mini-series of dark paranormal vampire stories for Harlequin Nocturne. The first, IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING, releases in February 2012.

Laura-Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to reading more of you in the future.  .

Thanks so much for hosting me.

Author Bio: Laura Kaye

 A multi-published author of paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance, Laura Kaye’s hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura is the author of the bestselling contemporary romance and award-nominated HEARTS IN DARKNESS and the bestselling and award-winning paranormal romance FOREVER FREED (NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011), as well as an erotic romance novella, JUST GOTTA SAY. Her fourth book, contemporary fantasy romance NORTH OF NEED, is the first in the 4-book Hearts of the Anemoi series. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

My firt book review and interview-Laura Kaye's 'Hearts In Darkness'

I am so excited about doing my first review and interview on my blogsite. **doing happy dance**  I wanted to focus on a new author that I recently discovered -I can see great things happening for her. Laura Kaye is a newly published author that some of you may be familliar with and don't even realize it. I know I didn't.


After reading 'Hearts In Darkness', I moseyed over to her web page and realized that she was the author of a very popular fanfiction story, 'The List' over on Twilighted.net.  I had read this story awhile back and I loved it!


She now has a ebook, her first, and a new release scheduled to come out May 20th.  Hop over to my review site to hear about 'Hearts In Darkness and an excerpt!