Viviana Enchantress of Books: Hard As Steel

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Book Review and Giveaway: Hard As Steel by Laura Kaye

Hard As Steel

(A Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover Novella)

By Laura Kaye

Blurb:

After identifying her employer's dangerous enemies, Jessica Jakes takes refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. Fellow Hard Ink tattooist and Raven leader Ike Young promises to keep Jess safe for as long as it takes, which would be perfect if his close, personal, round-the-clock protection didn't make it so hard to hide just how much she wants him—and always has. Ike Young loved and lost a woman in trouble once before. The last thing he needs is alone time with the sexiest and feistiest woman he's ever known, one he's purposely kept at a distance for years. Now, Ike's not sure he can keep his hands or his heart to himself—or that he even wants to anymore. And that means he has to do whatever it takes to hold on to Jess forever.

Availble for purchase at

Amazon Paperback

Viviana's Review:

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 Raven 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.

Rating: 4 Stars - LOVED IT

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.

Now here is a little something extra! I'm happy to host Laura's Blog Tour for HARD AS STEEL! Some yummy graphic teasers and information about Laura! Don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway!!

About The Author

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. 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.

You can find Laura at

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Release Day Blitz: Hard As Steel by Laura Kaye

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Laura Kaye's HARD AS STEEL!! HARD AS STEEL is a Hard Ink/Raven Riders Series Crossover Novella brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights. Grab your copy today!!

Blurb:

Availble for purchase at

Amazon Paperback

I’m thrilled to be here celebrating the release of my 21^st book, HARD AS STEEL! After a midnight break-in at her apartment, close friends and Hard Ink Tattoo co-workers Ike Young and Jessica Jakes are forced into hiding—and forced to confront the feelings they’ve always denied for one another. I have always adored friends-to-lovers and forced proximity stories, and HARD AS STEEL delivers that and more, including a taste of both my award-winning and best-selling Hard Ink and upcoming Raven Riders series!

Excerpt

They stared at each for a long moment. Jess went from feeling amused to awkward to observed…and that made her hot. Especially as she was standing there in nothing but a towel. As if he could hear her thoughts, Ike’s gaze slowly ran down her neck to her chest. She wiped at something there and the wetness on the fingers told her it had been a droplet of water from her hair. Ike watched the movement of her hand openly, hungrily, and his desire made her bold, daring, hungry in return. Without giving herself time to second guess the idea, she reached out and lightly dragged her wet fingers against his bottom lip. And it was like she’d unleashed a beast. Ike grabbed her wrist and hauled her to him. He was on her everywhere. His hands in her hair, on her back, grabbing her ass and lifting her up. His tongue licked the exact route that water droplet had taken, from chest to neck to ear. And then he was kissing her, fucking her mouth with his tongue, absolutely devouring her. Jess held on like her life depended on it, and at some point she became aware of the breeze on her bare skin. She’d dropped the towel, which meant she was totally buck-ass naked in Ike’s big arms, and she couldn’t have cared less. Ike licked her mouth, sucked her tongue, nipped at her lips. He turned and made for the stairs, and Jess thought she might die from sheer joy and anticipation. He tasted like strength and sin and sex, and she tightened her legs around his hips as he carried her to the loft, eager to see if all of him tasted so good—or even better. When they reached the second floor, Ike growled low in his throat and his grip tightened on her on her ass, his fingers digging in. She moaned and— Cool air from the ceiling fan washed over Jess as Ike dropped her onto the bed—and promptly turned around to leave. Jess was so stunned she couldn’t speak. Just as he hit the top of the steps, he said, “Don’t fucking tease me, Jessica. I’m trying to do right by you, but I’m still just a goddamned man.”