Hard to Let Go: A Hard Ink Novel

This is the last Hard book and everything came together. I've never read a last series book that bought conclusions to all the questions. She even answered some I didn't know I had. Please start with Hard As It Gets, you won't be sorry.

Great book with a lot of action great love scenes and easy read. But something you wanted to keep on reading and you didn't want to book the end enjoyed it very much and the rest of the series thank you very much

This is the last Hard book and everything came together. I've never read a last series book that bought conclusions to all the questions. She even answered some I didn't know I had. Please start with Hard As It Gets, you won't be sorry.

Great book with a lot of action great love scenes and easy read. But something you wanted to keep on reading and you didn't want to book the end enjoyed it very much and the rest of the series thank you very much

4.5 Stars. I have really enjoyed this series and this is the last full size book in the series so I had high expectations and this book did not let me down. In fact I would say it was probably my favorite book in the series. Throughout the series I have gotten to know all the characters and formed an attachment but Beckett was still a bit of an enigma so I have been looking forward to his story. I absolutely adored Katherine from the moment she was introduced. I had high hopes that I would enjoy the wrap up of the overall plot and again I wasn't disappointed.

Beckett is the most stoic of the soldiers and that's saying a lot with this crew but as his character was unraveled and more of his background revealed I started to really understand and fall for him. As I mentioned I've loved Katherine from the moment she entered Hard Ink and Beckett pulled a gun on her. She's has a very strong sense of honor, courage and loyalty along with the ability to stand side by side with the soldiers in the series. Kat and Beckett don't seem to be a logical fit when you first think about it but as more and more of Beckett's personality is revealed the easier it is to picture them. The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable and their relationship starts off as sex. As the story progresses and Kat and Beckett get to know one another, Beckett opens up and we see the vulnerability that he normally hides. I love that their relationship progressed from chemistry to admiration and then to deeper feelings between the two.

I also enjoyed the way the overall plot developed and was resolved. It ended in a way that made me happy and although I'm sad to see this series end I thoroughly enjoyed it and could see re-reading the entire series at a later date.

My Thoughts:

Hard to Let Go was a spectacular story! My only advice to readers would be to read this story in sequential order. I came in to this book feeling a little lost and confused, but eventually caught on. There are a lot of characters, as well as a complex plot.

Nick Rixey, Derek "Marz" DiMarzio, Shane McCallan, Edward "Easy" Canrell, and Beckett Murda, were dishonorably discharged from the Special Forces. While they were in Afghanistan, an ambush killed their commander, and six other members of their team. After they barely made it out alive, they were charged with dereliction of duty and forced to sign nondisclosure agreements. These men end up banding together to clear their names, and end up learning about a sinister and complex conspiracy in the process.

Each story in this series focuses on a different team member of the special forces (except for Hard to Be Good, which is Jeremy (Nick's younger brother's story), a love match, and the unraveling of the conspiracy. In Hard to Let Go, we get Beckett Murda, and Katherine "Kat" Rixey's story. Kat is Nick and Jeremy's younger sister. She leaves her home to seek refuge with her brothers (from an ex-stalker boyfriend,) and ends up with more than she bargained for, as she is thrust in the middle of danger and their ongoing investigation. While living with her brothers, their significant others, and the rest of the dishonored soldiers, she gets to know Beckett. These two run hot and cold with one another. They bicker, but share a sizzling attraction. Beckett's never cared enough about a woman to want a relationship. Will Kat be the one that changes his mind?

Hard to Let Go was told from the dual perspectives of Kat and Beckett. This made me feel close to these characters, understand them, and made me connect with them on a deeper level. Kat was a strong, independent, and fierce leading lady! She was loyal and loving to her brothers, Nick, and Jeremy, and wanted to help them in any way that she could. Yet, she also had a soft and vulnerable side to her. Needless to say, I loved Kat's character. Beckett was wonderful as well. He carried wounds from emotional aand physical abuse that he was forced to endure as a child. He was numb inside, had trouble with feeling, and did't understand what love was or feel worthy of it. Kat helped heal him, as did the love and loyalty that he got from his peers. Their connection was emotional, and their chemistry combustible!

The plot of the story was very fast-paced. This book was pretty lengthy, but there was never a dull moment. It was full of surprises, revelations, crazy plot twists, action, suspense, romance, humor, and friendship. Even though I now know how everything ended, I am going back to read the previous books in the series. That's how fantastic the characters, romance, and plot were.

My Rating:

The secondary characters added a lot of depth and entertainment to the story as well. My favorite's were Marz, due to how caring and compassionate he was, as well as Jeremy, who added humor to the story. Fans of Passionate and Addicting Romantic Suspense, need to pick up this series! I give, Hard to Let Go, by Laura Kaye, 4 Sizzling Sexiness, Dangerous Conspiracy, Action Packed Suspense, Special Friendships Filled Stars!

It was finally time for the last instalment of the Hard Ink series. It was time for the fallen soldiers to get the justice they deserved and it was also Beckett Murda’s time to get the girl.

If you have been following the men of Hard Ink like I have, you will not be disappointed with Hard To Let Go. It is a fitting end to the series with its perfect blend of suspense, romance and surprises.

I still can’t believe the books span over a time frame of 3-4 weeks, so much happens but at the same time it’s like no time has passed at all. I think the author did a great job with every technical aspect of the story.

Kat and Beckett’s relationship was hot right from the start, their love/hate chemistry was believable and they both brought out the best and worst in each other. My favourite element of Kaye’s characters is their vulnerability, in particular the big, stoic army men. Each had a sensitive side, they had their own demons to fight with but when that part was exposed and explored, that’s when I fell for them completely.

“Beckett realized that as satisfied as his body was in this moment, it was his soul that was all lit up inside. Because even though it wouldn’t last, for right now he was wanted and he was good. And he so rarely experienced either that it was one of the most special moments of his life.”

“When he didn’t say anything right away, she stroked her fingers down his cheek. “What?” she whispered.
He sorted through the whirl in his mind. “What I’m asking is...for you not to give up on me.” Beckett shook his head. “I’ll get my sh*t together. I promise.”

Hard To Let Go was an enjoyable read for me. Kat was probably my favourite female character of the series; I loved her feistiness and her drive to help not only her brothers but their team as well. There was plenty of suspense building up into a great crescendo and the series ended on a high. I’m a huge fan of Laura Kaye’s writing and although I’m sad to see the end of the Hard Ink crew, I look forward to the next series and can’t wait to fall in love with a whole new set of characters.

If you are a fan of romantic suspense then this series is not to be missed. ~Ava

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.*

4.5-5 stars

This was a great addition and conclusion to the series. I know there are a few more short stories in the series after this book but the series storyline about the 5 men trying to get justice for what was done to them is completed in this book. I'm still planning to read the rest just because I really like the series and the characters in it. :D

Kat is a lawyer in the Justice department and sister to Nick and Jeremy (heroes from books #1 & 3.5). Kat lives in Washington, DC and spends a lot of time working on her career. She got set up with a guy named Cole who she dated for a few months but he got to the point of seeming unbalanced so Kat broke up with him. Unfortunately, Cole doesn't want to stay broken up and his actions make Kat decide it's time to go home for a visit.

Beckett is an ex-special forces who (along with 4 other teammates) were framed for things they didn't do and discharged from service (and not honorably). Beckett grew up in a home with abusive/alcoholic parents. He was subjected to both physical and emotional abuse and it's stayed with him all these years. Beckett has always had trouble with emotions and has trouble with feeling distanced from most people...the only exceptions are his buddies from his SF team but even with them there's a certain amount of distance.

When Kat showed up at the Hard Ink building a few days before this book begins, she didn't warn her brothers and ended up face to face with Beckett and his pistol. This was the rather rough start of their relationship and it took some effort to get it to improve. When Kat finds out what's been going on with Nick, Jeremy and the rest, she's determined to help out however she can. She also decides to keep her stalker Ex a secret because she doesn't feel he's a threat and everyone has enough to deal with at this point. Beckett and Kat rubbed each other the wrong way (a lot of that coming from Beckett's issues with expressing himself well) and fought as lot at first. Eventually that turned around a bit and they found themselves attracted to each other (and indulging in that attraction) but still fighting (when they're not indulging).

Eventually, Beckett actually manages to clear the air between him and Kat by admitting some things to her and showing that he's not such a bad guy...just damaged. Once that's accomplished, Beckett and Kat start to actually try to be together. Things are still a bit rough but once Beckett admit his issues but assures Kat that he's serious about her, it's much easier for them overall. While they're working on their personal issues, much is going on in the series storyline. Progress is made, allies are found and info is received as the team gets closer and closer to their goal. There are some problems and a few people get hurt but everything turns out wonderfully in the end with the team getting their reputations and honor restored and a HEA for Kat and Beckett.

I loved this story and how things ended. I thought Kat was a great heroine...she was smart and sassy while still being sweet and emotionally open to Beckett. Beckett was definitely a damaged hero but he was still a good one. He just needed some help getting in touch with his emotions and accepting them (and that he deserves good things happening to him). I was very happy with how things worked out for the couple as well as being thrilled with how the series storyline concluded. Obviously, I'd recommend this story for anyone who's read the series. :)

* note - I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a good job overall but there were a few times when she didn't differentiate the male voices well enough and I had trouble telling who said what. It wasn't constant (seeming mostly to happen when there were quick, back-and-forth conversations taking place), but it happened enough that it was a bit annoying.

Beckett Murda is one of the five Special Forces soldiers trying to find the truth behind the ambush that killed part of their team in Afghanistan. He's also living with the guilt of Marz losing his leg to save his life during say attack. He'll do anything to clear their names and he's a no nonsense kind of guy. He watched his fellow soldiers fall in love but for him the mission comes first. Until Katherine Rixey comes to visit her brothers. Now, Beckett knows he's screwed.

"Beckett had to admit that something about Kat distracted him, irritated him, made him...feel."

Katherine Rixey is an attorney. She's feisty, smart, and determined. Most of the times she can take care of herself. Going back home to find her brothers under attack was not what she was expecting but now that she's with them, she won't leave them until they are all safe. Even if it means tolerating Murda's grumpiness. She can't seem to keep from butting heads with him, so why does she want to kiss him??

~~

I was sad to start this book. I knew it was the end to this series. These amazing characters have battled the evil who took away their honor and they have fought hard to clear their names from the conspiracy surrounding them. During this fight they lost allies and friends but they also gained love and friendship.
I have enjoyed every single book in the Hard Ink series. In Hard to Let Go, Laura does a great job in giving us the HEAs we wanted but also closing all those loose ends in a nice perfect package. There is a lot of action and romance during this one too. Kat was a great character, she was a Rixey through and through. Murda had a tough life and Kat was the perfect girl to help him overcome it.
I'm going to miss this crew's banter, Cyclops, Eileen. My hope is that we get the Raven Riders books next.

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A story of corruption, redemption, and love - Hard To Let Go by Laura Kaye was everything I could have hoped for in a series ender. It feels like forever that I have been waiting for Beckett's story, and Ms. Kaye delivered on every single level, giving him the happily ever after that he so deserves. Book 4 in the amazing, heart-pounding, sexy Hard Ink series was not only Beckett and Kat's HEA, it was everyone's Happily Ever After. The tough, intense, and suspenseful journey these characters have been on, have come to an end, wrapping up so nicely and so perfectly, you can't help but to feel so wonderfully content with it all.

This is a story about a man who was alive, but not LIVING - A man who was numb, unattached, and closed off to the world - until he meets the beautiful and feisty Katherine Rixey. With her touch and her heart, she has opened him up to a world full of emotions, he doesn't know what to do with it all. He becomes overwhelmed, but at the same time, he knows he can't loose this feeling ever again. He will hang on to Kat as long as he can, giving her pleasure, and at the same time feeding his soul with light. He found his solace, his strength. He found the woman who would be the one to help him fight his demons. The one he would do anything for. He found his heart in Kat Rixey.

*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

✦Release Blitz, Review & Giveaway: Hard to Let Go: A Hard Ink Novel by Laura Kaye http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2Fl
Publication Date: June 30, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 5 Stars

REVIEW:
I loved this installment in the Hard Ink Series! I wasn’t sure how Beckett’s story would turn out, but wow, it surpassed my expectations. The ongoing mystery and danger to the Hard Ink group was amplified by other forces impacting Kat and Beckett so that the story exploded page by page. The Hard Ink group is a cohesive, wise-cracking team that makes you laugh one minute and melts your heart the next. I grew to love them throughout the series but this book ratcheted it up to a whole new level. Kate and Beckett made such a perfect pair and I loved how their sexy and touching journey played out amid all the chaos. The writing was smooth, scorching hot and oh so heart rendering that I could not put it down. Literally. I read it through in one sitting because I knew I would not sleep until it was done. The best part is that the ending opened the door to so many possibilities for future books and I can’t wait to read them all.

*Review copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

4. 5 Stars
Sexual Content: Sensual
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate

Five special force members were dishonorable discharged for an incident that was a cover-up for something illegal. These men are working as a team to determine what really happened that fateful day.

To fully understand all the layers of intrigue and what HAD to be done to restore their names in the military you must read all the Hard Ink novels. But within each novel each team member finds someone to calm the demons within himself.

Beckett Murda hides guilt of the attack. One of the others got hurt worse to save his life. He feels like he must try harder to prove to himself he is good enough to be on this special ops team. The only emotion he ever displays is anger. He is as hard as they come.

Katherine Rixey is a stubborn woman that will not leave him alone. She came to visit her brother (another member of the special ops team) and became a part of the investigation. Kat knows her way around guns and criminals and she intends to help in any way she can.

Beckett's tendency was to protect a woman but Kat needed no protection. it soon became apparent he needed protection from her.

I fell in love with Beckett because he was a man's man. He had a soft spot for animals and women but he was tough when he had to be. I imagined him as a bodybuilder and a gentleman.

I am not usually into books with so much violence but I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I wish the men could continue. Thank you Laura Kaye!

-- LINDA

All books reviewed by Once Upon a Romance are furnished by the publisher or publicist for a fair and honest review.

Minor spoilers alert!!!

Damaged Beckett and dedicated lawyer Cat were an interesting pairing. Their connection was both combative and combustible. The Hard Ink gang’s mission to solve the mystery of who set up the Colonel connects all of the series’ novels and two novellas. In Hard to Let Go, Cat – who happens to be the sister of Nick (former military) and Jeremy (a tattoo artist/shop owner) – came into their mission accidentally while seeking a break from Cole. Her ex-boyfriend Cole didn’t seem to understand what “we’re done” really meant and ends up being a major thorn in Cat’s side. The three story elements combined for a satisfying conclusion. Author Laura Kaye definitely knows how to tell a solid action packed and sexy story

This entire series moved fast. That’s both good and kind of bad. While reading Hard to Let Go, I kept thinking how often does a group of close friends/family members find love all within 3 weeks of each other? But that is also a typical element for any romantic suspense novel, something that I’d forgotten since I don’t read that sub genre of romance as often any more. The danger in a novel that also moves so quickly and doesn’t take place over a longer period of time is not being able to develop much of an emotional connection to the featured romantic couple which was the case for me with Cat and Beckett.

One of my favorite Jeremy moments:

“I’m full of crazy awesome, Becca,” he said.“You should know that by now.” He winked at her and grinned. “You could even call it Hard Inc. Security. Oh, or Hard Security Inc. Inc. with a C. That’s genius.” A whole lot of crickets. Chuckling, Charlie elbowed Jeremy. “None ever recognizes genius during its time. Don’t worry about it.”

First Jeremy and then Marz became my two favorite characters and that held true even for Cat and Beckett’s love story. I loved any scene with the Jeremy and Marz in it. And the two Hard Ink gang pets, Cyclops and Elaine also added little moments of humor. I loved that Beckett was determined to the end to befriend Cyclops, too cute! Up next for me in the Hard Ink universe is actually Hard to Be Good (Hard Ink, #3.5), Jeremy and Charlie’s novella, a perfect way for me to end my series read since he is my favorite out of all of the Hard Ink characters.

Laura Kaye brings together the entire cast of characters from this series in this exciting conclusion to the Hard Ink series. As the team gets closer to putting all the pieces of the puzzle together, the stoic, silent, hot-headed Beckett Murda has a distraction--Katherine Rixey. He falls for Kat, and he falls hard. These two heat up the pages right off the bat, and wow, does it get steamy between them.

But there's still the team's reputation to restore and a mystery to solve, and while the guys work on finding the evidence they need, Kat is trying to deal with a serious situation on her own. (no, not gonna tell). When there's a mashup between these two worlds, dire circumstances might have you reaching for a tissue or two. Personally, I love it when an author makes me fall into the story deep enough to have me shed a tear or two, and the ending to Hard To Let Go did a great job of ripping out my heart and putting it back together.

As a reader, it's fabulous when an author wraps up the series in a way that leaves you with a smile on your face and the urge to reread the series. Laura Kay delivers up a 5 star conclusion to this action-packed, sexy series.

The Hard Ink series just got better and better with every book and I think this final instalment was my favourite. Fans have been waiting a long time to find out if the guys would manage to figure out exactly who was behind the ambush that killed several of their team members and we've all been hoping to see them clear their names but they've had quite a fight on their hands and I wasn't quite sure if they'd all manage to survive the final battle. I'm not going to answer any of those questions for you so you'll just have to read the book for yourself to find out how it all ends but I will say that Hard to Let Go was an epic, action packed finale that was everything I'd hoped for and more.

Alongside the conclusion to the ongoing investigation and a chance to catch up with the previous couples this book gives us the chance to get to know Beckett, the gruff and closed off member of the team who has always held himself at a distance from the others. We know he's best friends with Marz and we know he blames himself for Marz's injuries but we haven't had a chance to get to know him that well before now so I wasn't too sure what to expect. There is so much more to Beckett than first meets the eye, his heartbreaking past brought tears to my eyes and I fell head over heels for the bossy, grumpy bastard.

Beckett and Kat are like oil and water and they can barely spend more than a minute in the same room without starting an argument but underneath the banter is a deep attraction that turns completely explosive when they finally give into it. Beckett has worked hard to keep himself closed off from others, thanks to his upbringing he's never really had a close connection to anyone but Kat makes him feel things he's never felt before and he doesn't know quite how to handle it. He isn't used to the emotions that she brings out in him and he's scared of hurting Kat if he gets too close. Kat is much more open and willing to act on the chemistry between them but she doesn't want to push Beckett into something he's not comfortable with so she's willing to take their relationship slowly. Here we have two strong and independent individuals who are wary of letting anyone close but who are both willing to fight for what they want. They make a fantastic couple and I loved spending time with them.

Hard to Let Go is a fantastic conclusion to the Hard Ink series, it ties up all the loose ends and gives readers answers to all our questions. It also sets things up nicely for the spin off Raven Riders MC series that starts next year with Ride Hard and I really hope that we're going to see some of the Hard Ink characters make the occasional appearance in the new series.