A Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover (1001 Dark Nights)

This book was both an excellent ending to the Hard Ink series and start to the Raven Riders series. Jess and Ike had been co-workers and friends for years but there was always an attraction between them. After Jess’s apartment was broken into, an event which has ties to the Hard Ink series, Ike takes Jess to his house at the Raven Riders compound to keep her safe. There they explore moving their relationship from friends to more.

What I liked the most about this book was the depth Laura Kaye managed to bring to her characters in a short span of pages. One of my biggest problems with novellas is the characters often feel under-developed. However, in this book, both Ike and Jess had to overcome guilt from their pasts to sustain their relationship. Past events had scarred both of them but together, they were able to heal and move on with their lives. The caring and love the characters felt for each other was clear. In addition, the steaminess of this book was off the charts! The chemistry between Ike and Jess was undeniable and when they did become intimate… wow! *fans self* Overall, this was an excellent, well-developed novella. Now, I can’t wait for the next Laura Kaye book!

I have wanted Ike and Jessica's story since there was a hint of their attraction to each other.

Ike Young is the tattoo artist/MC guy who works for Jeremy. He's part of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club and he had the hots for Jessica for a while. When her life is in danger, he takes her where he knows she is going to be safe, his home close the MC's compound. Although, spending time alone with her might be harder that he thought.

Jessica Jakes works for Jeremy too. She does the piercings. When she unknowingly reveals information about her friends to the enemy, she feels guilty and scarred. She knows her life is in danger but when Ike takes her away, she feels safe under his protection.

I feel like Laura Kaye wrote this book for me. I wasn't ready to let the Hard Ink crowd go and this was a great way to keep me in their world.

Jessica is a fun character to like. She is funny, speaks her mind and she is a straight forward kind of person.
Ike is more reserved. He's also an alpha with a very protective instinct. He'll do anything to keep Jessica safe.

To a Hard Ink fan this is a treat.

The best part is that I know this world is not done. Ride Hard comes out in 2016!

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

Reviewed by Angela and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog

Hard As Steel is a novella from the Hard Ink series, also the introduction to the spin off series, Raven Riders which I’m very excited about.

Jessica and Ike are tattoo artists over at Hard Ink and has been good friends along with Nick and Jeremy, owners of the shop. But this shop is more than meets the eye. Hard Ink is also an independent group of special forces who has vowed to correct wrongs from their past. Along the way, saving people and preventing crimes.

When Jessica is caught in the crossfires and threatened, Ike whisks her away for safekeeping while Hard Ink takes care of business. Ike is also a member of Raven Riders Motorcycle Club which makes him more than capable of protecting her. While in hiding, we get a good introduction of the Ravens world. Of course, Jess and Ike will spend time together finally acting out on their true feelings for the each other.

Jessica and Ike are two very intense individuals with pasts and experiences that had damaged them emotionally. I love the pairing Ms. Kaye had done here. I believe them perfect for each other. Not only that they match their personality, and interests, but they match each other’s’ intense attraction to the other. These two very hot together.

I’ve read Ride Hard, book one for Raven Riders and I don’t believe you need to read this book to understand what’s going on, though it’s enjoyed reading Ike and Jess’ story. Ms. Kaye made this a fun and steamy read.

This was so awesome! Love, love, loved it! This was a full story that really packed a punch. It was full of emotion, intensity, and heat.

Ike and Jessica are wonderful characters and I loved getting to know them and about their pasts. They have fantastic chemistry together. There was so much sexual tension and animosity, it was great. I couldn't get enough. I love Ike and Jessica opening up and coming together and seeing those sweet and vulnerable moments between the two. Love their attraction and heat as well (oh the heat! Seriously, WOW!)!

This story overlaps with the final Hard Ink book, Hard To Let Go, which I thought was really cool. I loved getting those bits and pieces and reliving those moments. Extremely well written story, excellent development and build.

I thought I was excited for the new Raven Riders series before but after reading this and getting a peek into Ike's world and meeting some of the other Ravens, I am even more excited. Bring it on!

Fantastic read! Laura Kaye is a great story teller that really pulls you in. I pretty much inhaled this in one sitting. 5 hot stars!

Complimentary copy received for honest review.

Readers looking for a little afternoon delight will find Hard As Steel a sensual escape as two people wallowing in guilt over their pasts embrace their crackling friends to lovers relationship. The couple in question are both strong-willed and independent but don't think they're worthy of a HEA because of their guilt over not saving someone they loved. With their own lives in danger though they'll come to realize the true power of love when it comes to forgiveness.

Ike is a sexy and tatted bad boy who came from a truly bad family but after a tragedy he's remade himself into a man quick to act like a white knight despite his perceived tarnish. He's been drawn to Jess from their first meeting but remained her friend, fighting his desires every step of the way. With her life in jeopardy he doesn't want a repeat of his past though which leads to a pulse pounding escape to a sanctuary amongst bikers which leads to lots of scorching and erotic encounters. Through it all he exudes charm and a flirty nature that left me enamored as he's a man more worthy than he realizes.

Jess was once a good girl who went bad and paid the ultimate price when someone she loved died. She's now starting over and found a new family with her co-workers at Hard Ink. She finds herself drawn to Ike and wanting more but is constantly kept at arms length until the night she begs him to rescue her. It's a step that has them clinging to each other in fear and desperation as events rage around their adopted family leaving them on the outskirts. Jess is a woman unashamed by her desires which pushes Ike's jealous buttons. It makes her a formidable match to the equally voracious Ike and leads to numerous erotic encounters and unrelenting sexual tension.

This is a story that acts as a compelling segue between two exciting series introducing us to new characters while reacquainting us with familiar ones. Ike and Jess are far removed from the action of the Hard Ink world which left me feeling a bit less invested in their HEA as the story's purpose doesn't feel as intense as what's befalling the friends they left behind. This was still an enjoyable story with new characters that I look forward to learning more about and a well-paced story that fans of Ms. Kaye will embrace.

I remember in the Hard Ink novels when Ike whisked Jess away to hide her out after her house was ransacked. I remember knowing that there was something there between them, and being intrigued by that. Now we have their story.

Ike is an intriguing guy. He's a tattoo artist at Hard Ink. He's an important member of a motorcycle club. He's an all around heroic bad ass biker guy. And, he's got baggage from his past that has prevented him from acting on his interest in his co-worker, Jess, for years. It should demonstrate how good of a guy he is that he's willing to fight against his attraction to her when she is in trouble and in need of his help.

It's not a one-sided thing. Jess has wanted Ike for years as well, but she has her own reasons for not going after him. And, she is tired of them. Except, she can throw herself at him all she wants. Ike is made of steel and is determined to resist her. Infuriating man.

You know, the Hard Ink novels have a lot of really awesome elements to them - an intriguing mystery, incredible suspense, sweet romance, and ridiculously hot sex. Imagine taking all that and packing it into 100 pages instead of 300 pages. It's like anything else that's concentrated. You still have all the ingredients, but they are all way more potent.

My favorite part about Hard As Steel was the chemistry between Ike and Jess. My goodness - it was crazy. Ike had his reasons for fighting it most of the time, but you just can't fight something like this forever. And when it is unleashed... wow. So. Hot. Like, seriously - INFERNO.

It was interesting witnessing all the events at the end of the Hard Ink story from outside the fold. Remember that Ike's and Jess' story is happening at the same time as the last two novels. So, from time to time, Ike would call Dare to get an update, and Ike would relay the information to Jess.

If you're a fan of the Hard Ink series, you have got to read this novella. It's like the best kind of icing on this delicious cake.

When witness protection is the only option, at least the brawn be that you'd love to hold

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. (the store Blurb)
The more I read the 1001 Dark Nights series, the more I feel I need to create a room where I'd find a long chair to be comfortable, a fan or water or some ice and the book. They keep getting steadier and steadier, and I love it! Hard As Steel does not disappoint at all and quite frankly, I wish it were me instead of Jess in witness protection with Ike only because he sounds delicious, protective, strong, and did I mention hot as heck?! Laura Kaye has managed to bring to life the connection between two characters, the desire for each other and their attempt at ignoring it, on top of continuing the underlying storyline from previous novels in her Hard Ink and Raven Riders series, which may help understanding the relationship between the characters mentioned in this novel. Quite honestly, I couldn't drop this novel and wished I had access to the entire series and Laura Kaye is absolutely being added to my To Be Read and I look forward to her next book releases.

**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Kathleen for Alpha Book Club**

5 stars for the crossover novella that brings the world of Hard Ink into the Raven Riders MC. This book is about Jeremy Rixey's two employees - Ike Young and Jessica Jakes - that were told to flee when Hard Ink was under attack for their own safety. After Ike and Jess take off on his motorcycle to put as much road as possible between them and Baltimore they arrive at Ike's cottage to hide out until it's safe. The only problem is with these two so close together there may be a bit of a problem keeping them apart.

Jess is the piercer at Hard Ink and has worked with Ike for the last four years. While Jess is beautiful, outgoing, and kind she is also a very sensuous woman and knows who and what she wants and that happens to be Ike. Jess is well aware of her "issues" and is avoiding the attraction that they share but hopefully she can convince herself that they wouldn't be as toxic as she thinks they would. They are in seclusion due to one of her bad choices so then again maybe she won't say anything to Ike.

Ike lives with nothing in this world to look forward to after he failed to protect the woman he loved. Ike vowed he would never fall for anyone like that again so that is why he has not ever acted on his feelings for the delectable Jessica Jakes. Ike will do what he has always done by just working for Jeremy and being a part of the Raven Riders since that is all he really deserves in the long run...right?

Loved Hard Ink and was sad to see the series end but this book was a great intro into the next series of the Ravens Rider MC and more of what's to come from this phenomenal writer :)

Direct quotes from book are marked with ">> (content) << "
I received an ARC of this book. Review is my honest opinion.

This book was over in a blink of an eye. I want more Ike and Jess!!!

The sexual tension between Ike and Jess was so apparent right from the very beginning. I love how Ike was the typical alpha male: protective, guilt-driven, and secretly a teddy bear. How cute was that?! I also loved that Jess was a firecracker. In Ike's words, she was "unapologetic" for being who she was. She was carefree and honest, which I totally loved!

>>She asked Ike to get Pop-Tarts and Hot Pockets at the store, and he came home with fruit. Go figure. "Toast is boring. Doritos are life."<<

I've always loved Laura's writing. Although since I've read the whole Hard Ink series, I've noticed quite a similar theme: woman in distress, protective alpha male, they kind of like each other... No matter what, though, I loved this book! The tension was so thick, but they always had each other's backs.

>>He was sick and flat on his back, but something about the quickness of his answer and the intensity of his gaze sent a ripple of awareness through her body. "Well, then scooch over, ya big lug." "You say the sweetest things," he said, voice like gravel. "I know, right? I'm such a peach."<<

I definitely would recommend this book. I wish it was longer, for sure, but I can't wait for the Raven Riders series!!! *fangirls*

This crossover! I had so much fun reading Hard Ink that I was excited to hear there were plans for a Ravens series. Meeting the Ravens as they provided backup for the Hard Ink crew gave me just enough of them that I was intrigued by the individuals and the club.

Given the situation going on at Hard Ink in the background, I shouldn’t use fun to describe this book. Nothing about the danger Jess finds herself is fun, nor is the reason Ike has her hidden at the compound outside Baltimore. But I loved this and couldn’t think of a better descriptor for my time reading.

This was unlike the Hard Ink books in that there was not an instant attraction that turned to love. Jess and Ike have worked together for 4 fours and though each has felt an attraction to the other, their working relationship is only part of the reason they have not acted on the attraction. In fact, each has his or her own reason for holding back and those reasons come to light in this short story.

This served as a great bridge between the two series. Jess and Ike are familiar characters and seeing what transpired in their time away from the city only made me love them each more.

This was also a great introduction to more of the Ravens, those to old or young to fight in the war, and those who make the club compound their home.

E-Galley was provided by publicist for review purposes. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.

I enjoyed this story about two edgy, rough and complex characters who have to come face to face with mortality several times and have to face misplaced guilt before they can really be together. These are the roughest, toughest, least mainstream characters from Laura I have read. They are not angels, but do have heroic and moral tendencies when it counts. They are really interesting people placed in a situation that is a pressure cooker of emotion, danger and unrequited lust. You know what happens when people are in one of those situations!

In this story the danger that runs through the series is kind of off stage, or, off the page. Laura doesn’t add in a lot of backstory – which is probably format driven. Ike is keeping Jessica safe from all the issues that run through the series.

When the couple does hook up – Wow! This is hot, dirty, rough and edgy hot stuff.

It is definitely not a stand alone; it would be hard to really understand the relationships if you hadn’t read at least some of the other books in the series. But, that’s not an issue so much as it is a good reason to go read this treat of a series!

Hard As Steel: A Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover (1001 Dark Nights) by Laura Kaye
Release Launch, Review & Giveaway: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-33I
Publication Date: September 22, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

Review:
This short story of Ike and Jess takes place while all hell is breaking loose with the Hard Ink crew. Jess had to get to safety and Ike was there for her. I liked them both anyway but their playful banter here was so much fun since they had more time, even though they used some of that time for scorching hot sex. I liked the introduction to more of the Raven Riders and look forward to the spin-off series; I think I’m going to like them. I enjoyed this story and am still smiling from some of the one-liner comebacks Jess is famous for.

*Review copy provided by 1001 Dark Nights in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of this book from InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review and as part of the book's blog tour promotions.

Oh my God. Can I say hot? Can I say filthy? I can? Great! This book is definitely both. Filthy hot. This describes the book well. I mean, all that filthy language, the hot sexy scenes, the rough life featured in the book, all worked well together.

I've always loved the novellas on the 1001 Dark Nights series. Of course, there are just some authors that are on a league of their own. These authors are just ahead against their contemporaries. Laura Kaye is definitely one of those authors. Anybody who has read any of her books will agree that she just has a way of creating a story that any reader can get lost in. She also writes characters who are realistic, like they're actually people you know.

In this book, we have a hero and a heroine who both have the hots for each other but have never crossed the line. And when they do, man, things get hot really fast. The only complaint I may have is the fact that this is a novella, and ended really fast. I would have been really happy to read more from these main characters. Then again, I think that's a good thing, right?

If there was ever a perfect crossover novella to end one series and begin another, Hard As Steel is it! Ike and Jess were relatively unknown characters to me but in the space over just over one hundred pages, I cared for them, rooted for them and rejoiced with them!

Hard As Steel is one sexy little novella. It captured the sizzling chemistry between Ike Young and Jessica James. All Ike wanted to do was to protect Jess, he told himself she was off limits but Jess had a sass that I liked and I’m glad she didn’t take no for answer.

I love the Hard Ink series and this novella was a perfect bonus, I’m glad I got to know Ike and Jess, and the crew of new characters that were introduced just makes me hungry for the Raven Riders series.

Laura Kaye is becoming one of my must read authors. She creates real characters, evokes real feelings and provides real entertainment. Everything I could want in an author.

I highly recommend this series! ~Ava

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

Laura Kaye’s introduction to her new MC series roars right from the start! The world of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club was hinted at in the later Hard Ink books, and HARD AS STEEL is a great debut in what will be another memorable series from Ms. Kaye. This book links both series, picks up some pieces, so that anyone who has not read the Hard Ink books will have no problem diving right in; Ms. Kaye recaps what is important with regards to the story and extrapolates. It might also be the ideal starting point for anyone who hasn’t read any of the Hard Ink books. HARD AS STEEL is edgier, sexier, more passionate than even other books in this amazing series. Jess and Ike are fabulous characters, and more multifaceted than one would think it possible in a novella. The Raven Riders MC series promises to be as exciting as Hard Ink! Hard to believe (pun was not even intended!) Laura Kaye might be getting even better! Fantastic!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Nothing will put me into a book hangover quicker than the final book in a series and saying goodbye to a cast of beloved characters. So when I saw the announcements about my Hard Ink crew carrying over into the Raven Riders series, I started marking dates on the calendar and stalking Laura Kaye through every avenue available!

Hard As Steel is a bridge book between a top 5 fave series of all time to a new series by the same fave author. Find yourself a quiet corner, a glass of wine and make sure to bring a fan (you are going to need it for this red hot read) and sit back for a few hours and thoroughly enjoy the story that Laura Kaye wrote for us! I know that I sure did! And we already have 2 dates for the beginning of 2016 to look forward to! More Hard Ink and more Raven Riders? YES, PLEASE!!

Hard As Steel = Grade A+
- See more at: http://thebookreadinggals.com/blog-tour-hard-as-steel-by-laura-kaye-excerpt-review-giveaway/#sthash.bIdJMYDr.dpuf

Hard as Steel is a fantastic cross-over between the 1001 Dark Nights series and Laura Kaye's Hard Ink Series, and man was it a wile ride. I love snarky, feisty heroines who give as good as they get, so I fell immediately in love with the heroine Jessica. Ike is my idea of the perfect Alpha hero as well - brooding, hard as steel on the outside but with a heart of gold. This story is full of twists and turns, is super steamy and will keep you flipping pages long after you should be in bed. While Hard as Steel can be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend that you read Hard to Let Go before this for maximum enjoyment. We also got a small sneak peek into Kaye's new series, the Raven Riders, and I cannot wait to read the next in that series! I highly recommend this book, author and series for anyone who is looking for a fast paced, well developed story with strong Alpha heroines, and snarky, spirited heroines.

Laura Kaye has sure done it again...Jessica has had a little attraction to Ike since he came through the doors of Hard Ink. She finds herself in a cabin hiding out after an incident goes wrong between the Hard Ink and another gang so to speak. She's shaken up so bad, and she calls Ike..The Ravens come to there aid and will get to the bottom of the things. They're out to help.

Ike has a past and isn't ready to involve Jessica in it..But he finds himself she's already in the middle of it..He has feelings for her, but he can't act on them. The last time it went not so good..

So what will Ike and Jessica do? Will they act on the attraction or just remain friends?
One book you want to buy. It's amazing and is the Hard Ink books..Don't miss any of them.

When this MC club and their leader was introduced in the Hard Ink series, I thought, man, I'd love to read this guy's story! Well, lookie here!

I love how the author blends the stories, giving you just enough of the Hard Ink background to allow you to step into this new series without being in the dark of what's been going on, what brought this series to be.

For those who haven't read the Hard Ink series, you really don't need to in order to begin with this book, but you'll want to, and you should.

Edgier, a bit darker, Hard as Steel will suck you in and take you on a wild ride that leaves you breathless.

Can't wait for the next one!

Thanks Wicked Reads for a copy to read and review.

Jessica and Ike have Ah-mazing chemistry in this short novella. After Jessica escaped the bad men by hiding in the crawl space, Ike decides to whisk Jessica away and keep her at his little cabin in the woods. There in close quarters they decide to hash out the feelings. This novella is a continuation in the hard ink series, and exceptionally erotic. Ike's bad ass biker attitude and Jessica's smart mouth make for a fun and flirty read. Loved this series! Four stars of entertainment.

*Wicked Reads Review Team*

What a fantastic crossover into the Raven Riders' world! When I met Jessica Jakes & Ike Young in the Hard Ink series, I was definitely intrigued! What a perfect combination of slightly broken people. Ike is any woman's fantasy of strong, protective, tatted, muscled and alpha! I love that Jess is tough, is her own woman and doesn't put up with crap! The heat between them is scorching and will have you hanging onto every sizzling detail! Loved learning about how these two got to where they are. Laura Kaye lured me right back into a smokin' series! Awesome read!

This was a great crossover novella between the author's Hard Ink series and her upcoming Raven Riders MC series.

We know a bit about Ike and Jessica and the circumstances that lead them to Ike's home near the Raven Riders compound from the previous book, Hard To Let Go. While this can be read on it's own, I'd suggest at least reading that book first as incidents in it show up in this novella. Honestly, you can't go wrong reading the entire Hard Ink series since it's amazing!

Another amazing book from Laura Kaye!!! She always manages to infuse so much angst and backstory in her novellas, and I am not sure how she fits it all in so few pages! This novella is a crossover from her amazing Hard Ink series into the new and highly anticipated Raven Riders series. The story follows Ike and Jessica as they flea from the Hard Ink building to keep Jess safe after someone breaks into her home. This is a friends-to-lovers story that is sure to please! Jess is a sassy, confident heroine that you can't help but respect and Ike, in all his protective tattooed and brooding glory, is the ultimate match for her. I really enjoyed this novella and can't wait to hear more about the Raven Riders!!!!!!

I love this story for Jess and Ike. These friends have both been through so much hurt and it's about time for them to find a HEA. Jess knows what she wants and is ready to go for it. I love a feisty female character, and this delivers. Ike doesnt have a chance when it comes to Jess!! Suspense and romance.... this novella has it all!

Laura Kaye's novella writing game is on point. In this case, she introduced a whole new gaggle of characters and gave Ike and Jessica story a good deal of depth. I'm looking forward to the next in the Ravens Riders series.

Gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review. See more reviews at shamelessbookclub.com

This book is wonderful. It's a great transfer book into the Ravens world. Can't wait to read more about them. Ike is bossy and got and manly man. Jess is a strong independent with a smart mouth you just love... Laura Kaye has another winner in the hard ink series.