Slick 
 4.5 STARS 
 Review copy provided for an honest review 
 *Reviewers note, while this book is the third book in the Hard Ink series it can be read as a standalone story. However, I think you will understand the intricacies of the ongoing story arc better if you read the books in order. Each book contains a romance that ends with a HEA or at the very least a HFN, but there is an ongoing story that continues throughout all the books. 
 First off I want to commend Avon/Harper Collins Publishers for this most appropriate cover because this exceptional book deserved a fantastic cover. I have enjoyed this series from the beginning but Hard To Hold On To is really special; a heroine who was stronger than she believed, a hero hiding a secret he's ashamed of, and a connection so strong that they begin to realize they need each other like they need air to breath. Skillfully written, with characters that will grab your heart and not let go, author Laura Kaye delivers another fine addition to an already strong series. 
 From the first time Edward Cantrell (Easy) stepped on the page it was obvious that there was way more to this man they meets the eye. We know that every member of the team is scarred in some way from the things that went wrong with their unit, but there was something deeper and darker about Easy. There was also something about him that intrigued me beyond all reason. 
 In the last book Jenna Dean drove me just a little bit nuts and with what I felt was some self centered behavior. However, I did not wish for her to be kidnapped, beaten, and drugged. From the minute she is rescued Easy doesn't want to let her out of his sight, and even though he knows he shouldn't he feels something when he's around her; something he's sure he shouldn't given their age difference and the fact that she's been badly hurt. Jenna however, trusts Easy and feels safe and better when he's around so for her he endures and he stays, at least that's what he keeps telling himself. 
 There was such a connection between these two characters and it was much more than sexual, although that was present as well. They seemed to have this invisible tie that bound them together and made them want to be there for each other. Although badly hurt by men, Jenna found comfort in Easy and wanted him around even more than her own sister. While Easy is dealing with some serious issues, even he can admit that Jenna makes his dark life so much brighter. As Jenna healed, the simmering chemistry between them burned even brighter making their intimate moments together spectacular and very special. 
 While the budding relationship between Jenna and Easy was front and foremost, the ongoing threat to the team members and the Merritt siblings was every present and added intensity and depth to the story. The secondary characters as always played a huge part and with each book I become more enamored with this amazingly strong and resilient group. 
 Hard To Hold On To is intense, intelligent, touching, and sexy and it is an excellent addition to an already extraordinary series.