Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 Review copy provided for an honest review 
 5 STARS 
 I've been a fan of Laura Kaye's contemporary romances from the first one of hers I read and honestly, she just keeps getting better and better. Hard As It Gets is the first book in her Hard Ink series and it is such an outstanding offering, I don't know how she'll top it. This book has it all; incredibly diverse and well rounded characters, a suspenseful plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat, sexy and steamy moments you won't soon forget, conflict worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, and a love story that endures despite it all. Days after reading it, I'm still thinking about it and am already anticipating the next book. With that in mind, I will state that there is an ongoing story arc that was not wrapped up in this book but it was the suspense part of the story, not the romance part. 
 Nick Rixey left the Army under questionable circumstances they he can't discuss and won't ever forget. So when the daughter of the man who betrayed him and his team comes looking for his help, he wants nothing to do with her and sends her away. Unfortunately, he can't let it go and he soon finds himself involved with Becca Merritt. 
 Becca Merritt has no idea what to expect when she follows up on the last correspondence she has from her brother but she doesn't expect the complete lack of interest from the man who once served with her father. However when she finds herself up close and personal with him during a home invasion she never expects her reaction or the support he gives her. 
 Holy hell this book went from simple to super complicated in the space of a couple of chapters and it did so with style and substance. I love romantic suspense and this author has just proven that she can write it masterfully. The suspense plot was full of twists and turns and some surprises that I never expected and while brutal at times, it wouldn't have been the same had it been easy. When Nick reassembles what is left of his Army team, things get very interesting and extremely complicated fast and when you add in his brother, Jeremy, and Becca the complications become ever higher. However, I loved every minute of this portion of the story because while it was important it also proved how much Nick and Becca needed each other in more ways than they ever imagined. 
 While Becca and Nick are the main characters in this story it would not be the same without the supporting cast and each one is intriguing in their own way. I cannot wait to see what is in store for each of them as this series progresses and I have no doubts that this is going to be a top notch series. 
 I'd be remiss if I didn't include a little something about the intimate scenes between Nick and Becca and let me assure you these two come together it's wild and passionate yet amazingly warm and tender. While it takes them awhile to get there, the "almost" times are so sexy and they leave you with such a want that when it finally happens it's satisfying to everyone involved including the reader! 
 Hard As It Gets was impossible to put down; the non-stop action, the emotional yet sexy love story, the incredible cast of characters and the smart and at times funny dialog make this a must read story. Laura Kaye has done it again with this book and I have yet another series that I will be waiting not so patiently for each new release. Well done Ms. Kaye!