Laura Kaye- Hard to Let Go

Last one of the series and it seriously makes me sad. I pre-ordered this on Nov. 26, 2014 so I've been waiting a hot minute for it as it didn't release until June 2015.  I've loved this series and didn't want to read this book too quickly, but once I started, I couldn't help myself!  And because of my ARC schedule, I didn't get to it until the end of 2015.

As hard as it is to pick a favorite character, I'm thinking Beckett may take the cake on that.  I absolutely ADORED him. And damn you Laura Kaye for making me cry! This story is sweet, sexy, emotional, nerve wracking and an all around great read! 

Beckett, like the rest of the Hard Ink guys, has suffered from his time overseas.  He's fighting demons everyday and he's never had anyone support him until his time in the Army.  He is drawn to Kat, Nick Rixey's little sister, but his first thought is she's off limits and a spitfire. Then circumstances change and he sees the sexy, strong woman that she is.

Kat had a scary experience with an ex-boyfriend and it made her want to go away and go see her brothers. She has an interesting first encounter with Beckett and not at all what she expected! He infuriates her, until he doesn't ...  Kat is also drawn to Beckett and she sees him for who he is on the inside, not just the hottie he is on the outside! 

Their relationship moved quickly, but based on circumstances surrounding them, it worked! I loved getting to know Beckett and see what made him tick.  He has had a hard life and at times it's heartbreaking to read all he has gone through.  Kat is definitely good for him and helps him through his journey.  As with the other Hard Ink books, it's very fast paced, edge of your seat exciting and a great love story too.  Even though I'm sad that it's over, I'm glad we're going to get Nick and Becca's wedding (Hard Ever After) and then the Ravens series (Ride Hard) next!  

In June, we get another Hard Ink novella as part of the 1,001 Dark Nights series.  Hard to Serve

And if you've never read the Hard Ink series, you can start here with Hard As It Gets. I highly recommend you do!

Five dishonored soldiers.

Former Special Forces.
One last mission.
These are the men of Hard Ink.

Beckett Murda hates to dwell on the past. But his investigation into the ambush that killed half his Special Forces team and ended his Army career gives him little choice. Just when his team learns how powerful their enemies are, hard-ass Beckett encounters the biggest complication yet—seductive, feisty Katherine Rixey.

A tough, stubborn prosecutor, Kat visits her brothers’ Hard Ink Tattoo following a bad break-up—and finds herself staring down the barrel of a stranger’s gun. Beckett is hard-bodied and sexy as hell, but he’s also the most infuriating man ever. Worse, Kat’s brothers are at war with criminals her office is investigating. When Kat joins the fight, she lands straight in Beckett’s sights—and his arms. Not to mention their enemies’ crosshairs.

Now Beckett and Kat must set aside their differences to work together, because the only thing sweeter than justice is finding love and never letting go.

Kait Jagger - Her Master's Servant

First off...  WHAT?! I did NOT see that coming. Holy cliffhanger! Guess I need to keep my eyes peeled for the last book when it comes out. I totally forgot it was a trilogy so the ending came as a surprise. Lol

This book was the 2nd in the trilogy. It continued where the first book left off. This story focused on Luna's new job, Stefan and of course her friends make various appearances throughout the story.  At times it felt a little long, but I did enjoy this book. I enjoyed the focus being more on Luna and Stefan this time, too.  I like how it's different from other books I've read.  I enjoy English words, culture and getting lost in another country via a book. And the characters are enjoyable. 

I couldn't wait to see how it ended but wow! Shocked me. And I certainly hope I don't have to wait too long for the next book. I need to know how things end for Luna and Stefan. 

Betrayed. Luna Gregory has been betrayed by both her long-time mentor and the love of her life. Reeling from the discovery that the Marchioness of Lionsbridge used her as a pawn in a plot to retain control of the 500-year-old Arborage Estate, Luna runs as far away as she can get, to remote Shetland. But though she tries to put the past behind her, she can't escape memories of the overwhelming love she shared with the heir of Lionsbridge, Stefan Lundgren. And Stefan has vowed to get her back, by any means necessary. 

Stefan ultimately reclaims what is his in a single, searing night of passion, but the wounds he and Luna have inflicted on each other run deep. As they attempt to rebuild a future together, a dark seam of power, lust and control opens up between them. Addictive as it is enthralling, Stefan’s tender abuse awakens an answering darkness in Luna. Can they stop punishing each other? Do they want to? The fate of Arborage – and of their love – hangs in the balance. 

The hotly anticipated second book in the Lord and Master trilogy.

Jaci Burton - All Wound Up

My goodness. The FEELS in this book. Jaci had them going on throughout this book. And Tucker? Be still my beating heart. He's such a sweetie. Total package. Which, coincidentally started this whole thing. You need to read to see what I mean. It's funny. 

I'm an occasional baseball fan, but this book made me want to plug into more games! She makes it fun reading from the perspective of a player (for whatever sport she's referring to in the book of the moment) and those around them. I was cheering for Tucker!!!! I wish I could have been at their game. 

So, Tucker Cassidy is a pitcher for the Rivers baseball team. (I like baseball pants ;) Anyone else?) Due to his career, the person he unexpectedly meets is Aubry Ross, the boss's daughter. He's not a player (not like THAT) and he's just a busy guy. Last girlfriend he had was a tad crazy so he's not looking for anything. 

Dr. Aubry Ross is a busy resident working in the ER. She's had her focus mainly on school and her job. And usually she has nothing to do with an athlete. Until Tucker. He keeps showing up needing her doctor skills (Bless him! He can't catch a break) and won't take no for an answer. 

Their relationship is easy and they enjoy each other's company. They seem to be made for each other. It was sweet, funny and completely easy to get lost in. (Hence my book hangover now) Tucker does some of the sweetest things for Aubry and he's supportive of her. They both respect they have busy careers but they build each other up and are there for the other. They learn new things together and the banter back and forth was quite enjoyable. I loved how involved they are with their families and then with each other's families.  I loved seeing Tucker's family dynamics at play. Those boys!!! 

This book was the last book I read in 2015 making it book #256 for 2015.  And what a great book to end the year with.  Definitely one that stayed with me.  HIGHLY recommend this book and this series! 

If you haven't read this series, book 1 is The Perfect Play. Check it out!

In the latest Play-by-Play novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Quarterback Draw, a sexy baseball player is done striking out...

Tucker Cassidy is going through a slump—both with his curveball and in his dating life. After having a painful altercation involving his ex-girlfriend’s knee, the professional baseball player is convinced things couldn’t get worse…until a gorgeous doctor comes to the rescue at his most embarrassing moment.

As the daughter of the owner of the St. Louis Rivers major league baseball team, Dr. Aubry Ross has been around jocks all her life. She knows the ins and outs of all their games, and she isn’t interested in playing. 

When Tucker repeatedly lands in the hospital where she’s working, Aubry starts to think he’s getting injured just to see her. Tucker is both funny and sexy, and Aubry is pleasantly surprised to discover he actually respects her job. 

But when her father disapproves of their relationship, will Tucker let threats of a trade get in the way of a game-changing love?

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Adriana Locke - The Perception

You ever have one of those books that grips you and won't let go? Yeah, that was The Perception for me! I loved it even more than The Exception.  I adored Max's sweetness. Oh my goodness he made me melt into a puddle of goo. "Sweetheart, you and me - we're permanent. You'll see one of these days. I'm just waiting on you to come around."

Max and Kari were secondary characters in The Exception so I was looking forward to their story. I was also thankful all books were out by the time I discovered them! Max is definitely a romantic and I knew Kari had some reason for still keeping Max at arm's length at times. This book definitely showed us their lives. The highs and lows and the crazy. And by that I mean cuckoo bananas! 

Watching their relationship was very sigh worthy. Max was in it for the long haul and he knew Kari had something holding her back and he wanted to be there for her when she was ready to tell her story. He never pushed and he cherished her. (Oh the feels!) 

Kari knew Max was it for her but she knew what heartache the past had brought her way so while she loved him, she couldn't let go of the hurt. As I was reading, I kept waiting for her story. And it comes. It was kind of like I thought it would be, but I didn't see the HOW coming. 

Remember how I mentioned cuckoo bananas? You'll see. And I'm not one who tries to figure things out as I read, I like to enjoy the ride, but sometimes you can't help BUT to figure it out. However as I was reading, I didn't know why or how much I knew so it kept me captivated and completely engaged. I didn't want to be interrupted or put the book down!  I know I'm being vague but I don't want to give it away. I do highly recommend this book. But I'm going to warn you, this book causes a book hangover!  

You don't need to have read The Exception first, but I do recommend it as all characters will make more sense and because you get a glimpse of Cade and Jada's lives in this story as well.  Go, read and enjoy!

There is no greater burden than a secret, and Kari Stanley has been carrying one alone for a long time. But fate intervenes in the form of a broken down car and the kind offer of assistance from a handsome stranger with a sweet, southern drawl. In exchange, all she has to do is go to dinner with him. Temptation was never so sweet. 

Max Quinn has secrets of his own. His good deeds aren't just a product of his southern upbringing; they're his atonement. As one dinner turns into two, he realizes that Kari just might be his salvation. 

As they struggle to find their path together, their secrets weigh heavier on them. Will they be able to trust one another with the truth, or will their secrets keep them apart forever? 

This book CAN be read as a stand-alone novel.