| Title | : | Hard to Hold on To (Hard Ink, #2.5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0062339397 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780062339393 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 208 |
| Publication | : | First published August 19, 2014 |
Jenna has never met anyone like Easy. She can't describe how he makes her feel--and not just because he saved her life. No, the stirrings inside her reach far beyond gratitude.
As the pair are thrust together while chaos reigns around them, they both know one thing: the things in life most worth having are the hardest to hold on to.
Hard to Hold on To (Hard Ink, #2.5) Reviews
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5 heartbreakingly ugly but joyously beautiful stars!
This is... ugly and beautiful, achingly sad but poignantly uplifting... there's a lot of emotion packed into this short story. I'll never forget Easy and Jenna ... all they endured and all they have and have yet to conquer!
Description...Edward "Easy" Cantrell knows better than most the pain of not being able to save those he loves--which is why he is not going to let Jenna Dean out of his sight. He may have just met her, but Jenna's the first person to make him feel alive since that devastating day in the desert more than a year ago.
A copy of this book was provided by Avon Books. In return I'm giving them an honest review.
Jenna has never met anyone like Easy. She can't describe how he makes her feel--and not just because he saved her life. No, the stirrings inside her reach far beyond gratitude.
As the pair are thrust together while chaos reigns around them, they both know one thing: the things in life most worth having are the hardest to hold on to. -
5 - "I got you then. I have you now." Stars.
Laura Kaye has left me in a bit of a state to be honest. I knew that this series was going to explore some darker elements of the human psyche after finishing book two. It stands too reason that when a group of ex-servicemen are reunited after a 12 month hiatus, which was bought about by the total annihilation of everything they believed and trusted in, as well as losing 50% of their team in an ambush that should never have happened, PTSD and the lasting physical and mental scars of the whole clusterfuck are going to run deep.
Easy's story and Laura's writing of it takes the Hard Ink series to a whole other level. They always say it's the quiet ones, and holy shit... She nailed it, in a respectful, emotional and have the tissues handy way.
"You need something and I have it to give, I will every damn time. You hear me?"
I struggled with Jenna in Hard as You Can, as Sara's younger sister she wasn't immediately a major part of the story, towards the end of the book she had more of a role, and I found her to be a little immature and selfish. She turns it around in this book, and her acceptance of Easy, and what he is going through, makes a massive and positive difference to his state of mind. But what absolutely broke me was his time with Shane. Laura's breaking down and rebuilding of The Hard Ink Special Forces Team one man at a time, is an emotional rollercoaster this reader is enjoying immensely, albeit with regular crying jags included!
"So glad it was you."
Laura Kaye is an author, who I can honestly say I haven't read a bad book by. I am glad I saved this series, reading the first 4 books in succession has been an absolute joy so far, I am off to start Hard to Come By now, and am crossing everything that I don't have too wait too long for the rest of the guys to get their books thereafter.
Sometimes you gotta let someone else help you be strong before you can stand on your own. -
ARC REVIEW:
Review originally posted at:
http://loveaffairwithanereader.blogsp...
I love the Hard Ink series and this is a nice little novella, but I’m not sure if the novella is quite the right format for this series and especially this story. Easy Cantrell is one of the quiet ones and now we know why. He is dealing with inner demons brought about by his perceived feelings of letting his team down in Afghanistan. He is dealing with PTSD. One of his only “lights” is Jenna Dean. Taking care of her and protecting her brings him a sense of purpose. Their interactions are very sweet. My greatest critique of this story is that the how and why they dive deep into their relationship is a little underdeveloped. I understand the initial interaction carried over from the last book, but story felt very superficial – yes, he’s protective; yes, he’s hot; yes, she is accepting of his condition….but it’s still not in enough in my opinion.
However, the strength of the story is the family of Hard Ink, and the especially the brotherhood of these soldiers who survived together and are looking to exonerate their names. When Easy decides to come clean, the response is what I would’ve expected and glad to read – strong, unconditional, loving. It makes me love these characters that much more. I appreciate Laura Kaye for shining a light on an important mental health issue facing many of our veterans. Easy’s willingness to acknowledge his feelings and come forth to ask for help sets a great example. We can all be a little more vigilant and supportive of our loved ones. If only for that, this is a good read.
IN A NUTSHELL:
I recommend this novella as a part of the Hard Ink series. I enjoyed getting to learn more about Easy and Jenna. However, as a standalone, maybe not so much. I would heartily recommend to any new read to start at the very beginning. -
I’m a bit torn about this book. It’s not my favorite of the series only because of my personal expectations. Please note that I love Ms Kaye’s work and because of that I have come to expect certain things from her books. Unfortunately, it didn’t have the flare and excitement as I expected. First is the action and suspense her full length books usually has. This book didn’t have that. Since, this took off shortly after Jenna’s rescue; any action was at a halt. It was time to recoup and relax. Also, Kaye’s books occasionally comes with a slight insta-love but easily overlooked as it usually works with the storyline. Easy and Jenna gravitated to each other possibly because they both have really bad issues. I wish there was more in their relationship besides wanting to just save each other from tragedy. I guess, I can say it worked that the two have found their sense of purpose to survive. But, I really wish there was more.
I do however, had enjoyed the rest of the book especially the camaraderie of the men at Hard Ink. They have really come together again and truly show how much they have each other’s back. I am most intrigued with Jeremy. He is such a flirt and his shirt just speaks volume. His book will be a most anticipated read from this series. I have no complains with Ms. Kaye’s writing, in this, she has always been consistent. Hard Ink has become one of my favorite Romantic Suspense series which I plan to read more of and any of Ms. Kaye’s future work for that matter.
*ARC provided by publisher -
Hard to Hold On To was a novella within Laura Kaye’s Hard Ink series.
Edward “Easy” Cantrell was part of the former Special Forces team that was investigating the horrendous betrayal that took the lives of six of their team members in an ambush. The suspenseful plot began in book one but has carried over throughout the series. Easy, as with all of the former seals, carried guilt and pain from the incident. He also suffered from depression. Although they just met, Jenna Dean was the only thing that grounded him.
Jenna, Sara’s sister, was rescued from a kidnapping in Hard As You Can, book two. She had epilepsy which made the captivity worse and left her very ill. Afterwards, Easy was the only thing that made her feel safe and protected.
All of the above took place in previous books. In Something To Hold On To, Kaye took us through the connection and recovery as well as continued, but not concluded, the seal investigation. The entire book covered only a few days so it covered the attraction between the two, battling depression and the healing process.
As typical for a novella, it was short and to the point. It was well written and emotional. I liked the premise and the characters but I craved more. Hard To Hold On To read more like a bridge between two books versus a full story. It also ended in a “happy for now” versus a “forever love” so maybe we’ll see more later. In the meantime, Hard To Come By, focusing on fellow Seal Derek DiMarzio, is up next. -
Hard to Hold on To is the first novella in Laura Kaye's Hard Ink series, but it's still an incredibly satisfying story. I'd probably classify this more as contemporary romance than romantic suspense because the focus is definitely on the relationship between the two main characters and there is much less action than before but I think that it was a much more heartfelt read because of that and I absolutely loved this couple.
We already met Jenna in the previous book, she was rescued along with her sister Sara and this story picks up just as the team are returning to base after their successful rescue operation. Jenna is in a bad way after being drugged and held captive by human traffickers, the stress has taken it's toll and the lack of her epilepsy medication hasn't helped. Jenna is exhausted but still on edge and the only person she feels safe around is Easy. The last thing Easy should be looking for is a relationship, he has been struggling to cope since losing his best friend in the disastrous operation that saw the whole team facing a dishonourable discharge from the forces. Easy is suffering from PTSD, he has nightmares, flashbacks and is extremely depressed. Being around his old team mates is hard but it's something he desperately needed and he finds strength in the idea of clearing their names.
Easy's story absolutely broke my heart, he is going through such a difficult time and I felt that Laura Kaye did a fantastic job of showing the effects of PTSD. There is no magical fix for Easy but he slowly opens up and asks for help from his team and from Jenna. There are some really emotional scenes with him and the other guys that really tore at my heartstrings but there is also a lot of love, laughter and unconditional support. I was pleased that Easy's problems didn't immediately vanish when he met Jenna but things are definitely going in the right direction for him and I couldn't be happier about that.
As much as I've enjoyed the previous books I have to say I think this was my favourite, I loved Easy and Jenna and I'm so glad we got to read their full story. I'm also excited to continue the series and see the rest of the team find their own happy endings. -
So this Novella totally snatched my Soul from me.
I love how this one addresses the VERY real issues that our Service Men face for their sacrifice.
This one was heartbreaking, hopeful, passionate and Real. Just a wonderfully placed journey with nothing but the basic, raw intense truths.
In its purest form, I loved witnessing the connection between Easy and Jenna, and their struggles individually and collectively. Seeing the enormous support system that they're both blessed to have here, was a joy to witness as well.
Easy and Jenna also have crazy white hot chemistry. I love all of their interactions together.
This was an awesome Novella packed with a lot of heart. I just wish I could have gotten at least 2 more chapters with them ;)
I'm really loving this series, but Ms Kaye is a fave of mine for many reasons.
Based on books 1-2.5, I would definitely recommend this series. -
Heartbreaking and Heartwarming! Easy may be a unsung war hero but in Jenna's eyes, he's everything and then some. Great Novella by the great Laura Kaye!! Nobody can write soldiers like Laura.
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4 Easy Stars
Easy is by far one of my favorite men in this series. I loved how protective he is of Jenna.
I loved the easy trust they built together. I love the connection they started in the last book and how it continues into this book.
Easy is chasing his own demons as Jenna has her own ordeal to over come. Easy wants the pull and connection of Jenna; he craves it. He needs someone to need him... heck, he just needs to be needed and useful. Jenna needs to feel safe and not a burden to someone. So,
together, these two will find out how much one needs the other and how they are each others saving grace.
I believe.
This was a fast paced, quick, dual point of view book. I loved all of the secondary characters making appearances that we've met along the way in this series. I loved that we are treated to more of Jeremy's inappropriate,but funny, shirts. I even loved that Eileen makes it back into the book.
Family that's what this group has formed. They make me want to be a part of their tight knit group.
I think the author has done a great job so far with this series. I'm a definite believer and lover of Hard Ink. -
Beautiful addition to the series. Recently rescued Jeanna and Easy (great big hunk of yummy chocolate) hook up with some emotional angst, but it's to be expected. Ms. Kaye did a great job with Easy's PTSD and his team's response to it. Nothing really going on with the search for the bad guy, but just a great romance.
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This was one sweet sizzling amazing read. I loved Easy from the first book and wanted this story from his introduction. There was just something about this gentle giant that drew me in and had me wanting to see beneath the layer of thick skin and gruff exterior. His name may be Easy..but he came off the opposite.. The way I'd describe him until Jenna came into his life would be Hard. Because of pain and loss that left scars on his body and his soul..he just felt empty.
All of these soldiers are paying the ultimate price..that they shouldn't have had to pay. From one man selfish mistake they are being punished and together with the help of some amazing secondary characters ..things will be set right, one step at a time. Easy and Jenna were the sweetest couple. Both broken in some ways but strong when together. In a perfect world you might think that they were moving too fast or that this was the wrong time but one thing is for certain. This group of individuals and this couple have learned the hard way that life is too short to wait till tomorrow or wait till "the time is right". So I enjoyed the fact that Easy and Jenny were able to lose themselves in each other and find a little bit of peace, comfort and acceptance in a time when they needed it most.
Laura Kaye remains one of my go to authors for honest and realistic couples. When I open a story written by Laura, I am swept away to a better world. This series is fantastic and every installment just keeps getting better.
***From a personal standpoint there was subject matter in this book that touched my heart greatly. As a mother of a US Marine I have been on my knees in prayer so many days just asking for safety for my son. But after they come home and they are physically safe..that is when the WAR starts.
This is when they battle demons they can't see.
I pray for each and every son and daughter that there comes a day our heroes stop being that next 22.
*** Laura thank you.
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4.5 heartfelt stars
I had to nick a half star only because the novella was extremely too short for my liking. This story deserves a full book and I would have loved to hear more about Easy and Jenna’s romance. Even though there was a lot left to be desired, I don’t feel this riveting story deserves anything less than 4 stars on GR. The message was THAT beautiful.
Easy’s inner turmoil had me tearing up several times throughout the book. Laura Kaye was spot on when it came to detailing his innermost dark thoughts and feelings. The enemy in your mind who constantly undermines everything you do and say. The exhaustion he felt trying to combat every thought he had crossing his mind. She wrote beautifully about a man who was at rock bottom but had the bravery and courage to change his life for a brighter future. I loved this message and I loved his support system. I wish more people had the type of support system Easy had in real life. This story was beautifully written but I still wish she would have given more to this story. It was extremely upsetting how quickly this story ended. -
I absolutely LOVE the Hard Ink series and when I found out that Easy was getting a novella, I was very excited to learn more about this mysterious solider. What I found was a damaged solider suffering in silence for over a year. My heart completely broke for him. I didn’t know how close Easy was to letting go of life and embracing the darkness that’s plagued him for so long.
Easy has been struggling with bouts of severe depression and suicidal thoughts ever since not being able to save his best friend Marcus during the ambush in Afghanistan over a year ago. The same ambush that left over half of his Special Forces team dead and his stellar military record permanently tarnished by the betrayal of his commander. After losing his purpose by being discharged from the military, Easy had no choice but to go back home and help in the family business and back to the father who’s never believed Easy was good enough.
Easy’s saving grace comes in the form of a fiery red-head with the ability to give him a reason to live and ultimately the courage to tell his teammates of the internal battle he’s been fighting for so long. Instead of ridiculing or leaving him like Easy thought they would, everyone embraced him and offered their unending support and love. They would get through this together; they are family.
Hard To Hold On To is a heartbreaking story of hopelessness and finding the courage to recognize it and ask for help. I’m glad the author didn’t have Easy and Jenna falling in insta-love and that their story doesn’t end in a happily ever after, but the beginning of healing and hope.
I applaud Laura Kaye for using her best-selling book series as a platform for suicide among our America soldiers, past and present. In the Author’s Note at the end of the novella, Ms. Kaye goes into more detail about this epidemic and gives some heartbreaking statistics. Approximately twenty-two active-duty soldiers/veterans commit suicide every day in this country. This is an unbelievable tragedy. There is something we can do to help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts or plans of suicide, please seek immediate assistance. The Veterans Crisis Line website has a vast amount of resources including ways of identifying signs of crisis as well as resources for veterans, active-duty military and concerned family and friends.
There’s also a confidential, anonymous risk assessment self-check quiz you can take right on the site. Please visit
http://veteranscrisisline.net/ for more information or call 1-800-273-8255 and press “1” to talk to someone now. (This is also the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.) If you know of anyone who’s in trouble, please call. You can also text to 838255 or there’s a link where you can chat live with someone.
***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own*** -
I love reading novellas. I’ve read my fair share of novellas that leave you so unsatisfied and wondering what the whole point was, a tease perhaps? Not with this one! First, if you’ve been following along with the Hard Ink series, then reading Hard To Hold On To is a no-brainer! Second, Edward “Easy” Cantrell is counting on you to read what he’s all about. He’s finally speaking up and letting everything that he’s going through all flow out…it’s raw, it’s painful, and it all unfolds into a story with a very powerful message.
The timelines for the books of this series so far have run close together. This story begins immediately after where book 2 ended. I LOVE how Laura Kaye wrote the chemistry between Jenna and Easy. Jenna had just gone through something so traumatic. The way they’re written, you can feel that her pain is his pain at this moment in time. Easy totally gets her, and in return feisty and sweet Jenna is there for him when he needs her the most.
I loved that the other characters play a huge role in this story, too. What the others do just brought tears to my eyes! On the other end of the spectrum, Jeremy’s shirts continue to inject a bit of humor! I can’t wait to see what shirt he wears next. The romance and steam? This is Laura Kaye we’re talking about. She knows how to describe the emotions of when a man makes your belly flip-flop. Jenna is so freakin’ lucky! Remember, this novella is only the beginning for these two. I have a feeling we’ll see more of them in the next books.
Finally, Ms. Kaye covers a very serious and real issue in this story, one that veterans and those currently serving in the military deal with every day. I can tell that Easy was a very challenging character for her to write. I truly appreciate how genuine and realistic she wrote him. If anything, read this to be enlightened, to be touched, and to know that there will always be someone, somewhere willing to listen. Hard To Hold On To is absolutely worth reading! -
4 Victorious Stars
Yeah Baby! I do love some Laura Kaye and her men. They make me want to do the happy dance. The only problem with this book is that my happy dance is just a jig. Cause its toooo short. Yes, it is 2.5 in the series. Yes, its a novella. Yes, I knew this in my head. But in my heart....I wanted it to go on and on.
We met Easy in the first two books in the series. You really need to read them in order. Time flies in the Hard Ink World. From the start of the first book to the end of 2.5 is only about a week. We are talking Action. Packed.
Easy has been carrying survivor's guilt and not doing it well. He is glad to have something to focus on other than his memories.
Jenna is the innocent sister who has been kept in the dark about the horrid life her sister was leading just to keep her safe. She has been drug out of oblivion and into the leading role in a kidnapping.
Easy and Jenna have lots against them. Age difference. Race difference. Experience difference. But what they have in common is more important....a need to care for and love someone regardless of the differences.
You need something and I have it to give. I will, every damn time.
They give each other what they need. And what they need is to be able to believe in themselves again.
YOU WERE CREATED TO BE VICTORIOUS
This novella moves the story forward and sets up the next book. I love this series. It is fast, sexy, and suspenseful. I usually have the plot figured out pretty quick, but Ms Kaye has kept me guessing for 2 and half books now. I can't wait for the third. -
I love this series thus far. I knew Easy's book was going to be another great story, but I was blown away honestly. This book really touched my heart strings and broke my heart. For those in the military and those wives who have husbands that suffer from PTSD this will hit you close to home and touch your heart as well.
We start this one off right where Hard As You Can left off. The guys are coming back from their rescue mission of getting Jenna, Sarah's younger sister back. Very unspeakable things where done to Jenna. When she finally comes to she finds comfort in the arms of Easy. Something about him just makes her feel safe. Easy felt an instant connection and the severe need to protect her as well. She chases his nightmares away, and makes him feel needed.
Edward "Easy" Cantrell has struggled with bouts of suicide, depression, and feelings of worthlessness since he was unable to save his friend Marcus When they were in Afghanistan. He has thought many times about just committing suicide. he finds comfort in Jenna, she pushes the darkness out of his mind when he is with her.
Jenna has always felt that she was a burden to her sister, with her health issues she feels her sister has not been able to live her own life and has been held back because of Jenna. With the help of Easy she realizes she can stand on her own two feet and not be a burden to her sister anymore.
These two together work through their feelings and together they discover how much the other helps them. They are not a couple who find instant love yet ones who learn how to cope with their feelings and have hope of heeling.
I can not wait for the next one in this series. I sure hope we get some more of Easy and Jenna as well. -
Bringing the struggles of PTSD, this is heart-breakingly beautiful. Support is the best help.
Reading Order
Hard As it Gets (Hard Ink 1)
Hard as you Can (Hard Ink 2)
Hard to Hold on To (Hard Ink 2.5)
Hard to Come By (Hard Ink 3)
Hard to Be Good (Hard Ink 3.5)
Only, Always, Forever: A Hard Ink Bonus Story (Hard Ink 3.6)
Hard to Let Go (Hard Ink 4)
TBR 9.22.15
Hard as Steel (Hard Ink 4.5 Raven Riders MC crossover)
TBR 2.23.16
Ride Hard (Raven Riders MC 1)
TBR 1.19.16
Hard Ever After (Hard Ink) -
Edward/EC/Easy and Jenna. Wow, this story was a trip. Get your tissues ready and be prepared for some heavy subject matter. But not so much that it detracts from the romance, thank goodness!
I haven't read this series since the first book and so I appreciated that the first 10% is a lot of rehash to get the reader up to speed with where the story is at and what just happened at the end of the last book. Mostly I haven't been reading this series because I find it kinda too serious and dark. But this story is shorter and although it is still all that, it's not too much for me.... and I am a wuss!
Easy has just been part of Jenna's rescue team and is starting to admit that there is something about Jenna that sooths his tortured soul. Jenna is 10 years his junior but that decade means nothing to either of them. As Easy's attraction to Jenna pushes him into confronting some of his darker thoughts. Jenna also learns to face and be open about what has been going on in her life. Together they find a connection that gives them the strength to get past the past. This is not a codependency story though. I didn't get that impression at all. It starts out slow and there's a bit too much repetition of their inner guilt monologues. But it moves past that before the reader looses interest. I loved both MCs and look forward Charlie's story. -
Rehash, rehash, rehash. Blah, blah, blah. Serious angst, martyr complex and self loathing. This book is just a train wreck and there is nothing good to say about it.
Easy is a black Special Forces solider who, along with the survivors from his unit, were disgraced and discharged. It looks like his commander was into the drug trade. I don't buy that for a number of reasons, including that he got killed too. Easy blames himself for the death of his best friend and "has a black hole in his chest". Of course, Easy could have done nothing to prevent his friends death, but... got to feel that way in order to have a story.
Jenna is caught up is a situation caused by her father. Her sister Sara is a victim too. They collide with the team because of their connection to druggie gangsters named Church and Bruno. Bruno had "keep" Sara and was real pissed when she wanted to leave. He kidnapped Jenna and was going to sell her to punish Sara. the team saves Jenna and kills Bruno.
Jenna is traumatized and eels safe with Easy. Easy feels needed and protective of Jenna. She is meeting his need to feel for someone else. The whole point of this book is Jenna and Easy finding each other and erasing the demons from the past. -
I want to think of this as kind of a bridge novella between two of the books of the series, but I really disliked the fact that a lot of things brought up in this book were left hanging.
I liked how protective Easy was with Jenna, and how he was the most human seeming with how affected he was by the betrayal and stresses he was under.
Jenna, likewise, was a very true to reality character, in her reactions to her ordeal and her life in general. I liked how simple it was for her to bond with Easy after everything had settled a bit.
All in all, it was a good part of the series, but I really wanted more that what was there. -
I loved this book! Such a beautiful journey for two people struggling in different ways. Laura added so much depth - to a novella no less! I've read the other books but at times found I wanted more development between the characters. This book provided that in spades. Highly recommend.
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4 1/2 stars (rounded down to 4 stars, because the book doesn't stand on its own - it's important to read at least the previous book of the series to believe Easy and Jenna's HEA is "realistic")
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review to come.
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Love Easy and Jenna! Great characters!
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This romantic suspense novella by Laura Kaye packs a lot into 200 or so pages. I think she does a great job of handling a former soldier with suicidal thoughts seeking help and how he falls in love in the process. I was left more with a HFN rather than an HEA, but expect to see more of this couple as this series continues.
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"I believe."
Hard to Hold on To by Laura Kaye gives us Edward "Easy" Cantrell's story. I have to be honest...this book wrecked me! I was torn apart by how much emotion Easy's story brought out of me. You get a small sense of what E is going through in the first two books of the Hard Ink Series, but I never knew it was going to be this intense and this real. This book moved me, gutted me, and soothed me with its beautiful characters and wonderful ending.
We begin right where we left off at Hard As You Can, book two in this incredible sexy, suspenseful, and emotional series. The team is coming back from a successful rescue mission, where Jenna, Sara's younger sister, was the main target. The things that were done to Jenna were unspeakable and when she finally came to, she sought out the security and warmth of one person, Easy. Easy felt an intense connection with the fragile red head immediately. She made him feel needed, normal, and protective. Jenna chases away his nightmares, and soothes his troubled soul. She chases away the darkness, and actually makes him feel. Just being in her presence, pulls him from the disturbing thoughts in his mind, making him feel centered, and far from a failure. Jenna has always felt like a burden to her sister, and being kidnapped only made that feeling stronger. Easy makes her feel beautiful, smart, and sexy and chases away insecurities. Together these two make each other whole and heal one another. It's a short and sweet journey of a budding love, but no less beautiful and emotional. It's a start, and I can only hope that we will continue Easy and Jenna's story in the next installment of the Hard Ink Series, Hard To Come By, due out in November.
"You will beat this fucking thing. For you. For her. For everything you could be together."
Hard to Hold on To gives us such a realistic picture of how difficult it can be living with PTSD. Not only will this book hit home for a lot of military husbands and wives, but it will also hit home to anyone who has ever gone through something so horrific, so difficult, that it constantly fucks with the way you try to live your life. Ms. Kaye has written this story with such care and awareness, bringing Easy's issues to the forefront, and somehow bringing us an incredible romance between two people that feel such a strong connection that no demons, no nightmares could tear them apart. I applaud you Laura Kaye, for giving us Easy's story, and for giving some people out there, who are dealing with the same darkness, hope for a better tomorrow. You are an amazing writer. Don't ever stop sharing your incredible gift with us avid romance readers.
"You were never created to live depressed, defeated, guilty, condemned, ashamed or unworthy. You were created to be victorious."
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Full review to be posted on
Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads closer to release date. -
3.5 stars
This novella comes with important message. I found
this article on USA Today by Laura Kaye that talks about suicide among veterans, especially US Army. I found the statistic to be staggering -- that as of November 2013, 22 veterans committed suicide every day. Yep. Every. Day. That is just beyond me and my heart just breaks for them. Especially because 30% of the veterans say that they've considered suicide.
So you can say that I read this particular novella with that information in my head -- which resulted in a more intense situation in my way of understanding Easy. Easy suffers from PTSD and he has been developing suicidal thoughts. He feels like he has lost his way, especially the feeling to be needed, to have purpose in life. Until Nick Rixey's phone call asked him to help about a week ago, in which resulted in him participating in two rescue attempts, in addition finding out what actually happened that lead to their discharge from Afghanistan.
This novella starts exactly after Hard As You Can ended. Returning to Hard Ink Tattoo after rescuing Jenna Dean, the team decided to lay low for few days. Thus, the story in this novella is more quiet, more relaxed. However, we also have some intimate moments as Easy find himself connecting with Jenna, who suffers from trauma herself after being captured, beaten, and drugged -- as well as the quiet man dealing with his suicidal thoughts. I admit that I got all teary eyed when Easy finally opened up to his brothers-in-arms about what have happened to him for the past year.
I thought the difficult subject matter worked nicely with the romance building. At least in this novella, there is no 'I love you' or 'promises on forever after' being exchanged by Easy and Jenna. There was one 'deflowering' scene though, which really didn't move me what-so-ever. To be honest, I'm really starting to HATE the short time span in this story because everything in the romance department happens so very fast.
While developing some attachments or intimacy after tragic/extreme situation can work in romantic suspense, that somehow it diminishes the instant-love tone, but when you're reading it back-to-back like I do, it is getting frustratingly annoying. Similar to book #1 the rating is for the character (Easy) and the team, and most especially Jeremy and Marz. But the romance, once again, just so-so for me.
After this one, I need to take a break before starting book #3. The constant instant-love situation is driving me batty. But I still want to read Beckett's story before I move on with Jeremy/Charlie (who will have their story on April 14th). -
Hard to Hold on To by Laura Kaye is book 2.5 in the Hard Ink Series, and it's my absolute favorite! I do recommend reading at least the first book in the series before reading this one for a little background on all the characters. Hard to Hold on To is a little longer than an traditional novella, but it is also shorter than a full length novel, too. However, Hard to Hold on To pacts a punch, and I had all the feels while reading this one.
Hard to Hold on To focuses on Jenna Dean and Edward "Easy" Cantrell. Due to events in the previous books, Jenna was kidnapped, and Easy (and the gang) rescue her. This book starts off right after Jenna is rescued. Jenna is pretty traumatized, naturally, and everyone wants to help her. Jenna is such a wonderful character. I completely empathized with why she's feeling so frightened. But even though she is scared, she is so strong too. She's going to get past all the crazy stuff, and be stronger because of it.
Easy, though, truly stole my heart. Easy has been struggling so much since he left the army. He's not happy, and even though he has recently reconnected with his Army friends, he's still struggling. My heart went out to him. When Easy finally talks to his friends about the issues he's been having - it was such an emotional scene. Easy is the kind of hero that I can so get behind.
I loved Easy and Jenna together. They are able to lean each other during their times in need, and it's really wonderful. Getting together certainly doesn't fix all their problems (because, duh!), but they each have someone to lean on.
I really can't say enough wonderful things about Hard to Hold on To. You should definitely read the first books in the series before reading this one, because it sets everything up. This book has a different feel than the rest of the series, and there is a lot less action. It's all about Jenna and Easy doing what they need to do to heal mentally and physically. It left me with all the feels.
This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook -
This little novella is the reason I started this series in the first place.
Easy & Jenna's story?
My favorite one so far.
I saw this book and wanted to read it but it wasn't out yet so I went back and read the previous books. And I'm so damn glad I started with book #1 because there are just so many characters and back stories that would confuse the hell out of me if I had jumped on this #2.5 novella without reading previous books.
Honestly though? I don't really care about the previous books. They were alright, but nothing to write home about. But this one was amazing! I could not put it down for a second. If you are interested in this series, start from book #1! Even though I didn't fall head over heels for them, I still enjoyed them because of their stand-up heros.
The romance genre is saturated with "tortured" heros but they got nothing on Easy. This man was tortured in the truest sense. There was nothing "sexy" about him feeling this way. It didn't get my panties wet. It was heartbreaking to read. And I really think we need to stop romanticizing "tortured" heros.
I love that there was no magic vajaja that 'fixed' Easy. He realized that he had a problem and took measures to help himself. From the support of his friends as well as the heroine."What do you see when you look at me?"
"I see a woman who's made me feel more alive in the past few days than I have in a long, long time."
Jenna was the perfect heroine for Easy. Her acceptance of every facet of him was just what he needed. She's also dealing with demons of her own and finds a sense of safety in Easy's arms."You feel like a fucking dream." -Easy
Overall, I enjoyed this novella wayyy more than the previous full-on books. I wish Easy & Jenna had a book instead of a novella! Nonetheless, I am super excited to read the next one. :)
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4.5 stars
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
I could not wait to read Easy and Jenna's story and thank God it didn't disappoint. I'm a little sad that they warranted a novella instead of full length, but I'll take it. Hard to Hold On To didn't leave you feeling shortchanged or rushed as so many novellas do.
Edward "Easy" Cantrell is one of the elite special ops guys that had his life changed forever when their commander betrayed them and left the team to pay for his sins. Back home, Easy hasn't been able to find his footing and nothing seems like the right fit. So, when he's called to help his old team on a secret off-the-books operation Easy doesn't think twice. When the time comes to rescue Jenna from the club he knows nothing other than she is his to protect and he'll stop at nothing to do this.
In book #2 we met Jenna and learned of her epilepsy and the great lengths her sister went through to keep her safe and protected. Sadly, Jenna was abducted and taken to the club owned by the local gang regardless of all the pains her sister took to save her from it. Thankfully, she wasn't there long enough for permanent physical damage or worse, but it was long enough to give her nightmares that could last a lifetime. All she knows now is she only feels safe in the arms of Easy and that's the only place she wants to be.
This couple was heartbreaking and beautiful the way they fell apart yet put each other back together. This was a bit different than the first two stories in that Easy needed more saving than Jenna in the end. It really opened my eyes to the suicide statistics for our military men and women. This book gives us sizzle and romance, but also pain and sadness. Most importantly we are given hope.
I highly recommend this series and this book!
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