#Review: Hard to Come By by Laura Kaye - 5 Wine Glasses

Title: Hard to Come By 
Series: Hard Ink #3
Author: Laura Kaye
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: November 25th 2014 by Avon
ISBN: 0062267922
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Audible
Source: Publisher
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 5/5

Caught between desire and loyalty…

Derek DiMarzio would do anything for the members of his disgraced Special Forces team—sacrifice his body, help a former teammate with a covert operation to restore their honor, and even go behind enemy lines. He just never expected to want the beautiful woman he found there.

When a sexy stranger asks questions about her brother, Emilie Garza is torn between loyalty to the brother she once idolized and fear of the war-changed man he's become. Derek’s easy smile and quiet strength tempt Emilie to open up, igniting the desire between them and leading Derek to crave a woman he shouldn’t trust.

As the team’s investigation reveals how powerful their enemies are, Derek and Emilie must prove where their loyalties lie before hearts are broken and lives are lost. Because love is too hard to come by to let slip away…

Crystal's Thoughts:
Okay, first, I just have to say. How much does the model on the cover look like Piper from Charmed? Awesome! And the male model ain't too bad himself. *wink* From the previous books in the series, I didn't think that I could fall in love with Marz any more. But after reading Hard To Come By, Laura Kaye proved me wrong once again!

Derek DiMarzio lost his leg, his friends, and his military career because of a horrific betrayal. But him and his surviving team members are back together and looking for answers. Their investigation finally leads them to another ex-military man and current mercenary, but the only way to get to him is through his sister. When Derek see's Emilie Garza he immediately volunteers for the job to get closer to her. Not knowing that in doing so, he'd loose his heart as well.
To psychologist, Emilie Garza, family is everything. And after her failed marriage, so is trust. When she meets Derek on a lunch break she is captivated by the attractive and charming IT tech and can't say no to him when he asks her out. Little did she know that her peaceful work would soon be turned upside down. Danger surrounds them as the truth about her brother's mysterious behavior is revealed. But when Derek's true identity is also divulged, not only is Emilie's trust broken, but so is her heart. Can either be mended or will Derek's and her brother's enemies steal any chance of redemption away? 

I'm hooked on Laura Kaye's hot, edgy, swoon-worthily alpha Hard Ink men! 
Derek DiMarzio will steal your breath .... and your heart. This man has been through so much in his life. A childhood without love, a betrayal from the only father-figure he had, the loss of his leg and then proving that he is just as capable as he was before despite it. He is a true hero. Caring, charming, and always quick with a joke to lighten the mood - there is nothing about his character to dislike and everything to love! And Emilie is everything that Derek deserves. Together, these two were absolutely perfect. That's not to say that their relationship didn't have it's bumps, because it did and they were agonizing. But the chemistry and connection that they shared was out of this world. If I had to describe Emilie in one word it would be - Real. She is upfront with her feelings, easy going, protective, and intelligent.  I really admired both of these characters. 

The rest of the Hard Ink men and women play roles throughout the story and there is not a single one that I don't adore. I am simply on pins and needles for Jeremy's story! The world building and writing was impeccable, which is not surprising coming from this author. (There is a reason I've read every one of her books.) I could easily imagine myself right along side the characters at any given moment. 

This book had it all; steamy passion, thrilling action, compelling characters, and heart-warming humor. Laura Kaye is a master at weaving deep emotions with edge-of-your-seat suspense for an absolute page-turner. Hard To Come By is one of my favorite reads of the year and one that you should pick up today!