Guest Review: Hard to Hold by Incy Black

Posted June 26, 2014 by Tracy in Reviews | 1 Comment

Guest Review: Hard to Hold by Incy BlackReviewer: Tracy
Hard to Hold by Incy Black
Series: Hard To... #1
Publisher: Entangled Ignite
Publication Date: April 28, 2014
Genres: Romantic Suspense
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three-stars
Series Rating: three-stars

Anna Key Marshall is about to get what she’s always wanted: a baby. Granted, it’s through a sperm donor instead of her ex-husband, but you can’t have everything. She has no idea why someone wants her dead, but she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her unborn child—even if it means turning to her ex, the Black Ops specialist who broke her heart.

Five years ago, British Intelligence agent Nick Marshall slammed the door on the woman who betrayed him. But now Anna’s back in his life with a vengeance, pregnant and full of attitude. He’d like nothing better than to walk away, but with her life on the line, he has no choice but to do what he does best—protect her at all costs.

As old wounds resurface, Nick begins to doubt his version of what went down with Anna so long ago. And he begins to believe they might have a second chance together. But with Anna’s would-be killer on the loose—it will take the full force and fury of his protective instincts, fueled by a powerful love he can’t leave behind, to hold on to the woman he still loves.

Anna and Nick grew up in the foster system together. They met when Anna was 6 and Nick was 12. From that point on they were never apart. Nick had it bad for Anna but wasn’t about to make a move on his best friend. Anna took that decision out of his hands when she turned 18 and climbed into his bed. After that they got married but it was not an easy road. Nick was uncommunicative and when he accused her of cheating on him they got divorced.

It’s five years later and Nick gets called when Anna ends up in the emergency room (she forgot to take him off as contact – oops). He’s pissed that he’s been called but once he finds out that Anna might have someone after her, trying to kill her, he gets involved in her life once again.

It’s discovered that the baby she’s carrying is that of a Russian mob boss who plans on taking her baby once he‘s born. If it’s a girl then….bye bye baby, and Anna. Nick won’t let that happen so he’ll do anything to protect the woman that he loves – because he does love her. Anna doesn’t want to be hurt by Nick once again but she loves him and eventually her heart can’t keep him out once again. Neither of them are prepared for the events that throw them together.

This was a very action packed story. It seemed like there was always something happening and the suspense was pretty non-stop. That was a definitely a plus when it came to turning pages. It was a fast read and I enjoyed that part of it.

This book, however, was also categorized as a romance. I would say it had more of a relationship work through then an actual romance as Nick and Anna were at loggerheads for most of the book. Yes they loved each other but they couldn’t figure out how to not rip each others heads off verbally throughout the story. The times that I think the author intended to be on the softer side weren’t soft at all as that didn’t fit with the MC’s personalities. Because of this I couldn’t figure out how Nick and Anna could ever work it all out.

The end of the book, though somewhat concluded with the suspense part, the relationship part seemed almost too pat. I was happy with the fact that it all worked out for the couple but I just didn’t think they’d worked through their issues enough to really sell their HEA to me. I saw much arguing and sniping in their future. Lol

Overall I enjoyed the book but didn’t really view it as a romance. When I take the romance out of the equation I liked it a whole lot better. I think if you like suspense stories that include angsty relationships then this one would be a good one for you to read.

Rating: 3 out of 5

three-stars


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