What do you think?
Rate this book
Hardcore #1-3
Hardcore: Complete Series
Cory James has never known a life where she wasn’t running. Running from the cops, her home, her past. Running from love. The only time she’s free is when she throws on her hood and takes to the roofs to become a part of New York, to climb to a place in the city where she doesn’t feel alone.
Stealing is nothing, lying inevitable, byproducts of survival. A way for Cory to provide for herself and for her younger sister, Jill, give her the life Cory couldn’t have. For five years, Cory set up a long line of teetering dominos, one by one, choice by choice.
Meeting Van is the first domino to fall, and once they crash into each other, it’s only a matter of time before her whole world is in danger of falling apart. She can tell herself over and again that she doesn’t care, but it’s a lie. She knows it from the first time she says his name, but she can’t let him in, not when she has a job to do, a job that could rip her life apart at the seams. One that she’ll have to betray Van to finish.
He’ll follow however high she can climb, but she can only run for so long before she has to choose.
Stealing is nothing, lying inevitable, byproducts of survival. A way for Cory to provide for herself and for her younger sister, Jill, give her the life Cory couldn’t have. For five years, Cory set up a long line of teetering dominos, one by one, choice by choice.
Meeting Van is the first domino to fall, and once they crash into each other, it’s only a matter of time before her whole world is in danger of falling apart. She can tell herself over and again that she doesn’t care, but it’s a lie. She knows it from the first time she says his name, but she can’t let him in, not when she has a job to do, a job that could rip her life apart at the seams. One that she’ll have to betray Van to finish.
He’ll follow however high she can climb, but she can only run for so long before she has to choose.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2015
40 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Staci Hart
60 books6,213 followersI was the kid who stayed inside to read.
As a four-eyed nerd with a bad perm, I was no one’s dodgeball pick, but I had a lot of friends. Frodo and Bilbo, for instance. Kristy, Stacey, Claudia and the gang (iykyk). Once, in the third grade, I wrote a teen murder mystery inspired by Christopher Pike. On solving my mystery in twelve pages, I decided I was a terrible writer and should never, ever do that again.
Fortunately, I didn’t take my own advice.
I write romance for that feeling you get at the end, like you’re standing on top of a mountain with a backpack full of hundred dollar bills. I write romcoms because is there anything better than banter and grand gestures? I write because I love to create and I love words. I love books, and I love stretching my imagination. I love love, and if you do too, bring your coffee and have a seat. I think we’re gonna be friends.
Stay connected!
Instagram: http://instagram.com/quirkybird
Facebook: http://facebook.com/stacihartnovels
Reader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/stacihart
As a four-eyed nerd with a bad perm, I was no one’s dodgeball pick, but I had a lot of friends. Frodo and Bilbo, for instance. Kristy, Stacey, Claudia and the gang (iykyk). Once, in the third grade, I wrote a teen murder mystery inspired by Christopher Pike. On solving my mystery in twelve pages, I decided I was a terrible writer and should never, ever do that again.
Fortunately, I didn’t take my own advice.
I write romance for that feeling you get at the end, like you’re standing on top of a mountain with a backpack full of hundred dollar bills. I write romcoms because is there anything better than banter and grand gestures? I write because I love to create and I love words. I love books, and I love stretching my imagination. I love love, and if you do too, bring your coffee and have a seat. I think we’re gonna be friends.
Stay connected!
Instagram: http://instagram.com/quirkybird
Facebook: http://facebook.com/stacihartnovels
Reader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/stacihart
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 17, 2015
Oh. My. Van.
Read it.
At the very least, you will fall a little bit in love with these perfectly imperfect characters.
Non stop feelings, actions, and boning. This story is about Cory changing her life and going after what she wants. It's about her and Van, but more it's about her journey to get on the path she should be on. Van is the sexiest, kindest, omg hero. Seriously. At one point, I forgot to breathe.
What an original and brilliant take on erotica. Staci Hart you are a rock star. Call me a fan for life.
But seriously, I loved the journey Cory took from not being able to accept affection to being drenched in love.
That epilogue though. Ugh. I can't even.
Read it.
At the very least, you will fall a little bit in love with these perfectly imperfect characters.
Non stop feelings, actions, and boning. This story is about Cory changing her life and going after what she wants. It's about her and Van, but more it's about her journey to get on the path she should be on. Van is the sexiest, kindest, omg hero. Seriously. At one point, I forgot to breathe.
What an original and brilliant take on erotica. Staci Hart you are a rock star. Call me a fan for life.
But seriously, I loved the journey Cory took from not being able to accept affection to being drenched in love.
That epilogue though. Ugh. I can't even.
February 12, 2016
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★
Fantastic, I loved this one! Cory James is a bike messenger by day but by night she is one of a team of thieves who free-run their way through Manhattan. She has been running all her life, from her home, her parents, love. But one day she gets caught, by fellow free-runner Van Collins.
Van is a famous photographer and he has finally met his match, someone who gets the need to run and the freedom that comes with it. He wants Cory and when she runs away from him, he just runs right after her.
Cory is a professional thief whose only priority is to support her younger sister. Unfortunately, when self appointed team leader Jade finds out about Cory's new rich admirer she demands that Cory betray him.
Van does not make things easy for her and she is miserable, she runs in order to exhaust herself but she can't move on until she can finally explain to him why she betrayed him and that he is the last person she would ever want to hurt.
I really enjoyed all the action, and the sex between Cory and Van was scorching. Cory is bi-sexual and before she meets Van she has been having a casual affair with a woman. We do get a short FF scene right at the beginning but it was tastefully done and integral to the story.
I really loved both Van and Cory, Van loved unconditionally and helped Cory grow as a person and help her see that underneath her hard exterior, she was a good person who only did the things she did because she cared about her sister.
I loved reading about the parkour and how they used free running as a way to relieve stress and become free, and how they saw Manhattan in a way that no-one would ever get the chance to see under normal circumstances.
Overall, this was a fantastic 3 part serial that I would recommend.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Fantastic, I loved this one! Cory James is a bike messenger by day but by night she is one of a team of thieves who free-run their way through Manhattan. She has been running all her life, from her home, her parents, love. But one day she gets caught, by fellow free-runner Van Collins.
"I seek out things in life that are satisfying. Runnin, food, photography. You."
Van is a famous photographer and he has finally met his match, someone who gets the need to run and the freedom that comes with it. He wants Cory and when she runs away from him, he just runs right after her.
Cory is a professional thief whose only priority is to support her younger sister. Unfortunately, when self appointed team leader Jade finds out about Cory's new rich admirer she demands that Cory betray him.
Van does not make things easy for her and she is miserable, she runs in order to exhaust herself but she can't move on until she can finally explain to him why she betrayed him and that he is the last person she would ever want to hurt.
I really enjoyed all the action, and the sex between Cory and Van was scorching. Cory is bi-sexual and before she meets Van she has been having a casual affair with a woman. We do get a short FF scene right at the beginning but it was tastefully done and integral to the story.
I really loved both Van and Cory, Van loved unconditionally and helped Cory grow as a person and help her see that underneath her hard exterior, she was a good person who only did the things she did because she cared about her sister.
"You're good, Cory. Even when you're bad."
I loved reading about the parkour and how they used free running as a way to relieve stress and become free, and how they saw Manhattan in a way that no-one would ever get the chance to see under normal circumstances.
"He took my hand, and we ran.
And as I followed him through the city, the cage around my heart opened as far as the hinges would allow."
Overall, this was a fantastic 3 part serial that I would recommend.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
February 2, 2017
There is lots of parkour in this book or as i know it running about on roof tops ( i phrased that incorrectly it's not like i have ever done it before and if i did it would be like this)
I thought the author made it sound quite appealing, portraying the feeling it was very freeing and peaceful. I also thought it was quite empowering that a women parkour group where the main focus and they weren't a bunch wimps.
I was a bit caught off balance when the main character was bisexual, not that i am homophobic but if she was so caught up with Van (the main love interest in this book) why did she feel the need to look for rumpy elsewhere? Even right after their first encounter she went straight from one to the other. I guess i have a hard time accepting people can disassociate between love and sex for a long period of time (ie cory and Erin).
I liked the contemporary feel of the book, i liked the main male character Van . I liked the fact the girls in the book weren't weak.
My idea of what van would look like (clean, surfer style laid back kinda guy)
My image of Cory
I wasn't too keen on the whole main plot of the book, i mean if you don't want to do it (won't give too much away but what Cory did was really skanky) then she should have just told him and worked something out. Van did forgive her quite easily in the end which was also a little too easy.
The whole convoluted their thang didn't really do much for me.
An ok read not an excellent one
I thought the author made it sound quite appealing, portraying the feeling it was very freeing and peaceful. I also thought it was quite empowering that a women parkour group where the main focus and they weren't a bunch wimps.
I was a bit caught off balance when the main character was bisexual, not that i am homophobic but if she was so caught up with Van (the main love interest in this book) why did she feel the need to look for rumpy elsewhere? Even right after their first encounter she went straight from one to the other. I guess i have a hard time accepting people can disassociate between love and sex for a long period of time (ie cory and Erin).
I liked the contemporary feel of the book, i liked the main male character Van . I liked the fact the girls in the book weren't weak.
My idea of what van would look like (clean, surfer style laid back kinda guy)
My image of Cory
I wasn't too keen on the whole main plot of the book, i mean if you don't want to do it (won't give too much away but what Cory did was really skanky) then she should have just told him and worked something out. Van did forgive her quite easily in the end which was also a little too easy.
The whole convoluted their thang didn't really do much for me.
An ok read not an excellent one
June 17, 2015
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Cory is a girl who runs with the wrong crowd. She steals for the adrenaline and because she is putting her younger sister thru a private school and wants her to go to college and make something of herself, something she didn't do. She puts her life in danger every time she takes on a dangerous job, but she's good at what she does and she manages to get by without ever getting caught.
When she meets Van, he sparks something in her that she just can't seem to shake off. She doesn't want to feel anything for him, but he manages to consume her every thought and she starts feelings things she knows she shouldn't for him. She pushes him away because she knows it's wrong to have him get close to her especially when he hates liars and thieves and that's exactly what she is, a liar and a thief.
Things get complicated, she takes on a job -- not by choice, but she was blackmailed into this job and she loses the best thing that ever happened to her -- VAN! Is this job worth her losing Van?
What will happen to Cory and Van, will he find out about her lifestyle and will he accept it? Most importantly, will he forgive her for what she does?
I read this series in one sitting -- that's how good it was. The whole plot really pulled me in and it was hard for me to put my kindle down at any given moment. I just couldn't seem to find myself to do it. Every sentence, every paragraph and every chapter kept getting better and better. This series will keep you on your toes and you're going to be keep wondering what's next?
I loved Cory, she was a tough cookie and wouldn't take crap from the evil twins, Jade and Jace. They were a two stupid kids who obviously didn't know how to plan things right when everything fell apart, even when they were told that the job was too risky and dangerous. But Cory knew better than to mess up that plan when it was already messed up.
Cory was a woman who went after what she wanted and she wouldn't let anything or anybody get in the way of it. I love reading books of women who are strong willed. She was strong, independent, beautiful and smart (what a combination)! She had all the qualifications a man wants and desires. But what intrigued Van the most was her determination and the fact that she was fast.
I enjoyed this series and I completely, completely recommend it. This is one series that will keep you intrigued and focused and you will not want to put your kindle down. It was very fast paced and that's what I love -- when I read through them and not realize that I'm either done or about done reading a book or series so quickly.
4.0 stars!
Cory is a girl who runs with the wrong crowd. She steals for the adrenaline and because she is putting her younger sister thru a private school and wants her to go to college and make something of herself, something she didn't do. She puts her life in danger every time she takes on a dangerous job, but she's good at what she does and she manages to get by without ever getting caught.
When she meets Van, he sparks something in her that she just can't seem to shake off. She doesn't want to feel anything for him, but he manages to consume her every thought and she starts feelings things she knows she shouldn't for him. She pushes him away because she knows it's wrong to have him get close to her especially when he hates liars and thieves and that's exactly what she is, a liar and a thief.
Things get complicated, she takes on a job -- not by choice, but she was blackmailed into this job and she loses the best thing that ever happened to her -- VAN! Is this job worth her losing Van?
What will happen to Cory and Van, will he find out about her lifestyle and will he accept it? Most importantly, will he forgive her for what she does?
I read this series in one sitting -- that's how good it was. The whole plot really pulled me in and it was hard for me to put my kindle down at any given moment. I just couldn't seem to find myself to do it. Every sentence, every paragraph and every chapter kept getting better and better. This series will keep you on your toes and you're going to be keep wondering what's next?
I loved Cory, she was a tough cookie and wouldn't take crap from the evil twins, Jade and Jace. They were a two stupid kids who obviously didn't know how to plan things right when everything fell apart, even when they were told that the job was too risky and dangerous. But Cory knew better than to mess up that plan when it was already messed up.
Cory was a woman who went after what she wanted and she wouldn't let anything or anybody get in the way of it. I love reading books of women who are strong willed. She was strong, independent, beautiful and smart (what a combination)! She had all the qualifications a man wants and desires. But what intrigued Van the most was her determination and the fact that she was fast.
I enjoyed this series and I completely, completely recommend it. This is one series that will keep you intrigued and focused and you will not want to put your kindle down. It was very fast paced and that's what I love -- when I read through them and not realize that I'm either done or about done reading a book or series so quickly.
4.0 stars!
June 17, 2015
Brilliant story. Loved pretty much all the characters. Haha. Cory and van though. WOW! There chemistry was freaking off the charts. This book has som HOT sex, raw emotions, and some suspense in it.
This was a different kind of story for me Cory and her friends are parkour's. They run, jump, climb, swing vault you name it over buildings, rooftops, pretty much anywhere they can. Doing this also makes it easier for them to steal. They break into electronic stores and steal what they can. She has not always had an easy life her parents were never really parents they didn't care about her or her sister Jill. Cory does what she does to be able to provide the life she never had for her sister
Van is a photographer and sells his pictures to the world. He also enjoys parkour and gets some pretty amazing pictures that not a lot of people would be able to get.
When they first meet they r both in an adrenaline rush and end up doing it on a rooftop. After while van is turned around Cory bolts. Neither can get the other out of their minds in the next few days. Van figures out how to contact her but just when Cory thinks she finally has something good Jade who is queen B!tch in this story threatens Cory. She must decide if she should take this job to save her sister and let Van go or if she can figure something out to make Jade back down.
Does Cory make the right choice or will she let Van go do this job and loose something that could have the potential to be greater than anything between her and Van.
5 stars does not do this entire 3 book series justice it deserves so much more than that.
This was a different kind of story for me Cory and her friends are parkour's. They run, jump, climb, swing vault you name it over buildings, rooftops, pretty much anywhere they can. Doing this also makes it easier for them to steal. They break into electronic stores and steal what they can. She has not always had an easy life her parents were never really parents they didn't care about her or her sister Jill. Cory does what she does to be able to provide the life she never had for her sister
Van is a photographer and sells his pictures to the world. He also enjoys parkour and gets some pretty amazing pictures that not a lot of people would be able to get.
When they first meet they r both in an adrenaline rush and end up doing it on a rooftop. After while van is turned around Cory bolts. Neither can get the other out of their minds in the next few days. Van figures out how to contact her but just when Cory thinks she finally has something good Jade who is queen B!tch in this story threatens Cory. She must decide if she should take this job to save her sister and let Van go or if she can figure something out to make Jade back down.
Does Cory make the right choice or will she let Van go do this job and loose something that could have the potential to be greater than anything between her and Van.
5 stars does not do this entire 3 book series justice it deserves so much more than that.
June 12, 2019
This is the complete box set of the serial Hardcore.
Cory is a liar and a thief. She doesn't let anyone get too close to her and does what she has to in order to provide for her sister. She's determined to give Jill a better life than what their parents gave her. She's also does parkour which is roof jumping. She and her friends make their money breaking into stores with small electrical merchandise and using the roofs of buildings for their escape. She thinks she's happy until the night she meets him.
Van is a photographer who takes photographs from roofs around the city. The night he sees Cory he can't help but want to meet and talk to her. So he chases her. When they come face to face he doesn't expect Cory's reaction to him and they share a very hot encounter on a roof. Then she disappears without giving him her name. He finds out who she is and wants to get to know her better. She's all in until one of the other girls gets greedy and blackmails Cory into stealing from Van. What could have been the perfect romance, is now broken with lies and secrets.
I enjoyed this story and liked that it was about something I've never read about before. Yeah, some of what happens is a little far fetched, but it's fiction and I liked the characters enough to overlook my eye rolls.
You'll love Van. He's such a sweet guy with a big heart. Cory has been through a lot and deep down isn't the bad person she believes people see. She wants so much for Jill and will do anything to protect her.
This was a nice read with suspense and romance.
Cory is a liar and a thief. She doesn't let anyone get too close to her and does what she has to in order to provide for her sister. She's determined to give Jill a better life than what their parents gave her. She's also does parkour which is roof jumping. She and her friends make their money breaking into stores with small electrical merchandise and using the roofs of buildings for their escape. She thinks she's happy until the night she meets him.
Van is a photographer who takes photographs from roofs around the city. The night he sees Cory he can't help but want to meet and talk to her. So he chases her. When they come face to face he doesn't expect Cory's reaction to him and they share a very hot encounter on a roof. Then she disappears without giving him her name. He finds out who she is and wants to get to know her better. She's all in until one of the other girls gets greedy and blackmails Cory into stealing from Van. What could have been the perfect romance, is now broken with lies and secrets.
I enjoyed this story and liked that it was about something I've never read about before. Yeah, some of what happens is a little far fetched, but it's fiction and I liked the characters enough to overlook my eye rolls.
You'll love Van. He's such a sweet guy with a big heart. Cory has been through a lot and deep down isn't the bad person she believes people see. She wants so much for Jill and will do anything to protect her.
This was a nice read with suspense and romance.
June 17, 2015
Holy smokin hotness! This book and its sex scenes are crazy hot. The chemistry between Van and Cory is on fire!
I think what I loved most about this book is that it involved free running and base jumping parkour concept, it's something I've not seen before but works so well. The descriptive parts of this book are outstanding, you actually feel like you are in the characters shoes and going through the motions with them.
The twists and plot lines through this story are in no way predictable, I had to keep flipping the pages to see what happened, Staci manages to keep things flowing really well and held my attention all the way through. I think I just about hugged my iPad in the last few chapters.
I look forward to reading more of Staci's work as her writing style is second to none. Fantastic!
I think what I loved most about this book is that it involved free running and base jumping parkour concept, it's something I've not seen before but works so well. The descriptive parts of this book are outstanding, you actually feel like you are in the characters shoes and going through the motions with them.
The twists and plot lines through this story are in no way predictable, I had to keep flipping the pages to see what happened, Staci manages to keep things flowing really well and held my attention all the way through. I think I just about hugged my iPad in the last few chapters.
I look forward to reading more of Staci's work as her writing style is second to none. Fantastic!
December 18, 2015
I read each part of this serial separately and they are amazing!
Hardcore is about Cory, a bike messenger/thief who lives in New York. She's tough and every bit of a badass, but she's disconnected herself from life, keeping her emotions deep and guarding herself from love. Her refuge is parkour, running and scaling buildings to find some kind of release from her inner torment.
She isn’t looking for love, only the next job. When she gets chased by Van, a guy who rivals her running ability, she brushes the encounter off (even though it had enough heat to light a building roof on fire). As she struggles to get him out of her head, she realizes it may not be as easy as she'd hoped.
This sexy serial has it all: action, thrills, and steamy romance. Pick it up!
Hardcore is about Cory, a bike messenger/thief who lives in New York. She's tough and every bit of a badass, but she's disconnected herself from life, keeping her emotions deep and guarding herself from love. Her refuge is parkour, running and scaling buildings to find some kind of release from her inner torment.
She isn’t looking for love, only the next job. When she gets chased by Van, a guy who rivals her running ability, she brushes the encounter off (even though it had enough heat to light a building roof on fire). As she struggles to get him out of her head, she realizes it may not be as easy as she'd hoped.
This sexy serial has it all: action, thrills, and steamy romance. Pick it up!
June 18, 2015
With perfect character development and a fast paced, adrenaline rush-inducing plot, HARDCORE will leave you in a tornado of conflicting emotions - both satisfied and craving more.
June 22, 2015
well i loved these books from start to finish filled with love, crime and frienship from start to finsh thank you staci hart i will be looking into your other books xxx
May 30, 2018
The next series I started was Hardcore, also from Staci Hart. I have to tell you it was a long time ago, I've had such mixed feelings about a book. Volume one I liked, volume two not so much, but volume three I loved so much.
Cory James has never known a life where she wasn’t running. Running from the cops, her home, her past. Running from love. The only time she’s free is when she throws on her hood and takes to the roofs to run. Stealing is nothing, lying inevitable, byproducts of survival. A way for Cory to provide for herself and for her younger sister, Jill, give her the life Cory couldn’t have. For five years, Cory built a house of cards, where the first card has fallen when she met Van and it was only just a matter of time before her whole house of cards is in danger of falling apart. She can tell herself over and again that she doesn’t care, but even she knows it’s a lie.
She knows he’ll follow, however high she can climb, but she can only run for so long before she has to choose. And that kind of choice is never easy. To save Jill she has to betray the only man who ever held her heart with a knowledge, that the only thing Van can't forgive is lying. So she chooses to break Vans heart, and do what she is supposed to to save Jill. (Oh, how much I hate Jade!)
At the end she does what is right, and tells Van the truth. Well, at least part of it, since Van does not want to do anything with her after the betrayal. After many obstacles Jill is safe, Cory is suffering and Jade is punished. At the end Cory writes a beautiful heart warming letter to Van, who reads it and forgives Cory for everything. And not just that he apologises for being such an idiot for not hearing her out, when she want to explain why she did what she did.
More: https://adevourerofbooks.blogspot.com...
People don’t change. They’re only revealed.
Cory James has never known a life where she wasn’t running. Running from the cops, her home, her past. Running from love. The only time she’s free is when she throws on her hood and takes to the roofs to run. Stealing is nothing, lying inevitable, byproducts of survival. A way for Cory to provide for herself and for her younger sister, Jill, give her the life Cory couldn’t have. For five years, Cory built a house of cards, where the first card has fallen when she met Van and it was only just a matter of time before her whole house of cards is in danger of falling apart. She can tell herself over and again that she doesn’t care, but even she knows it’s a lie.
Today marked the first step toward betraying him.
She knows he’ll follow, however high she can climb, but she can only run for so long before she has to choose. And that kind of choice is never easy. To save Jill she has to betray the only man who ever held her heart with a knowledge, that the only thing Van can't forgive is lying. So she chooses to break Vans heart, and do what she is supposed to to save Jill. (Oh, how much I hate Jade!)
He was gone and I had no one to blame but myself.
At the end she does what is right, and tells Van the truth. Well, at least part of it, since Van does not want to do anything with her after the betrayal. After many obstacles Jill is safe, Cory is suffering and Jade is punished. At the end Cory writes a beautiful heart warming letter to Van, who reads it and forgives Cory for everything. And not just that he apologises for being such an idiot for not hearing her out, when she want to explain why she did what she did.
It’s like we’re made from the same metal, we just have different finishes. We shine different.
More: https://adevourerofbooks.blogspot.com...
May 16, 2017
I could not get through the first part of this bundle. The writing was good but I disliked the characters immediately. All of them. If the protagonist is doing something wrong there has to be some redeeming quality and hint of an explanation for why she chose to do what she is doing. No hints were forthcoming so I had to bail.
December 12, 2021
Method: ebook
Rating: 3/5 stars
H rating: 3/5 - Van
h rating: 3/5 - Corey
Drama: 3/5
Thoughts: Interesting read, I enjoyed it!
November 5, 2016
I liked it. It was pretty action-packed and fast-paced. Heroine had a few dumber moments - I think it was for drama's sake - but I really liked the hero.
The anti-hero was a bitch of epic proportions, maybe a little bit over-the-top.
But all in all, I liked the story. 3.5 stars.
The anti-hero was a bitch of epic proportions, maybe a little bit over-the-top.
But all in all, I liked the story. 3.5 stars.
September 25, 2018
The whole parkour world was ok (if a little not my thing), but what bugs me about this book is Cory. Plus, the romance was not the main story, was just a means to an end. I love Staci Hart books, but this one just didn't work for me.
February 12, 2019
This was a great book and I always wanted to keep reading. This is the first book I have read by Staci Hart but I plan to read more. I enjoyed all of the characters and their relationships to go along with the action/thrill of this book. Great book!
May 26, 2017
I enjoyed this authors form of writing. the story was fast paced and never boring...but wish there were a bit more story line of the romance
January 21, 2020
Such a good surprise! Action packed, emotionally engaging and features badass (queer!) women, what's not to love?
Definetely a new favorite of mine.
Definetely a new favorite of mine.
library
July 30, 20210
December 8, 2016
This was an "OK" read for me... I did find myself skimming a lot, some parts were long and drawn out... Cory confused me, at first I thought she was this strong leading character, but the more I read she wasn't meeting my expectations... She'd start strong and then completely do something or react in a way I wasn't expecting... The bones of this series was good, but the execution did quite take off the way I was hoping... I'm so glad I read the box set, b/c if I would have to wait for each release I would have been pissed...
December 18, 2015
I loved the premise for Hardcore and really liked it in the beginning, but everything comes too easily and nothing felt believable. Cory is a professional thief. She and her roommates hit electronics stores, but they only take the small stuff and sell it off. Then Cory meets Van, who happens to be filthy rich and has a very expensive painting. Now, Jade who is the girls' ringleader wants that painting and she's going to do whatever it takes to have it, even if it means killing Cory's sister.
Hardcore starts off good. I loved this idea of a band of lady thieves who do parkour to get away from the scene fast. That is nothing I had ever read before! I did find the love interest's meeting scene to be really questionable. Cory is fleeing the store they just robbed, Van is chasing her because of reasons, and then they have sex. Really?! I honestly don't understand how that came about, but things do get better after that. At least for a little while.
My favorite part of Hardcore was that Cory is bisexual and is shown having sex with a man and a woman! Not at the same time! She has this on and off again sexual relationship with one of her roommates and I loved it! They're so comfortable together and know exactly what the other needs and wants! I was really rooting for them to be the couple in the end, but they're not. Sadly. But I definitely applaud the author for showing bisexuality in a real and very sexy way.
Now for the romance portion, which is Cory and Van (although it should have been Erin!!!). They have a ton of sex, which is awesome, but that does not make a relationship. Everything about them was super melodramatic and irritating. Of course, Cory has to have a conscience and not want to steal from the man she's dating, but they're not even dating, so their break up scene is just really stupid. Then later Van gets super dramatic and yelling about how she stole everything from him and she's not the woman he thought she was. Well, um, you don't know her at all. They literally hung out twice and there was no getting to know each other aside from what they like in the bedroom (and the shower, and the roof, and...). I really don't get it. There was nothing between them so I had to roll my eyes at all of the hysterics.
As for the plot, Hardcore also failed there for me. There's no tension, excitement, or conflict! Cory literally just snips a wire, carries out the painting, and that's that. I cannot imagine a millionaire not having a more sophisticated alarm system than that. There is no way in heck, she can just pick a lot, cut a wire, and be done. Perhaps for the stores they rob, but not for a multi-million dollar apartment. And I hated how Jade was 100% evil. She was a cardboard cut out villain and that's all she was. I also didn't like how the girls convinced themselves that they didn't do anything wrong and Jade deserves all of the blame because she's evil. Uh huh, keep telling yourselves that.
Hardcore had amazing ideas, but nearly all of them fell flat. The romance is just unbelievable and has no development at all. Van is super boring and over-dramatic. The crime portions don't have any excitement at all, and there's no way those girls would evade suspicion like that. I don't understand why Cory was responsible for her younger sister either. The parents are mentioned once, and I guess we're suppose to see that they're awful or something. I don't know. Nothing was developed except for the relationship between Cory and Erin, which I desperately wanted more of.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Hardcore starts off good. I loved this idea of a band of lady thieves who do parkour to get away from the scene fast. That is nothing I had ever read before! I did find the love interest's meeting scene to be really questionable. Cory is fleeing the store they just robbed, Van is chasing her because of reasons, and then they have sex. Really?! I honestly don't understand how that came about, but things do get better after that. At least for a little while.
My favorite part of Hardcore was that Cory is bisexual and is shown having sex with a man and a woman! Not at the same time! She has this on and off again sexual relationship with one of her roommates and I loved it! They're so comfortable together and know exactly what the other needs and wants! I was really rooting for them to be the couple in the end, but they're not. Sadly. But I definitely applaud the author for showing bisexuality in a real and very sexy way.
Now for the romance portion, which is Cory and Van (although it should have been Erin!!!). They have a ton of sex, which is awesome, but that does not make a relationship. Everything about them was super melodramatic and irritating. Of course, Cory has to have a conscience and not want to steal from the man she's dating, but they're not even dating, so their break up scene is just really stupid. Then later Van gets super dramatic and yelling about how she stole everything from him and she's not the woman he thought she was. Well, um, you don't know her at all. They literally hung out twice and there was no getting to know each other aside from what they like in the bedroom (and the shower, and the roof, and...). I really don't get it. There was nothing between them so I had to roll my eyes at all of the hysterics.
As for the plot, Hardcore also failed there for me. There's no tension, excitement, or conflict! Cory literally just snips a wire, carries out the painting, and that's that. I cannot imagine a millionaire not having a more sophisticated alarm system than that. There is no way in heck, she can just pick a lot, cut a wire, and be done. Perhaps for the stores they rob, but not for a multi-million dollar apartment. And I hated how Jade was 100% evil. She was a cardboard cut out villain and that's all she was. I also didn't like how the girls convinced themselves that they didn't do anything wrong and Jade deserves all of the blame because she's evil. Uh huh, keep telling yourselves that.
Hardcore had amazing ideas, but nearly all of them fell flat. The romance is just unbelievable and has no development at all. Van is super boring and over-dramatic. The crime portions don't have any excitement at all, and there's no way those girls would evade suspicion like that. I don't understand why Cory was responsible for her younger sister either. The parents are mentioned once, and I guess we're suppose to see that they're awful or something. I don't know. Nothing was developed except for the relationship between Cory and Erin, which I desperately wanted more of.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
August 25, 2015
Book 1
On the high of an electronics store rip off and a parkour pursuit across Manhattan, Cory meets up with Van, a fellow parkour enthusiast. They hook up on a rooftop in a moment of complete lust, and Cory takes off without even giving him her name. Soon Van is able to track her down, knowing she’s different than any other woman he has encountered. After a visit to his apartment she finds out not only is he a famous photographer, but he’s loaded as well. He’s the owner of a multi-million dollar Rothko painting, and once Jade catches wind of this info, she begins blackmailing Cory in order to get her to con Van. Spending most of her life running from one thing or another she realizes that Van is the only person who has ever made her feel whole. But will she need to end it before they even get started? What will he do if he catches wind of her plans and her past? What will she give up in order to keep the most important thing in her life safe?
This series gets off to a fast-paced explosive start. The chemistry is off the charts and intense and is laced with mystery and intrigue. I’m excited to dive right into book two to hear more of the story.
Book 2
Four stars
Picking up right where the first volume of the series left off, Cory must make an important decision where Van is concerned. Either con him of his multi-million dollar Rothko painting, or suffer the consequences of Jade’s threat against the most important person in her life. Cory knows what she has to do; however it’s killing her to know that she has to end things with Van before they really have a chance to start.
Once again the chemistry between Van and Cory is off the charge, and with the addition of the adrenaline of their shared parkour addiction and the suspense of Cory’s stand-off with Jade make this a riveting read. There are some things I’m hoping get resolved in the final book, namely the relationship between Cory and her parents as well as with Jade. I’m hoping there will be an explosive end to the series.
Book 3
Three stars
In this final installment of the series, Cory finally decides to come clean to Van in order to not only clear her own conscience, but also to find closure. In addition to finally dealing with failed with relationship with Van, she and the rest of the girls plot to bring down Jade and Jace, letting them pay for their sins of the past few years.
I had a couple of problems with the series as a whole, namely some plot inconsistencies and lack of resolution. There are several clues about the ages of the characters, but when you put the numbers together, things don’t add up. I also would have liked to have more answers as to why her parents treated her and Jill the way they did (why exactly did they treat them so terribly, because they felt like it?) and why did Jade turn into such a monster (at one point another character alluded to drug use)? I felt that both of those situations in particular were glossed over and had they been more developed the series would have felt far more cohesive.
The end was a little predictable, but it was a happily ever after nonetheless and ended the series on a positive note. I really liked the chemistry the two had throughout, but truth be told, by the time I reached the end, I started to skim the sex scenes because they felt gratuitous and didn’t necessarily add anything to the plot. I enjoyed the series and will definitely pick up other titles by this author. If you’re a fan of steamy romance with a side of intrigue, you’ll want to pick this one up.
On the high of an electronics store rip off and a parkour pursuit across Manhattan, Cory meets up with Van, a fellow parkour enthusiast. They hook up on a rooftop in a moment of complete lust, and Cory takes off without even giving him her name. Soon Van is able to track her down, knowing she’s different than any other woman he has encountered. After a visit to his apartment she finds out not only is he a famous photographer, but he’s loaded as well. He’s the owner of a multi-million dollar Rothko painting, and once Jade catches wind of this info, she begins blackmailing Cory in order to get her to con Van. Spending most of her life running from one thing or another she realizes that Van is the only person who has ever made her feel whole. But will she need to end it before they even get started? What will he do if he catches wind of her plans and her past? What will she give up in order to keep the most important thing in her life safe?
This series gets off to a fast-paced explosive start. The chemistry is off the charts and intense and is laced with mystery and intrigue. I’m excited to dive right into book two to hear more of the story.
Book 2
Four stars
Picking up right where the first volume of the series left off, Cory must make an important decision where Van is concerned. Either con him of his multi-million dollar Rothko painting, or suffer the consequences of Jade’s threat against the most important person in her life. Cory knows what she has to do; however it’s killing her to know that she has to end things with Van before they really have a chance to start.
Once again the chemistry between Van and Cory is off the charge, and with the addition of the adrenaline of their shared parkour addiction and the suspense of Cory’s stand-off with Jade make this a riveting read. There are some things I’m hoping get resolved in the final book, namely the relationship between Cory and her parents as well as with Jade. I’m hoping there will be an explosive end to the series.
Book 3
Three stars
In this final installment of the series, Cory finally decides to come clean to Van in order to not only clear her own conscience, but also to find closure. In addition to finally dealing with failed with relationship with Van, she and the rest of the girls plot to bring down Jade and Jace, letting them pay for their sins of the past few years.
I had a couple of problems with the series as a whole, namely some plot inconsistencies and lack of resolution. There are several clues about the ages of the characters, but when you put the numbers together, things don’t add up. I also would have liked to have more answers as to why her parents treated her and Jill the way they did (why exactly did they treat them so terribly, because they felt like it?) and why did Jade turn into such a monster (at one point another character alluded to drug use)? I felt that both of those situations in particular were glossed over and had they been more developed the series would have felt far more cohesive.
The end was a little predictable, but it was a happily ever after nonetheless and ended the series on a positive note. I really liked the chemistry the two had throughout, but truth be told, by the time I reached the end, I started to skim the sex scenes because they felt gratuitous and didn’t necessarily add anything to the plot. I enjoyed the series and will definitely pick up other titles by this author. If you’re a fan of steamy romance with a side of intrigue, you’ll want to pick this one up.
April 20, 2016
The Best Parts:
I will sadly admit this. I stopped reading this series after Part 2 because I was terrified about what would happen. Like legit I refused to pick it back up even though I knew things would get better, but there was so much bad. Not bad writing, or bad plot, no. You know those moments when a character makes a decision and you are like what the fuck do you think you’re doing?! That is exactly how I felt. Cory needed a timeout and didn’t deserve to be happy for a while.
But when I did decide to go back into this story I knew I was in for a rollercoaster of emotions. The ups and downs and crazy antics of EVERYONE because let’s be real. Not a single person in this freaking book is sane, and I’m totally ok with that lol.
This story was gripping and so fun to read. It leaves you in a place of wanting to strangle people and also swooning because of an amazing man. Now what other book can do that?
The Worst Parts:
My only thing, and I mean ONLY thing that I was confused and wanted in this was when Cory and Van were having their big discussion about everything that happened, Van mentioned the letter and same with Cory, but neither of them mentioned Cory looking into the Gallery before then and her seeing Van, and Van seeing her. I would have loved to have gotten their feel on that since Van was so moved/ destroyed by the letter itself, and since he actually saw, or Cory thinks he saw her, that would have bee such an amazing point to see just how they felt with seeing each other, rather than just with words.
Final Thoughts:
This series is the second that I have read by Staci and I love that it is different from the other books that I have read by her. Author’s who can be diverse and can focus so much on those differences mean the world to me because it is those authors who might just rule the world one day lol
I will sadly admit this. I stopped reading this series after Part 2 because I was terrified about what would happen. Like legit I refused to pick it back up even though I knew things would get better, but there was so much bad. Not bad writing, or bad plot, no. You know those moments when a character makes a decision and you are like what the fuck do you think you’re doing?! That is exactly how I felt. Cory needed a timeout and didn’t deserve to be happy for a while.
But when I did decide to go back into this story I knew I was in for a rollercoaster of emotions. The ups and downs and crazy antics of EVERYONE because let’s be real. Not a single person in this freaking book is sane, and I’m totally ok with that lol.
This story was gripping and so fun to read. It leaves you in a place of wanting to strangle people and also swooning because of an amazing man. Now what other book can do that?
The Worst Parts:
My only thing, and I mean ONLY thing that I was confused and wanted in this was when Cory and Van were having their big discussion about everything that happened, Van mentioned the letter and same with Cory, but neither of them mentioned Cory looking into the Gallery before then and her seeing Van, and Van seeing her. I would have loved to have gotten their feel on that since Van was so moved/ destroyed by the letter itself, and since he actually saw, or Cory thinks he saw her, that would have bee such an amazing point to see just how they felt with seeing each other, rather than just with words.
Final Thoughts:
This series is the second that I have read by Staci and I love that it is different from the other books that I have read by her. Author’s who can be diverse and can focus so much on those differences mean the world to me because it is those authors who might just rule the world one day lol
July 19, 2016
As with all Staci Hart's books, I was immersed in a different world! I absolutely loved the Hardcore series and rooted for Cory and Van from the start.
What I love about Hart's novels is that she chooses truly unique hobbies and traits for her characters and it feels like they all come natural to her to write about. Cory is an avid Parkour enthusiast with a criminal side and she appears more powerful in comparison to Van the male hero. He is hot, sexy, rich and successful but she just always seemed to have an edge on him.
Her female characters are very empowering and her plots captivating from start to finish. I can't get enough of reading her work and her descriptions enabled me to immerse myself in the world of the characters. I loved that the heroine wasn't typically 'heterosexual'.
The plot felt well thought out and planned and very relatable and gripping.
I would highly recommend any of Hart's novels but mainly to romance lovers, people who are looking to read something different and fans of series.
What I love about Hart's novels is that she chooses truly unique hobbies and traits for her characters and it feels like they all come natural to her to write about. Cory is an avid Parkour enthusiast with a criminal side and she appears more powerful in comparison to Van the male hero. He is hot, sexy, rich and successful but she just always seemed to have an edge on him.
Her female characters are very empowering and her plots captivating from start to finish. I can't get enough of reading her work and her descriptions enabled me to immerse myself in the world of the characters. I loved that the heroine wasn't typically 'heterosexual'.
The plot felt well thought out and planned and very relatable and gripping.
I would highly recommend any of Hart's novels but mainly to romance lovers, people who are looking to read something different and fans of series.
August 18, 2015
"Don't run from me. Run with me"
An other great store from Staci Hart. The first chase had me breathless. The first roof top just had me......
I loved the characters in the story. Jace and Jade are BEYOND crazy but the other friends were always there for each other.
Over all its such a great story. Cory had to deal with alot and just trying to figure out that she could be good. Sometimes wishing her life was different but accept it the way it was to take care of her minor sister. Once she meets Van she started to question everything more. Cory and Van connect over a love of parkour/free running (which I so discovered in this book). "It’s like we’re made from the same metal, we just have different finishes. We shine different" The understand each other on such a basic level, it's beautiful.
Can she steal from him? What does it make her? Can he forgive her? Can they forget each other?
I highly recommend this story
An other great store from Staci Hart. The first chase had me breathless. The first roof top just had me......
I loved the characters in the story. Jace and Jade are BEYOND crazy but the other friends were always there for each other.
Over all its such a great story. Cory had to deal with alot and just trying to figure out that she could be good. Sometimes wishing her life was different but accept it the way it was to take care of her minor sister. Once she meets Van she started to question everything more. Cory and Van connect over a love of parkour/free running (which I so discovered in this book). "It’s like we’re made from the same metal, we just have different finishes. We shine different" The understand each other on such a basic level, it's beautiful.
Can she steal from him? What does it make her? Can he forgive her? Can they forget each other?
I highly recommend this story
July 7, 2016
The only Staci Hart books I hadn't read were in this series. I loved it. I adored Cory. She grew so much and found so much of herself while doing what she did. I felt her guilt, her remorse, and her loss. I felt the weight of her responsibility. This series was so deep in the feels that I had to put it down and pick it up after I recovered. I loved Cory with her sister, Jill, and with her roommate/sisters. I really loved her and Van. I loved their chemistry and how tangible it was. I very much enjoyed their interactions and their intimacies. They were amazing together and terrible apart. Van and Cory NEED each other and MAKE each other BETTER.
Staci has this inexplicable ability to write things that are extremely relatable. You can see them happening to someone real. She puts her characters in real-life situations. There are no over-the-top, completely unbelievable characters in her universe. Everyone she writes, down to the most minor of characters, belongs in her stories.
Staci has this inexplicable ability to write things that are extremely relatable. You can see them happening to someone real. She puts her characters in real-life situations. There are no over-the-top, completely unbelievable characters in her universe. Everyone she writes, down to the most minor of characters, belongs in her stories.
November 19, 2016
Steamy, hot, adrenaline rush.
I really loved this story. It's under erotic suspense and I could not agree more. Gosh.. the first chapter-holy cow the first chapter. Steamy, hot, adrenaline rush. I was completely hooked. I did not want to put it down. I pushed through this story in less than 24 hours. It kept me completely on my toes. It got my heart beating; I had never read a story with a plot like this and it was refreshing. Cory was a complete bada$$. I want to be Cory. I want to have a guy like Van. He's a good guy and there's is nothing wrong with that. He's like the perfect male character. If you are looking for a great sexy read that gets your blood pumping. This is it. Pick it up now. It's fantastic.
I really loved this story. It's under erotic suspense and I could not agree more. Gosh.. the first chapter-holy cow the first chapter. Steamy, hot, adrenaline rush. I was completely hooked. I did not want to put it down. I pushed through this story in less than 24 hours. It kept me completely on my toes. It got my heart beating; I had never read a story with a plot like this and it was refreshing. Cory was a complete bada$$. I want to be Cory. I want to have a guy like Van. He's a good guy and there's is nothing wrong with that. He's like the perfect male character. If you are looking for a great sexy read that gets your blood pumping. This is it. Pick it up now. It's fantastic.
July 12, 2015
I'm not one to read a lot of the reviews because I typically don't want to read to many spoilers. Not that I don't like spoilers but not wroth out looking myself. Long story short this book through me off. She is a runner as in jumping buildings and doing tricks along with a little thieving. It definitely stayed got hot and sexy. The girl on girl was a bit of a shocker but it could have used more of the hot and steamy between her and Van. Overall a really fast read and a great book.
July 12, 2015
This book had a lightning start and really hot romance for the first installment. The second was also really good and the story stayed good the whole time, it was just the romance factor dropped off in the latter half. The story was still so compelling, I kept reading even though I'm usually mainly into books like this for the romance aspect. The conflicts also resolved a tad easily, not pushing as balls to the wall as I wanted, but the characters were really great. A solid read.
October 18, 2015
Wonderful.
This would make a really good movie. Just imagine the views of New York from rooftops. Love Van and Cory, complex characters, complicated personalities - but beautiful hearts.
I was taken with a story about parkour, what an amazing lifestyle- you would have be incredibly fit, I feel that I am way past trying it.
Thank you Staci Hart for creating an interesting story - plenty of emotion, tension, and romance.
4.5 stars from me.
This would make a really good movie. Just imagine the views of New York from rooftops. Love Van and Cory, complex characters, complicated personalities - but beautiful hearts.
I was taken with a story about parkour, what an amazing lifestyle- you would have be incredibly fit, I feel that I am way past trying it.
Thank you Staci Hart for creating an interesting story - plenty of emotion, tension, and romance.
4.5 stars from me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews