What do you think?
Rate this book
Hard as Nails #3
Hard Core
Built, tempting, and deadly.
Axel Jackson is an ex-marine, haunted by what he’s done, but when he sees her, he dreams of the man he can become…
When Axel returns home, he’s shrouded in darkness, unable to forget the blood that stains his hands or the screams that haunt his dreams. When a dark force from his past offers him a job, he wonders if taking it will be his salvation or his downfall.
Then he meets Alyssa, a waitress working at a strip club, and he steps in just in time to save her. She’s beautiful, with her dark hair and darker eyes, with a body made for sin. He has to protect her, but he can’t love her.
She’s too good for him. Too innocent, too pure.
He knows he should let her go so she can find a better man.
But all he wants is to claim her, body and soul.
Axel Jackson is an ex-marine, haunted by what he’s done, but when he sees her, he dreams of the man he can become…
When Axel returns home, he’s shrouded in darkness, unable to forget the blood that stains his hands or the screams that haunt his dreams. When a dark force from his past offers him a job, he wonders if taking it will be his salvation or his downfall.
Then he meets Alyssa, a waitress working at a strip club, and he steps in just in time to save her. She’s beautiful, with her dark hair and darker eyes, with a body made for sin. He has to protect her, but he can’t love her.
She’s too good for him. Too innocent, too pure.
He knows he should let her go so she can find a better man.
But all he wants is to claim her, body and soul.
- GenresNovella
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2016
10 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Want to read
August 28, 2019🎁 Hard As Nails Boxed Set (Books 1 -3) is FREE on Amazon today (8/28/2019)! 🎁
August 2, 2016
Slate Rawlings meets Rose Carter when he takes on her case and bails her out of prison for killing her husband in self-defense. With bad guys after her he moves her into his home, provides security and a bit of loving. Why her husband has changed so drastically recently and who is after her are part of the story and the other part is how the two of them end up with their own HEA.
I have to say that I found it a bit unbelievable that this story would unfold as it did with two people, one traumatized from murdering her husband, would fall for one so instantly. That said, if you are looking a quick read that has some action and a bit of spice then this might be a book for you.
This is the second book in a series that will star the Nailed Motor Cycle Club. The members were in the same orphanage together, bonded and are there for one another always. It will be interesting to see what happens as the series develops.
Thank you to NK authors services for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I have to say that I found it a bit unbelievable that this story would unfold as it did with two people, one traumatized from murdering her husband, would fall for one so instantly. That said, if you are looking a quick read that has some action and a bit of spice then this might be a book for you.
This is the second book in a series that will star the Nailed Motor Cycle Club. The members were in the same orphanage together, bonded and are there for one another always. It will be interesting to see what happens as the series develops.
Thank you to NK authors services for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 16, 2019
Axel is drawn to protecting women. King knows this and enlists him as a bouncer at his strip club in order for Axel to repay a debt. When he sees Alyssa in trouble he rushes to her aid and there begins a tumultuous relationship. This is the 3rd book in the series and it does not disappoint. In fact, it is the best so far.
October 12, 2016
Super sweet story
I really enjoyed reading Axel and Alyssa's story. They met in the most unconventional places, a strip club, but their connection was immediate. They burn hot and bright, however can they overcome their pasts in order to have a future? Axel has decided to do whatever it takes to make her his, Alyssa is fighting to protect her heart with all that she has. Very enjoyable read, it is a great love story.
I really enjoyed reading Axel and Alyssa's story. They met in the most unconventional places, a strip club, but their connection was immediate. They burn hot and bright, however can they overcome their pasts in order to have a future? Axel has decided to do whatever it takes to make her his, Alyssa is fighting to protect her heart with all that she has. Very enjoyable read, it is a great love story.
October 26, 2016
Hard Core is the third book in the Hard as Nails series and is a great addition. In this book we get to meet Axel, who is fresh out of the service. He comes home and reunites with his childhood friends. The happiness of his homecoming is short lived when the local crime lord, King, hits him up for a job on this first night home. However, King knows right where to hit, and asks Axel to check in on one of his strip clubs to make sure the women are not man handled. If there is one thing that Axel doesn't stand for, it is the mistreatment of women. Knowing he can't say no, Axel decides to see what the situation is at the club and to make sure that the women are treated right. He wasn't expecting to find an Angel in the den of sin.
Alyssa is an aspiring actress who is making ends meet by waiting tables at a strip club. She is only doing this to earn enough money to pay the medical bills for her father's cancer treatments. He hates her job, but understands that she wouldn't get the money anywhere else. The only problem is the owner, King, has been paying her stripper wages and expects Alyssa to step up to become a stripper sooner rather than later. A hot and dangerous stranger saves Alyssa from two patrons of the club and things begin to heat up for Alyssa. She doesn't want to be in it for the emotional connection, but Axel isn't giving up the chase.
As with the prior Hard as Nails books, we are gifted with a hot and yummy alpha. Axel is a great character that is strong, sexy, protective, and dominant. Alyssa is a great character to compliment Axel. She is strong, sassy, caring, and very passionate. She doesn't lay down and take it, she will put up a fight and speak her mind. I enjoyed the dialogue between the characters and the back and forth banter that they had was fun to read. Another good and sexy read by Hope Conrad.
Alyssa is an aspiring actress who is making ends meet by waiting tables at a strip club. She is only doing this to earn enough money to pay the medical bills for her father's cancer treatments. He hates her job, but understands that she wouldn't get the money anywhere else. The only problem is the owner, King, has been paying her stripper wages and expects Alyssa to step up to become a stripper sooner rather than later. A hot and dangerous stranger saves Alyssa from two patrons of the club and things begin to heat up for Alyssa. She doesn't want to be in it for the emotional connection, but Axel isn't giving up the chase.
As with the prior Hard as Nails books, we are gifted with a hot and yummy alpha. Axel is a great character that is strong, sexy, protective, and dominant. Alyssa is a great character to compliment Axel. She is strong, sassy, caring, and very passionate. She doesn't lay down and take it, she will put up a fight and speak her mind. I enjoyed the dialogue between the characters and the back and forth banter that they had was fun to read. Another good and sexy read by Hope Conrad.
October 3, 2016
**I received a copy of Hard Core from N K Author Author Services and EBooks Galore in exchange for an honest review**
Hard Core is book three of Hope Conrad's Hard As Nails Series which can be read as a stand alone or part of the series. I think that this book is my favorite so far with two more to read.
Axel Jackson has just returned from being in the Marines with a heavy heart due to his discharge. But he heads home to Nailed Garage and his buddies that he's known since they were in the orphanage together. Little does he know that his nemesis, King, has a job for him, to straighten up his managers at his strip club at Sugar Bare. But he has demons of his own to battle from his Marine Corp days, when he meets Alyssa a waitress at the club. Their attraction is immediate but she doesn't want a permanent relationship with Axel, can he change her mind?
Alyssa is working at the club to help pay for medical care for her father's cancer treatments. When Axel saves her from a touchy customer she decides to act on the attraction she feels toward him but makes it known she doesn't want a lasting relationship. But when it comes time to take the stage at a stripper can Axel change her mind? She is adamant that all her decisions are hers and although Axel agrees with her, the one he wants to change is to convince her that he loves her forever.
Great story I loved this addition to the series the most.
Hard Core is book three of Hope Conrad's Hard As Nails Series which can be read as a stand alone or part of the series. I think that this book is my favorite so far with two more to read.
Axel Jackson has just returned from being in the Marines with a heavy heart due to his discharge. But he heads home to Nailed Garage and his buddies that he's known since they were in the orphanage together. Little does he know that his nemesis, King, has a job for him, to straighten up his managers at his strip club at Sugar Bare. But he has demons of his own to battle from his Marine Corp days, when he meets Alyssa a waitress at the club. Their attraction is immediate but she doesn't want a permanent relationship with Axel, can he change her mind?
Alyssa is working at the club to help pay for medical care for her father's cancer treatments. When Axel saves her from a touchy customer she decides to act on the attraction she feels toward him but makes it known she doesn't want a lasting relationship. But when it comes time to take the stage at a stripper can Axel change her mind? She is adamant that all her decisions are hers and although Axel agrees with her, the one he wants to change is to convince her that he loves her forever.
Great story I loved this addition to the series the most.
December 11, 2016
Axel Jackson just return from his last tour in Afghanistan and looking forward to being home again. He's frustrated that his friends indebted themselves back to King again even though he understands their reasoning. Alyssa is in dire straits and desperate to move forward with her life. However Alyssa knows that she needs to make good on her promise to become a stripper. Alyssa getting manhandled is par for the course as a waitress in a strip club. Axel doesn't understand why King wants him to be a bouncer at his club. Axel never imagined he'd find something that he wanted all for himself. Can Axel keep it strictly business? Will Alyssa strip as promised? Your answers await you in Hard Core.
This series keeps getting better all the time. I'm loving the characters and their stories so much more than I ever that possible. Getting to know these characters and their stories are compelling, complex, gritty, raw, and real. I look forward to more in this series soon.
This series keeps getting better all the time. I'm loving the characters and their stories so much more than I ever that possible. Getting to know these characters and their stories are compelling, complex, gritty, raw, and real. I look forward to more in this series soon.
June 2, 2016
Axel is out of the military and doesn't know what he is going to do next. He is approached by King to fulfill his debt to him by working as a bouncer. While working as a bouncer that is when he meets Alyssa. He is drawn to her from the very beginning and Alyssa only wants one night. The more time Axel spends around Alyssa he knows he wants more then Alyssa is willing to give him. Alyssa has to decide what she wants out of her relationship with Axel.
I thought this was a good read. Axel is summoned by King to fulfill his end of the debt by becoming a bouncer at a club he owns. The first night he meets Alyssa and he is immediately drawn to her and she is also drawn to him. Alyssa thinks that it is only going to be one night but Axel has other plans. Alyssa has to decide whether the relationship with Axel is worth taking down all the walls she has put up.
I thought this was a good read. Axel is summoned by King to fulfill his end of the debt by becoming a bouncer at a club he owns. The first night he meets Alyssa and he is immediately drawn to her and she is also drawn to him. Alyssa thinks that it is only going to be one night but Axel has other plans. Alyssa has to decide whether the relationship with Axel is worth taking down all the walls she has put up.
February 9, 2017
Loved Axel, Alyssa not so much, but the story was a good read. I thought the other books in the series were better though.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 18, 2016
A unique hero to the rescue, one night stand that becomes a relationship story. Dark story with real life scenarios, and money didn't fix everything. I enjoy this series, and like the title implies, the lives the characters are leading are hard. There's no fairy tales, and yet, real love comes forth. The writing was much more fluid and believable than in some earlier snooks in the series. The heroine, Alyssa, is powerful. She is independent and strong and isn't pushed around. The kind of girl you'd like to be friends with. Axel is great. He uses his male stubbornness for good in being supportive for Alyssa. You don't need to read the other series novels to read this book.
October 31, 2016
This third book in the series continues the story of orphaned boys who became friends and remain friends in adulthood.
Axel is fresh out of the military and a little lost until he helps 'King' out and meets his Angel, Alyssa. Alyssa works as a waitress in a strip club to helping pay for her father's cancer treatments even though she's an aspiring actress.
When the hot, muscled Axel and beautiful Alyssa start to get to know each other they find they have more than a combustible chemistry.
This is actually a sweet story, fast paced and makes you feel great.
Axel is fresh out of the military and a little lost until he helps 'King' out and meets his Angel, Alyssa. Alyssa works as a waitress in a strip club to helping pay for her father's cancer treatments even though she's an aspiring actress.
When the hot, muscled Axel and beautiful Alyssa start to get to know each other they find they have more than a combustible chemistry.
This is actually a sweet story, fast paced and makes you feel great.
October 28, 2016
This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Axel is an ex-marine and when he gets home he gets a job to watch out for the girls at a strip club. Alyssa works at the club and when Axel saves her from one of the to touchy customers the chemistry is instant. Axel thinks she is too good for him but can’t let her go. Lots of emotion, Axel is a great character, all sexy and alpha. A great story, very steamy.
December 31, 2016
Getting better and deeper with each new installment. Axel and Alyssa complement each other.
His all built, tempting, and deadly. She happens to be smart, sassy, sexy, and intelligent. They both are protective of others. Her her father and him women. Axel returns home for service to his country only to be enlisted in the local kingpins service. This was another hot, sexy, alpha male that got the woman he felt he didn't deserve.
His all built, tempting, and deadly. She happens to be smart, sassy, sexy, and intelligent. They both are protective of others. Her her father and him women. Axel returns home for service to his country only to be enlisted in the local kingpins service. This was another hot, sexy, alpha male that got the woman he felt he didn't deserve.
October 3, 2016
I really loved this book. The story-line and interest and intriguing characters kept me turning the pages to see how the story unfolds. If you're looking for a quick read that is good, has plenty of action, attraction, an ex-marine, and course incredible sex... Hard Core is the book for you.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2016
I loved the story about Axel. I've read the first 2 books in the series and couldn't wait for more. Axel and Alyssa are 2 of a kind and the hot nights and live they share made this story go round! I recieved a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2016
The best one yet. Axel is a dreamboat
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews