Hard Bastard

by B.B. Hamel

I let her go once, but this time she’s going to beg to stay.

They say I’m a hard man. Rough. Dirty. Bad. I have a reputation and it sure as f**k isn’t a good one.

None of that matters when she walks back into my life.

Sadie was my high school sweetheart, a nice girl from a loving family. She was too good for me to resist.
But I knew it wouldn’t last.
I couldn’t let her get dragged down by a low life like me. When she moved across the country, I had to let her go.

Ten years later and now she’s back. I couldn’t resist her then and I sure as f**k can’t resist her now. I know she remembers how I made her body feel when we were teenagers, and she’ll definitely never forget what I can do as a man.

The only problem is, she’s the attorney assigned to prosecute the Russian mob, and I’m the hired killer tasked with taking her out.

I’m going to go through hell to get her, and I’m going to make damn sure I keep her.

Hard Bastard is action-packed, incredibly steamy, and features some dirty language. It’s only recommended for audiences 18+.

Hard Bastard is a STANDALONE, full-length novel. No cliffhanger. Guaranteed HEA. Includes bonus content!

Genres: Romance, Crime, Second Chance

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2016

About the author

I'm a long time reader, writer, and lover of Romance! Writing is my dream and my passion, and I want to share my stories with you.

I live in the Philadelphia area with my husband and two dogs.

Website: http://www.bbhamel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbhamelwriter

Check out my mailing list for updates, giveaways, and more! http://bbhamel.com/signup

Reviews

[Lenna Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

High school sweethearts, he was raised around the Russian mafia, a bad boy through and through. She was 16 and was fully committed and love Gage, she was the good girl her parents raised her to be. Their time together will come crashing down when her mother was accepted to be in a trial run for medication for Breast cancer but the catch they have to move to the other side of the country to Seattle.

Now 10 years later, Sadie is back in town, she got a transfer for the DA's office and to get away from the threats from the Seattle mafia when she won her first mob trial. Now her new boss, he has alternative motives for forcing Sadie into another high profile mob trial. When she wants to escape from the pressure of.thinking about this she relieves her memories of her first boyfriend, the one that got away, and goes to a old dive bar and what she find will send her body into a frenzy and her while life will be changed from meeting Mr. Enforcer of the Russian mafia.

Passion is off the charts, Gage is a no nonsense alpha, gets what he wants damn the consequences. Nonstop action, never a dull moment, kept my attention from start to finish, no rushing, HEA.




~~~~~~~~~~ ARC was given for a honest review~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadie and Gage were high school sweethearts that didn't think they'd ever be apart but that's exactly what happened. Sadie is forced to leave the only home she knows for Seattle. She thought that she'd never be back home again. Ten Years later, Sadie returns to her hometown as The New ADA because of her work in Seattle fighting the mafia. When Sadie unexpectedly meets Gage again she feels just like she did ten years ago. She can't deny Gage anything he wants she's powerless to stop him. Gage is a debt collector for The Petrov Family but seeing Sadie again stirs memories he thought long dead. Can Gage protect Sadie from the mafia? Will Sadie continue to fight the mafia? Your answers await you in Hard Bastard.

I've got to admit I'm loving this Second Chance Mafia Series. Each is wholly unique and different as well as new. The story and characters are complex, intriguing, real, gritty, naughty, raw, and powerful. Definitely looking forward to more from this author in the future.

[Goosegirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man the people in this book are droppin' like flies!


Lots of people about to be killed, being killed and dead. Some things the mafia guys say are downright disturbing, but then again I am sure it's very realistic.

Honestly the ending wasn't so great. Their solution to get away from their problem was run, well hell guess they could have done that in the beginning if the mafia is really so lame that they don't actually track you wherever you go and kill you for knowing their big dirty secrets. I honestly though maybe FBI would get involved and pardon Gage, but nope, just running.

So it was just ok.

[diana marcela Ballestas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books of mobsters, of tough guys who are willing to confront to hell to protect his girl, and that's something we see clearly in this book.

This book begins with a love of youth that is separated by issues of destiny, and her parents, more than anything else, and after many years again be reunited under different conditions, she, a lawyer making her way which is named ADA, and he was a mobster in a medium scale with high chances of promotion, although none knows this when they meet again and discover that the sparks of that old love are more alive than ever.

She obviously gets into serious trouble with the mafia stick her noses and he is willing to do anything to keep her safe. The story is great, and with plenty of action, but for some reason could not get completely hooked. my rate would be 3.5.

I voluntarily read an Advance Review Copy of this book.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outstanding, well-written, fast-paced, steamy read of angst, suspense, danger, a hot, panty-melting, dirty-talking hitman, betrayal, the mafia, violence, hot sex scenes, second chances, love... everything I love in a B. B. Hamel romance book. Kept me glued to the page!

I received a courtesy copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Judy Robichaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Bastard by BB Hamel is an amazing book. No surprise there. She knows how to write an exciting mafia romance. As always, she delivers an action packed, suspense filled, edge of your seat thrilling romance with tons of hot sexy time.
Sadie is an Assistant District Attorney on the run from the mob she’s helping to prosecute. Gage is her gorgeous sex on a stick, dirty talking ex-boyfriend who works for the Russian mafia. 10 years ago, they were in love but they were forced to breakup due to circumstances beyond their control and have not seen each other since that time. They both never got over losing each other years before.
A decade later, things take an unexpected turn and they are both thrust back into each other’s lives. Sadie doesn’t know about his exact involvement in the mob….. Yet. When the people Gage works for find out who she is and what her job is, they want her dead. When Gage finds out her life is in danger, he vows to keep safe.
What will Sadie do when she finds out what Gage does for a living? Can Gage keep her safe before her time runs out? Will they let go of the past, embrace their love for one another and find a way to be together? Well, I’m not telling! I highly recommend that you buy the book and find out for yourself. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Uhleeseeuh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only one major complaint

This was a great book. I loved Gage, the story, and the smut was crazy steamy. Sadie bugged the deal out of me. I loved that she was a strong, fierce woman, but her naivety started to become really distracting. I would have left if I was Gage. That was my biggest complaint throughout the book. My only minor complaint was how quickly the story ended and wrapped up. I wish we had a longer, more detailed epilogue. All said, Gage and the steam level makes this a recommended book. Just be prepared to be irritated by a control freak of a heroine who is naive as hell, especially for a woman in her mid to late twenties

[Cheyenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second B.B. Hammel book I've read. I liked it much better than "Long", which this book was included with in the Kindle edition as a bonus story. I still think that the dirty talk was a little repetitive and translated to much as a bad sex tape in the making, but the story was the saving grace here. It had some action and suspense to it which made the characters feel more alive. I can say this one was a decent book and bump it up a star from "Long".

[norcalgal]

YIKES - one of the worst books in this genre I've ever read. So, so, so simplistic! As if people can just walk away from the mob that easily and make a new life for themselves. Overall, the story was ok until the mob sent someone to kill Sadie then it was aaaalllll downhill from there. Save your eyeballs folks - I'm sure there are plenty more mob stories more worthwhile of your time.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have been SO much better. More about Sadie before she came back to town. More to the mafia line, more at the ending. Just....more. I was kind of disappointed in the ending. To me it just seemed to kind of fall flat.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Sadie and Gage!!

I loved Sadie's tenacity. She really overcame a lot of challenges. I loved Gage's protectiveness of Sadie's wellbeing. I was really happy that they got their HEA!!!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

BB is amazing
 
I received this book for an honest review
I loved how these two found each other again. And how love was all they needed.

[Lorraine Anton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were very good. The plot was very good. The chemistry was super Hot.

[Keeana Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captviting, intense, compelling, I was hooked from page one I could not put it down!!

BB, has done it yet again I read this book all in one setting the characters and the development was very well written the story just flowed, the characters chemistry was undeniable!!

Great job I cannot wait to see what BB has in store for us next!!

ARC recieved on behalf of BookaliciousBabesblog!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc for honest review
Hard Bastard was good, I love B. B.s books and this was no exception. Totally loved the story line of young love reunited, Gage and Sadie were perfect together. Whoever said both sides of the law don't mix was wrong. They do mix very well, very very well. I just wanted to feel a little more of Sadies fear, experience more of the threats be thrown at her. Would definitely recommened this book. Good read from beginning to end :)

[L Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full action, suspense, drama and steamy sex scenes. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I recommend reading this book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book written by B.B.Hamel.

[Amanda Ridings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is how you know that an author is an amazing author. This was not one of my favorite books by this author and it was still a 4 Star. In this one our H is Gage and our h is Sadie.

Gage and Sadie have a past. They were high school sweethearts at 16. Sadie's father hated Gage because he was the typical bad boy while also having family in the Mafia. Sadie's mother is also sick and when she is accepted into a treatment the family has to move. Sadie and Gage feel apart.

10 years later, Sadie is back in her old hometown. She went to law school and is now the new ADA. She has prosecuted members of the Mafia and won but left there because of the threats she was getting. Now back home she is given another case with Mafia ties. Sadie decides to go old to an old dive bar from when she left there just for something familiar. She is shocked to see her old boyfriend from 10 years ago.

Gage is now fully immersed in the Mafia life. He is actually a hitman for the Russian Mafia. While out at the dive bar he is shocked to see his old girlfriend, Sadie there. They talk and then he is called away to handle some business. The business is that one of their own is picked up by the cops, Gage and another guy attempt to bribe his way out. The cops are not backing down though with pressure from the feds.

Gage and Sadie see each other a few times and have a hot hook up in his old car. Then it is time for court. Sadie is sitting there waiting on the judge when a group of men in suits walk in. She instantly knows they are Mafia men and then her world is completely turned upside down. Gage walks in last. Sadie now knows that Gage is in the Mafia and is someone she detest. Gage now knows that Sadie is the new ADA that is causing the Mafia all kinds of problems. Sadie wants nothing to do with Gage but at the same time, Gage has new protective instincts to make sure Sadie isn't hurt. What is Gage to do when he is ordered to take her out.

As always, this author is one of my all time favorites. This wasn't a favorite of mine, I'm not sure why, but it still held me until I got to the last page. Sadie was a good h, strong in her own right. Gage was perfect. Yes, absoultely perfect. I loved that dirty mouth. Easily another great book by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Susan Burgess-Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFULLY FANTASTIC BOOK!!!!

BB Hamel does not let her readers down with her books. Just when you think she can’t top the book you are reading she goes and WOWS you again with another amazing book. “Hard Bastard” absolutely touched my soul. You will laugh, cry, scream, get mad, and you will also get extremely hot and bothered. This book has a tattooed foul mouthed killer, a feisty Assistant District Attorney, murder, lots of hot and awesome sex, mafia, and dirty cops. What more can you want in a book. BB grabs you at the beginning of the book and holds your attention till the end of the book. Her story line rocks with the characters of the book. A book that I will definitely be recommending to my friends. Because of the sexual content and the violence this book is recommended for mature readers 18 years of age or older.

Sadie and Gage were high school sweethearts. Sadie was a nice girl from a good and loving family. Sadie’s father did not like Gage at all. Gage just could not resist Sadie, nor could she resist him. They had a special relationship and each what the other liked. They would just get in his old convertible and ride. They were always finding special places for them to be alone. Then one night all that changes. As they are in the middle of loving each other Sadie’s phone rings and it is her dad, and he needs to talk to her. That was the night that Gage and Sadie’s lives changed forever. Sadie and her folks moved away and Gage knew that he couldn’t keep hanging on to her so he let her go. Ten years later Sadie is back and Gage still wants Sadie and she still has feelings for him. Only problem is that Sadie is the assistant District Attorney tasked with putting the Russian mob away, and Gage is a hired killer for the Russian mob and he is told to get rid of Sadie. Does Gage take Sadie out, or does he take her and make her his?

No Spoilers. Advanced Review Copy received.

[Mary Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gage has a bad reputation; most of it is because of the way he looks and that his uncles were rumored to be involved with the Mafia. Even so, Sadie is drawn to him; he is a good person at heart and she knew he wanted to get away from all the pain and the crime he was surrounded by, but he didn’t know how. Sadie wants to help Gage; maybe she can even make a difference. That was 10-years ago, and now Sadie is back in her home town of Ashertown, as the new Assistant District Attorney, remembering Gage as the one that got away, the one that could have been special. Sadie wanted to get far away from the Seattle Mob, only to find herself assigned to another Mob case involving the Petrov family, one Gage is a Debt Collector for and a killer. He had stopped calling Sadie when his uncle offered him a job; he knew she wouldn’t want to get involved with a man like him, but when she left there was no holding him back. Sadie was his life 10-years ago, but seeing her again brought back the rush of memories and emotions. Gage seemed harder somehow, more dangerous but still the same Gage she knew and had that magnetic personality that drew her towards him; she couldn’t walk away now even if she wanted to. The more Sadie looks into her case the more incriminating information she finds about the Petrov family, while Gage is in a quandary. Decisions have to be made, but there are also betrayals that will determine the future course of their lives. Another excellent story that had lots of intrigue, and all the writer’s usual ingredients that makes her stories so exciting to read. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending this book. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc copy for an honest review.
Its hard to imagine your whole life being uprooted not once but twice just because of others. The turmoil of being ripped from someone you love, especially when young and hormones, feelings are rioting inside you. Then later through circumstances and your life is at risk, running scared, terrified of what's on the other side of your locked door.
Sadie coming home to her roots, a new job and meeting back up with Gage, knowing their feelings for each other are as strong as before.
Gage is a bad guy now when he has to be, but Sadie is important to him.
The twists and turns and on the edge of your seat story that we expect from BB as well as the filthy talk and hot sex are here. I love the chemistry and complete trust between Gage and Sadie, the friendship as well as everything else.
Yet another roller coaster read, if you have read any of BB Hamel 's books before then you know what I mean, if you haven't then maybe you should give them a try.
There is a bit of violence but it isn't to extreme apart from one early section, which could be a bit upsetting. Even though the sex sections are hot and with the language to go with it, they aren't over the top or to ex- rated.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie and Gage where young and in love the last time she saw him, then her family was forced to move to Seattle and she had to leave him behind. Now 10 years later she finds herself back in her old hometown and with the job of the ADA and a mob case that her boss wants her to take. Leaving Seattle to start over thanks to the last mob case and she is hesitant to take it, but ends up saying yes. Her first night back home finds her at Ralph's the bar she remembers from her time and face to face with Gage. Gage remembers Sadie from his past, but he has changed since she left including taking up with the local mob. Two opposites in the eyes of the law, but when Sadie's life is threatened Gage finds himself going against the very people who he thought he would do anything for. The two go into hiding and face off against the mob to make it out on the other side. They both know life will be different for them after all is said and done, but as long as they have each other they know they will be ok. Another great read from B.B. Hamel. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc for Honest & fair review!!
After having to leave the love of her life after one short nights notice Sadie is back... Ten years may have pasted but not a lot has changed in this town. After a rocky start to her day Sadie wants to go somewhere that is familiar and what better place then Ralph's. Sadie needs to start looking over this case file she knows that she should hand it right back to her boss but she is a sucker for taking down the mob. That is why she had to leave Seattle and her old job. She doesn't expect to run into the one person she's ever loved since she was a teenager. Gage is out at Ralph's like usual and gets a pleasant surprise when a blast from the past walks into the bar. He hasn't seen Sadie in about ten years or so when she was forced to move so her mom could get cancer treatment to save her life. What he doesn't know is that she's about to be in a world of trouble with his family.. Can Gage stay separate from the trouble Sadie is about to get into??

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a intriguing and fascinating book to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The book covers the second chance at love between: Sadie who is now a Assistant District Attorney wanting the Russian mafia/mob put away and Gage, her teenage sweetheart who is now part of the Russian mafia/mob . What you will find in this book is: drama, intrigue, suspense, a feisty woman, a tattooed dirty talking killer, murder, Russian mafia, corrupt police, kill order, violence, a vow to protect, lust, emotional feeling, love and steamy erotic scenes. The story-line and plot is well thought out and is exceptionally well written. The characters are well developed with personalities and have feelings of lust, needs and desires. I would recommend this book to people who like to read a good entertaining exceptional well written, second chance mafia romance with a HEA, the bonus book is also exceptional well written with a HEA. You will not be disappointed in this book

[Tracie Simister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Hard Bastard: A Second Chance Mafia Romance
Series: Stand-alone
Genre: Romance, Mafia Romance, second chance romance
Author: B. B. Hamel
Format: E-Book
Published: Sep 30, 2016
Rating: 4 ✩'s

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Main Character’s Descriptions:
Sadie is the prosecuting attorney assigned to go after the Russian Mafia.
Gage is in the Russian mafia.
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Summary Paragraph:
Sadie and Gage were high school sweethearts but when her family moves across the country because of her mother’s illness they let each other go. Now 10 years later she is back and is the ADA assigned to prosecute the Russian Mafia. Unfortunately, Gage is tasked with killing her.

I voluntarily reviewed a Courtesy Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
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What I liked or Didn’t like: I loved this book and it was another great read by B. B. Hamel. She always brings just the right touch to her writing.

[Dee Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of Mafia action in this story with lies, betrayals, murders, beatings and shoot 'em ups. Sadie returns to her old hometown to take a promotion as an Assistant District Attorney. She left the West Coast behind to escape mob threats but only to find herself assigned to investigate the East Coast Russian Mafia. Early on, she runs into an old flame from her past, Gage. Although it has been ten years, the Sparks are still there. Problem is, Gage is a Hitman for the Russian Mafia. This complicates their lives and causes a tornado of conflicting emotions, death threats and intense suspense as Gage & Sadie try to navigate the turbulent storm. And along the way, romance blossoms and love grows. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Very thrilling and entertaining second chance love story with Mafia intensity. Five stars.

[bookbroken17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and again you come across an author who's books you enjoy so much that you don't even bother to read the blurb, you just buy the book and prepare yourself for the ride your about to go on and for me, B.B Hamel is one of those authors and as always she didn't disappoint.
This story was well written, the characters were likeable and my attention was held from start to finish. Gage is one seriously sexy bad ass guy and Sadie is gorgeous and a bad ass in her own right, they have history and if Gage has his way, they'll also have a future. There will be some twists and turns along the way, as well as some drama and a bit of soul searching, so will Gage get the future he wants with Sadie or will their careers get in the way? Well I suppose your just going to have to buy a copy to find out

[Janet Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for a honest review!
Love it!
Sadie and Gage are high school sweet hearts! Gage is being raised by his grandma. He is the bad boy of their school and has a reputation due to his families dealing or rumor of his families dealings or ties to the Mafia. Sadie and Gage are forced to separate when her family has to move due to her mom's health concerns. Not long after her move Gage cuts all contact between them.
10 years later Sadie is back in town as the new ADA. She was brought in to take down the Mafia. The same Mafia that Gage works for. And Gage's next mission for them is to kill Sadie before she can take them down.
When they see each other for the first time all the attraction and sexual tension returns immediately.
I love this story line and the characters. B.B. Hamel is amazingly talented! I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE!!!!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of two childhood sweethearts Sadie and Gage. Gage has been raised as part of the Russian Mafia, and when Sadie has to leave town due to her mother’s illness, they lose contact. When Sadie returns 10 years later after accepting a job as an ADA after her work in Seattle in bringing down the mafia there, things heat up! She sees Gage in a bar, and they both realize that the attraction between them is as intense as it always has been. There begins the problems of the difference in occupations. Will love survive, or will this be the end forever? You really need to read this for yourself to find out.
This is a fast paced story, and with all of the twists and turns I was hooked from the very beginning. I love this author’s work, and this one was no different. I recommend this authors work for all, and I cannot wait to read more of her work.

[Lieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

BB Hamel has done it again with Hard Bastard ; she wrote a story you don 't want to put down and will read again and again. Definitely a must read .
In Hard Bastard the author takes us on a rollercoaster ride full of suspense , angst, danger , mafia and lots of explicit sex scenes with a panty melting and very dirty mouthed Gabe and the so lovable sweet and adorable Sadie . Their chemistry is scorching hot and even the mafia can 't keep them apart .
In one word , Hard Bastard is a unique and very action packed story about a second chance love..... so buckle your seatbelts and get ready for the ride of your life. One you don 't wanna miss out and never will forget !
I just LOVED it !! Thanks BB , great job ;)

recieved a copy for a honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great read from BB. Gage was cool, calm and collected on the outside, no one would have guessed his heart was broken when Sadie moved across the other side of the country to try and save her mum's life with a new cancer treatment. Was it a success, you'll have to read to find out! Sadie however made a success of her life, throwing herself into school, getting her law degree and becoming a district attorney. Did she realise she'd end up back in her home town, probably not, but neither did she realise said home town was so corrupt. What mess does she get herself into? Does she listen, not really! Does Gage come to her rescue? IS there any light at the end of the ever closing tunnel? If only Sadie had listened!