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Filth #3
Hardcore
I am an Alexander. Our last name is an institution in legal circles. You're raised to be an apex predator in the courtroom and outside of it. Being weak or losing at anything is not an option.
To paint the picture, most fathers sit their sons down to have “the talk” about what it means to be a man in the world. My father handed me a proverbial rusty knife, and said, “Cut out anything but ambition and loyalty.”
Don't confuse these statements as woe-is-me. I made myself in my father's image for many years. Didn't matter if I liked the man who looked back.
I'm just giving you the facts.
So when Kennedy Mclane caught sight of this ruthless man after we had sex, she ran. I had a rare moment of...chivalry? Humanity? I don't know. I decided to be the good guy, and ignore the fact we feel unfinished. Or the way she looks at me. Or that she gets jealous.
She didn't want me to slip into my predator skin and do my own version of the wild hunt. It stayed that way for three years until she climbed back into my bed. Whether she's ready for me this time or not is a moot point. I've been more than fair and patient.
She's probably going to hate me by the end of all this.
I don't care.
The game has begun and I never lose. I cut that part out of me.
To paint the picture, most fathers sit their sons down to have “the talk” about what it means to be a man in the world. My father handed me a proverbial rusty knife, and said, “Cut out anything but ambition and loyalty.”
Don't confuse these statements as woe-is-me. I made myself in my father's image for many years. Didn't matter if I liked the man who looked back.
I'm just giving you the facts.
So when Kennedy Mclane caught sight of this ruthless man after we had sex, she ran. I had a rare moment of...chivalry? Humanity? I don't know. I decided to be the good guy, and ignore the fact we feel unfinished. Or the way she looks at me. Or that she gets jealous.
She didn't want me to slip into my predator skin and do my own version of the wild hunt. It stayed that way for three years until she climbed back into my bed. Whether she's ready for me this time or not is a moot point. I've been more than fair and patient.
She's probably going to hate me by the end of all this.
I don't care.
The game has begun and I never lose. I cut that part out of me.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2017
29 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Gray
5 books124 followersDakota Gray is the author of the Filth series. She's a longtime romance reader and she's not ashamed to fangirl over heroes with dirty mouths, dirtier minds and a soft heart.
Gray writes the heroes you shouldn't take home to mom, sassy heroines and sigh-worthy happily ever afters.
You can LIKE her Facebook (facebook.com/dakotagrayauthor/) page or follower her on TWITTER (twitter.com/dakota_writes).
For updates or sneak peeks on new releases you can subscribe to her newsletter (eepurl.com/bXpETn).
Gray writes the heroes you shouldn't take home to mom, sassy heroines and sigh-worthy happily ever afters.
You can LIKE her Facebook (facebook.com/dakotagrayauthor/) page or follower her on TWITTER (twitter.com/dakota_writes).
For updates or sneak peeks on new releases you can subscribe to her newsletter (eepurl.com/bXpETn).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 17, 2017
After reading and thoroughly enjoying Dakota Gray’s novel Perv (whose hero Nate will be forever known to me as ‘The Pussy Whisperer’), and sequel Filth (the same romance but told from Robyn’s point of view), I was looking forward to reading about Nate’s friend Duke. He’s come across as an interesting and intense secondary character and Hardcore definitely describes him and his romance with feisty, fiery Kennedy.
Duke Alexander is a workaholic, a somewhat bitter man still coming to terms with his estranged father’s death. He could have worked as a lawyer for his father’s firm but he eschewed the entitlement and expectations that would come from that (and the money) and went his own route, becoming a well-known defense lawyer, looking to make senior partner at Lance and Chase. He doesn’t care much about whether the person he defends is guilty or innocent – he just wants to win. He also wants a woman who understands that what they see is what they get, and doesn’t want to change him. That’s a tall order, but Kennedy seems like she could be the one.
Kennedy Mclane is one of the admin professionals who works for the same firm as Duke when one night, at an office Christmas party, she and Duke share a steamy one night stand. But for a few reasons, including Duke’s intensity, she backs off from making anything more of it than an itch that’s been scratched. Fast forward three years and Kennedy has left the firm and started her own legal courier business. She’s around the firm on a daily basis and still friends with the secretary pool and Duke’s assistant Gwen ( a saintly woman who puts up with Duke and all his moods). She and Duke have been circling each other during this time, but never going any further, until she calls him one night when she’s had a few drinks and needs a ride home. It’s the start of something real and tangible between them, something neither is ready to define. But if Duke doesn’t get his act together, Kennedy is liable to slip through his fingers again.
The story starts out with a steamy prologue (the one night stand) that sets the tone. Kennedy and Duke are definitely on the same page sexually, and very compatible. But they are very different people. Kennedy has a pretty black and white view of things, having lost her mother to a home invasion when she was young. She’s not sure what to make of Duke and his win at all costs attitude, a man who definitely sees things in shades of gray. It’s one of the reasons why their first night together doesn’t lead to anything more for a few years. Duke believes Kennedy needs time to understand that he’s never going to be the good guy who’ll give her the white picket fence and the 2.4 kids and the sweet romance he thinks she wants (and deserves). And he is just waiting for her to accept him as the bad guy he really is. Of course, while Duke believes himself to be that bad guy, the truth is that he has a lot of good qualities – he’s a loyal friend to Nate and their buddy Tarek, he’s a hard worker (in fact he works too hard, logging long hours and doing his best on every law case he’s assigned), he’s protective and he’s an unselfish lover. But he never wants to show any weakness and this puts a wedge between him and Kennedy.
The ups and downs of Duke’s relationship with Kennedy is interspersed with a case in which Duke is tasked with defending his boss’s nephew from a murder charge. It makes for an entertaining and page turning story. Duke’s two best friends Nate and Tarek give us the bromance scenes we want, ones that show more of that ‘good guy’ character Duke tries so hard to hide. Duke is definitely a complex character and since the story is told from his point of view, we get to see all his flaws but that just makes him more real. There are some laughs for sure, some poignant moments, and some assholish moves on Duke’s part that will require some good groveling. Kennedy’s not afraid to call him out when needed, making it clear that they’ll be equals in their partnership. It’s a super sexy romance and definitely lived up to my expectations. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series, and I’ll content myself with rereading this one while I wait.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
This review appears at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
Duke Alexander is a workaholic, a somewhat bitter man still coming to terms with his estranged father’s death. He could have worked as a lawyer for his father’s firm but he eschewed the entitlement and expectations that would come from that (and the money) and went his own route, becoming a well-known defense lawyer, looking to make senior partner at Lance and Chase. He doesn’t care much about whether the person he defends is guilty or innocent – he just wants to win. He also wants a woman who understands that what they see is what they get, and doesn’t want to change him. That’s a tall order, but Kennedy seems like she could be the one.
Kennedy Mclane is one of the admin professionals who works for the same firm as Duke when one night, at an office Christmas party, she and Duke share a steamy one night stand. But for a few reasons, including Duke’s intensity, she backs off from making anything more of it than an itch that’s been scratched. Fast forward three years and Kennedy has left the firm and started her own legal courier business. She’s around the firm on a daily basis and still friends with the secretary pool and Duke’s assistant Gwen ( a saintly woman who puts up with Duke and all his moods). She and Duke have been circling each other during this time, but never going any further, until she calls him one night when she’s had a few drinks and needs a ride home. It’s the start of something real and tangible between them, something neither is ready to define. But if Duke doesn’t get his act together, Kennedy is liable to slip through his fingers again.
The story starts out with a steamy prologue (the one night stand) that sets the tone. Kennedy and Duke are definitely on the same page sexually, and very compatible. But they are very different people. Kennedy has a pretty black and white view of things, having lost her mother to a home invasion when she was young. She’s not sure what to make of Duke and his win at all costs attitude, a man who definitely sees things in shades of gray. It’s one of the reasons why their first night together doesn’t lead to anything more for a few years. Duke believes Kennedy needs time to understand that he’s never going to be the good guy who’ll give her the white picket fence and the 2.4 kids and the sweet romance he thinks she wants (and deserves). And he is just waiting for her to accept him as the bad guy he really is. Of course, while Duke believes himself to be that bad guy, the truth is that he has a lot of good qualities – he’s a loyal friend to Nate and their buddy Tarek, he’s a hard worker (in fact he works too hard, logging long hours and doing his best on every law case he’s assigned), he’s protective and he’s an unselfish lover. But he never wants to show any weakness and this puts a wedge between him and Kennedy.
The ups and downs of Duke’s relationship with Kennedy is interspersed with a case in which Duke is tasked with defending his boss’s nephew from a murder charge. It makes for an entertaining and page turning story. Duke’s two best friends Nate and Tarek give us the bromance scenes we want, ones that show more of that ‘good guy’ character Duke tries so hard to hide. Duke is definitely a complex character and since the story is told from his point of view, we get to see all his flaws but that just makes him more real. There are some laughs for sure, some poignant moments, and some assholish moves on Duke’s part that will require some good groveling. Kennedy’s not afraid to call him out when needed, making it clear that they’ll be equals in their partnership. It’s a super sexy romance and definitely lived up to my expectations. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series, and I’ll content myself with rereading this one while I wait.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
This review appears at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
January 31, 2021
This book is just 200 pages of a man yelling about HoW HarDaSs anD CoLd hE iS instead of using his criminal lawyer salary to get some therapy.
September 1, 2018
*sigh* so fucking romantic :) prepare for ALL THE FEELS!
Okay, so I forgot to expand on my review ... oops :)
I'm gonna tell you now that if Hardcore is not your first read in this series and you know Duke from previous books, surprise !! ;) This was not the Duke I expected. Let me explain ....
Since I know Duke, I expected a hardass, alpha, take no prisoners guy. In public AND private. But .... surprise, because Duke the lawyer takes no prisoners but Duke the man ... he's a pile of delicious alpha goodness cloaked with heart. Lots and lots of heart! I'm not going any further on that because I don't want to give a single feel away about this book. And trust me when I tell you, YOU WILL FEEL ! (and not just in your girlie parts lol)
Let's chat about Kennedy. Le sigh ... Kennedy, Kennedy, Kennedy, oh how I don't truly understand you ;) But you give Duke's world light, so I'm gonna overlook your craycray :) And that's all you get on THAT because again, you need to experience it all with little prejudice.
I will say this. Dakota Gray has no shame and I love it. There are no rules. She writes to the beat of her own mind. She is unique. And I can tell you with great certainty that as soon as I read Kennedy's side of the story, it's gonna be like a brand new story. She did it with Nate & Robyn (Perv & Filth) and I am in awe at her talent.
Hardcore can be read as a standalone, but why in the world would you want to do that?!?!?!
Copy provided for early review
Okay, so I forgot to expand on my review ... oops :)
I'm gonna tell you now that if Hardcore is not your first read in this series and you know Duke from previous books, surprise !! ;) This was not the Duke I expected. Let me explain ....
Since I know Duke, I expected a hardass, alpha, take no prisoners guy. In public AND private. But .... surprise, because Duke the lawyer takes no prisoners but Duke the man ... he's a pile of delicious alpha goodness cloaked with heart. Lots and lots of heart! I'm not going any further on that because I don't want to give a single feel away about this book. And trust me when I tell you, YOU WILL FEEL ! (and not just in your girlie parts lol)
Let's chat about Kennedy. Le sigh ... Kennedy, Kennedy, Kennedy, oh how I don't truly understand you ;) But you give Duke's world light, so I'm gonna overlook your craycray :) And that's all you get on THAT because again, you need to experience it all with little prejudice.
I will say this. Dakota Gray has no shame and I love it. There are no rules. She writes to the beat of her own mind. She is unique. And I can tell you with great certainty that as soon as I read Kennedy's side of the story, it's gonna be like a brand new story. She did it with Nate & Robyn (Perv & Filth) and I am in awe at her talent.
Hardcore can be read as a standalone, but why in the world would you want to do that?!?!?!
Copy provided for early review
February 1, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
<--#startofwordvomitproceedwithcaution-->
I sampled reading Perv (Filth #1) last year and boy was I in for such a surprise. That book was the most interesting I read last year and from there I told myself I have to read everything this author publishes. (Well, at least the M/F ones. I'm too chicken to read anything else.)
Hardcore has exceeded my expectation of a good-time read earning itself the best one yet after the 5-star drought I was having which started this year. It's the third in this standalone series featuring Nate's (from Perv) friend who's a lawyer, Duke Alexander, and the woman who brought him to his knees (literally and figuratively), Kennedy Mclane.
So get this: man is an asshole, woman is not but said woman still wants him despite of that, not because she thinks she could change him but believes the man is nothing but a sham. Both are not perfect from their own misgivings and failure in judgment. But the story digs deep and nothing could've prepared me from the truth bombs that exploded and the satisfaction that followed thereafter.
Duke Alexander is the epitome of tall, dark, handsome and very dangerous. Dangerous in a way that's intimidating. Dangerous in a way that when he comes near you, you better run. And fast. Dangerous in a way you wouldn't want to mess with him in the court room because the guy is one damn fine lawyer. Heartless and cold might be his middle name. Control is like air for him–he practically breathes it. And he's unapologetic about it. Also, very ambitious.
I didn't like him from the get go. To be honest, I was scared of what he might do to Kennedy. (Predator, remember?) The guy's been in to hell because of his hard ass attitude towards his father's decisions and how he seemed to think he's wired that way, too. (He's an Alexander. Alexanders are known for brutal and ruthless.) His relationship with him was so twisted I wasn't sure if he treated him as his own son or whatever. He made sure to cut Duke off his will because the guy wouldn't bend to his every whim then as payback, pass down their own law firm empire to his mediocre cousin. What parent does that? But Duke doesn't back down on any challenge. So he made sure to work twice as hard for him to get where he is now. Now you know where Duke got that hardshell of a man that he is? He truly believed that but seriously while I saw Duke the lawyer in all his cold-hearted glory, the story perfectly blended the gooey part of him in very subtle of ways.
Then there's Kennedy Mclane. Kennedy who sees through Duke's bullshit. Kennedy whose vibes is I'm sexy and I fucking know it. Kennedy who's confident, can stand her ground with Duke and has a good heart. She believed in the good, in hope. Also the woman was a goddamn flirt and liked to test Duke's limits. God, I love her! She's such a tease! Her characterization was a blur in the beginning which made sense because they weren't in that level of understanding yet. But from Duke's POV as I go along, I found out she was nothing short of amazing. She dealt with a lot of things in the past and had to work hard as well to get her career stabilized. Sometimes, I just wanted to scream at her to run the fuck away because Duke, really? Of all people?! Why him! But I learned she's the perfect match to Duke. She loves people, he doesn't. She doesn't have trouble showing her feelings, he does. Kennedy can set him straight and I always love a woman who knows how to knock her man down on his ass. That's Kennedy. Kennedy whose ass jiggles and has cushiony stomach–which Duke prefers and loves, thank you very much.
The romance was magnified every time Good Guy Duke (the man) took over Bad Guy Duke (the lawyer). It was beautiful. And funny. I liked how Bad Guy Duke wanted to murder Good Guy Duke because he despised him so much. Now I'm not saying he's changed. It's just that his character development was solid and well thought out that he didn't do a 180. He did, however, reveal The Duke, not the lawyer but the man behind it. The Duke who can be a lawyer and a man all at once. He was still the shark I thought he was but he's now a feeling shark, if that makes sense. LOL. It was beautiful. It was also very satisfying to watch him fall down, suffer because of his own doing. You know how in most romance books the redemption of hero after the conflict was so abrupt? Like the guy kissed the girl and poof–all's right in the world again. Like the guy shows his hand once, falls to his feet once and the girl forgives him–just. like. that? Yeah, no, sorry I am tired of that. Duke didn't just grovel. He grovelled hard–pain, sweat and all–and more than once (ha take that!) to earn Kennedy's trust back. It. Was. So. Beautiful. (Hey, Duke was a hard shell to crack. He had to do the grandest gesture.)
Well, aside from that?
The male POV was accurate AF and if I may say, almost like Emma Chase's (Queen of Male POVs). And while it was purely from Duke's perspective, I couldn't help but to be amazed at how significant the roles of the female characters played in the story and how absolutely extraordinary they were. I marvelled at these not-so little things because I really think they're necessary to point out.
Case #1: This was when Duke's mom confronted (to put it nicely) him about his feelings for Kennedy.
Case #2: From Duke's friends' (Nate and Tarek) POV when he started spacing out at the gym that Tarek owns.
Case #3: Hurt (or turned heartless–you decide) Kennedy during a brunch at Heather's house.
Case #4: Gwen, Duke's paralegal, taking the upper hand.
Case #5: Kennedy being Kennedy after Duke practically grovelled... and failed. I love her with all my cold heart.
Have you noticed how I basically skinned the characters in this book? HAHA. It's what I do–I examine people and their actions. Sorry not sorry. Moving on!
The tug-of-war of feelings and attraction between Duke and Kennedy was so much fun to watch. (Because I got to see Duke lose most of the time. HAHA!) They bantered like real adults but with so much chemistry, intensity and intent to ravage each other. Duke was still Duke for believing that's all there is to Duke Alexander–nothing good, at all. While Kennedy believed he's something more. The sex scenes were hot AF. Like holy-shit-that's-so-hot hot . The interaction between the secondary characters didn't come out to be just fillers. If anything, that's another layer of the story that I totally loved. Gabriel, the additional character whose case was being handled by Duke, was a delight as well. Him being there added a bit of suspense in the story and he didn't just become a passer-by character. He became a part of it, a part of Duke and Kennedy. And while the case was something outside the romance, the whole premise was skilfully weaved in to the story adding more dimension to it. It was brilliant.
Now let's take a quick recap. Characters? Not perfect. (I'm sure you'd hate Duke haha! I did.) Their actions and choices? So not perfect. Narration? Perfect. Pacing and progress? Perfect. Overall impact? Standing ovation.
Hardcore falls under the not-sweet-but-sprinkled-with-a-little-of-it romance that's heart-stopping, heartbreaking and consuming. I wouldn't have any thing any other way. Just wonderful in every way. Hell, I'm grateful it put me out of my 5-star reads dry spell!
Overall, I'm so happy how Hardcore turned out for me and I'd definitely be looking out for more Dakota Gray books in the future!
<--#endofwordvomitbye-->
PS. Okay okay I admit to being scared as shit because OW and OM were mentioned but thankfully there wasn't any fucking that happened between those people and our (anti) hero and heroine.
<--#startofwordvomitproceedwithcaution-->
I sampled reading Perv (Filth #1) last year and boy was I in for such a surprise. That book was the most interesting I read last year and from there I told myself I have to read everything this author publishes. (Well, at least the M/F ones. I'm too chicken to read anything else.)
Hardcore has exceeded my expectation of a good-time read earning itself the best one yet after the 5-star drought I was having which started this year. It's the third in this standalone series featuring Nate's (from Perv) friend who's a lawyer, Duke Alexander, and the woman who brought him to his knees (literally and figuratively), Kennedy Mclane.
So get this: man is an asshole, woman is not but said woman still wants him despite of that, not because she thinks she could change him but believes the man is nothing but a sham. Both are not perfect from their own misgivings and failure in judgment. But the story digs deep and nothing could've prepared me from the truth bombs that exploded and the satisfaction that followed thereafter.
Duke Alexander is the epitome of tall, dark, handsome and very dangerous. Dangerous in a way that's intimidating. Dangerous in a way that when he comes near you, you better run. And fast. Dangerous in a way you wouldn't want to mess with him in the court room because the guy is one damn fine lawyer. Heartless and cold might be his middle name. Control is like air for him–he practically breathes it. And he's unapologetic about it. Also, very ambitious.
I didn't like him from the get go. To be honest, I was scared of what he might do to Kennedy. (Predator, remember?) The guy's been in to hell because of his hard ass attitude towards his father's decisions and how he seemed to think he's wired that way, too. (He's an Alexander. Alexanders are known for brutal and ruthless.) His relationship with him was so twisted I wasn't sure if he treated him as his own son or whatever. He made sure to cut Duke off his will because the guy wouldn't bend to his every whim then as payback, pass down their own law firm empire to his mediocre cousin. What parent does that? But Duke doesn't back down on any challenge. So he made sure to work twice as hard for him to get where he is now. Now you know where Duke got that hardshell of a man that he is? He truly believed that but seriously while I saw Duke the lawyer in all his cold-hearted glory, the story perfectly blended the gooey part of him in very subtle of ways.
Then there's Kennedy Mclane. Kennedy who sees through Duke's bullshit. Kennedy whose vibes is I'm sexy and I fucking know it. Kennedy who's confident, can stand her ground with Duke and has a good heart. She believed in the good, in hope. Also the woman was a goddamn flirt and liked to test Duke's limits. God, I love her! She's such a tease! Her characterization was a blur in the beginning which made sense because they weren't in that level of understanding yet. But from Duke's POV as I go along, I found out she was nothing short of amazing. She dealt with a lot of things in the past and had to work hard as well to get her career stabilized. Sometimes, I just wanted to scream at her to run the fuck away because Duke, really? Of all people?! Why him! But I learned she's the perfect match to Duke. She loves people, he doesn't. She doesn't have trouble showing her feelings, he does. Kennedy can set him straight and I always love a woman who knows how to knock her man down on his ass. That's Kennedy. Kennedy whose ass jiggles and has cushiony stomach–which Duke prefers and loves, thank you very much.
The romance was magnified every time Good Guy Duke (the man) took over Bad Guy Duke (the lawyer). It was beautiful. And funny. I liked how Bad Guy Duke wanted to murder Good Guy Duke because he despised him so much. Now I'm not saying he's changed. It's just that his character development was solid and well thought out that he didn't do a 180. He did, however, reveal The Duke, not the lawyer but the man behind it. The Duke who can be a lawyer and a man all at once. He was still the shark I thought he was but he's now a feeling shark, if that makes sense. LOL. It was beautiful. It was also very satisfying to watch him fall down, suffer because of his own doing. You know how in most romance books the redemption of hero after the conflict was so abrupt? Like the guy kissed the girl and poof–all's right in the world again. Like the guy shows his hand once, falls to his feet once and the girl forgives him–just. like. that? Yeah, no, sorry I am tired of that. Duke didn't just grovel. He grovelled hard–pain, sweat and all–and more than once (ha take that!) to earn Kennedy's trust back. It. Was. So. Beautiful. (Hey, Duke was a hard shell to crack. He had to do the grandest gesture.)
Well, aside from that?
The male POV was accurate AF and if I may say, almost like Emma Chase's (Queen of Male POVs). And while it was purely from Duke's perspective, I couldn't help but to be amazed at how significant the roles of the female characters played in the story and how absolutely extraordinary they were. I marvelled at these not-so little things because I really think they're necessary to point out.
Case #1: This was when Duke's mom confronted (to put it nicely) him about his feelings for Kennedy.
She is smart, merciless and knows where to hit you where it hurts.
– Madison Heather Alexander, Duke's mom
Case #2: From Duke's friends' (Nate and Tarek) POV when he started spacing out at the gym that Tarek owns.
(Nate to Tarek)
How do you know it's this Kennedy?
The frown lines. She's the only woman who makes him emote.
Case #3: Hurt (or turned heartless–you decide) Kennedy during a brunch at Heather's house.
I take the way she ignores me for an hour after that. I suck it up when she announces she hast to go and gives air kisses to Robyn, shit even Keisha. Nate and Tarek get pats on the shoulder. My mother gets her laugh and smiles.
Me, she walks right past.
I tell myself it doesn't gut me.
Case #4: Gwen, Duke's paralegal, taking the upper hand.
(Duke) I'm ill.
(Gwen) Your heart's broken. Stop being a drama queen. And it's your own fault.
Case #5: Kennedy being Kennedy after Duke practically grovelled... and failed. I love her with all my cold heart.
"Now what?" she yells. "I fall into your arms?"
Have you noticed how I basically skinned the characters in this book? HAHA. It's what I do–I examine people and their actions. Sorry not sorry. Moving on!
The tug-of-war of feelings and attraction between Duke and Kennedy was so much fun to watch. (Because I got to see Duke lose most of the time. HAHA!) They bantered like real adults but with so much chemistry, intensity and intent to ravage each other. Duke was still Duke for believing that's all there is to Duke Alexander–nothing good, at all. While Kennedy believed he's something more. The sex scenes were hot AF. Like holy-shit-that's-so-hot hot . The interaction between the secondary characters didn't come out to be just fillers. If anything, that's another layer of the story that I totally loved. Gabriel, the additional character whose case was being handled by Duke, was a delight as well. Him being there added a bit of suspense in the story and he didn't just become a passer-by character. He became a part of it, a part of Duke and Kennedy. And while the case was something outside the romance, the whole premise was skilfully weaved in to the story adding more dimension to it. It was brilliant.
Now let's take a quick recap. Characters? Not perfect. (I'm sure you'd hate Duke haha! I did.) Their actions and choices? So not perfect. Narration? Perfect. Pacing and progress? Perfect. Overall impact? Standing ovation.
Hardcore falls under the not-sweet-but-sprinkled-with-a-little-of-it romance that's heart-stopping, heartbreaking and consuming. I wouldn't have any thing any other way. Just wonderful in every way. Hell, I'm grateful it put me out of my 5-star reads dry spell!
Overall, I'm so happy how Hardcore turned out for me and I'd definitely be looking out for more Dakota Gray books in the future!
<--#endofwordvomitbye-->
PS. Okay okay I admit to being scared as shit because OW and OM were mentioned but thankfully there wasn't any fucking that happened between those people and our (anti) hero and heroine.
February 2, 2017
This probably would have been a five star review ( I love this author's voice and this series ) but I was getting mixed signals from the gorgeous Duke. I adored his cold aloofness in book one and was expecting more of that. But it was a mix of good guy // bad guy and I wasn't sure if he could decide just what he wanted to be so it had me confused throughout.
it didn't put me off the story, as I said I love this author who is new to me but now a firm auto-buy and I loved my dirty boy Duke in his dirtier moments and the moments with his friends and his young criminal mentee.
The heroine actually came out on top for me, which is a very big surprise, I rarely relate to any heroine, rather being finding them irritating.
Overall a great read and already I want the next one!
it didn't put me off the story, as I said I love this author who is new to me but now a firm auto-buy and I loved my dirty boy Duke in his dirtier moments and the moments with his friends and his young criminal mentee.
The heroine actually came out on top for me, which is a very big surprise, I rarely relate to any heroine, rather being finding them irritating.
Overall a great read and already I want the next one!
March 13, 2017
This book doesn't give a fuck and I adored it. Really difficult, screwed up hero and a kick-ass heroine who more than matches him. Seriously this will be one of my top picks for 2017.
February 7, 2017
Love me a dirty mouth Duke. Loved Kennedy too. Fun read!
February 6, 2017
Much like Perv, this book was more complicated than it may have seemed from the blurb. Duke is emotionally stunted because of life. Kennedy is full of hope. Their coming together is a great fit, but getting Duke to come to terms with it, well that's what this book is about. The book is solely Duke's POV.
I really enjoy this author's voice. I feel like she's giving us anti heroes and making us love them. Duke is kind of awful to Kennedy, but of course he eventually gets his head out of his ass and does the appropriate amount of groveling.
I really enjoy this author's voice. I feel like she's giving us anti heroes and making us love them. Duke is kind of awful to Kennedy, but of course he eventually gets his head out of his ass and does the appropriate amount of groveling.
August 5, 2017
I reviewed this over at the Book Queen's site: http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/2017/07...
September 20, 2019
4.25 solid hot stars. Thankyou Dakota Gray. I think I’ll have to read the next one.
January 18, 2020
4.5
I didn't want to like Duke but he won me over. I'm a sucker for a romance with a great friend group. Duke's support network endeared him to me. It rounded him out so he wasn't just this hard ass.
Kennedy and Duke are so sexy and cute together. I'm not really a second-chance romance reader, but this really did it for me. Damn you Dakota Gray for being so good.
I didn't want to like Duke but he won me over. I'm a sucker for a romance with a great friend group. Duke's support network endeared him to me. It rounded him out so he wasn't just this hard ass.
Kennedy and Duke are so sexy and cute together. I'm not really a second-chance romance reader, but this really did it for me. Damn you Dakota Gray for being so good.
March 10, 2017
4,5 stars!
August 27, 2021
Ok look, I tried, I really did! I got 60% of the way through and I just can’t take it anymore. The main character is an ass and not even in a good way. His thoughts are unoriginal after the first chapter, and he is boring all around. He gripes on and on about how he hates being “a good guy” and how he doesn’t like his dad and all that bull crap, but jeez dude do you think about anything else? Also the book starts with a mediocre sex scene that plays out for way too long between the characters that I lost interest in almost immediately. I don’t know the characters yet so why do I care? Then they don’t really touch each other again until like 60% of the way through the book and get this, it’s almost the same exact sex scene! I thought things were about to change and the author does a fade to black moment! Like, the characters are already having sex, you giving out now right when things were heating up just shows you’re not comfortable writing this and you didn’t know where to take it.
I think the book had a lot of potential. The main characters motivations were surface level cool, and I loved the heroine. Their banter was pretty nice, and the slice of life moments at work were fun. My two biggest complaints are his ‘too tough to have emotions’ attitude that completely dominated the writing style, making every passage repetitive and nonsensical, and the fact that it felt like the author couldn’t commit to the steamy sex his characters were talking about on the page. If his personality had more dimension and if their connection was the focus and not the sex they both want (but that the readers are left in the dark about) then I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.
Romance novels don’t have to have descriptive mind blowing sex if your characters can stand on their own and pull the book forward. Don’t call your novel filth if the filthiest thing they do is go at it doggy style for three sentences with a condom on. If you don’t want to write that then it’s fine, just write what you’re comfortable with. But don’t limit your characters so severely that it completely derails the story and I’m willing to give up with 3 hours left.
All that said, I’ll be keeping tabs on this author and trying out some of their other books, I feel like this book might’ve been a dud, but they’ve got talent if they can just write what they actually want to write. If they wanted to write this then maybe it just wasn’t for me. YMMV and my opinions are my own.
I think the book had a lot of potential. The main characters motivations were surface level cool, and I loved the heroine. Their banter was pretty nice, and the slice of life moments at work were fun. My two biggest complaints are his ‘too tough to have emotions’ attitude that completely dominated the writing style, making every passage repetitive and nonsensical, and the fact that it felt like the author couldn’t commit to the steamy sex his characters were talking about on the page. If his personality had more dimension and if their connection was the focus and not the sex they both want (but that the readers are left in the dark about) then I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.
Romance novels don’t have to have descriptive mind blowing sex if your characters can stand on their own and pull the book forward. Don’t call your novel filth if the filthiest thing they do is go at it doggy style for three sentences with a condom on. If you don’t want to write that then it’s fine, just write what you’re comfortable with. But don’t limit your characters so severely that it completely derails the story and I’m willing to give up with 3 hours left.
All that said, I’ll be keeping tabs on this author and trying out some of their other books, I feel like this book might’ve been a dud, but they’ve got talent if they can just write what they actually want to write. If they wanted to write this then maybe it just wasn’t for me. YMMV and my opinions are my own.
January 31, 2017
Talk about a rollercoaster ride. This is Duke's book. This is truly a standalone. I read Perv, Book #1, but I don't think you would miss anything much if you started with Hardcore.
I wanted to dislike Duke, but I just could not. The title is perfect for Duke's personality. The romance comes in while watching Duke get to the soft center of his hardcore nature. Kennedy is just the woman strong enough to help him get there.
In all honesty, a number of other people also helped him get there. His best friends, Nate and Tarek; his secretary, Gwen; his pro bono Gabriel; and his mom.
This was not a "sweet" romance, but it grabbed my from page one and kept me until the very end. You absolutely do get your HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
I wanted to dislike Duke, but I just could not. The title is perfect for Duke's personality. The romance comes in while watching Duke get to the soft center of his hardcore nature. Kennedy is just the woman strong enough to help him get there.
In all honesty, a number of other people also helped him get there. His best friends, Nate and Tarek; his secretary, Gwen; his pro bono Gabriel; and his mom.
This was not a "sweet" romance, but it grabbed my from page one and kept me until the very end. You absolutely do get your HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
February 3, 2017
I had high expectations for Duke's book, but it surpassed everything and it was even better.
I couldn't ask for a better history. Duke and Kennedy knew each other so well and it was heaven and hell because they knew how to be perfect to one another, but also knew how to hurt each other as nobody business.
Duke's apology was the sweetest and I loved how he remained true to himself as well as let Kennedy take care of his soft side.
Kennedy is a hoot, his PERFECT match, head to toe and loved how she busted his balls at every turn. Gabriel and Gwen were awesome additions - that part when Duke hugs a crying Gabriel at the floor of his office brought tears to my eyes. Nate and Tarek were great as usual.
I can't recommend Hardcore enough, go grab your copy!
I couldn't ask for a better history. Duke and Kennedy knew each other so well and it was heaven and hell because they knew how to be perfect to one another, but also knew how to hurt each other as nobody business.
Duke's apology was the sweetest and I loved how he remained true to himself as well as let Kennedy take care of his soft side.
Kennedy is a hoot, his PERFECT match, head to toe and loved how she busted his balls at every turn. Gabriel and Gwen were awesome additions - that part when Duke hugs a crying Gabriel at the floor of his office brought tears to my eyes. Nate and Tarek were great as usual.
I can't recommend Hardcore enough, go grab your copy!
February 18, 2019
This book is so perfect, vivid realistic flawed but absolutely lovable characters, captivating dialogue and story line, steamy sexy scene, perfect supportive characters, everything in this book is executed perfectly.
I really enjoyed this book and hope that Ms Gray could write fast and writes plenty and write lots.... Ms Gray is now part of my very limited list of Auto-buy authors. Authors that I won't bother to read book reviews from others, nope, I like them so much that I do not really care if others like them or not.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. This book had done the impossible, it turn a middle aged cynical tired working mum into a gushing teenager. If only I know how to insert those fabulous GIFs and pretty pictures.....nope! Not that much of a teenager yet.
I really enjoyed this book and hope that Ms Gray could write fast and writes plenty and write lots.... Ms Gray is now part of my very limited list of Auto-buy authors. Authors that I won't bother to read book reviews from others, nope, I like them so much that I do not really care if others like them or not.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. This book had done the impossible, it turn a middle aged cynical tired working mum into a gushing teenager. If only I know how to insert those fabulous GIFs and pretty pictures.....nope! Not that much of a teenager yet.
May 31, 2017
I liked Duke’s story. I got into eye-rolling territory after the umpteenth obvious “I’m messed up because my father didn’t love me” moment. Kennedy is wonderful - confident, comfortable in her skin, smart. She would be fun to hang out with. I wish Duke’s kinky needs had been explored more - I was mildly confused at the end about whether he tended towards Dom or sub or ? It was never clear to me.
Bought from kobo
Bought from kobo
November 4, 2019
Going by its title and the glimpses of Duke we're privy to in
Perv
, I was expecting this to be a, well, hardcore book.
...
I wasn't expecting to be mown down by the FUCKING FLUFFY FEELS!
Dear god, Gray, are you trying to kill me? Because it's working, I'm only half alive at this point.
I mean, look at this shit:
Ugh, I am complete trash for this man.
Complete.
Trash.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg that is Duke Alexander.
There's trauma.
There's unwittingly given compassion.
Thoughtfulness.
Ruthlessness.
"Skills" in the kitchen.
Pro bono puppies.
Polka dots.
And the filth, of course.
There's a reason I dubbed Dakota Gray the Queen of Filth.
A damned good reason.
...
Read this book, idiots.
Read it now!
...
I wasn't expecting to be mown down by the FUCKING FLUFFY FEELS!
Dear god, Gray, are you trying to kill me? Because it's working, I'm only half alive at this point.
I mean, look at this shit:
I rub my mouth against the dark bruise I left on her neck. She melts into me again. My head spins at the way I, Duke Alexander, can make this woman lose the weight of gravity with my mouth. I'm not a teenage girl waiting on her crush to call. I'm the awkward boy amazed I made the pretty girl laugh.
Ugh, I am complete trash for this man.
Complete.
Trash.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg that is Duke Alexander.
There's trauma.
There's unwittingly given compassion.
Thoughtfulness.
Ruthlessness.
"Skills" in the kitchen.
Pro bono puppies.
Polka dots.
And the filth, of course.
There's a reason I dubbed Dakota Gray the Queen of Filth.
A damned good reason.
...
Read this book, idiots.
Read it now!
August 8, 2019
I liked this one a lot...I am really starting to like Ms. Gray.
Duke was fun, a hard ass, but fun. His raw emotions and just who he is made him easily liked. I liked Kennedy, but not more than Robyn. Duke kind of stole the stage, he was like a slow burning rise of passion.
Can I just pause and say, I love their friendship, everytime they were together I smiled at Nate, Duke and Tarek. They made me happy.
Anywho, this story was great. I read it in one sitting. I didn't think I was going to like it and I assumed it was going to be flat in comparison to Perv, but I really enjoyed it. Perv was all a game, Nate was fun, Duke brought a very serious, brooding complexity to filth...and filthy it was. I am satisfied 5 easy Stars.
Duke was fun, a hard ass, but fun. His raw emotions and just who he is made him easily liked. I liked Kennedy, but not more than Robyn. Duke kind of stole the stage, he was like a slow burning rise of passion.
Can I just pause and say, I love their friendship, everytime they were together I smiled at Nate, Duke and Tarek. They made me happy.
Anywho, this story was great. I read it in one sitting. I didn't think I was going to like it and I assumed it was going to be flat in comparison to Perv, but I really enjoyed it. Perv was all a game, Nate was fun, Duke brought a very serious, brooding complexity to filth...and filthy it was. I am satisfied 5 easy Stars.
February 8, 2021
I’m enjoying this trio of friends who are varying levels of messed up. While this series might not be for everyone because Duke is far from a perfect hero, I enjoyed the journey he and Kennedy took me on and love the supporting cast of characters. This book is sexy, though there’s a bit more building of tension than there was in Perv. I recommend, though with reservations depending on what you can handle.
TW for murder mentioned/dealing with a murder case, multiple characters dealing with death of a parent at various stages, mention of criminals being found not guilty (this one hit me harder than I thought it would)
TW for murder mentioned/dealing with a murder case, multiple characters dealing with death of a parent at various stages, mention of criminals being found not guilty (this one hit me harder than I thought it would)
October 4, 2021
A first book from this author and certainly not the last! This is an office romance started byDuke and Kennedy having sex at a Christmas office party. Duke is a broody, successful lawyer with a chip on his shoulder and when he feels something for Kennedy, shuts down and pushes her away. 3 years later they are still managing glances, flirtation and silently waiting. This romance is hard earned. Duke is one of the toughest nuts to crack. He is against having emotions which makes the journey an interesting one.
July 14, 2017
Another great book in the Filth series. Despit what the title and series names suggest, there is actually a lot of raw emotion and heart in these stories. Hard Core is raw, honest, intense. The sex scenes are explicit but the book differs from pure erotica due to the excellent character development which really lets the reader get inside the characters' heads - particularly Duke, whose perspective the book is primarily written from, but also Kennedy's to a lesser extent.
January 24, 2017
Hardcore by Dakota Gray.....Wow, this is a must read, so well written and hits all the emotion buttons. Duke and Kennedy has one hot sexy night three years ago and Duke can't get her out of his head, will they be able to make it work, you will have to read to find out. Dakota Gray is moving up my list as one of my favorite authors. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
January 10, 2020
This book was ridiculously good and hot but also had tremendous character development and depth. Rare is the book that has both and both of the first two books in this series has been phenomenal. I adored Kennedy and Duke - I really didn’t think I’d like Duke very much but as it turns out, I ended up adoring him. Fabulous book.
April 26, 2023
3.5 stars. Ugh. I was annoyed by Duke needed some therapy for his childhood.
May 14, 2021
3.5 Stars for me
This story was actually pretty good but there was so much of the H's head banter that it was overwhelming. I really liked the h as she was strong without being obnoxious and called the H on his crap.
This story was actually pretty good but there was so much of the H's head banter that it was overwhelming. I really liked the h as she was strong without being obnoxious and called the H on his crap.
February 11, 2020
I was terrified to read this book. Sooooo angsty and I usually run away from angst. But it's brilliant and I loved every page. Wow.
July 6, 2020
I think this is my favorite erotica series? Ever? Probably? What is going on.
April 19, 2021
3.75 ⭐
It was cute and quick. I'll probably read another one of hers.
It was cute and quick. I'll probably read another one of hers.
not-finished
August 5, 2022i started reading this like two months ago or something but... it didn't work for me. if my memory serves me correctly, it was too white-cis-straight for my tastes
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