Hard & Lethal

by Jade Allen

I'm damn good at tracking down what I want. Whether it's a Colombian drug lord or a hot piece of a$$, nothing will stop me from nailing my target.

As an international vigilante, I’ve been forced to live by a few hard and fast rules. Number 1 being that I don't allow myself to be tied down to anything--or anyone--but when I finally decided to fly home and see my family for the first time in 10 years, all hell broke loose.

Little did I know I'd be running into Sarah, the very girl who'd been begging to ride this c*ck all those years ago. She was just jailbait back then, but now she’s all grown up.

Unfortunately, I’ve uncovered some dark secrets about her family that would turn her entire world upside down. She doesn't know she's in serious danger, but if I can keep my d*ck in my pants long enough to find who's after her, I just might be able to save her life.

186 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2017

About the author

Jade Allen writes hot contemporary romance featuring irresistibly sexy rock stars and filthy-mouthed bad boys that will set your eReader ablaze. When she's not writing, you can find her eating Vietnamese food (the spicier, the better!) and drinking copious amounts of cappuccino. Jade lives in Manhattan with her cat, Sydney, and her long time beau.

***Want a FREE hot rock star story from Jade? Grab Taken Backstage, the prequel of the Hard Rock Star Series when you sign up for Jade's newsletter here: https://goo.gl/eF5695

You'll also get updates on more hot new releases, giveaways, deals and more FREE books every week.

Reviews

[Lynne Cuda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Jade Allen is fast becoming a go-to author for me. The stories have depth, the characters have personalities, and the plotlines keep you glued to the book until you finish! Declan comes home for a 10 year family reunion. He pretty much left because Sarah, then 16, was too young, too delectable and he was 22 and bad for her and owed her father. For the past 10 years, he'd been working with her father as a vigilante just on the border of the law. Her father had been killed, Sarah though it was an accident, but Declan knew better. He wanted to see Sarah, check her out now, maybe get her in bed, no strings, just fun. But things started changing for Declan as he spent time with Sarah. Life-changing things that he'd never felt before. What the he-- was going on? He found out Sarah was still being hunted by her father's killer as revenge. Declan had to protect her. Then he'd leave. Right? As usual. Right? No strings. Right? What was that funny feeling?...

[Jenniekenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book was so hot and good and had action too. Declan (just love that name) comes home for a family reunion and sees a girl from his past, Sarah. She had a huge crush on him years ago but he left town. Now he's back and the attraction is there. I hate to give away any of the story in my reviews but this is definitely a must read. I love that they find their HEA!!! and I loved that Jade can bring characters to life. Great job!

[Jan Janus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Hot stud from your past comes back into your life just to turn it all upside down again, good thing or a bad thing? Declan and Sarah what a truly riveting story line. It keeps you wanting to read and not worry about anything else until it finally through, which is exactly what happened to me. Loved every hot, steamy, worried, excited minute of it and look forward to more from this author in the future.

[SouthernAngel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced passionate read with emotional up and downs, and secrets, that's exciting and enjoyable.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy y of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arriving back in the little hick town where his mom still lived to finally visit his family, Declan Ross searched out the local coffee shop. Nothing seemed to have changed. Except he noticed a nicely shaped body ahead of him – and recognized her as the 16-year-old who had a crush on him years ago! Being jailbait then, he ignored her. But now, it was a whole new situation. When Sarah turned and saw him, everything she was holding crashed to the floor! Because she was rushing to her shift at the hospital, she let herself be talked into a drink later with Declan.

Walking home from the hospital, Sarah’s senses went on alert for an unknown reason. She didn’t see or hear anything odd, but a shiver ran down her spine. Ignoring it, she entered her house and prepared for the non-date drink with Declan. Somehow, though, after only a couple drinks, she found herself in Declan’s room, kissing him and remembering how she had wanted this so much years ago. She almost had what she wanted – but she couldn’t watch him walk away again. Aching inside, she turned and left him standing there. Would Declan realize that Sarah might be the one who is worth chasing after all? Or will his bruised ego make him walk away, or push harder to prove a point? When Sarah’s life is put in danger, will everything change again?

I really liked this book very much! It was fast-paced and suspenseful. There was an ever-present air of mystery as to what Declan’s job actually was, and how Sarah’s father fit into it. And throughout, the reader saw hints of a second chance for the now grown up Sarah and Declan. Sarah is much stronger now, self-assured, and even earns Declan’s respect. I knew it was going to pull me right in, and it did! Don’t miss an opportunity to read this book. It is well worth your time! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review, but I do intend to purchase a copy when it is available in Ebook format.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Declan Ross has returned to his small Washington town for a family reunion after being gone for 10 years. Runs into Sarah Wells in the coffee shop and makes a date with her for a drink after she gets off work that evening. Sarah used to have a secret crush on Declan, but he left town and she went to college and medical school. She didn't get back to her home town until after her father died from a heart attack. She returned to clear out the house but stayed, getting a job at the local hospital. She felt that someone was watching her, but never saw anyone around when she felt like that. Unknown to Sarah, her father was an agent and had recruited Declan into that world. She thought he worked for his family business. With Sarah, Declan was breaking all his rules, 1 -to never do more than one night; 2 - in and out and 3 - no overnights. Sarah found a couple of suspicious items in her father's office, like passports with the wrong name for her mother and herself. Declan waited until she went to work and sifted through a lot of the papers and found a note to him that said person who killed her mother was going to come for Sarah and that after that was over, he should get out of the vigilante/spy game. No spoilers on the story, but will Declan take her father's advice and quit, will he and Sarah work out after someone kidnaps her, will she forgive Declan for the half-truths about him and her father and have a happily ever after....have to read the book to find out.

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a short story based around a small town in West Point where a rather dangerous man called Declan, nut he is also our hero, grew up but is returning after 10 years away for a family reunion. He meets in a bar Sarah, his old high school sweetheart, who is now working as an ER doctor in West Point after her father dies. The passion between Declan and Sarah is too hot to handle and they end up "hooking up" . Declan is not into relationships but having tasted Sarah he wants her more but she's up and left him which is a first for him! Her life is in danger and only he can save her. There are a great many questions unanswered in this story such as who is Declan's boss? How were Declan and her father involved? Who was the mysterious person who is after Sarah and why? The end was also rather abrupt. Having said all that it is still a great, fun, short read with plenty of suspense, mystery in bucketfuls, passion and maybe leading to love? Declan and Sarah are an interesting couple and at times she was such a strong woman yet her resistance level to him was practically non existent. I would have loved more background info to give more depth to the story. Still it is a fun and fast read that I did enjoy and definitely recommend.

[Shelly Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the 2nd or 3rd time I've read this author,,, I really like her books,,,

This one is about Dr. Sarah Wells whom was strolling along her hometown, going about her day, not knowing that someone she had so much had wanted in her life when she was young, was now staring at her, and about that same time, she saw him, and managed to drop everything she had been holding,,,, could it really be him,,,??? He helps her pick up her things and she finds it really is him,,,, Declan Ross,,,,

Declan was older then she was, but she had wanted him since she was way too young for Declan to have,,,, but she hadn't know that he had felt the same about her,,, and now that they are both older, he is determined that as long as he was home for the weekend, that he would have her,,,, but how,,,???

I would very much recommend this book,,,,,, find out what's happened in Sarah's life since Duclan has been gone,,, or maybe he knows already,,,, but how,,, ???

What has Declan been doing all these years,,, ??? Did he really follow in his father's footsteps and work within the family empire,,,,??? What will Sarah do if she ever knew what Declan had really been doing with his life,,,,, She can't know,,,, EVER......

[Dave Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Back to the old, small town of his misspent youth, Declan is trying to get into the proper mood for a family reunion.
Only he's really just counting down the seconds before he can leave, escaping back civilization.
Not even any local girls worth looking at... until... he sees her... Sarah!
His High School love!
And she's been holding onto a similar burning ember, wondering "What if?"

A chance meeting - sharing a drink at the local bar - jumping on each other, hot and heavy...
Then Sarah slams on the breaks. Quickly pulling at her clothes, she dresses & leaves!
Because he's never been shut down like this before, now Declan has a new mission in life.
Now he's Got to have her!

Get her he does. Now that they've got the taste, they can't stay off of each other.
But now come the questions. And with questions, there are mysteries to quickly follow.
Some of which were meant to be kept silent. Forever!

This is a nice quick read.
It's got the coincidence knob turned up to 10 to pull it all together, but it's a Fun ride for all.

[Che Flaviano · Rating 3 out of 5]

a 2.5 rate for me ....

I hope there's more to it

A fast paced read. It kept my interest all throughout the story but has been quite disappointed in the end because it lacks depth to it. A lot of questions were left unanswered. As if the story has abruptly ended there and then without further explanation as to the hows and whys surrounding the job of Sarah's adoptive father as well as Declan's; the connection of Sarah to those were quite shallow, since Erik is already dead and her an innocent all throughout - I see no point in adding it in since no one would be greatly affected but Declan, and even he has no connection to the said "villain" - it just felt bland for me.

The romance was a bit lacking here also - missed the connection between the H and h. Yes, its a sizzling story but that's all there it is for me. Sexual chemistry yes there is, but no deep emotional connection. The story has promise, but I still feel that it needs "more" to it...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating story, part love story and part revenge suspense story. Declan returns to his hometown for a family reunion and runs into the Sarah, a girl he knew had a crush on him ten years before, but he was 22 and she was 16 so discouraging her was the only option. Now their undeniable chemistry has no restrictions, except that Declan is a sworn hit-it-and-quit-it guy, never spending more than a couple hours with the same woman. His line of work prohibits such entanglements, and he has no interest in settling down.

The author skillfully reveals, little by little, the deeper connection in Declan and Sarah's history as well as the truth behind his real reason for being in town. As he pursues his original objective, Declan finds himself rethinking all his priorities and future plans, while Sarah is determined not to count on Declan sticking around for any length of time. The story builds nicely to a satisfying ending for both parts of the story, culminating in a beautiful HEA . I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I loved this book! We meet Declan who has gone back to his hometown for a family reunion. Then he has a reunion with the one female that he left behind. He isn't enthused about the reunion with family but his tongue is hanging out for Sarah. It was Sarah's father who got him into the job he is currently holding and has been for 10 years. To say that Sarah is surprised to see Declan would be an understatement. She knows her weaknesses and he is the biggest but she eventually goes into a semi relationship with him. Unfortunately secrets that can be disasterous to Sarah are slowly being revealed and Dhttps://booksprout.co/logineclan must protect her even though he is fighting the attraction for her.
Fantastic read!! There is action but most of it is the emotional action between two people who are finding out not only about themselves but family too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vivian Chrisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The last thing Declan wants to do is attend a family reunion in Westport, Washington. The last person he expected to see is Sarah Wells. Declan always knew that when she was a teenager Sarah had a crush on him but he was 22 and she was 16. Ten years have past, Sarah has grown up and Declan wants her. He's only in town for a few days- time for a little fun. Sarah's father kept secrets from her. When they start to come out, Sarah's life is but in jeopardy. Will Declan be able to save her? When Declan's secrets come out, will there be a HEA for Sarah and him? I really loved this story. Declan was a player with no desire to change until love hit him. Sarah was a strong willed woman except when it came to Declan. These two were perfect for each other. Declan's mother knew this as did Sarah's father.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm leaving an voluntary review for this book that I received through BookSprout.

A fast paced, enjoyable read.
After not seeing each other for a long time Declan and Sarah run into each other in their home town after returning home for different reasons. The attraction is hot and spicy but there is much more to the story than lust. After what is to only be a short hookup Declan discovers a message left my Sarah's father to keep her safe. Now not only is she under his skin, he can not not just walk away.

We have suspense, lust, and even romance. This book has a lot to offer and is great if your in the mind for a fast paced read.

[Monica Randau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fast paced, suspense filled romance by Jade Allen. There is great chemistry between the main characters and a gripping storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Sarah's childhood crush is back in town and neither can deny the attraction they feel for each other. What was supposed to be a casual short fling turned into so much more. The story has a few twists and turns along the way and is filled with secrets, lies and suspenseful danger. I highly recommended Hard & Lethal and suggest you 1-click today! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her father's death, Sarah decided to remain in West Point and take a job as an ER nurse at the local hospital. Her world gets turned upside down when Declan, her crush from her teen years returns home for a reunion. Their chemistry is off the charts but he's not one to settle down. Lots of unanswered questions in how were Declan and her late father connected, who killed her Mother, who does Declan work for and who wants her dead. Quite suspenseful and fast paced. Well written with strong characters and a page turning plot. I received an advance copy via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review this book.

[Terrib · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Declan comes home for a 10 year reunion. He runs into Sarah the girl he ran from.She was too young and Declan knew he couldn't give her the life she deserved. Sarah has always thought of Declan as the bad boy who left is part of his family business. She has no idea that he is a vigilante hiding a lot of secrets! The biggest being that he was working for her father not his own! Things are not as they seem! Now Declan must honour his ties to her now deceased father and protect her without falling for her! Lots of action, twists and turns! Exciting!

[Denise Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It's a cute second chance story. The characters are interesting, but there is a lot more telling than showing. Everything that should have been suspenseful was just laid out there and so the reader doesn't get a chance to get involved in the emotions of the characters. That was disappointing. I think if this book had been about 100 pages longer, and we got a chance to really delve into the characters backgrounds and the bad guys motivations, it would have been great. But as it is, it's just okay. Good sex scenes, though.

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Another great book by this author. Sarah and Declan haven't seen each other in over 10 years. And well, people change. Declan wants her in his bed. Sarah is not a young girl with a crush anymore. What happens when these two give into this burning attraction they feel to one another? I loved how these characters were brought to life and the author did a great job taking us along for the ride as they fall in love. Looking forward to reading more work from this author.

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Declan returned to town with a hidden agenda. Sarah returned to her hometown when her father passed away. She is now a doctor working in the ER. Sarah has had a crush on Declan since she was a teenager. After seeing each other at the coffee shop, will Sarah's crush turn into something more? Will the truth come out why Declan is back in town? I liked the storyline and characters and enjoyed the HEA ending.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked this book. I loved Declan and Sarah. They had great chemistry together even if most of the book was mostly sex and not much talk.
I wish there would of been more to this one overall. More explained of Sarah's father, Declan and what he does and who he works for. More to Cane and what he was up to the majority of the book. Just more of all of it! The story was good just wish it would of lasted a bit longer amd gone more in depth with the characters.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Declan Ross has returned to his small town of Washington for a family reunion after being gone for 10 years. Runs into Sarah Wells in the coffee shop and makes a date with her for a drink after she gets off work that evening. Sarah used to have a secret crush on Declan, but he left town and she went to college and medical school. You will have to read the book to find out the rest. It's a really good book you just have to read!!

[Heather Quarnstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start - Hard burn

This book honestly had a slow start for me, but once it got going it was a hard burn. I would have liked to connect a little quicker as it took me a couple times to start this, but I'm glad I kept with it as the characters and story ended up fantastic.

I did have to pull one star for the slow start, otherwise it would have been a 5 star book, that's how great the rest of it was.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Hannagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 & a half stars...I loved this sweet and steamy story. It's the first I've read by Jade...first of many! Declan and Sarah are very well written and likeable characters. This story is delicately weaved to keep you interested and wanting more. Just a great escape story that made me laugh and cry a few tears too. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam Washington · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the way the H started out as kind of a jerk, and the slow build that made me love him as he reluctantly fell for the h. I loved the pacing, the way the story developed, the unexpected twists and turns, the perfectly written smexiness, and the satisfying HEA. Highly recommend this to any romance junkie.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review plus bought this one .For honest review. Declan is a international vigilante when he decides to go home to his home town he sees Sarah there too. Sarah has always had a crush on the bad boy Declan and has always compared other men to him but they were never him. But Declan as a secret she doen't know and he needs to protect her. 10 stars plus this book you get a lot of blonde story that will keep you entertained for over 27 hrs. Enjoy

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review plus bought this one .For honest review. Declan is a international vigilante when he decides to go home to his home town he sees Sarah there too. Sarah has always had a crush on the bad boy Declan and has always compared other men to him but they were never him. But Declan as a secret she doen't know and he needs to protect her. 10 stars plus this book you get a lot of blonde story that will keep you entertained for over 27 hrs. Enjoy

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book was so hot and alot of action too that kept you on your toes.. Declan comes home for a family reunion and sees a girl from his past, Sarah. She had a huge crush on him years ago. Now he's back and the attraction is there. I don't like to give any of the story in my reviews but I would definitely read this book. Great job!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This story is a very good, quick read.and has great chemistry between the main characters. There is also suspense and mystery. but I felt that although some questions were answered, these answers raised more questions. I also felt the ending was rushed.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.....This book was so good it took awhile for Declan and Sarah to both realize they love and belong together and hea..... the characters went through alot like sarah learning about her past, what Declan secret was, kidnapping, I definitely recommend this book....