Hard Chrome

American Heavy Metal #1

by Vanessa North

He’s tough. But she’s tougher.

Tanner Ellis left American Heavy Metal in her rearview mirror. She didn’t see the beauty behind the grease stains and the polished chrome until it was too late. Now she’s back, determined to save her father’s legacy—and bring the South’s premier classic-car shop into the new century. Nothing is going to stop her—especially not the sexy tech who refuses to follow her lead.

American Heavy Metal is the only home Duke Wilson’s ever known, and no high-heeled, sharp-tongued princess is going to take it away. He tolerates Tanner’s advice, and it’s fun to push her buttons, but she doesn’t belong in the shop—never has, never will. The sooner she realizes that, the sooner he can find his new normal.

When Tanner falters, revealing the pain beneath her bravado, Duke comforts her the only way he knows how. And when violence from his past threatens their future, she’ll be there for him, offering him the one thing he’s always wanted—a shot at a real family. He just has to convince himself to take it.

This book is approximately 49,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

1 pages, Audio CD

First published October 21, 2019

About the author

Author of over a dozen novels, novellas, and short stories, Vanessa North delights in giving happy-ever-afters to characters who don’t think they deserve them. Relentless curiosity led her to take up knitting and run a few marathons “just to see if she could.” She started writing for the same reason. Her very patient husband pretends not to notice when her hobbies take over the house. Living and writing in Northwest Georgia, she finds her attempts to keep a quiet home are frequently thwarted by twin boy-children and a very, very large dog.

Reviews

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this novel and saw great potential but unfortunately it felt somewhat flat. It would have been better if there was actually built up in creating the relationship Tanner and Duke because there was definitely chemistry there instead of the wham, bam thank you madam type of romance. Everything was rushed and the obviously the leads emotions flared up quick. Generally speaking this was a mediocre read with not much excitement.

[Coco.V]

💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 Stars***

Overall, I really liked this book even if I felt that the author had her foot on the gas pedal with the story.

Things moved a little too fast for me, with certain aspects of the character development feeling lacking, and the tension promised from the blurb never fully achieving the level expected....BUT I found myself charmed by Tanner and Duke and every single secondary character.

So even though I didn't fully get what I was expecting, I still had a hard time putting the book down.

Tanner left her family to follow her boyfriend to Chicago. A failed relationship and business weighing heavy on her, she's now back home in Georgia after her father's passing to help with the family shop.

Duke is all about being a good ol' boy. He comes from an unstable home where his stepfather took out his anger on Duke and his mother can't let go of her loyalty to her husband.

The two are complete opposites, yet the annoyance they want to feel towards each other doesn't stick around for long. They find that what's behind first impressions, isn't what they were expecting at all.

They quickly let the attraction consume them, and that's when things just start charging full steam ahead. I wanted more tension between Tanner and Duke. Instead what I got was great chemistry, and no real communication about what matters. The conflict regarding Duke's insecurities about his background, and the question of whether Tanner intends to stick around....it felt very surface level. There was no depth of emotion to either issue.

BUT....can we talk about the Ellis family for a second?! I want them all to get a book....every single one. I was smitten with this family from the first scene they were all together in the garage. Unconditional love, support, and understanding is what's at the core of this group of siblings, and I loved every scene with them together.

From Tiffani, the badass street racing mechanic, to Tegan the car parts gal who's a disaster in the kitchen, and Tyler who's a geek for cars and computers....this clan is awesome!

Overall, I enjoyed this first book in Vanessa North's American Heavy Metal series. It may not have fully delivered on my expectations, but it did achieve one major thing....leaving me wanting more books for these characters! So I call that a win.


***ARC courtesy of publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for a review***

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

- Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review -
A quote (from ARC):
She feels like something closer to a partner, and I don’t even begin to know how to deal with that. So I cling to her body instead, letting her closeness comfort and soothe me against whatever dawn is going to bring.

A cute, quick read with an improbable romantic couple – he’s a mechanic, she has an Ivy League degree – that work just fine managing their differences and, above all, connecting in tender and sexy ways.
Duke is a teddy bear, super protective and full of heart and Tanner is a driven woman, but also very protective of her family, and it was fun watching them going from enemies to lovers in “Hard Chrome”, by Vanessa North (Harlequin - Carina Press).
I liked the leads and the secondary characters, the work context and the families’ involvement in the plot, as well as the small Southern town background.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tanner just lost her father and she's back in her hometown to help her family and take over their dad's car shop. She's lost, she's grieving, she knows nothing about cars, but she tries because she doesn't want to disappoint her family.

Duke works at the Ellis' car shop. He likes working with Tanner's sisters, but he doesn't like Tanner at first because he finds her bossy and spoiled and he doesn't like change. He has a dark family history, his father abused his mother and he had to testify against him in court at age 12.

Tanner and Duke don't get along immediately. The attraction is there, but they are both grieving in their own way and there are still so many obstacles between them.

This story was okay, but I never really connected with these characters. They have sex few days after they meet each other which is too fast in my opinion. I think they should get to know each other a little better.

Thank you, A Novel Take PR, for the ARC copy!

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

HARD CHROME was so beautifully written and Tanner and Duke's story just about killed me. There's a lot going on emotionally, especially with Tanner's grief over losing her father and her guilt for staying away from her hometown for so long. Everyone in the Ellis family expects Tanner to take over the business and this seemed a little odd since she's been gone for so long; yes she has business experience but the other siblings have more knowledge of the garage.

At first, Tanner comes on a bit strong when she takes over the garage and ruffles feathers with Duke who's used to being able to do things his way. However, that anger quickly turns to passion between the two. I do feel like the hate to love turned pretty fast and I would have like a little more slow burn, but either way, these two have a ton of chemistry!

I loved Duke so much and he makes a great hero. He's rugged, a bit growly, but also very self aware. He's supportive of Tanner and incredibly caring and loyal to his sisters. There's a sweet and soft marshmallow inside this self-proclaimed redneck. Tanner tries to keep a shell around herself and keep others from knowing her struggles but Duke gets under her skin. I really loved Tanner who is this great mix of tough and vulnerable. I never really understood why she stayed away from her family for so long but there's no doubting her devotion to family.

The side characters in HARD CHROME were also great and the LGBTQ+ representation was excellent. I can't wait to get more stories about the Ellis siblings!

ARC provided by A Novel Take PR for honest review


Content Warning: Tanner’s father has recently died and she’s dealing with that grief; Duke grew up with an abusive stepfather

[Jypsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Novel Take for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Hard Chrome
By: Vanessa North

*REVIEW* 🌟🌟.5
Hard Chrome was, unfortunately, hard to love as much as I thought I would. Tanner, the heroine, returns to the place she left a long time ago because her father has died, and she has inherited the auto body shop, etc. Here's my problem with this situation: Tanner has siblings who are beyond qualified to take over this place. It's actually stupid to bring in a clueless diva, so why her? Tanner meets Duke, employee, and they instantly hate each other, or not?? Here's another problem: I hate you. Wait ten minutes. I love you. Sex scenes, blah blah blah...! I despise insta love stories. Seriously? I need to at least find it somewhat plausible. I didn't care for this story much and lacked connection with these shallow characters. I do see the appeal of reading this purely for escape, and it's perfect for that because it's cute, fun and easy to read. I'm just looking for more, and this boils down to personal preference.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and its my first read by Vanessa North. Duke and Tanner, I loved they had a bit of enemies to lovers trope and their banter started out great. Duke is such a softy at heart! I found this book to be unpredictable which was great for me, because there were things that happened that were unexpected. The writing was excellent and the heat was just enough for this book! I really love this cover too. I look forward to more in this series!

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Carina Press Romance Promise, Contemporary Romance, Romance

Miniseries
American Heavy Metal (Book #1)

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a few of Vanessa North’s romances before, my favorite being The Lonely Drop, an LGBTQ friends-to-lovers novella written for a photo prompt in a Goodreads readers’ group. It put the author on my radar, and this latest story solidifies that spot. Hard Chrome is the first in her small town American Heavy Metal series, about four siblings running a classic car shop and the problems inherent in keeping it afloat after the death of their father.

It’s an emotional, bittersweet homecoming for Tanner Ellis. She’s the daughter who’d left for greener pastures, returning to Royal after a failed business venture in Chicago (with a bankruptcy hearing looming) to take over the shop. Her siblings Tegan, Tiffani and Tyler need her, and since she hasn’t been around for the last few years, the least she can do is be there for them now. They don’t know about her failed business, or her doubts that she’s the right person to continue their dad’s legacy. But she’ll give it her best shot. She knows she has their support, but there’s another person to convince – their other employee Duke Wilson.

Duke is wary of Tanner and her ‘improvements’, a healthy dose of grief from the loss of his mentor and father figure Tom Ellis coloring his opinions of the returning Ellis ‘princess’. Especially annoying is that despite her being his new boss, he’s attracted to her. Tanner Ellis isn’t for the likes of him, a man from the wrong side of the tracks with a screwed up family and his own siblings to protect. But with the same goal of keeping Tom’s shop going, and working beside each other day in and day out, it’s not long before they give in to their mutual chemistry. Duke is up front about not having the time to get into any kind of committed relationship and Tanner is okay with that. But when their feelings for each other deepen, will they pull the plug or take a chance on a forever happy ending?

Vanessa North’s writing is a lesson in how to seamlessly weave realistic LGBTQ relationships into the narrative. While Duke and Tanner are a heterosexual couple, Tanner’s sister Tegan has a female partner, Katie, and Tanner’s best friend Mac is gay. Tanner’s brother Tyler may be gay or bisexual – there is definitely some flirting going on between him and Mac (perhaps to be a future story?). Mac and Duke are also friends. At one time, Mac had expressed interest in Duke but Duke politely turned him down, the episode not denting their friendship. This is the kind of positive representation of LGBTQ characters that I hope to see in more mainstream romances in the future.

There’s a bit of glossing over of the ethics of an employee/employer relationship with Duke and Tanner, but as both are consenting older adults in a very small company and have equal power (as Duke leaving would really put Tanner in a bind) it’s easy to accept (still noticed, but not hard to move on). The sex between them is passionate and fun, starts early in the story with an office tryst, and continues throughout. Keeping it a secret from everyone is a bit of a challenge. But where Tanner starts to open up to Duke about her past, like what happened in Chicago with her business, Duke is very closemouthed about his problems until they arrive on his doorstep. Then he has no choice but to tell Tanner about his sisters, his violent jailed (soon to be paroled) stepfather, and his strained relationship with his mother.

Because of Duke’s family problems, the story takes some hard-hitting turns. Where Duke is used to having to do everything by himself, Tanner makes it clear that she’s willing to help him with his burdens if he’ll trust her with them. The road to their happy ending has a few pitfalls, but making it to the end is a satisfying journey. I like all of the car shop and mechanical details that are sprinkled throughout, ones that car aficionados and novices like myself can appreciate without feeling out of their depth. Dealing with grief, new starts, family relationships (good and bad) and enduring friendships, Hard Chrome is a romance worth reading. Oh, and I really liked the cover too – it evokes the characters and setting well. I’m thoroughly invested in this family and can’t wait to read more.

This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the review on my blog.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun! Returning to hometown, hate to love, charming fun!

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to a new series.

Hard Chrome is the first book in a new series, American Heavy Metal, and the first book I've read by Vanessa North. I don't read a lot of M/F stories these days but I wanted to give her writing a try and I know she also writes M/M books.

Tanner Ellis (a female) left her home and family 10 years ago but has returned to help run the family business, American Heavy Metal, after her father's death. She has secrets and things left things behind in Chicago that she doesn't want to tell her family about.

Duke Wilson had a difficult life growing up. When he went to work for American Heavy Metal the Ellis family welcomed him into their fold and became the family he wished he'd had when he was young. When Tanner returns to run the family business he feels threatened and doesn't want to lose what he has; he doesn't see how a dressed-up, sharp-tongued princess has any business running American Heavy Metal.

Hard Chrome has kind of an enemies-to-lovers vibe. Tanner and Duke strike sparks off of each other as soon as they meet and not in a good way. Tanner's making changes that Duke doesn't like. Eventually the verbal sparring between the two sets off a different kind of fire and they become involved with each other.

There are a lot of really hot sexy scenes in this story but there are also a lot of very poignant family moments. Duke has younger twin half-sisters that he doesn't see enough of because of his broken relationship with his mother. Tanner feels a lot of guilt for leaving her family to follow a relationship that ended up being a disaster.

This book was a pretty easy read; a nice medium length that I was able to finish in one evening. I know there is at least one more book coming in this series and the scene seemed to be set for it to be a M/M story (I hope). There were a few queer characters in Hard Chrome so I'm hoping for a series with lots of variety.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*** (posting October 21, 2019)

[Jeeves Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tensions rise after the death of a beloved man, pitting his estranged daughter against the man he treated like a son. These sparks lead to plenty of fire between our couple, and they have to work through their feelings before they can find their way to being lovers. I loved the enemies to lovers feel of this easy to read romance, and it certainly made the pages fly by.

Tanner loved her father, but she’s spent years in the city building her own life, and she didn’t realize what she had until it was gone. On the other hand, Duke’s dysfunctional family made him appreciate how great Tanner’s father was, so when she returns home to help run the family business, he can’t help but feel resentful of all she overlooked. These two feud from the moment they meet, and the rising tension only fuels the flames of their desire.

It was great to watch these two burn, and then have them build that fire into something stronger. Both characters are likeable in their own way, but they are total opposites - Tanner has an Ivy League degree and Duke is redneck through and through. What connects them is family and the repair shop they are helping to run, two ties that run deep. The writing is great, making the story move quickly and keeping the reader engaged the whole time. It’s one of the most inclusive M/F books I’ve read, featuring several supporting characters who are in same sex relationships. I never thought I’d love a hero who has truck nuts on his vehicle, but Duke was a great character and he quickly won me over. There’s plenty of potential in this family for future stories, and we’re introduced to their personalities without having the supporting characters overtake the primary romance. It’s a quick and light read featuring characters who are unlike most you see in romance novels. Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue's Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duke is a sexy, southern man and a car tech at American Heavy Metal. He does not like change. So, when owner and father-figure, Ellis dies and his stuck-up, smart ass daughter returns to take their reigns, he is less than impressed.

Tanner is returning to help her family after the passing of her father. She is weighed down by a debilitating amount of shame and grief for not being there before her father died because of the time and effort she spent on a business that went bankrupt.

From the first day they meet, sparks fly. Tanner and Duke butt heads immediately but they also have undeniable chemistry. Chemistry that leads them to have angry, passionate sex. They put it off as a one-time thing as they both know they are not good for each other. Or, are they?

I loved this story from beginning to end. Duke and Tanner throw off sparks like it’s the 4th of July. From their spats, to their chemistry and the all-out sexy love scenes, I was rooting for them.

Duke is kind and has guilt because he feels as though he cannot keep his family safe. He also had a very rough upbringing with his abusive step-father and a mother who did not protect her son from harm.

Tanner is strong but is so defeated. She feels as though she no longer belongs with her family. It is an uphill battle for her. She must learn to trust in her family and in Duke, and to know that regardless of her past, she is not defined by it.

Duke and Tanner had some hard confrontations in the beginning and they bring out the worse in each other. They hurt each other and this truly had me feeling emotional. But, what I loved about this is that it culminated is something so much better.

From its highs to its lows, Hard Chrome by Vanessa North is definitely worth the read.

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. North has written one HOT-diggety-dang steamy enemies-to-lovers story
Tanner Ellis has come back to Royal, Georgia with her tail between her legs b/c she failed. Her spa business in Chicago is in bankruptcy court and she’s awaiting their “verdict.” Beyond that her father’s recent death plays heavily on her emotions b/c she stopped visiting while he was living. She wanted to get as far away from oil and grease as she could when she went off to Cornell University and her fancy boyfriend. She feels like an interloper trying to get her father’s business in shape after she failed so miserably on her own.
“Duke” or Douglas Wilson has been a part of the Ellis family for a long time and felt about Tom, the former patriarch of the Ellis family, like the father he never had. He works at the Ellis garage, American Heavy Metal as a tech. He is redneck and proud of it! Duke has some pretty severe preconceived ideas about Ms. Tanner Ellis and he’s not afraid to show it. They just rub each other the wrong way until one day they are rubbing each other on her office desk. Oh. My. Word. That is only one of the many delectably steamy scenes in this book.
Great story, loved the characters, well-written and well-edited too, which is very appealing. These two have secrets but when they begin to share, they realize they’re not that different, really. LOVED this book. I volunteered to review an ARC through A Novel Take PR and it comes highly recommended if you like beautifully written characters in a fantastic story. 5+ Stars!
Who doesn't like the bad boy with a heart of gold?! That cover ain't bad either ;-)

[Arkady_jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

First read by this author, and it was pretty good. Both main characters were relatively well-developed and fleshed out. I did feel a little bit like we were dumped straight into the middle of a story though - the first couple of chapters had no explanation or back story and it was so confusing trying to figure out who everyone was. There were a few continuity issues and plot holes. Did Tanner never, ever come back to visit after going to College? That doesn't seem realistic, given how close she was to her family. And that she didn't seem to know who Duke was - surely, if he was as close to her family as it was made out, then they at least mentioned him and that he worked in the shop - so when she meets him for the first time she would know who he is? It also wasn't really clear why Tanner had to come back to run the shop - as far as the family knew, she had a successful business in Chicago, so it seems more logical they would hire a manager if they didn't want to do it - the other siblings certainly knew more about the running of the business than she did.

I loved Duke and Tanner as characters, though. Duke was a great H who was great with his sisters and the Ellis family, and Tanner was a strong heroine but not in an annoying way. Their moving from enemies to lovers was a bit abrupt, but once they got there I really liked the development of their relationship. The last hitch, when Duke drew back, was a bit predictable, but still written well. All in all I quite enjoyed it.

[Stephanie Panach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy cars and mechanics - with a woman positive viewpoint? SIGN ME UP!! I loved the attitude of this book more than anything else about it. The acceptance of people and different lives was just awesome. Although this isn't an LGBTQ book - the main characters are straight - it has a profound acceptance of LGBTQ which I loved! It also shows people from different walks of life hanging out together and accepting each other as individuals - and loving their differences (see lawyers, business owners, and mechanics being friends and chosen family to each other). Add in to that two hot-headed people falling for each other after coming together first physically. LOVE.

This book has a lot of tough issues - loss of parents, teen pregnancy, physical abuse, and even animal cruelty. If those are triggers for you, be advised, but all of those issues are handled in ways that show growth of the characters involved or those abusing getting arrested.

This is a good story about real people, living real lives, with real issues. Loved it.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an arc program. This is the enemies to lovers story between Tanner and Duke. Tanner returned to town after her father died and she is going to run his garage along with her family. Tanner had lived in Chicago the last few years where she owned a spa, but she is now bankrupt, but didn't tell her family. Duke is a mechanic at the garage and was like another son to Tanner's father. Duke doesn't like the new rules Tanner put in place and think she is going to leave soon anyway, so why bother listening to her. Duke and Tanner clash from the beginning, but there is also an attraction there. When Tanner starts to crack under the pressure, Duke is there to comfort her and soon they are together, only no one knows. Duke runs into family troubles of his own and Tanner helps him. I liked this story. I like how Tanner saw Duke as more than he thought he was. I think Duke was a good man who needed someone to believe in him. I love how Duke supported Tanner and wanted the best for her. Good one.

[N.G. Peltier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this new series from Vanessa North. I'm always a sucker for series where each sibling gets a book and I'm assuming that's how this one is gonna go. And what i loved even more was that it'll be mixed pairings cuz some of them are queer!

I don't know a darn thing about cars but the setting of the car shop was a great backdrop for this story. I wasn't lost about anything they were discussing when it came to the shop.

Tanner and Duke don't get along at first so we got the classic who does she think she is coming in here, after being away for so long, to fancy up the place. And by fancy up i mean the new uniforms lol. I always enjoy that push and pull between MCs.

The secondary characters are also intriguing without overshadowing the mains, so of course I'm looking forward to knowing how their romances will play out. I think we already got a few hints as to who Tanner's brother Tyler will hook up with but I guess we shall see!!

So this was an enjoyable read for me.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanner Ellis has come home from Chicago to help run Heavy Metal, the car shop that is now the family since their father died. She was not there for his death so she is wanting to make right by being their now afterward. First-person that she meets is Duke Wilson is not looking forward to the new boss and especially when she does not look like she belongs in a garage. She, of course, is frustrated with him because of his attitude and then on top of that, he has truck nuts. Well as you figured they become adversaries and begin to like each other which scares them, brings up past feelings. Both are dealing with family especially Duke and as much as they want to be together will they have enough to fight to stay that way. A good story with good characters and many other storylines going on as well. Very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, despite having doubts at the beginning. Tanner and Duke seemed to be an unlikely pair, but it turned out they had so much in common. Both had been hurt in the past, in different ways; both doubted themselves and worried they weren't good enough; and both had wonderful siblings they would do just about anything for. I loved these two once I got to know them, and I also loved their siblings and Tanner's best friend Mac. I enjoyed the interaction between all the characters, and the affection between them all was obvious. There were moments when I wanted to shake either Tanner or Duke, but there were other moments when I just wanted to hug them. This was a great start to a series I'm now anxious to have on my Kindle. Great characters, strong writing, and all kinds of things happening in the town of Royal, especially in and around the family car shop, American Heavy Metal. I can't wait for more!

[Reggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series about a family, 3 sisters and 1 brother, that struggle to keep their auto restoration and service shop running after the death of their beloved father. This is the oldest sister’s story. Tanner Ellis is back home to help run the business. She’s happy to be home with her sisters and brother where she can grieve...except, she has a secret! Her business in Chicago has failed and she has filed for bankruptcy. Will her family accept her with this failure? Then there’s the hot technician, who’s all redneck pacifist and pushes her buttons. Duke has had a rough childhood and now his abusive stepfather is out on parole. As if that wasn’t bad enough, one of his younger sisters has come to him with news that she’s pregnant and has no where to stay. Then there’s his new boss at the auto shop...she rubs him the wrong way but the chemistry between them is off the charts. Can the ‘city’ girl and the redneck really work?
Fast paced and enjoyable story.

[Kristie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tanner and Duke... Duke and Tanner. So good together in the end, but maybe not so much at the beginning.

This was another book where I had really high expectations. I'm a fan of Vanessa North's books, so I was a little bit surprised that this one didn't quite do it for me. I liked it, mostly, but it was slow moving at first, didn't really get me started liking either character because I could not figure them out. But then it was quick and fast as lightening. I had a hard time seeing Tanner and Duke together because they're so different, and other than the sex, which was on fire, I could not see them as a couple. I eventually got there.

I don't know. I think I felt all over the place with this one. I did feel like it was a good start to the series though. I'm hopeful for the books to come. I'm in love with the rest of Tanner's family and I think we'll get some good stuff coming.

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Romantically Inclined Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

This book was pretty good. I think that the romance itself was a little bit rushed (going from weird I hate yous to let's have wild sex rather quickly, in my opinion), but I did enjoy the way their relationship developed once they accepted their feelings for one another. Duke was kind of a jerk, but the more I learned about him the more I realized what a good guy he was. And Tanner, also, seemed untouchable at the beginning but slowly, as she allowed us to know more about her past, she became more relatable and it was much easier to like her.

I think that series has a ton of potential going forward. I loved the secondary characters, Tanner's family his hilarious, and am already shipping characters like crazy.

Definitely a read for those who want characters with depth, hot sex, and drama, drama, drama in their romance novels.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Chrome by Vanessa North is the first book in the American Heavy Metal series. This is a contemporary MF romance that deals with a lot of emotions and the theme of family and love. This series is starting out amazingly and I cant wait for more.

Tanner and Duke seem like they would be opposites but their attraction is off the charts and they find common ground. Together they are not only hot and steamy but sweet and protective. They offer each other so much. And the characters that surround them are amazing, interesting and entertaining... I need their stories.

The story has a hood amount of drama - a secondary character's teenage pregnancy, history of domestic violence and other criminal activities. And the pain of loss. The story also delivers on sweet moments, sexy intimacy and the highs and lows of family dynamics. Well written and attention holding story for sure

[avid reader 1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars 4 ½
Hard Chrome is the first I've read by this author. Honestly, I did not like the beginning of this book. Both main characters came off as very annoying and unlikeable.
I’m glad I stuck with it. I soon found two beautiful yet damaged people struggling with grief while dealing with other hard times in their lives. Real problems, believable situations, and no magic fix for it all. Just an everyday battle for another step forward.
I enjoyed it.
I could easily envision the different locations through the brief but descriptive text and could picture these characters there.
The secondary characters are interesting and vocal and left me interested in their stories, also.
Watching Tanner and Duke become closer and fall in love was lovely to see, and I am satisfied with their passion and their HEA.
I look forward to more by this author.

[Trader (RedHotBlueReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanner returns to her small home town to take over running the family business. She’s got lots of baggage and her main man at the shop isn’t exactly cooperative. Tanner’s Ivy League attitude gets under Duke’s skin and it causes all sorts of situations. They just don’t like each other at first but it isn’t long before the friction turns the enemies into lovers in the time it takes to do an oil change.

The sex is steamy, and there are some more difficult moments as they work out their respective family situations while figuring out their own stuff. I did like the incorporation of diversity into the small town – it felt authentic and I’m interested in seeing where this series goes. Overall, Hard Chrome was a bit predictable, but it did deliver on the Carina Press Romance Promise!

An ARC was provided for review.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tanner Ellis is home to help run the family classic-car shop. She left home ten years ago to run her own business in Chicago. When her father dies she decides to return home to pitch in. Plus her spa is now closed and in bankruptcy. Tanner and mechanic Duke Wilson clash on their first meeting. But it seems that there's passion in the mix and hot sex. Lots of hot sex.

Hard Chrome by Vanessa North is the first book in her new American Heavy Metal series. This story is well-written but I just couldn't get totally invested in Tanner and Duke and their story. I liked how the story ends though. Made me like Tanner and Duke more. I also liked the sense of family in the story. The Ellis family sticks together through thick and thin and brings the Wilson siblings into their midst.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I thought this was a new to me author but when I went to her page and saw The Lonely Drop I knew I had read her work before and loved it. While I was still unaware of this I got the opportunity to read and review from LesCourt and jumped at it. The story sounded so interesting. Surprise to me it was even more so. First off it’s based in my State which is a major thrill to me. Secondly, the characters. So complex and diverse I can’t wait for their stories. Totally shipping Mac and Tyler btw. I can see from the author’s page that she’s a multi genre writer and that’s a major high point to me. The world is filled with all types of relationships. Shouldn’t the towns we read about be as well? Man I’m eager to see where Vanessa North takes this.