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Cold Hard Cash #2
Hard Earned Cash
A Dark Mafia Romance
When you belong to a man like Boss Cold, you take what he gives you. Jimmy Poe has known that since he first offered himself to the feared mob boss in payment of a debt, yet over the past year he has gotten to see a very different side of Cold. A side that made Jimmy fall in love.
But their love will be put to the test when Cold is arrested. Can the bond between them endure even as the dark shadows of Cold's past come to light and Jimmy's life is put at risk as well?
Publisher's Note: Hard Earned Cash is a sequel to Cold Hard Cash. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
When you belong to a man like Boss Cold, you take what he gives you. Jimmy Poe has known that since he first offered himself to the feared mob boss in payment of a debt, yet over the past year he has gotten to see a very different side of Cold. A side that made Jimmy fall in love.
But their love will be put to the test when Cold is arrested. Can the bond between them endure even as the dark shadows of Cold's past come to light and Jimmy's life is put at risk as well?
Publisher's Note: Hard Earned Cash is a sequel to Cold Hard Cash. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2020
178 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
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did-not-finish
June 23, 2024DNF @57%
Besides the fact that this whole thing is terribly cringe-worthy, there is an unsolvable problem I have with this series: I hate Jimmy. And I hate Cold. I hate them both.
Their relationship itself is also very unhealthy. Neither man is right for the other, and they can’t accept their differences since they instead choose to ignore it all by pretending these differences don’t exist.
They lie. They fight. They don’t communicate. All they do is have sex, while Cold constantly barks orders which Jimmy follows blindly...
Sometimes Jimmy stands up for himself in every-day life, but then he quickly falls right into Cold’s arms and they have sex once more. And then they do it all over again. *eye roll*
They do have a few swoon-worthy love declarations, but those are always followed up with annoying statements or actions that show how bad they are for each other.
And seriously, I need more than what we got. It’s not enough. Their relationship simply means nothing to me.
I can see why some people enjoyed this, though. But I just wasn’t feeling it.
'Cold Hard Cash' series:
1. Cold Hard Cash - 3.0 stars
2. Hard Earned Cash - dnf
Besides the fact that this whole thing is terribly cringe-worthy, there is an unsolvable problem I have with this series: I hate Jimmy. And I hate Cold. I hate them both.
Their relationship itself is also very unhealthy. Neither man is right for the other, and they can’t accept their differences since they instead choose to ignore it all by pretending these differences don’t exist.
“You love the man that I am, but the monster... you can’t.”
They lie. They fight. They don’t communicate. All they do is have sex, while Cold constantly barks orders which Jimmy follows blindly...
Sometimes Jimmy stands up for himself in every-day life, but then he quickly falls right into Cold’s arms and they have sex once more. And then they do it all over again. *eye roll*
They do have a few swoon-worthy love declarations, but those are always followed up with annoying statements or actions that show how bad they are for each other.
“I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything. When I thought you actually wanted to leave me, it felt like dying. I meant it when I told you that you were the love of my life. You are the most valuable thing in the world to me.
You need to understand that I will never be the kind of man that deserves you. I hurt people, I kill them, and yes, I lie. Anything more than that I will never tell you because if I did, I know with absolute certainty that you would leave me and never look back.”
And seriously, I need more than what we got. It’s not enough. Their relationship simply means nothing to me.
I can see why some people enjoyed this, though. But I just wasn’t feeling it.
'Cold Hard Cash' series:
1. Cold Hard Cash - 3.0 stars
2. Hard Earned Cash - dnf
June 26, 2020
In this continuation we find out what happens after dangerous gangster finds love and what measures he will take to keep it. It's steadily paced, suspenseful, kinky and full of intrigue. We get a closer look at the Gentlemen surrounding Boss Cold and the situation that tests their mettle because it's not everyday that a person walks free even after committing the crime. Roderick Legrand is cold, lethal and dangerous when it comes to keeping what is his safe, but he has one weakness and that is Jimmy Poe, the only man who sees beyond the Mafia Boss facade to the man underneath - generous, loyal and at times vulnerable.
The murder and the puzzle of subsequent events are so well constructed, so well paced that as the book progresses we can see the full extent of Boss Cold's reach and power. His manipulations have no bounds, his determination leaves no one standing and in the end it all culminates in the best possible outcome - walking a free man. He hasn't changed, hasn't redeemed himself and become an honest man. He is still the same and Jimmy loves him anyway. I really felt Jimmy's struggle with his moral compass and honesty, his struggle between upholding the law and his fierce love for the man who constantly breaks it.
Ms Hiers went all out when she showed both men loving each other from gentle gestures to their bedroom sexcapades - very imaginative, never repetitive and so passionate. Who knew they could be so naughty! I enjoyed every moment both s*exy and incredibly sweet, for Boss Cold finally allowed himself to be open with Jimmy and tell him how much he loved him. Awwww! I really liked how the author finished things and left everyone - all loose ends tied up and everyone as they wanted to be - still criminals but keeping their hard won happiness nevertheless. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
The murder and the puzzle of subsequent events are so well constructed, so well paced that as the book progresses we can see the full extent of Boss Cold's reach and power. His manipulations have no bounds, his determination leaves no one standing and in the end it all culminates in the best possible outcome - walking a free man. He hasn't changed, hasn't redeemed himself and become an honest man. He is still the same and Jimmy loves him anyway. I really felt Jimmy's struggle with his moral compass and honesty, his struggle between upholding the law and his fierce love for the man who constantly breaks it.
Ms Hiers went all out when she showed both men loving each other from gentle gestures to their bedroom sexcapades - very imaginative, never repetitive and so passionate. Who knew they could be so naughty! I enjoyed every moment both s*exy and incredibly sweet, for Boss Cold finally allowed himself to be open with Jimmy and tell him how much he loved him. Awwww! I really liked how the author finished things and left everyone - all loose ends tied up and everyone as they wanted to be - still criminals but keeping their hard won happiness nevertheless. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
April 1, 2022
“Marry me, Jimmy,” Cold whispered urgently. “Marry me because I need you to. Because I need you every day of my life. I need to wake up next to you every morning, I need to hear your laughter and see your smile. I need you to marry me because I cannot live without you. I am yours, Jimmy Poe. Every part of me, broken and scarred, every part that you’re willing to take, is yours. I cannot promise that I’m going to be a good man, but I swear I will never wrong you, and I will always love you. Please... James David Poe, will you marry me?”
4.5 stars ⭐💫⭐
I wasn't totally in love with the start of this book mainly because there was a lot of friction and conflict and Jimmy Poe lacking trust in my king was absolutely unacceptable.
But damn, chapter by chapter and watching Cash just magnificently unravel and be an absolute bunny for Jimmy's affection made me weak. There was not a whisper of doubt that that man didn't love Jimmy Poe with his whole heart. He didn't have to say it, he didn't have to whisper it, but he had emphasized it with his every touch, his light in his eyes spoke of his love and the beat of his heart echoed Jimmy Poe.
Roderick Legrand is my definition of I don't need a damn hero, I want a fucking Villain.
“Through you. With you. The things you make me feel... oh, Jimmy. It’s priceless.”
And despite my frustrations with Mr Poe, I'm so happy for both of their ending. These two fucking deserved it. Continuing to spend the rest of their lives, dangerous but happy, together.
“Your light reminds me that darkness... is not always the answer.”
I'm leaving half a star because damn, I know Jimmy Poe is an innocent bystander but him not completely embracing Cash's darkness makes me wanna shove him and kneel at Cash's feet instead 🤭
“Je t’aime aussi,” Jimmy replied carefully, smiling wide as he managed to sound respectably French. “Je t’aime aussi, like, forever.”
“Mmm,” Cold hummed, kissing Jimmy’s lips with a tender sigh. “Toujours, mon amour.”
I'm nervous about starting book 3 because a birdie said it wasn't as good and y'all... Pray for me.
July 22, 2021
This sequel didn't captivate me as much as the first book. I actually finished 2 other books while reading this. Cold was arrested here and Jimmy was kept in the dark of his devious plan. Not that I blame Cold, but Jimmy's constantly throwing an hissy fit about Cold not trusting him is getting old. I just don't enjoy their dynamic here as much as I used to.
July 3, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Hard Earned Cash is the sequel to Cold Hard Cash and, like the first book, it has a heavy emphasis on sex. It’s graphic, involving rough — but never violent — sessions, toys, spankings, temperature pain, bondage, and edging. These scenes almost always involve Cold asking Jimmy for his safe word and, when all is said and done, giving aftercare and affection. This is very much a consensual relationship, but it’s an intense one.
Jimmy is cheerful, optimistic, and a brat. But Cold loves him for it. Having witnessed his mother’s murder at a young age, Jimmy’s sensitive to violence, often turning to Cold for emotional comfort. He knows Cold’s life is violent, and that his lover is a crime boss, he knows that Cold lies, and that Cold has killed, and will do again, and as long as it’s not something he has to face, he’s … well, he’s not okay with it. But he loves Cold no matter what the other man has to do to protect himself and those he — and they — love. It’s that strength and that confidence that Jimmy needs, the stability and the care and the knowledge that Cold will make the world go away when it all gets to be too much. Cold is his world.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Hard Earned Cash is the sequel to Cold Hard Cash and, like the first book, it has a heavy emphasis on sex. It’s graphic, involving rough — but never violent — sessions, toys, spankings, temperature pain, bondage, and edging. These scenes almost always involve Cold asking Jimmy for his safe word and, when all is said and done, giving aftercare and affection. This is very much a consensual relationship, but it’s an intense one.
Jimmy is cheerful, optimistic, and a brat. But Cold loves him for it. Having witnessed his mother’s murder at a young age, Jimmy’s sensitive to violence, often turning to Cold for emotional comfort. He knows Cold’s life is violent, and that his lover is a crime boss, he knows that Cold lies, and that Cold has killed, and will do again, and as long as it’s not something he has to face, he’s … well, he’s not okay with it. But he loves Cold no matter what the other man has to do to protect himself and those he — and they — love. It’s that strength and that confidence that Jimmy needs, the stability and the care and the knowledge that Cold will make the world go away when it all gets to be too much. Cold is his world.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
January 18, 2025
2.5
The plot was okay but the excessive sex scenes were kind of annoying by the end. I skimmed the last 25%. This book could’ve been cut by at least 100-120 pages.
The plot was okay but the excessive sex scenes were kind of annoying by the end. I skimmed the last 25%. This book could’ve been cut by at least 100-120 pages.
July 4, 2020
I was so excited for the continuation of Cold and Jimmy's story! I really enjoy the way the author brings all of the pieces of the story together at the end. That speaks of an intelligent and creative mind.
This was a total love-fest even with Jimmy being frustrated through a great deal of it. It was nice to see Cold's vulnerability and that it was only with Jimmy and Rowena. His core character never changed and I liked that but he did make some concessions for Jimmy because he loved and trusted him but also understood that Jimmy could only handle so much of the truth of his character.
The plot was well played out in my opinion but everything was not completely smooth which gave it some realism. Cold was a very calculating, intelligent person who could basically see most contingencies of his plan but once again, he wasn't perfect and found that there were factors even beyond his control.
Jimmy was as passionate and stubborn as always but could submit when need be. He loved fiercely and deeply and was very protective of those he cared about.
There were a LOT of sex scenes which I definitely appreciated. The author kept them different and interesting not to mention very hot. It fit with the story because it really seemed to ground Jimmy when necessary.
The only thing that I wish is that we could find out more about the gentlemen and their stories but that would have muddied this book too much to put more than brief snippets of their personal life.
Overall, I was really happy to see more of Cold, Jimmy and the gang and I can say that this series has been very entertaining. I can't wait for more from this author!
This was a total love-fest even with Jimmy being frustrated through a great deal of it. It was nice to see Cold's vulnerability and that it was only with Jimmy and Rowena. His core character never changed and I liked that but he did make some concessions for Jimmy because he loved and trusted him but also understood that Jimmy could only handle so much of the truth of his character.
The plot was well played out in my opinion but everything was not completely smooth which gave it some realism. Cold was a very calculating, intelligent person who could basically see most contingencies of his plan but once again, he wasn't perfect and found that there were factors even beyond his control.
Jimmy was as passionate and stubborn as always but could submit when need be. He loved fiercely and deeply and was very protective of those he cared about.
There were a LOT of sex scenes which I definitely appreciated. The author kept them different and interesting not to mention very hot. It fit with the story because it really seemed to ground Jimmy when necessary.
The only thing that I wish is that we could find out more about the gentlemen and their stories but that would have muddied this book too much to put more than brief snippets of their personal life.
Overall, I was really happy to see more of Cold, Jimmy and the gang and I can say that this series has been very entertaining. I can't wait for more from this author!
September 25, 2020
A fun second installment to this story.
This opens with one of the longest prologues I've ever seen, but we get to see David, Jimmy's father released and how Jimmy and David adapt to him being out of prison. Then we move forward almost a year since Jimmy and Cold met, and things are going well. They've mostly settled into their life together.
Except...a murder from almost 20 years ago resurfaces when a body is found, and evidence is linked to Cold, who is arrested. But, Cold's got a plan to get off Scott Free. He just hasn't told Jimmy *any* of this and that is a problem.
He even proposes but does it horribly, not romantically at all, and Jimmy is *not* a happy camper, that's for sure.
Cold may be Boss Cold in his mob and in the bedroom, but Jimmy deserves more than being completely in the dark on everything mob related, especially when Cold is arrested for murder.
But after a good fight or two, eventually these two get to a place of compromise, and Cold lets go of his need to keep basically everything important from Jimmy. Which, he says it's to protect him, which is part of it, but part of it is also fear of what Jimmy would think of him if he knew it all. But these are able to find common ground and work it out.
But the Luchesi family isn't quite going away, even if it seems Cold dealt with them the year before, so Cold has to deal with that and so does Jimmy. But of course, Cold can handle that too.
Why I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is that, while it was fun and enjoyable and good overall, it was a little too long, and I think a big part of that was all the sex scenes, which I think others might agree with. I think if several had been fade to black, that would have been better, and cut this down from over 400 pages. If it gets to the point where I'm "oh no this chapter didn't end with fade to black, there's pages more of this sex scene" that's...not the best sign.
Because the sex scenes were always sooo involved, so long, it was never just straight up sex, it had to be their bdsm play and making Jimmy wait to come and putting butt plugs and dildos up his ass and him getting "punished" by Cold and so on and after so many scenes that gets tiring to read, especially when we've read similar sex scenes before plenty of times. In fact, one of my favorite sexual moments between these two was near the end, when Cold gets rid of the toys and the D/s thing for a few moments and it's just them, making love. That was my favorite sex thing of this book. Like, the bdsm can be fun at times and certainly enjoyable...but maybe if we had gotten a mix of that and just some normal, non-bdsm sex every once in awhile, that would have been good. Or maybe that mix *and* fade to black on some of them too.
It was just too much. It made this go on much longer than it needed to be, in my opinion.
But in the end, this is a fun read, and it's nice to get a more solid HEA for these two, for them work through a few problems they had and become stronger for it. The ending was especially good and sweet.
So overall, a good second installment, but could have been shorter with less sex. Still a good read! :D
This opens with one of the longest prologues I've ever seen, but we get to see David, Jimmy's father released and how Jimmy and David adapt to him being out of prison. Then we move forward almost a year since Jimmy and Cold met, and things are going well. They've mostly settled into their life together.
Except...a murder from almost 20 years ago resurfaces when a body is found, and evidence is linked to Cold, who is arrested. But, Cold's got a plan to get off Scott Free. He just hasn't told Jimmy *any* of this and that is a problem.
He even proposes but does it horribly, not romantically at all, and Jimmy is *not* a happy camper, that's for sure.
Cold may be Boss Cold in his mob and in the bedroom, but Jimmy deserves more than being completely in the dark on everything mob related, especially when Cold is arrested for murder.
But after a good fight or two, eventually these two get to a place of compromise, and Cold lets go of his need to keep basically everything important from Jimmy. Which, he says it's to protect him, which is part of it, but part of it is also fear of what Jimmy would think of him if he knew it all. But these are able to find common ground and work it out.
But the Luchesi family isn't quite going away, even if it seems Cold dealt with them the year before, so Cold has to deal with that and so does Jimmy. But of course, Cold can handle that too.
Why I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is that, while it was fun and enjoyable and good overall, it was a little too long, and I think a big part of that was all the sex scenes, which I think others might agree with. I think if several had been fade to black, that would have been better, and cut this down from over 400 pages. If it gets to the point where I'm "oh no this chapter didn't end with fade to black, there's pages more of this sex scene" that's...not the best sign.
Because the sex scenes were always sooo involved, so long, it was never just straight up sex, it had to be their bdsm play and making Jimmy wait to come and putting butt plugs and dildos up his ass and him getting "punished" by Cold and so on and after so many scenes that gets tiring to read, especially when we've read similar sex scenes before plenty of times. In fact, one of my favorite sexual moments between these two was near the end, when Cold gets rid of the toys and the D/s thing for a few moments and it's just them, making love. That was my favorite sex thing of this book. Like, the bdsm can be fun at times and certainly enjoyable...but maybe if we had gotten a mix of that and just some normal, non-bdsm sex every once in awhile, that would have been good. Or maybe that mix *and* fade to black on some of them too.
It was just too much. It made this go on much longer than it needed to be, in my opinion.
But in the end, this is a fun read, and it's nice to get a more solid HEA for these two, for them work through a few problems they had and become stronger for it. The ending was especially good and sweet.
So overall, a good second installment, but could have been shorter with less sex. Still a good read! :D
November 7, 2022
Too much of a good thing
NGL, I’m 35% in and I’m not liking this second book as much as the first. There are so many annoying characters and situations. The fact that Jimmy’s Dad still calls him slugger. Ugh. He calls him that like a million times. Enough already! Charlie the annoying as f wedding planner/ something else don’t know yet as I’m only 35% in.
The sex is even repetitive 😩😩. The wedding tangent was cringy. The proposal even cringier. Yikes.
I’m going to need to skim…I’ve come to the realization that I shouldn’t have read these books back to back. There is such a thing as way too much of a good thing.
Finished and why I love their love, it was way too long and I’ll need to pause before reading the next installment.
The real wedding was sweet though and I loved the end but getting there was a bit much.
Side note 📝 I still hate Charlie 😆😆
NGL, I’m 35% in and I’m not liking this second book as much as the first. There are so many annoying characters and situations. The fact that Jimmy’s Dad still calls him slugger. Ugh. He calls him that like a million times. Enough already! Charlie the annoying as f wedding planner/ something else don’t know yet as I’m only 35% in.
The sex is even repetitive 😩😩. The wedding tangent was cringy. The proposal even cringier. Yikes.
I’m going to need to skim…I’ve come to the realization that I shouldn’t have read these books back to back. There is such a thing as way too much of a good thing.
Finished and why I love their love, it was way too long and I’ll need to pause before reading the next installment.
The real wedding was sweet though and I loved the end but getting there was a bit much.
Side note 📝 I still hate Charlie 😆😆
December 2, 2020
"This is why I've wanted to keep all of this from you." Cold leaned down and kissed Jimmy's hair. "You love the man that I am, but the monster.... you can't"
One of the best reads for this year. Made me gasp, made my heart swell, made me tear up in the end. There were teeny tiny parts of the whole story, that as for me, were a little bit concerning but I have decided to take a blind eye. They are forgiven. I love Cold and Jimmy Poe's romance and their gangster family. How Cold defeated not only his murder case against him but also his enemies while protecting Jimmy killed me. It promised a dark romance and it delivered.
June 29, 2020
I absolutely love the first book in this series, Cold Hard Cash. It was unbelievable and unexpectedly sweet at the same time. I was happy to discover that there was going to be a continuation with the same couple. I like the throwback feel but in modern times. Jimmy is still overactive bunny and Cold continues to be an elusive character for Jimmy to figure out.
The book begins with the wrap up of the storyline involving Jimmy's father. But before you can get comfortable another situation pop up. Cold is arrested for a murder that happened years ago. You really get to see the stretch of Cold's power. Jimmy's lack of knowledge of what going on really hinders the security he hopes he had achieved with Cold.
Overall, I'm annoyed that I didn't love this book as much as previous books by this author. The lack of communication between Cold to Jimmy really added an unnecessary layer of drama. I will admit I'm not a fan of a heavy amount of BDSM elements in stories. The Mr. Poe moments seem to happen excessively throughout the story and began to feel like almost like a filler after a while. Maury is still my favorite secondary character. He just begins a smile to my face every time he splashes on the scene. With all that typing I'm still looking forward to anything this author wants to put out in the future.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The book begins with the wrap up of the storyline involving Jimmy's father. But before you can get comfortable another situation pop up. Cold is arrested for a murder that happened years ago. You really get to see the stretch of Cold's power. Jimmy's lack of knowledge of what going on really hinders the security he hopes he had achieved with Cold.
Overall, I'm annoyed that I didn't love this book as much as previous books by this author. The lack of communication between Cold to Jimmy really added an unnecessary layer of drama. I will admit I'm not a fan of a heavy amount of BDSM elements in stories. The Mr. Poe moments seem to happen excessively throughout the story and began to feel like almost like a filler after a while. Maury is still my favorite secondary character. He just begins a smile to my face every time he splashes on the scene. With all that typing I'm still looking forward to anything this author wants to put out in the future.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2020
3.6 Stars - This is the second book in the duet
I was a bit lost at the opening I couldn't figure out why the cadence seemed off? It was the prologue - don't judge I was excited to see how their story played out 🙈
Anyway, after some minor tie-ups are completed from book one the real story begins.
Mr. Poe is still the hyper, cute as a button yet insecure character that I fell in love with in book one. He is young and still has a naive view of the world as a whole. Don't mistake his heart and exuberance for lacking in intelligence. He is books smart and he gets the opportunity to prove it multiple times which was fun to see.
He is just more an "in the moment" person.
As things progress in their relationship Jimmy finds the deeper his submission to Rod the more complete he feels - it's a unique balance between them and something he openly enjoys exploring.
I'm not 100% sold on Jimmy but what can I say I like his exuberance, his curiosity, the way he lives for the moment.
This time the story takes us deeper into Cold's world. We see him as the ruthless decision-maker he truly is. We see exactly how manipulative he can be while at the same time we see his vulnerability when it comes to Jimmy.
I mentioned previously that the story is a touch of a stretch when it comes to "reality" that has not changed but it works here.
We have kidnapping, extortion, murder, double agents and that is just to start.
A lot of misdirection kept me guessing. I was wrong a couple of times about certain intentions and twists 😳 and I am usually spot on.
I knocked off a couple of stars because certain scenes IMO needed more. It was not often but enough that I felt I was missing a piece of the bigger puzzle. I am greedy like that.
I was a bit lost at the opening I couldn't figure out why the cadence seemed off? It was the prologue - don't judge I was excited to see how their story played out 🙈
Anyway, after some minor tie-ups are completed from book one the real story begins.
Mr. Poe is still the hyper, cute as a button yet insecure character that I fell in love with in book one. He is young and still has a naive view of the world as a whole. Don't mistake his heart and exuberance for lacking in intelligence. He is books smart and he gets the opportunity to prove it multiple times which was fun to see.
He is just more an "in the moment" person.
As things progress in their relationship Jimmy finds the deeper his submission to Rod the more complete he feels - it's a unique balance between them and something he openly enjoys exploring.
I'm not 100% sold on Jimmy but what can I say I like his exuberance, his curiosity, the way he lives for the moment.
This time the story takes us deeper into Cold's world. We see him as the ruthless decision-maker he truly is. We see exactly how manipulative he can be while at the same time we see his vulnerability when it comes to Jimmy.
I mentioned previously that the story is a touch of a stretch when it comes to "reality" that has not changed but it works here.
We have kidnapping, extortion, murder, double agents and that is just to start.
A lot of misdirection kept me guessing. I was wrong a couple of times about certain intentions and twists 😳 and I am usually spot on.
I knocked off a couple of stars because certain scenes IMO needed more. It was not often but enough that I felt I was missing a piece of the bigger puzzle. I am greedy like that.
November 25, 2020
This is book two in the Mafia series and follows on from book one. The book starts calm and Jimmy Poe’s life seems to be on an even keel.
But it is not long before the usual Mafia mayhem of murders, chases, spies and lies come between Jimmy and Cold.
Jimmy and Cold’s relationship has grown but Jimmy finds it difficult coping with the lies and manipulation that Cold is up to in trying to save himself from prison.
Jimmy does a good job of departmentalising The Cold he loves more than life, and Cold the Mafia king and monster most of the time.
But he finds it more difficult when Cold blatantly lies to him, oh and when Cold asks him to organise a Wedding for them and that they are already married. Initially Jimmy refuses to have anything to do with the fake marriage, and there is quite a comedy scene between the annoying overbearing wedding planner and a determined (I am not getting married) Jimmy.
We see both main characters grow, Jimmy slowly learns to trust Cold’s instincts and he also becomes more self-confident and shows Cold he can handle tense situations quite adequately. Cold on the other hand slowly allows Jimmy to break down his defences and fully embrace their love.
The story is fast paced and there are a few suspenseful moments along with the odd explosion, kidnapping, police raids and murders.
Cold has everything planned and under control, well except for an incident involving onions!!
I love the banter between Cold and Jimmy, especially when they are arguing, which usually ends with hot sex. My favourite thing of the series is the way Cold always calls Jimmy Mr Poe when they are in the middle of a BDSM scene.
The story is full of nail biting page turning suspense and I will be honest with you, I really was not sure how the book was going to end right up to the end.
But it is not long before the usual Mafia mayhem of murders, chases, spies and lies come between Jimmy and Cold.
Jimmy and Cold’s relationship has grown but Jimmy finds it difficult coping with the lies and manipulation that Cold is up to in trying to save himself from prison.
Jimmy does a good job of departmentalising The Cold he loves more than life, and Cold the Mafia king and monster most of the time.
But he finds it more difficult when Cold blatantly lies to him, oh and when Cold asks him to organise a Wedding for them and that they are already married. Initially Jimmy refuses to have anything to do with the fake marriage, and there is quite a comedy scene between the annoying overbearing wedding planner and a determined (I am not getting married) Jimmy.
We see both main characters grow, Jimmy slowly learns to trust Cold’s instincts and he also becomes more self-confident and shows Cold he can handle tense situations quite adequately. Cold on the other hand slowly allows Jimmy to break down his defences and fully embrace their love.
The story is fast paced and there are a few suspenseful moments along with the odd explosion, kidnapping, police raids and murders.
Cold has everything planned and under control, well except for an incident involving onions!!
I love the banter between Cold and Jimmy, especially when they are arguing, which usually ends with hot sex. My favourite thing of the series is the way Cold always calls Jimmy Mr Poe when they are in the middle of a BDSM scene.
The story is full of nail biting page turning suspense and I will be honest with you, I really was not sure how the book was going to end right up to the end.
July 7, 2020
It was ok, but I was expecting more
I like a good, hot story, but the sex got in the way of the story, in this book. I didn't much like that Jimmy felt the need to morally compartmentalize in order to justify staying with Rod. He already knew who Rod is and what he does, and the vacilating back and forth was annoying. I felt that the Jimmy in this book learned nothing from his experiences in the last book.
I like a good, hot story, but the sex got in the way of the story, in this book. I didn't much like that Jimmy felt the need to morally compartmentalize in order to justify staying with Rod. He already knew who Rod is and what he does, and the vacilating back and forth was annoying. I felt that the Jimmy in this book learned nothing from his experiences in the last book.
January 13, 2021
The second book in this series, couldn’t measure up to the first one.
The characters drowned in stereotypical clichés that annoyed me early on. And at parts I skipped some pages...
The characters drowned in stereotypical clichés that annoyed me early on. And at parts I skipped some pages...
June 27, 2020
K.L. Hiers has really outdone herself with this one. Her debut novel Cold Hard Cash is my favourite m/m romance story. I re-read it over and over and I could not even handle my own excitement when Hard Earned Cash finally came out.
It is so freaking AMAZING! Jimmy is really growing and demanding a leading role in his new life with Boss Cold. For the first time he's really getting his life together, going back to school, freeing his dad, and getting laid several times a day. When his gangster lover's past comes busting in through the front door like the kool-aid man, Jimmy has a hard time believing the unbelievably chill Rod has everything under control. Especially when he gets arrested for murder!
Hiers seriously thinks of every little detail when portraying the genius of the delicious gangster who is almost infuriating in his ability to remain calm and collected in nearly every situation. The sex is even hotter, once again giving me kinks I didn't even know I had.
The characters we've grown to love so much from the first book return and it's like visiting friends I haven't seen in a while. I am most excited for the return of Maury and his beautiful adjective filled threats against Boss Cold himself. (We all need a friend like Maury).
We also finally get to spend some real time with Jimmy's dad (Mr. Poe Sr. ;) ) and he is even more delightful than I could have hoped.
I am lucky enough to be an advanced reader for this author and I've read Hard Earned Cash multiple times already. I loved every second of this novel. It's so much more than just porn. (though good God the porn is fantastic) I feel every emotion in the spectrum reading Hard Earned Cash and I cannot reccomend it enough.
It is so freaking AMAZING! Jimmy is really growing and demanding a leading role in his new life with Boss Cold. For the first time he's really getting his life together, going back to school, freeing his dad, and getting laid several times a day. When his gangster lover's past comes busting in through the front door like the kool-aid man, Jimmy has a hard time believing the unbelievably chill Rod has everything under control. Especially when he gets arrested for murder!
Hiers seriously thinks of every little detail when portraying the genius of the delicious gangster who is almost infuriating in his ability to remain calm and collected in nearly every situation. The sex is even hotter, once again giving me kinks I didn't even know I had.
The characters we've grown to love so much from the first book return and it's like visiting friends I haven't seen in a while. I am most excited for the return of Maury and his beautiful adjective filled threats against Boss Cold himself. (We all need a friend like Maury).
We also finally get to spend some real time with Jimmy's dad (Mr. Poe Sr. ;) ) and he is even more delightful than I could have hoped.
I am lucky enough to be an advanced reader for this author and I've read Hard Earned Cash multiple times already. I loved every second of this novel. It's so much more than just porn. (though good God the porn is fantastic) I feel every emotion in the spectrum reading Hard Earned Cash and I cannot reccomend it enough.
June 29, 2020
This novel picks up a year after Cold Hard Cash. There is a prologue of about thirty pages that isn’t necessary unless you haven’t read the first book. The prologue simply gives an overview of what happens right after the first novel finishes.
I really liked Jimmy’s character development in this novel. He’s come a long way from being the insecure, hesitant, naïve man we met in the first book. He has confidence. And a big conscience. At times, his conscience doesn’t shut down. I wish this would have been fully explored because this could have made for great tension between Jimmy and Cold, instead of what was given to the reader of the push and pull over an upcoming wedding and Cold’s constant “keeping things to himself.”
With those two quibbles aside, this is another great read. The author brings back the characters we met in the first novel. It was great seeing Rowena, Maury, and David. The Gentlemen. And there’s a new character Charlie. Charlie was a great introduction because he kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had him figured out, the author took me on another twist and turn with this character. Well done.
The plot was well-balanced and full of romance, suspense, and action. I especially enjoyed the court case. The author also did a great job of keeping the main characters and secondary characters fresh and interesting.
For a series, the author did her job well. She took two characters and fleshed out their romance into a tangled web of morals, growth, and addressing the past to move forward to a bright new future.
It also hints there might be another book coming.
If you’re new to the series, read Cold Hard Cash first, because Hard Earned Cash is the sequel. I highly recommend this book.
I really liked Jimmy’s character development in this novel. He’s come a long way from being the insecure, hesitant, naïve man we met in the first book. He has confidence. And a big conscience. At times, his conscience doesn’t shut down. I wish this would have been fully explored because this could have made for great tension between Jimmy and Cold, instead of what was given to the reader of the push and pull over an upcoming wedding and Cold’s constant “keeping things to himself.”
With those two quibbles aside, this is another great read. The author brings back the characters we met in the first novel. It was great seeing Rowena, Maury, and David. The Gentlemen. And there’s a new character Charlie. Charlie was a great introduction because he kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had him figured out, the author took me on another twist and turn with this character. Well done.
The plot was well-balanced and full of romance, suspense, and action. I especially enjoyed the court case. The author also did a great job of keeping the main characters and secondary characters fresh and interesting.
For a series, the author did her job well. She took two characters and fleshed out their romance into a tangled web of morals, growth, and addressing the past to move forward to a bright new future.
It also hints there might be another book coming.
If you’re new to the series, read Cold Hard Cash first, because Hard Earned Cash is the sequel. I highly recommend this book.
July 5, 2020
Intense Dark Mafia Romance and I Love IT!
This second installment with Boss Cold and Jimmy Poe was intense. A lot of violence, sex, romance, sadness along with joy but most of all humor. Fully entertained and a page turner from beginning to end. In this one Jimmy really is coming into his own...but he still has a lot of trauma he's dealing with. Cold is still as ruthless as before but you see a different side(caring/thoughtful/accommodating) and it's all due to Jimmy. Its nice to see Cold there for him...he will do whatever it takes to keep Jimmy happy and safe. Even though Jimmy has some reservations on Cold gangster ways he loves him unconditionally and he always try and be a good boy for Cold. I think their room play they have with each other is Jimmy therapy and Cold's stress release from his gangster activities. In this book, they have A LOT of room play. Their love for each is so intense that you almost feel their emotions too. I'm so glad everything ended well...the weddings described really was done well. I had some sniffles like I was actually there. Before I end this review I got to say that the author did a great job when she made the Maury character....he alone makes this a 5 STAR rating...LOL
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This second installment with Boss Cold and Jimmy Poe was intense. A lot of violence, sex, romance, sadness along with joy but most of all humor. Fully entertained and a page turner from beginning to end. In this one Jimmy really is coming into his own...but he still has a lot of trauma he's dealing with. Cold is still as ruthless as before but you see a different side(caring/thoughtful/accommodating) and it's all due to Jimmy. Its nice to see Cold there for him...he will do whatever it takes to keep Jimmy happy and safe. Even though Jimmy has some reservations on Cold gangster ways he loves him unconditionally and he always try and be a good boy for Cold. I think their room play they have with each other is Jimmy therapy and Cold's stress release from his gangster activities. In this book, they have A LOT of room play. Their love for each is so intense that you almost feel their emotions too. I'm so glad everything ended well...the weddings described really was done well. I had some sniffles like I was actually there. Before I end this review I got to say that the author did a great job when she made the Maury character....he alone makes this a 5 STAR rating...LOL
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2020
The story of Boss Cold and Jimmy Poe continues!
I liked this book even better than the first. This book gave such an insight into Cold and the whys of the way he does things. I felt for Jimmy; every time he tried to help, it backfired right in his face. I kept internally yelling at him to just trust Rod, let him to his thing. Cold spent most of this book just begging Jimmy to trust him, and that’s saying something for a gangster like Cold to beg. The sex was hot. As always. (Those ice cubes, though. Wow.)
This felt like a more complete story. We get glimpses of The Gentleman, who are always entertaining. We also get to visit with Rowena and Dario, who are still going strong. Charlie was an annoying presence but I understood his need to be in the story to move it along.
This book marked a shift in Cold and Jimmy’s relationship. Cold opened himself up more to Jimmy and Jimmy had to learn to love the man and the monster. Not always an easy task. These two are fire together and I’d read more books centered around them.
I liked this book even better than the first. This book gave such an insight into Cold and the whys of the way he does things. I felt for Jimmy; every time he tried to help, it backfired right in his face. I kept internally yelling at him to just trust Rod, let him to his thing. Cold spent most of this book just begging Jimmy to trust him, and that’s saying something for a gangster like Cold to beg. The sex was hot. As always. (Those ice cubes, though. Wow.)
This felt like a more complete story. We get glimpses of The Gentleman, who are always entertaining. We also get to visit with Rowena and Dario, who are still going strong. Charlie was an annoying presence but I understood his need to be in the story to move it along.
This book marked a shift in Cold and Jimmy’s relationship. Cold opened himself up more to Jimmy and Jimmy had to learn to love the man and the monster. Not always an easy task. These two are fire together and I’d read more books centered around them.
July 7, 2020
This serie
You thought the first book was good? The second one blew me away I thought the first book they got their happy ending but god this second book it went more into character depth. Like you really got a look into cold and see him open up to jimmy about his feelings. In this book jimmy is at a turmoil with cold about his own feelings with his he feels for cold and the things cold does. Throughout this whole book where they’re coming up in their marriage both cold and jimmy learn to put each other’s trust in one another.
It was really sweet but jimmy drives me insane and in a way I felt as if jimmy never completely loved cold. To love cold you would have to love the monster he is as well and to only want to be a part of his world is not his whole world. But other than that everything else was perfect.
You thought the first book was good? The second one blew me away I thought the first book they got their happy ending but god this second book it went more into character depth. Like you really got a look into cold and see him open up to jimmy about his feelings. In this book jimmy is at a turmoil with cold about his own feelings with his he feels for cold and the things cold does. Throughout this whole book where they’re coming up in their marriage both cold and jimmy learn to put each other’s trust in one another.
It was really sweet but jimmy drives me insane and in a way I felt as if jimmy never completely loved cold. To love cold you would have to love the monster he is as well and to only want to be a part of his world is not his whole world. But other than that everything else was perfect.
June 26, 2020
Absolutely loved this sequel to Cold Hard Cash! Sometimes I look forward to the next book in a series only to be disappointed when it doesn't live up the to the first book but this book was definitely better than the first. We get to see a bigger glimpse into the relationship between Cold and Jimmy, as well as between Jimmy and his father. Familiar characters, such as Rowena, Maury and Dario make an appearance as well as the Gentlemen. Jimmy has matured a lot since the start of his relationship with Cold, and I enjoyed reading about Jimmy standing up for himself while trying to navigate his way through his first major disagreement with Cold. I hope that there will be more books in the future.
June 27, 2020
Yay for more Boss Cold and Mr. Poe
Loved seeing Rod and Jimmy again! This was a great addition to their story that started in Cold Hard Cash (not a continuation, since the first volume did have it’s own HEA) and culminates in an even Happier Ever After ending here. In Hard Earned Cash, you get more of the lovely and ever evolving dynamics between the two, more sexy times, new “villain(s),” and some inappropriately funny Pavlovian responses to “Mr. Poe.” I truly enjoyed how much Jimmy grew in their relationship and how much more Cold “warmed up” to loving Jimmy throughout. More than that, whew! when Cold put on his “gangsta shoes”...so HOT!! (for any anime fans of One Piece...imagine the Mr. Prince scene in episode 108 lol)
Loved seeing Rod and Jimmy again! This was a great addition to their story that started in Cold Hard Cash (not a continuation, since the first volume did have it’s own HEA) and culminates in an even Happier Ever After ending here. In Hard Earned Cash, you get more of the lovely and ever evolving dynamics between the two, more sexy times, new “villain(s),” and some inappropriately funny Pavlovian responses to “Mr. Poe.” I truly enjoyed how much Jimmy grew in their relationship and how much more Cold “warmed up” to loving Jimmy throughout. More than that, whew! when Cold put on his “gangsta shoes”...so HOT!! (for any anime fans of One Piece...imagine the Mr. Prince scene in episode 108 lol)
July 4, 2020
An absolute masterpiece of a show, with pieces being put into place by Cold to prevent anything terrible. Boss Cold is trying to account for any and all problems to stop being imprisoned for a crime he may have or not committed but had overlooked something that could be everyone's downfall. We have alot of private time with Jimmy and Rod and see how much that relationship has grown and how they have both matured. Just beware of Rowena and her heels when she feels angry, so much drama and action that you will love. You think you have things figured out and whose side people are on and the endgame but it will twist you on your head and leave you spinning with a dramatic conclusion you don't want to miss. If anyone needs me I'll be moving to Strassen Springs. Reviewed honestly by myself
July 3, 2020
So much Action!
Wow this second book was so fast paced. We really got a glimpse into mafia life and saw Jimmys struggles to love Cold but at the same time remain a step back from the brutality of what Cold need to do to stay safe and in power. I was amazed at what a good lawyer Jimmy as learning to be. And was so happy to see him being reunited with his dad. We got to see different sides to Cold especially how protective he was withJimmy. Their love was so strong. I enjoyed seeing the old characters Rowena, theGentlemen, Maury. There were a lot of twists and turns and the end as amazing, brought tears to my eyes.
Wow this second book was so fast paced. We really got a glimpse into mafia life and saw Jimmys struggles to love Cold but at the same time remain a step back from the brutality of what Cold need to do to stay safe and in power. I was amazed at what a good lawyer Jimmy as learning to be. And was so happy to see him being reunited with his dad. We got to see different sides to Cold especially how protective he was withJimmy. Their love was so strong. I enjoyed seeing the old characters Rowena, theGentlemen, Maury. There were a lot of twists and turns and the end as amazing, brought tears to my eyes.
April 6, 2025
The sequel is actually not bad. Again, the found family here is pretty heartwarming and I liked the relationships that they have built around the mafia family.
I do think that the perspective of having a mafia as a partner and the moralities as a civilian having to try to understand the workings of it and the things that society deem as crimes. I like the morally gray area we have in this particular one and there were a lot more action scenes and mafia politics too.
Also Jimmy is such a brat (again its funny his name is jimmy haha).
3.5🌟
I do think that the perspective of having a mafia as a partner and the moralities as a civilian having to try to understand the workings of it and the things that society deem as crimes. I like the morally gray area we have in this particular one and there were a lot more action scenes and mafia politics too.
Also Jimmy is such a brat (again its funny his name is jimmy haha).
3.5🌟
July 5, 2020
This is a continuation of Jimmy and Cold’s relationship. I loved how Jimmy was trying to come into his own. I loved the romance and suspense of the story. All the side characters brought more to the story. I’m hoping there might be another story to be told. Loved it!
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions
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July 6, 2020Terrific second book in series
Oh my! This book is dark, but so much fun and a terrific read. I was sucked in as soon as I read the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to read this one. I just adore the push and pull that is the relationship between these two men. If you like dark m/m romance then I really recommend these two books to you.
Oh my! This book is dark, but so much fun and a terrific read. I was sucked in as soon as I read the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to read this one. I just adore the push and pull that is the relationship between these two men. If you like dark m/m romance then I really recommend these two books to you.
July 3, 2020
This is the second book in this sequel but it can be read as a stand-alone. Jimmy has fallen for the mob boss he gave himself to as payment. What will happen when Cold is arrested and everyone’s lives are in danger. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. The chemistry is intense and the story entertaining. I liked it.
August 31, 2020
This was the second book in a series about Hard, a Mafia kingpin. As another reviewer said, both books seemed to be a lot of sex with some plot thrown in. The first book I found interesting when Hard offered struggling boy, Jimmy, a chance to pay off his large debt to the bad guys by "servicing" Hard when requested. Hard was a dominant who enjoyed doling out pain and he found a very willing subject in poor, abused Jimmy.
I had a harder time (pun intended) with this second book. Even though Hard and Jimmy's relationship became loving and mutual, Hard's really nasty Mafia side was brutal and uncaring and I didn't really like him anymore. So this book was plenty of sex and lots of nasty violence. Not so enjoyable.
I had a harder time (pun intended) with this second book. Even though Hard and Jimmy's relationship became loving and mutual, Hard's really nasty Mafia side was brutal and uncaring and I didn't really like him anymore. So this book was plenty of sex and lots of nasty violence. Not so enjoyable.
June 29, 2020
All I can say is WOW! This book is amazing! I was excited to hear we were getting more of Cold and Jimmy and this book did not disappoint. What I love about Hier's books is that we get both a plot ( or 2 or 3 ) and enough scorching hot sex to satisfy anyone. If you like your sex on the slightly kinkier side you simply MUST read this book. The author does edging so well that I thought My balls were going to explode and I am a girl! Seriously the story line alone is gripping but add in the so well done sex scenes and it's a favorite of mine for sure! Definitely will be one I turn to again and again!
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