Jeremy Rixey has always been easygoing...until an explosion destroys his business and leaves him feeling ashamed. Long-time enemies of his brother, Nick, bombed the building where Jeremy had his tattoo shop, Hard Ink. Jeremy froze when facing a life and death situation, and two men died. He feels useless and guilty.

Charlie Merritt has been recuperating from the injuries he suffered when he was kidnapped. In spite of his ordeal, Charlie has remained serene. He is a loner, a computer geek, but he admires Jeremy's cockiness and apparent indifference.

Charlie and Jeremy connected from the beginning, both being non-military and feeling a bit the outsiders; ; Charlie and his sister are staying at Jeremy's along with Nick's Special Forces team, their biker associates, and a gaggle of significant others. Charlie and Jeremy often work together behind the scenes, and they enjoy a comfortable friendship. However Jeremy would like a lot more from Charlie, but he is unsure if he should make his intentions known.

When I learned that Laura Kaye was writing Jeremy Rixey's story, I was ecstatic: the tattooed, pierced, bisexual, and charming Jeremy has been a favourite character of mine ever since the first book of the fabulous Hard Ink series. And to my great pleasure and utter delight, HARD TO BE GOOD more than lives up to my exceedingly high expectations! Ms. Kaye provides solid background on the story arc as well as the several recurring characters, so that newcomers to the series can easily follow.

Ms. Kaye is a master at writing young, hip, and gritty characters in an uncluttered, urban style that is modern and real. The dialogue is pitch-perfect, the banter between Jeremy and his older brother Nick is priceless, and the story moves briskly. In HARD TO BE GOOD, Laura Kaye provides more insight into Jeremy's already multifaceted personality, and has crafted a beautiful and poignant story. Falling in love was never a priority for Jeremy, but he relates to Charlie in a way he never thought possible; the chemistry between the two men is combustible and irresistible. And as much as I love Jeremy, Charlie is just about as fascinating, appealing, and lovable. Charlie is brilliant but uncomfortable in his sexuality, and he doesn't feel he belongs anywhere until he meets the Rixeys. Their relationship emerges from profound respect and true friendship. They are human, genuine, young, and virile.

HARD TO BE GOOD is everything a romance novel should be: it sizzles with hot, sexy scenes, very touching moments, real passion, and true love. Laura Kaye does an outstanding job with HARD TO BE GOOD, and fans will be clamoring for even more of Jeremy and Charlie!