How to Read Laura Kaye’s Hard Ink Series
Laura Kaye's Hard Ink is a masterclass in romantic suspense. The series centers on five dishonored Special Forces soldiers who run a renegade vigilante operation out of a gritty Baltimore tattoo parlor. Their goal? To expose a corrupt government conspiracy, clear their names, and protect the people they love. Because of the tightly woven, series-spanning suspense plot, reading these books out of order can lead to major spoilers. For the best experience, you should follow the publication order, which also matches the chronological timeline of the storyline.
The Recommended Reading Order
Below is the complete reading path for the Hard Ink universe, incorporating all full-length novels and vital companion novellas:
- Hard as It Gets (Book 1, 2013) – Focuses on former Special Forces soldier Nick Rixey and Becca Merritt, his former commander’s daughter. Together, they start the vigilante campaign to rescue Becca's brother and find evidence to clear the squad's name.
- Hard as You Can (Book 2, 2014) – Focuses on Shane McCallan and Crystal Dean. Shane must go deep into the Baltimore crime syndicate to save Crystal, who holds key information that can bring down their enemies.
- Hard to Hold on To (Book 2.5 Novella, 2014) – Focuses on Edward "Easy" Cantrell and Jenna Dean (Crystal's sister). Jenna, who suffers from epilepsy, finds herself in the crosshairs of the gang, forcing Easy to confront his inner demons and PTSD to protect her.
- Hard to Come By (Book 3, 2014) – Focuses on Derek DiMarzio and Emilie Garza. Derek, battling physical and emotional trauma, must protect a key witness while attempting to infiltrate the enemy from within.
- Hard to Be Good (Book 3.5 Novella, 2015) – Focuses on Jeremy Rixey (Nick's brother) and Charlie Merritt (Becca's brother). This steamy M/M romance follows Charlie's healing process after his traumatic kidnapping, and the unexpected bond he forms with Jeremy.
- Hard to Let Go (Book 4, 2015) – Focuses on Beckett Murda and Katherine Rixey (Nick’s sister). This book brings the main government conspiracy arc to its explosive and long-awaited resolution.
- Hard as Steel (Book 4.5 Novella, 2015) – Focuses on Ike Young and Jessica "Jess" Jakes. Serving as a crucial transition story, this novella bridges the Hard Ink team with the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club.
- Hard Ever After (Book 4.6 Novella, 2016) – Follows the entire Hard Ink family as they gather for Nick and Becca's highly anticipated wedding. It acts as an epilogue to the primary series arc.
- Hard to Serve (Book 4.7 Novella, 2016) – Focuses on detective Kyler Vance and Mia Breslin. This crossover novella serves as the official launchpad and prequel to Laura Kaye’s BDSM-themed Blasphemy series.
Understanding the Spin-offs and Crossovers
The Hard Ink universe doesn't end with the main squad. Laura Kaye expanded the world with two distinct spin-off series, both set in the same gritty Baltimore landscape.
The Raven Riders MC Series
If you enjoy the found-family dynamic and high-intensity suspense of Hard Ink, the Raven Riders series is the perfect next step. This spin-off revolves around a motorcycle club dedicated to protecting victims of abuse and street violence. The crossover point is the novella Hard as Steel (Hard Ink #4.5), which introduces the club's president and sets up the events of the first full Raven Riders novel, Ride Hard. The reading order for this spin-off is:
- Hard as Steel (Raven Riders #0.5 / Hard Ink #4.5)
- Ride Hard (2016)
- Ride Rough (2017)
- Ride Wild (2017)
- Ride Dirty (Novella, 2018)
The Blasphemy Series
For readers who prefer a shift toward contemporary erotic romance, the Blasphemy series focuses on an exclusive, upscale BDSM club in Baltimore. The bridge between the two series is the crossover novella Hard to Serve (Hard Ink #4.7), which features Detective Kyler Vance, a recurring character from the Hard Ink books. Reading this novella will introduce you directly to the club and its core members before you jump into the first official Blasphemy book, Bound to Submit.
Practical Reader Advice
Where is the best place to start?
You should absolutely start with the first novel, Hard as It Gets. While each book spotlights a different romantic couple and resolves their immediate relationship, the overarching mystery of the military frame-up, the political corruption, and the fight against the local crime syndicate spans across all four main novels. Trying to read them out of order will make the central suspense plot confusing and spoil major character reveals.
Are the novellas optional?
While the four main novels cover the core members of the original military squad, skipping the novellas is not recommended. Hard to Hold on To and Hard to Be Good introduce crucial character developments and emotional resolutions that are referenced in the main books. Hard Ever After is highly recommended for fans of the series, as it serves as a final celebratory reunion and wedding for the characters you've spent the series rooting for.
Tone and What to Expect
Before diving into Hard Ink, readers should be prepared for a high-intensity blend of gritty action, military brotherhood, emotional trauma recovery, and very steamy contemporary romance. Many of the characters deal with PTSD, kidnapping aftermaths, and physical rehabilitation, making for an emotional but deeply rewarding read that highlights healing and the power of a chosen family.