We saw Alexa Harmon show up briefly at the Raven Riders clubhouse in Ride Hard seeking help from her ex boyfriend and old friend, Club VP, Maverick Rylan. But she took off again and went back to her new life. Alexa resurfacing in Maverick's life brings out his need to protect her. So he is not going to let her disappear again without seeing if she is really okay.

Their history is twisted together. She was his late best friend's little sister, his friend, and the only girl he ever loved. She pushed him away during a difficult time and left him years ago searching for a more stable and safe life that did not involve a MC.

But now she has the rich fiance, big house, budding career, and elaborate wedding looming...but at what price? Her fiance, Grant,  is a perfectionist at best, but really more controlling and manipulative. He makes her doubt herself and feel beholden to him. And Maverick can see clearly where Alexa is just starting to figure it out. And all Maverick cares about is her safety and happiness.

When the situation begins to escalate, Mav is determined to be her protector. And as Alex begins to see how differently Mav treats her, she starts to see more clearly where her apprehension about her previous life was coming from. Grant appeared to be the kind of man any woman would want and a safe bet, but appearances can be deceiving. And Mav seemed like more of a gamble in the past, but he is now proving he has her best interests at heart.

Five years ago she pushed him away and ran scared, and he didn't fight hard enough. But they've grown up a lot, seen what their lives are without each other, and she has seen a darker side of love. Her self worth and confidence have taken a hit.  But Mav believes in her and wants to build her back up. And she is not only his one-that-got-away, but also a way for Mav to find redemption from past mistakes. Their connection and chemistry are stronger than ever. But by trying to reclaim her life, it might have repercussion for all of those they care about.

Grant has no intention of letting go easily and is not afraid to use any means and resources necessary to win. He already hated the Raven Riders before, and this just adds fuel to the fire.

Maverick is hot and alpha, sweet and swoony, patient and protective, loving and loyal. He is just everything you need in a hero and I adored him. Alexa is sassy and sweet and just coming back into her own. I really loved them together. 

The Raven Riders are about family, brotherhood, loyalty, and protecting those that need it. I love their camaraderie and the feeling of home they provide. I enjoyed more with Dare and Haven, as well as the other side characters Slider, Cora, Phoenix, Caine, Jagger, and Bunny. There is plenty going on in their worlds. Alexa's mom is also an interesting character. The antagonist was enough to make me furious. And I always love when some Hard Ink is thrown in. The author gently reminded us about previous events so it was easy to get pulled back into the Raven Riders world. The characters feel real and have depth. I was actually surprised when I found I was at the last page, and would have like a bit more resolution of a few things, but I guess maybe we will see that in the next book, Ride Wild. I am so excited for the brooding widower Slider's story.

This is a suspenseful, passionate, intense second chance love story set in the Raven Riders world. It is a story of lost love, rekindled romance, and a fire that was never truly was extinguished. It is also Alexa's journey of finding herself, her inner strength, her self worth, and empowerment. They are both broken in ways and want to help put each other together again. But there is plenty of danger, drama, and surprises that they will have to face and try to get through...and people and circumstances that could tear them apart again. It is definitely a rough ride for these two, but the ultimate reward could be a chance of hope, healing, and reclaiming what they lost.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Maverick and Alexa have a history, but Alexa has worked hard to put her past behind her. Keeping her mother in a safe place is her goal. But she has noticed changes in her fiancé that scare her, and her stable world no longer feels so safe.

Maverick has given Alexa the space she said she wanted all those years ago. But when she called for help, his protective nature won’t let him back down, even after she says she is ok. But it’s a good thing he has trusted his instincts, because Alexa is in more trouble than she thought.

There turns out to be a whole lot more involved in this than the surface appeared. This was one of those stories that pulled me in and wouldn’t let go. As Alexa fought with what she thought she wanted versus what was actually happening, the depth of what she was going through was far beyond what I was expecting.

I always love watching these tough guys fall and fight to protect what they love. Maverick hasn’t had much soft in his life, but he has always loved Alexa, even though he wasn’t always good at it.

Maverick did a good job balancing his thoughts as he determined he wanted Alexa back in his life with the stress she was fighting at the moment. While the speed at which their relationship progressed, it didn’t feel like and insta-love situation, simply because of their history. He was clearly aware she was battling the timing, and was willing to take things at her pace so long as she felt safe.
 

It is always great to see favorite Raven characters, especially with as banged up as they were at the end of the last book. The interaction between Alexa and the club members is stressful as Alexa anticipates the reception she receives after so many years away. These are not strangers to her, but she didn’t think she’d need their help again.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Hard As Steel (Hard Ink/Raven Riders crossover Novella)

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