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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Contemporary romance - nicely done!, September 10, 2008
An anthology that takes readers into the lives (and loves) of the characters who were secondary in her earlier novella (Hardhats and Silk Stockings) in the WHEN GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO BAD BOYS anthology, HelenKay Dimon has written another winner with HARD AS NAILS.
THIS OLD HOUSE
Aubrey Matheson is desperately determined to remain in her aunt's historic home for just a bit longer. Yes, the beautiful old house has been sold and her elderly aunt comfortably settled into a retirement home, but Aubrey has her own secret reason for staying. When Cole Carruthers shows up, he's confident that he'll have Ms. Matheson out on her cute little butt in no time at all. He wasn't counting on her coming at him with a sledgehammer that weighs almost as much as she does. When Aubrey argues that Cole's company took advantage of her poor old aunt and refuses to leave until they make it right, Cole wonders what she's up to. His determination and stubbornness equal hers and he vows to remain in the house with her until she tells him the truth or leaves. What he didn't count on was an undeniable attraction to Aubrey that packs a punch that's more powerful than her sledgehammer.
ALL ABOUT ADAM
After a seven day fling that ended with the disappearance of Rebecca Carter, Adam Thomas has unsuccessfully done everything possible to get in touch with her for the past eight months. When he finds Becky waiting in his firm's conference room to discuss negotiations for her friend's purchase of the historic home he's part owner of, he's excited at the opportunity to reconnect with her. Becky's experience with men hasn't always been pleasant though and despite Adam's dogged resolve to get her back in his life, it won't be easy to get her to drop her guard. When Becky finally does open up to let Adam in, she tells herself it's just to prove that he's a minor distraction, certain that once they've been intimate she'll be able to move on. If only it was that simple. Both of these hard bargaining attorneys are in for the experience of a lifetime - when they finally stop opposing each other!
MAN AT THE DOOR
Erin McHugh, having faced the consequence of her controversial parents for her entire life, simply wishes to live quietly and without incident. When Ray Hammond, the job foreman overseeing the restoration of the historical building she recently purchased, shows interest in her she blows him off, mostly because he's younger than her. Ray refuses to be dissuaded by a measly seven years and he sets out to win Erin over. But Erin soon discovers that Ray has a secret of his own and fear of negative public attention have her backing away. When she realizes that she's in danger of losing the most special, solid thing in her life, she knows that nothing short of a grand gesture will do in trying to get him back - but will she be too late?
This anthology will satisfy the romantic notions and needs of even the most seasoned romance reader. The stories are not rushed or incomplete and mesh together nicely, almost giving the feeling of being one full-length story. Ms. Dimon always provides readers with characters who seem like warm-blooded acquaintances rather than simply characters written in ink on paper. HARD AS NAILS has my highest recommendation for all contemporary romance fans.
COURTESY LAURIE/ROMANCE JUNKIES
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hard As Nails , August 7, 2008
This Old House
Cole Carruthers is the architect for T.C. Limited and somehow he is dispatched to find out what was behind the person objecting to their newest project. The last thing Cole figured on finding is a young and sexy woman with a sledgehammer prepared to do some damage to the historical building. Aubrey Matheson's great aunt owned the house until she sold it to T.C. Limited. Aubrey is in a sticky situation and she needs total access to the house until she gets what she needs to keep a family member's secret safe. Cole decides that there is something about his new "squatter" and goes on a counter attack. Aubrey and Cole discover love and that just because it has always been does not mean it must always stay that way.
"This Old House" is the beginning of the trio of stories, which officially hands the project off to T.C. Limited to bring the great old house back to its prime. Cole isn't happy about having to face the person wanting to cause trouble until he meets Aubrey. Aubrey has reasons to delay the construction on the house anyway she can. However when Cole calls her bluff, Aubrey has trouble keeping on track. I laughed often while following Cole and Aubrey and their fun roundabout way to love. "This Old House" is a great start to the trio of stories.
All About Adam
Adam Thomas is the corporate attorney for the firm. But that has only been his job for a short time. Adam had to walk away from the criminal law that he loved to protect loved ones. For months now Adam has been trying to track down a woman who went for coffee and never came back. Becky Carter just wants to help her sister with the house purchase she made with T.C. Limited. When Adam walks in, Becky wonders if she can stick to business. Adam is also determined to stick to business, but his concern isn't a legal contract, but the reasons why Becky disappeared. When both Becky and Adam confront the truths behind their actions, it isn't surprising that the outcome is love in the first degree.
"All About Adam" brings Adam and Becky back together after a week of togetherness that ended with Becky disappearing. Adam was not going to take no for an answer on his questions. Becky was unsure just how to answer his questions and still keep what pride and dignity she still had left. I just fell for Adam's determination to get what he knew was his and had to feel for Becky as she struggled with what her heart said and what her head was saying. The ending was the perfect solution for two legal minded people in love.
Man at the Door
Ray Hammond would be worried about the guys in his company falling under love's spell except he can't seem to get the new owner of his jobsite out of his mind. Ray just wants a chance to show Erin that they could make a wonderful couple. Erin knows what Ray's reputation has been and she is not sure that she wants to be just another mark on his belt. Besides he is years younger than her and it would be just wrong - wouldn't it? Ray finally gets his chance to convince Erin and they are interrupted. Then misunderstandings make it worse when all Ray wants to do is show Erin not only how good they are, and could be together, but that people with unusual pasts can have a loving and normal future.
"Man at the Door" is not only the final story for the men in T.C. Limited but wraps up all the storylines in a satisfying way. Ray knew that Erin was for him from the minute he met her and just wants to show her what could be. Erin is falling for Ray but has serious doubts about several things - not the least being he is a much younger man. When Ray and Erin finally come together I could tell they were going to explode and they did. However I should have known that nothing could go without a few bumps when you are traveling along the highway of love. However Erin shows her ultimate expression of love for Ray in a way, it leaves no doubt with anyone.
Hard as Nails tells the story of the remaining three men in the forefront of T.C. Limited. Cole, Adam and Ray had no hint that the purchase, sale and remodeling of an old house would lead to their perfect endings. I laughed and sighed my way through each story in Hard as Nails watching as each man was confronted with his perfect other half. The humor with which each couple faced and struggled while finding love, made this anthology by Ms. Dimon a great summer read.
If you are at all curious about the fourth and beginning member of the company, you can find Whit's story in the When Good Things Happen to Bad Boys anthology.
Jo
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
smoking hot, July 14, 2008
Hard As Nails by HelenKay Dimon delivers three smoking hot stories in one novella.
This Old House has Cole Carruthers matching wits with Aubrey Matheson. Aubrey has parked herself in a house Cole needs to restore. Aubrey is looking for missing jewels her brother hide there after he stole them. Her attraction to Cole is messing with her concentration. Cole at first wanted Aubrey gone but now he doesn't want to ever let her go.
All About Adam has Adam Thomas confronting his former week long fling Rebecca Carter. Adam hasn't forgotten that week filled with passion. Neither has Becky but she has a client to protect right now and can't afford to be distracted. Adam is pulling out every trick he knows to keep Becky around full time.
Man At The Door is the story of Erin McHugh. Erin is happy to have a home that she can use as a studio and living space. She isn't so happy about the contractor Ray Hammond. Oh he is very qualified to do the job but his hot stares and being much younger then her bother her something fierce. Ray sees something real and special in Erin and will do anything to get her into his bed.
Hard As Nails is another keeper by HelenKay Dimon. Each story has interesting and compelling characters. Their chemistry snaps and sparkles and is smoking hot. Each story blends seamlessly into the next. Kudos.
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