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Blasphemy #0.5

Hard to Serve

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To protect and serve is all Detective Kyler Vance ever wanted to do, so when Internal Affairs investigates him as part of the new police commissioner’s bid to oust corruption, everything is on the line. Which makes meeting a smart, gorgeous submissive at an exclusive play club the perfect distraction…

The director of the city’s hottest art gallery, Mia Breslin’s career is golden. Now if only she could find a man to dominate her nights and set her body—and her heart—on fire. When a scorching scene with a hard-bodied, brooding Dom at Blasphemy promises just that, Mia is lured to serve Kyler again and again.

Then, as their relationship burns hotter, Kyler learns that he’s been dominating the daughter of the hard-ass boss who has it in for him. Now Kyler must choose between life-long duty and forbidden desire before Mia finds another who’s not so hard to serve.

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2016

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About the author

Laura Kaye

72 books7,503 followers
Laura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink, Raven Riders, Blasphemy, Heroes, and Hearts of the Anemoi series. Laura's hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura grew up amidst family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses, cementing her life-long fascination with storytelling and the supernatural. Laura also writes historical fiction as Laura Kamoie, and lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
Profile Image for Eliza.
661 reviews845 followers
June 27, 2016


Kyler Vance is a man who thrives on domination. With his career stalling due to injury, and an ongoing investigation surrounding how he sustained it, the Baltimore Police Detective's need for control burns greater than ever.

With her career on an upward trajectory, Mia Breslin deems it time to focus on her social life. Being a submissive is not a new discovery for Mia, but what she does want is find is she is a Dom who can cater to her particular tastes.



Their outlet is Blasphemy, one of the cities most exclusive BDSM clubs. As one of club’s twelve Masters and experienced Dominants, Kyler is the Dom she has been searching for. Their scene is an spectacular encounter and what starts as a perfect distraction for Kyler soon overtakes his waking thoughts.

Hard to Serve had the intensity that I enjoyed so much with the Hearts in Darkness series and I'm glad to here this series will continue with each of the Masters getting their own book.

Laura Kaye serves up a sizzling feast of dominance, intimacy and desire, that satisfies the kinkiest of appetites with it's erotic yet passionate offering.


 

Profile Image for Claire.
2,314 reviews724 followers
June 18, 2017
3 - This one was trouble. Of the best and worst kind... Stars!

Its LIVE!
Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Serve-Ink...
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hard-Serve-I...

Laura Kaye, starts another new series that is an off-shoot of her original Hard Ink books with, Hard to Serve.



We met and got to know Kyler Vance through that story as he was the Police Detective involved with the case that the boys at the Hard Ink Tattoo Studio were working on themselves, and you do get to spend a little more time with Jeremy, Nick and the rest of those characters in this one as well, which was nice.

Although listed as a Hard Ink novella, this is also book one of the Blasphemy series. Blasphemy is a club, a BDSM club, and pretty well summed up below –

"There are twelve masters at Blasphemy. We founded the club six years ago and we own it jointly."

So essentially you can guess that this series is going to pretty much focus on relationships built on or around the club, and is going to be and exploration of the many and varied types of sex, kink, fetishes and BDSM, an A-Z if you will, as each novella progresses. Although written in the authors usual engaging style, I kind of expect more from Laura Kaye if I am being honest, both this series and her MC series that have come to fruition off the back of the original Hard Ink one seem to be just jumping on the bandwagon of popular tropes of the day rather than looking to offer up something new or a little different from the norm.

"Whose pussy is this?"
"Yours, Sir."


Kyler and Mia were alright together as a couple, but it was a struggle to feel any real connection between them as everything pretty much played out around the 'scenes' they partake in while at Blasphemy, they do take a step towards a more conventional dating pattern in the second half of the novella, but it is quickly quashed due to their discovery that Mia’s father is Kyler’s boss.

"My father has no say in what I do in my personal life…"

"But he has a big say in what happens in my professional one."


Mia has certain specific tastes when it comes to how she likes her sex, and Kyler is more than happy to be the one to fulfil her fantasies on that front. Die hard Kaye fans are going to love this I am sure, I consider myself one of those fans and although I didn’t dislike it, I find myself a little over the whole sex club, BDSM tropes now, and there wasn’t really anything new or original about the story between Mia and Kyler that made it particularly stand out from all the others I have read.

Why did this woman get to him this way.

This author has such a great writing voice I would love to see her offer up something a little different to what everyone else is currently doling out at the moment.

ARC generously provided via Inkslinger PR, in exchange for the above honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,329 followers
June 28, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Laura Kaye serves up a sexy, steamy, and erotic romance novella that will have readers begging Ms. Kaye to continue serving this sinful delight. Hard To Serve was just what I needed. It was short, sexy, and oh so addicting. This novella serves up a hot sensual storyline while incorporating romance, a little angst, and of course lots of sexual kink that pertains to the BDSM world.

#HardToServe

Detective Kyler Vance has been out of commission in the police field due to his recent injury and being held under investigation as to how he was shot. And all Kyler wants to do is to get back to doing the job that he loves. Not only is Kyler a Detective but he also is part owner of an exclusive BDSM club in Baltimore.

Mia Breslin is a rising and successful art director at Baltimore’s chicest art gallery. With her fast rise in the art community, her work life is a success but her love life not so much. Mia knows she is a submissive and so when she got an exclusive temporary invite to check out this club, Mia knew that she wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to play and possibly meet a Dom that will satisfy her unique kink of breathe play.

Right away, Kyler Vance spotted Mia when she walked into his club and he knew from the start that she was someone that he wanted to play with. So when Kyler and Mia set out their limits, it was game on. And soon Mia found the right Dom who could help achieve the ultimate orgasmic high and pleasure while still maintaining control as they act out her need for choking and breathe play. As Mia and Kyler continues to see each other and fulfill their roles as D/s, what happens when Kyler discovers that Mia Breslin is the daughter of the Commissioner and is his boss? Will Kyler let Mia go because his career is on the line? Or will he realize that the only Master that should be fulfilling Mia’s needs should be him?

Although Hard To Serve may be just a novella length book, Ms. Kaye packs so much steam and sexiness into this story that readers gets a full-serving of kink and romance to satisfy our needs when it comes to Mia and Kyler. A part of me wished this was a full length novel because Mia and Kyler’s story was simply addicting and I couldn’t get enough of it. My only hope is that Ms. Kaye would write a series in regarding the other Masters. So if you are looking for a quick read that will be sizzling up your e-readers, then look no further than Hard To Serve.

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Laura Kaye
Profile Image for Tpagirl Loves Romance.
1,663 reviews166 followers
April 30, 2018
Hard to Serve was the prequel in the Blasphemy series by Laura Kaye. It was a short novella.

Kyler Vance was a detective by day and a Master Dominant at Blasphemy by night. Mia Breslin was an artist and gallery manager in Baltimore. She had the success she always dreamed of and was happy in every area of her life, except one. She was a submissive and wanted her dream Dominant man to share her life. Enter Blasphemy, the exclusive BDSM Club she had finally gotten the golden ticket to enter.

As a novella, it was a quick but well written read. It was told from a dual POV. The majority of the storyline focused on their relationship development but Kaye threw in a little life drama to liven it up some. Otherwise, it was primarily a sweet story with heavy BDSM.

I read it out of order, but it was technically the first book of the series. For those who have not read the series, start here; otherwise, it can be read at any time. For me, the next book is Theirs to Take, a ménage relationship with best friends Cruz and Jonathan. They had a small cameo in Hard to Serve so it’s the perfect segue.
Profile Image for Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads).
685 reviews1,098 followers
June 18, 2017
I love laura Kaye's hard ink series and this introduction into her new spin off series blasphemy is so good!!! I admit that I'm very picky about bdsm reads,it has to have a great storyline and awesome characters to hold my attention. Laura Kaye is a great storyteller and her books are so good!!! If you love hot take charge kind of guys who know how to make a girl feel real good check out this book and all the other great reads by this talented writer!!!! 5 WET PANTIE STARS!!
Profile Image for Kay (❦ ᴗ ❦ ✿) BooksandMe.
470 reviews7 followers
July 7, 2016


“She needed the incredible release of submission, and she needed someone strong enough to truly give it to her.”



I was so so super excited when I’ve read that Detective Kyler Vance will have his own book, and to know that he’s kinky? Well, fuck me senseless. It’s a chance for me being a Hard Ink fan to take a sneak peek of what’s been going on with my favorite men and to know what’s happened with the people who helped them with their crusade.

“Brown hair. Blue eyes. Dominance so palpable in his gaze that Mia found it hard not to look down. Kneel. Submit. From just that one look.”


Hard to Serve is another 1001 Dark Nights novella and an introduction to Laura Kaye’s new series, Blasphemy. To be honest, I am not really that a big fan of the 1001 Dark Nights but every time I read one, I always read the intro in every novella, even though I’ve read it more times than I can count. But this is a Laura Kaye book and man, anything by her. I am all for it.

“I don’t want to sit and talk. I want to fuck. Hard. I want to be aggressive. Maybe I even want to be a little mean.”


Detective Kyler Vance is a hard ass man that intrigues me. Dominant, loyal to a fault and a man of honor who would serve and protect hard to those who matter to him.

Mia Breslin is a woman I admired. She knows what she wants, and even though it’s hard, she will chase what she needs and go for it. A woman who needed dominance in her life.



It was lust at first sight. Sexual tension palpable and the chemistry and connection is there. Will they go for what they want or will they be separated because of the reasons that hold them apart to be together?

I haven't read a BDSM romance in long while because I've been picky about setting and plot and especially if it involves the BDSM club. But this book just made me want me to devour BDSM romance again. I say I'm ready for Blasphemy!

“Because he wasn’t sure whether fucking would satisfy the urge he felt to be with her once and for all-or just make him yearn for more.”


This book wasn't about just getting what we want but also about getting to know ourselves better and admitting to ourselves our needs and desires and what makes us happy. This makes me miss spanking (theoretically) and just right, not hard core and not too sweet. Definitely something I'd recommend. Read hard, always.


“You make me feel alive. With every touch. Every smile. Every laugh.”




Check out my blog here:


Profile Image for RLbooks.
738 reviews242 followers
December 27, 2022
2.5 stars

I feel conflicted about this book since I really like this author’s writing voice and style and how she writes sex scenes. All of which worked for this book. Where it faltered for me was in the relationship. Kyler (H) is a police officer who’s on desk duty following being shot and he’s under investigation because there’s corruption in the department. Mia (h) is an artist and working at a gallery. She’s also new to Baltimore but interested in the established BDSM club, Blasphemy, where Kyler is a Master (one of the founders). When they meet, Mia doesn’t know he’s a police officer and Kyler doesn’t know her father is the new police commissioner. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow drama, small amounts of om drama as h attempts to move on a couple times and H interrupts, neither are virgins (no scenes of either with OP, although h does consider a couple partners but only reaches the talking stage).

Kyler and Mia had excellent physical chemistry and their kinks fit perfectly together as D/s. Most of their time on page though involved scenes at the club or them in their regular lives but not much time with each other outside of the club. This led to me having a hard time believing in the romantic side of their relationship. Added to that was the fact that Kyler was against a relationship because of his job and pushed Mia away, then pushed her away again once they realized the connection of his job with her father.

I did like that while Mia was upset during the times he pushed her away, she also attempted to move on. I wanted less of the push/pull though. I also liked the scenes at the club, there was breath play, CNC, aftercare, and plenty of steaminess. But again, I wanted more of them building the emotionally intimate side of their relationship. There were mentions of them talking for an hour after a scene, but I didn’t feel as though they truly knew each other despite their connection. It made the expression of deeper feelings harder for me to believe.

A couple of other Masters are introduced and there are cameos of characters from another series. All of these side characters were interesting, always a good thing with a first in series and a crossover.

The ending is HFN and a bit abrupt. An epilogue could have added closure with a peek into their romance after coming back together from the final pushing away. Definitely more time of them together outside of the club or sex. I’ve read one of the later books and I think these two pop into that one so I expect they show up in other books. I know this was meant to be shorter and more of a taste of the author’s work, it sadly didn’t work for me, despite my appreciation for the writing.
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,813 reviews614 followers
June 25, 2016
O-M-G! I just finished this last night and I was just SO freaking giddy afterwards. I even sent a message to Laura telling her how AMAZING it was and how it was EASILY one of my favorites of hers. If you haven't read anything by Laura Kaye yet....MY GOD...buy this baby now! It will turn you into a Laura Kaye stalker FOR SURE!!!

I pretty much had butterflies in my stomach the whole time I was reading this. Sexy, sweet, intense, passionate, sensual, erotic as HELL!

"Feel how you take me," Kyler gritted out, his mouth still against her ear, his hands and body still pinning her to the wall. Withdraw and thrust. Withdraw and thrust. "Take me, Mia."

Kyler Vance and Mia Breslin were EXPLOSIVE together, in AND out of the scene. Vance sent shivers down my spine with his demands and his dirty talk, and Mia took his dominance like the sweet submissive that she craved to be. EVERYTHING was perfect, until it wasn't. Suddenly their connection became forbidden. When Vance finds out that Mia's father is his boss who has it in for him, everything comes to a stop. He can tell himself that he can stay away from Mia. He can make excuses after excuses, but the heart doesn't lie. But how could he do that to Mia. She already lives in fear because her father in on the force...what would happen if she had to worry about Vance as well? He doesn't want to break her, and he doesn't want to break away from her. How do you choose between an oath you took to serve and protect, and an unyielding passion that drives you to your knees?

EVERYTHING about this book was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! It was something different, something more intense and passionate from Laura Kaye that I haven't seen yet. Since HARD TO SERVE is a Hard Ink Novella, the whole team is reunited once again and that just put a HUGE smile on my face! HARD TO SERVE also gives us a great introduction to Kaye's upcoming new erotic romance series, BLASPHEMY, coming this September! I don't remember a time when I was this excited about a new upcoming series. HARD TO SERVE set the bar pretty high for Ms. Kaye, and I can't wait to see what kind of brilliance she gives us next!

Domineering Lover Kisses His Sexy Submissive

*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews842 followers
June 30, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 stars

Author Laura Kaye's latest offering from 1,001 Dark Nights bridges her wildly popular Hard Ink series with her upcoming new series Blasphemy series and it is done in supremely sexy style. Hard To Serve is a tantalizing look inside the BDSM club Blasphemy as we meet several of the owners and masters including Detective Kyler Vance who lost his Godfather while they helped the Hard Ink brother's in arms deal with the Church Gang. This book was intriguing and sexy and it set up the new series nicely while also giving Ms. Kaye's fans a glimpse into what is going on with the Hard Ink family.

Despite working hard at rehab following surgery for a gunshot wound, Kyle is still on desk duty and is being investigated as the new police commissioner vows to clean up the Baltimore Police department. Frustrated on both counts, Kyle knows that a trip to Blasphemy will help; what he doesn't know is meeting a new subbie Mia will change his life in more ways than one.

There was something special about the connection between Kyle and Mia from the beginning that they both felt and was easy for the reader immediately. I appreciated the time and attention given to the negotiations between Kyle and Mia before they began to play together, the way they communicated about everything and the care that Kyle took be make sure Mia was safe from the start. It was easy to see they were well matched despite Mia's desire for a relationship and Kyle's resistance to anything more than a few nights of play. The scenes were well thought out and well written and the reader can feel the intensity between them.

Kyle runs scared several times in this book and honestly I thought Mia let him off the hook a little too easy, but it was so evident that she was falling fast for him and her heart wanted him like no other. I will say that I do think Kyle was struggling not only with feelings he hadn't allowed himself to have before, but also with the fact that Mia's father is his boss.

It always amazes me when an author can write a novella so packed that it feels like a full length book, but that is exactly what Ms. Kaye has done in Hard To Serve and I loved every intense, sexy minute of it!

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for AC Book Blog .
976 reviews130 followers
June 27, 2016
Okay let’s face it - Hard to Serve was HOT HOT HOT!!!! For a novella, this is a 5 star read for me. Laura sure knows how to deliver a sexy, passionate, erotic romance and with substance. She has a nice sweet storyline in addition to all the passionate BDSM/love making.

Detective Kyler is a sexy, alpha male and owner of an exclusive play club called Blasphemy. Mia is the director of the city’s hottest art gallery. She is a beautiful, talented, and independent person, but submissive in the bedroom. Mia gets a temporary membership at Blasphemy – with relentless encouragement from her friend, Mia finally works up her nerve and visits the place. There she meets Kyler. He cannot not keep his eyes off Mia. He is determined to make Mia submit to him. Kyler and Mia’s chemistry inside and outside of the bedroom is explosive. As their relationship burns hotter, Kyler finds out who Mia really is and it does not look good. She is the daughter of his newfound boss. He is caught in the middle of an internal affairs investigation and is not on the good side of his boss at the moment. What will he do? Will he choose his job or continue the forbidden relationship with Mia? Will his heart survive when Mia finds herself another Dom?

Hard to Serve felt like a full book to me. There is a complete storyline – one I have not read before detective/Dom and submissive daughter of his boss. The element of forbidden love is very intriguing and appealing -- I could not put it down. The chemistry between the two main characters is clearly conveyed as passionate, sensual yet erotic and dark. Of course I love the sweet, sweet ending. I think this is an introduction to Laura’s next series Blasphemy which I can’t wait to read. I don’t read a whole lot of erotic genres but I am very intrigued by their BDSM lifestyle. Besides, I am a huge fan of Laura Kaye’s writing and stories – flawless, so I am really looking forward to more. I would love to see stories of the secondary characters Griffin and Quinton.

Overall, this was a fantastic short read. Sizzling, steamy, panty-dropping HOT! Read it :)
Profile Image for Tarina Deaton.
Author 17 books179 followers
June 24, 2016
I’ve made it fairly clear that I love the 1,001 Dark Nights novellas. AND I’m a HUGE fan of Laura Kaye’s. So the only way this could have been any better is if Joe Manganiello showed up at my door in nothing but his skivvies and offered to clean my house while I read Hard to Serve.

With George Takai reading over my shoulder saying, “Ohh, my!” every other chapter.

I’m what you might call a closet BDSM genre fan. I’m a little fascinated by the lifestyle. The ability to submit and give over that much control and trust to another person...it boggles my mind.

I’ve never been part of a D/s relationship, so anything I think I might know comes from reading the genre. Some books are all about the kink - not really the underlying relationship. Some authors get it wrong. Even not having any first-hand knowledge of the lifestyle, it’s something you can pick up on if you read enough.

Laura Kaye got it so right. It was so refreshing to read about a heroine in a BDSM novel that knows exactly what she wants. Mia is fully aware of what her kink is - no hesitation, no embarrassment, no ifs, ands, or buts (or butts - see what I did there? LOL). Kyler is kind of your typical, conflicted alpha-male. But when he’s not conflicted, he’s so very NOT conflicted.

Laura is one of those authors I love to read because, more than just the sexiness, she packs her stories so full of emotion. The kind of emotion that tugs at your heart and makes you hurt for the characters when they hurt. It’s SO awesome!

Oh! AND there’s more! Several more books - eleven, maybe twelve! She’s being kind of cagey in that regard.

Hard to Serve is the introduction to Laura’s new series, Blasphemy. Blasphemy is the name of the BDSM club the books will be centered around. The club itself is housed in a renovated church…brilliant!
Profile Image for Heroesinbooks.
1,084 reviews312 followers
December 10, 2017
4 Kyler and Mia Stars

Laura Kaye is fast becoming a favourite author of mine. This is a passionate story that had me turning the pages. I found both Kyler and Mia to be really interesting characters. These two have a searingly hot attraction between them. Kyler is a dominant and Mia is submissive, but really, she holds all the power as Kyler falls hard for her.
Good story with an interesting plot and really likeable characters.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,342 reviews1,237 followers
July 4, 2016
I loved Kyler when we met him in the Hard Ink series so of course I was excited when I found out that we were finally getting his story. Then I heard that Hard to Serve would also be an introduction into a whole new spin off series, a series about a group of Doms who run a BDSM club and my excitement levels went through the roof. Anyone who has read a Laura Kaye story will already know she has a knack for creating brilliant characters that are easy to root for as well as great romances with plenty of sexy times and she has only stepped that up a gear in this new series. If you thought the Hard Ink guys were hot you've not seen anything yet and Kyler outdoes them in every way possible!

Things have been going from bad to worse for Kyler since he was shot in the line of duty, not only has his injury left him dealing with a painful recovery period but it's also had him stuck behind a desk rather than out on the streets like he wants to be. Throw in an investigation by Internal Affairs and he's just about reached the end of his tether. The only thing keeping him sane is the thought of finding solace at Blasphemy, the BDSM club he helps to run. Mia has recently returned to the area and is loving her new job running a popular art gallery, it's her personal life that she's having more trouble with and she's hoping that her trial membership at Blasphemy might help her find the perfect Dom to set her world on fire. Kyler presses every button she's ever had and when they're in a scene together they couldn't possibly fit better but unfortunately he doesn't do relationships. Mia is risking heartbreak by spending time with him but pleasure this good is worth fighting for and she's never been one to walk away from what she wants.

So let's just put it all out there in one sentence: I loved this book! I'm pretty sure that Hard to Serve is Laura Kaye's hottest book yet and that's made me more eager than ever to get my hands on the rest of the series. I loved both of these main characters, Kyler is just the right amount of Dominant alpha and he's able to instinctively know just what Mia wants and needs from him. The chemistry these two have is off the charts hot and I can pretty much guarantee you're going to need a cold shower before you reach the end of it! I love that Mia knows exactly what she wants and is willing to fight for it, yes she's submissive but that doesn't make her a pushover and she has absolutely no embarrassment when it comes to talking about what she wants and needs. Unlike a lot of BDSM novels Kyler and Mia have a clear discussion about what they both enjoy before anything goes down between them and I loved how their kinks were treated as completely normal and talked about so openly.

This novella may be short but it is hot as hell and has a completely believable relationship develop between the main couple. I did find myself getting a little irritated with Kyler when he found out that Mia's father was his boss which stopped this from quite getting a 5 star rating but apart from that it was pretty much perfect. We had the chance to meet a couple of the other Blasphemy Masters too and I'm definitely looking forward to getting my hands on the sequel. I have very high hopes for this series and can't wait to find out whose book will be next.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,246 reviews128 followers
July 4, 2016
4.5 stars

I've been reading Laura Kaye's writing for a long while and I've loved everything I've ever read by her. This was no exception.

Detective Kyler Vance and Mia Breslin heat up the pages of this. They meet at a BDSM club called Blasphemy (let me stop here and squeal about the fact that this club will have a whole series devoted to it :) ). Mia isn't necessarily looking for anything long term, then she lays eyes on Master Kyler. The problem is Kyler definitely isn't looking for long term because he thinks his job will ruin whatever relationship he would have. Too bad Kyler can't stop thinking about her, or doing scenes with her.

I've got to say that Kyler really ticked me off a bit. I can not imagine ignoring my heart like he did, and not once, but twice. I really would have liked to see him squirm a bit more when he apologized the second time - but I love a groveling hero. His apology was good and the reactions of the people around when he started it was priceless.

I liked getting a brief introduction to some of the other Masters from the club and I can't wait to get to their story.

*Thanks to the author and InkSlinger PR for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Keri.
2,065 reviews107 followers
July 13, 2016
BDSM isn't really my bag, so I struggled getting into this one, especially choking or breath play...not my thing at all. The entire Dom/sub scene doesn't do a thing for me. The writing was well done, just the content...blech.
Profile Image for Dark Faerie Tales.
2,274 reviews560 followers
September 16, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: The best erotic romance novella that I’ve read this year.

Opening Sentence: “You’re on restricted duty, pending medical clearance, Detective Vance,” Captain Mike Burkett said, his voice unusually formal as his gaze lifted from the file of paperwork.

The Review:

Hard to Serve is the best erotic romance novella that I have read so far this year. I absolutely loved this short story from beginning to end. It had everything for me, the warm and tingles, the unfortunate complication and the ‘I’m so sorry I screwed up’ reconciliation. I devoured this story as quickly as I could. Unfortunately I haven’t read too many Hard Ink novels, I do have them all on my TBR pile. I never once got lost in this story while it did mention the overall story arc (some spoilers). What I was really excited to read about is that this is the beginning of another spin-off series called Blasphemy, the name of the BDSM club in the story.

Kyler Vance is a dedicated law enforcement officer. He comes from a line of police officers and knows the toll it takes on families. He has pretty much resigned himself to being on his own and never getting into a relationship that will be doomed to fail. Kyler is under investigation for being a possible dirty cop. He knows he isn’t but he has come to the aid of the Hard Ink guys so something could come up in the investigation so he is seriously worried about his job. Kyler is also one of twelve owners of the BDSM club Blasphemy, where he indulges in his darker desires. One night a new submissive comes in and there is just something about her that intrigues him. She has some of the same sexual interests. Even though this woman pushes all his buttons, he can’t help but want to scene with her. Kyler has rules in place that keep subbies from getting too attached but he can’t seem to follow those rules when it comes to Mia.

Mia Breslin is new to Baltimore. She knows what she wants sexually and when she is granted temporary membership at Club Blasphemy she takes advantage. Mia knows a true Dom when she sees one and the vibes coming off of Kyler Vance have her wanting to drop down on her knees in supplication. Kyler is up front with Mia about not wanting a relationship but after two weeks of intense scenes and incredible sex, Mia can’t help but think that Kyler would want her to be his subbie.

Kyler has some serious issues he has to work through. He is completely hung up on the fact that relationships with someone in law enforcement won’t work so he won’t even try with Mia. Things get more complicated when he finds out who Mia’s father is which just compounds on the fact that they shouldn’t be together. He doesn’t even bother to see how Mia feels about a possible relationship.

Mia is fun and easygoing. She just wants to live life to the fullest. She doesn’t have the hang ups that Kyler has but she does get annoyed by all the mixed signals he sends her way. She knows their chemistry is perfect and doesn’t want to see a good thing get pushed aside.

Hard to Serve is definitely for readers who like their sex on the edgier side. Mia and Kyler like breath play among other things. The story is told from both of their perspectives. Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Some people may find issue with how the main issue of the story was resolved but sometimes you need that third party to step in so it didn’t really bother me. I can’t wait to read more of Laura Kaye’s work.

Notable Scene:

Taking another sip of champagne, Mia’s gaze swung around the place—and collided with a tall man leaning against one of the leather couches. Wearing black jeans that showcased strong thighs and a black dress shirt that emphasized the breadth of his shoulders and the size of his biceps, he was so ruggedly sexy that it stole her breath.

Brown hair. Blue eyes. Dominance so palpable in his gaze that Mia found it hard not to look down. Kneel. Submit. From just that one look.

FTC Advisory: 1001 Dark Nights/InkslingerPR provided me with a copy of Hard to Serve. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,841 reviews156 followers
June 26, 2016
Kyler Vance is quite the paradoxical man; he’s a detective who lives to serve and protect and feels honored to defend citizens from danger, but there’s also a part of him who lives to dominant…who gets off on taking women to the edge of pleasure and pain, getting them to submit to his every demand. Kyler is a natural Dom due to his profession and his personality, but he’s not looking for a permanent submissive because claiming any sub isn’t conducive to the hours and dangers he experiences as a detective. He’ll play with a bevy of beautiful subs at the club, but nothing goes further than the club and no feelings ever enter into the game because anything long term will only end in ruin for both of them.

Mia Breslin may look like the girl next door, but her favorite kind of sexual kink is being dominated by a Dom who knows how to make her submit and isn’t afraid to choke her enough to quickly find her release. The only problem with wanting to submit to a guy is the fact that once he finds out that her father’s a cop, the Dom finds it difficult to treat her roughly when she could easily have him arrested for his cruel treatment.

Kyler and Mia meet at Blasphemy and their attraction to one another is instantaneous, but Kyler’s rules threaten to prevent anything further from happening between them even though it’s clear from the start that they have more than just sexual feelings for each other. But how can their relationship become more than just scenes at the club when Master Kyler holds all the power and he might not be willing to risk his job or let go of his feelings on how being a cop always ruins relationships.

Hard to Serve is an interesting title because based on the events in the story, there are many reasons as to why Kyler finds his job as a detective difficult and Mia finds it hard to keep submitting to a man who sends her mixed messages and doesn’t seem to consider how she feels in everything that occurs between them.

I absolutely adored Kyler and Mia’s story, and if Hard to Serve is any indication of what Laura Kaye’s new Blasphemy series is going to be like, readers are in for sensual heroines, dominating alpha males, sexy as sin scenes and just the right amount of angst to illustrate that the couple has what it takes to get through anything.

Throughout Kyler and Mia’s story, readers are introduced to many of the Masters at Blasphemy, and while I’m intrigued by all of them, there’s one in particular I hope is the hero in Bound to Submit. Once you read Hard to Serve, I think readers will want his story as well;)

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Profile Image for Sheyla ✎.
1,889 reviews558 followers
June 29, 2016



Hard To Serve serves as a bridge between the Hard Ink books and the new BDSM series by Laura Kaye.

Kyler Vance was an important character in the Hard Ink series. He was the cop who was hurt during one of the many confrontations they had with the bad guys. After weeks of getting shot he still hasn't regained full capacity of his shoulder/arm and Internal Affairs is still over him. Frustrated to no end, he goes to the one place where he can have control: Blasphemy. Kyler is one of the 12 Doms who owned the club. When Mia walks in, he knows who he wants next.

Mia Breslin knows what she wants. She likes being a sub and she has heard of the club Blasphemy. One night after a successful time at her Gallery, she's excited to celebrate at this place. She hopes to find a Dom who can give her what she wants. When she meets Kyler, she knows he's exactly what she was looking for.

I had no idea Laura was writing another series. I'm not a huge BDSM fan but I knew that if Laura wrote it, I was going to read it. I'm always pleased with her writing style. It was easy to like the characters. It helped that I already knew Kyler. Cameos of the Hard Ink crowd made it even more fun for me.

Even though Mia and Kyler were attracted to each other from the first moment they meet, the story didn't feel insta-love to me. The level of hotness was sky high!

Many of the other Doms intrigued me. Laura gave us enough details to hook us for her next book. I can't wait.

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Tifferz.
292 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2016
5 Stars, 4 Flames
Kyler Vance has been through hell the last few months. He had to identify his uncle’s body, been shot at during a funeral, and now he is being investigated by internal affairs which could mean the end of his police career. Mia Breslin is finally following her dream and could not be happier. Too bad she is so lonely and needed a Dom to fulfill her nights. Kyler is not the man for the job but he cannot let anyone else have her and Mia might be the only one who will bring him the peace he so desperately needs.

DAMN! This new Blasphemy series by Miss Kaye is going to be simply provocative! This is a spin-off from her Hard Ink series, much like the Raven Riders but going in a whole different direction. I was a little worried as how well it was going to come out as Miss Kaye writes mainly contemporary romance. But I shouldn’t have as it totally blew me away.

I knew I loved Kyler in the small glimpses we got from the Hard Ink series. We got a taste of his strong sense of duty, dominating personality, and loyalty in the Hard Ink series; but now we know why as he is a true Dominant in and out of bed. I have not read many full BDSM lifestyle books, mostly ones where the couples dabble into the sensuality of it. Hard to Serve brought just some of the lifestyle to life where one can feel like they are part of the scene as well as wanting to be a part of the community.

Mia was an awesome match to Kyler in knowing exactly what he needed and when; which is rare to see in the “vanilla” books. They form an instant connection that Kyler immediately pushes away. His co-owners of Blasphemy will not hear of it and call him on his insecurities. I totally fell in love with these characters and the bond they share which shows great potential for this series. I need me some Master Quinton and then Master Griffin! Where is the sign-up sheet for Blasphemy??

Overall, an amazing read and start of the new series that I am literally chomping at the bit to get my hands on.

I was gifted a copy of the book from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Noura .
628 reviews17 followers
August 29, 2016
This story picks up from what happened recently in the Hard Ink world: the bad guys have been eliminated, our heroes' are acknowledged, the Hard Ink gang are finally getting a peaceful life, Nick and Becca just got married, and Kyler Vance, the detective who aided the good guys and got shot in the last showdown is now recuperating and unfortunately due to his involvement in the whole thing, is also currently under investigation.

Kyler is frustrated with the whole situation but he couldn't disclose the full story to clear his name. So he needed a distraction - at the exclusive BDSM club he part-owned. There he met Mia who is a looking for a Master who'd fulfill her D/s dreams (and yes, of course it'd be Kyler). They were almost exclusive to each other for the short period of time but Kyler doesn't want any relationships and Mia also happens to be the daughter of the Commissioner. Hence, drama and heartache.

This is a Hard Ink story that is different in a sense that it features the D/s lifestyle. Although the scenes depicted are rather mild and glosses over the details, it does give rough idea of the whole dynamics between Kyler and Mia and the whole club scene.

A short read with a sweet ending.
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,324 reviews17 followers
June 28, 2016
I was a bit skeptical when I found out that Laura Kaye would be doing a BDSM novella, as I hadn’t found her other works all that erotic, even when they were supposed to be! However, I was extremely surprised by this story!

I liked seeing Detective Vance again, and his natural Dominant nature, and how he brought the story into Hard Ink again for another little mini update about our couples from that series. Mia was a great submissive and an impressive heroine in her own right! Vance has a couple of clueless sessions, but he winds up doing right by Mia in the end. I liked seeing the club setting and meeting the different Masters there. I would definitely want to read more about them!

My only complaint about this book was that it was too short! I wanted so much more than I got! All things considered, I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a quick erotic read!
Profile Image for Kübra .
1,869 reviews361 followers
July 24, 2018
Kotası bitmiş internetin ABV!
Okuduğum zaman zaten GR’ye giremedim diye işaretleyemedim, az önce yorum yazıp kaydettiğimde de aslında kaydetmemiş!
İki gündür çok sinirim buzuk bu yüzden.
Hayat damarlarımı kesmişler gibi hissetmem normal değil mi?
Profile Image for Fiona Fog.
1,429 reviews78 followers
March 10, 2019
Breathless

When Mia decides to checkout Club Blasphemy she’s not sure what to expect. The hope that she can find a Dom she connects with us at the top. She’s not a novice to the lifestyle but she’s never had a Dom full time either.

Kyler is one of the twelve Dom’s who owns Club Blasphemy. He’s not interested in a full time submissive, he’s only into one time play. Anything else smacks of commitment and with his job as a Detective and his families history of never having lasting relationships it’s in his mind that it’s not for him. But seeing Mia in the security screen makes him wish for more.

One scene with the sexy submissive really makes him wish things were different.

But staying away from her is harder than he thought. She’s perfect for him. But like a typical male he continues to push her away.

When he gets a second chance with her though he’s all in. Until.. he finds out her father is the police commissioner, his new boss and the one he is currently under investigation with.

You’d think that after pushing her away again he’d be screwed. It’s not going to be easy for this Dom. And he is aware of that. If getting on his knees and apologising at the club is what’s required he’ll do that and more.

Another intense read, that’s sure to leave you breathless.
Profile Image for Steph.
993 reviews84 followers
July 6, 2016
This book features scenes of consensual non-consensual play and loads of breath play, so if these things are triggers, you may want to pass.

Baltimore Detective Kyler Vance has rules: Never get attached. Share and seek out only that personal information needed to determine a sub's needs, interests, and limits. Stop playing with a submissive showing signs of attachment. Never play outside the club. Never take a submissive home. Kyler knows that a relationship isn't in the cards for him, that his police work will ruin any chance of a HEA he has. Besides that, he's being investigated by Internal Affairs as part of an effort to eliminate police corruption. So when he meets submissive art gallery director Mia Breslin at his BDSM club Blasphemy, he's absolutely lost. Mia is unlike any woman he's ever met, the other side of his coin. But dammit, he has RULES! Plus, when he finds out who her father is, the shit will hit the fan. Is Mia worth the risk to his sanity...and his career?

HARD TO SERVE is book 4.7 in the Hard Ink series, and also a stand-alone addition to the innovative and fun 1001 Dark Nights series featuring sensual and erotic stories by a variety of popular authors inspired by the classic The Arabian Nights tale.

This book is a little outside of my comfort zone in terms of BDSM action – there's a LOT of choking and breath play – but I found myself strangely intrigued by it. Because this is a short read, the characters didn't have a ton of depth, but they were pretty well developed and interesting nonetheless. Kyler knows that a relationship isn't happening for him, but it doesn't stop him from wanting Mia with a ferocity that stuns him. Mia NEEDS the harder aspects of D/s that Kyler can offer, but she wants it on a permanent basis, not just for a night out at a club. The two had excellent chemistry, and I hope future stories in the Hard Ink and future Blasphemy series are just as potent!

Bottom Line: HARD TO SERVE is uber erotic, with loads of kinky sex and a delicious HEA. - See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...

The Romance Review - See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
Profile Image for Book Reading Gals  .
1,062 reviews39 followers
January 3, 2017
Thoughts:

Kyler recurred in the Hard Ink series and played a huge role in helping our guys restore their reputations (If you haven't read this series you totally should!!) so he deserved his own HEA! (See one of my previous Hard Ink reviews here). What we hadn't seen was that dominate side of Kyler that was smoking HOT!!

And Mia was the perfect blend of submissive to Kyler! Her strength and willpower and desire to settle for nothing less than exactly what she wants were easy to relate to and aspire to! You can feel the intensity between these 2 characters coming through the pages! That is a trait that keeps me coming back to Laura Kaye's writing again and again. (did you read this attached blurb??!! That's the intensity that is displayed in the entire novella!!)

As a reader and blogger who has read every single contemporary romance word that Laura Kaye has put to paper, I have to say that this novella will stand out as an all time fave!! I see great things in this Blasphemy series!!

Grade A+
Review by: Jeananna
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Profile Image for Toni.
1,786 reviews20 followers
July 3, 2016

Hard to Serve, the latest 1001 Dark Nights book by Laura Kaye, gives a Hard Ink secondary character his own HEA and launches her new erotica / BDSM series Blasphemy. While I don’t typically read BDSM, or much erotica, seeing Kyler Vance get his HEA after all the events of the Hard Ink novels and Kaye’s master storytelling compelled me to give it a shot. I am still not a convert, but Kaye’s storytelling was right on. The focus was definitely on the characters and their emotions, not the sex-play, though there was definitely a fair amount of that. I really enjoyed learning more about Vance and seeing a few glimpses of the Hard Ink guys – Jeremy! Mia was more than a match for his dominant personality and watching Kyler realize he had met his match was worth the price of admission. This book will not be for everyone. However, if you are a fan this is one I highly recommend.

Copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 29 books88 followers
July 5, 2016
Book: Hard to Serve (Hard Ink #4.7)
Author: Laura Kaye
Publication Date: 6/28/2016
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW
We met Kyler in a previous book and wow what a story he has to share with us. Kyler has been on administrative leave since that blowup at Hard Ink and the cemetery. He is being investigated which is driving him to the brink. He finds solace however in his BDSM Club. One night there is a newbie and she catches his eye. Mia is not just any female though.
Mia loves being dominated in many ways. Can Kyler be the Dom she needs?

Wow panty scorching hotness is what this book holds for you. Not for the faint at heart. I enjoyed this book from stop to finish and it is somewhat short so I finished in one setting.

I cannot wait for the next book in this new series.
Laura Kaye
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