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Hard Time
A man's need for revenge. A woman's career ambition. Will their love change everything?
Ex-con Jeff Torres trusted the wrong guy, and now he wants revenge. After five years in prison, he knows he can't pull off his scheme alone. But who can he trust?
L.A. publicist Ariana Carlson is an ambitious career woman. Working seven days a week has led to cold sheets at night. When she meets the strong, confident, and secretive Jeff, she wonders if her evening luck might be changing…
Jeff enlists her help in his quest for revenge, but Ariana can tell that something is off. Of course, she's got a few secrets of her own that could make romance impossible. As Jeff begins to crave Ariana more than his payback, will the publicist's true motives take their love to the next level or send the ex-con back to jail?
Hard Time is a standalone romantic suspense novel. If you like sizzling chemistry, fast-paced thrills, and tales of revenge, then you'll love bestselling author Kristen Luciani's passionate story.
Ex-con Jeff Torres trusted the wrong guy, and now he wants revenge. After five years in prison, he knows he can't pull off his scheme alone. But who can he trust?
L.A. publicist Ariana Carlson is an ambitious career woman. Working seven days a week has led to cold sheets at night. When she meets the strong, confident, and secretive Jeff, she wonders if her evening luck might be changing…
Jeff enlists her help in his quest for revenge, but Ariana can tell that something is off. Of course, she's got a few secrets of her own that could make romance impossible. As Jeff begins to crave Ariana more than his payback, will the publicist's true motives take their love to the next level or send the ex-con back to jail?
Hard Time is a standalone romantic suspense novel. If you like sizzling chemistry, fast-paced thrills, and tales of revenge, then you'll love bestselling author Kristen Luciani's passionate story.
- GenresRomance
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2017
8 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Luciani
79 books1,509 followers
Kristen Luciani is a USA Today bestselling romance author, momtrepreneur, and a beauty product junkie with a penchant for stilettos, Silicon Valley, plunging necklines and grapefruit martinis. As a deep-rooted romantic who prefers juicy drama to fill the lives of anyone other than her, she tried her hand at creating a world of enchantment, sensuality, and intrigue, finally uncovering her true passion. No pun intended…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 9, 2017
3.75 Stars!
December 1, 2017
Second book I have read by Kristen Luciani and I'm starting to see a theme with her characters so far. They all seem to be career driven which is a good thing and then there's the hot men that make you...well we wont go there LOL With Hard Time we have so much suspense going on, and some juicy scenes between Arianna and Jeff. And just when things weren't complicated enough, they find out theyre connected in more ways than one. I really loved Jeff and Arianna's characters, both of them seem to be head strong and they butt heads several times.
March 8, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. There is so many twist and turns which keeps you guessing. I couldn't put it down. Jeff wants revenge from something that happens in the past. We are left not knowing who's side each of the engaging characters are on. Jeff relationship with Ariana is hot. I love when they are together and couldn't get enough. This is a great read
September 1, 2017
Hard Time by Kristen Luciani – 5 Hard Stars
Full disclosure – Kristen Luciani is one of my “one click” authors. I would probably “one click” her kids back to school supply list if she published it.
I first “met” Jeff and Ari when I read the short story “Sex, Lies, and Wedding Bells” in the anthology “Drunk In Love”. I immediately wanted more and searched all of the authors backlist to see what book it had been published in. Turns out I had to wait for it to actually be turned into a full length novel. Man oh man am I glad I waited. So worth it.
Hard Time is the story of Jeff Torres who not your “average” alpha male. He’s early 50’s, had an established career, owns his past mistakes and knows “women hold the power; most just never seem to realize it”. He meets Ariana who runs a successful PR firm in LA for famous people who need to keep their image clean. Ari has worked really hard to get to where she is today.
When Ari and Jeff meet – ohhhhh do sparks fly. She knows that “…he’s a certifiable man, not a boy” and is aware that if she were to get into a relationship with him, it “would totally be a Richard/Monica situation from Friends. You know, older guy/younger girl screwing like maniacs…” It is HOT romance filled with intrigue and secrets and revenge and oh so much more.
The characters are very well developed and the story is told in dual POV so you always know what the other is thinking. I highly recommend Hard Time but I must warn you, Jeff is my book boyfriend so you better treat him with the kindness and respect he deserves ~wink~.
Full disclosure – Kristen Luciani is one of my “one click” authors. I would probably “one click” her kids back to school supply list if she published it.
I first “met” Jeff and Ari when I read the short story “Sex, Lies, and Wedding Bells” in the anthology “Drunk In Love”. I immediately wanted more and searched all of the authors backlist to see what book it had been published in. Turns out I had to wait for it to actually be turned into a full length novel. Man oh man am I glad I waited. So worth it.
Hard Time is the story of Jeff Torres who not your “average” alpha male. He’s early 50’s, had an established career, owns his past mistakes and knows “women hold the power; most just never seem to realize it”. He meets Ariana who runs a successful PR firm in LA for famous people who need to keep their image clean. Ari has worked really hard to get to where she is today.
When Ari and Jeff meet – ohhhhh do sparks fly. She knows that “…he’s a certifiable man, not a boy” and is aware that if she were to get into a relationship with him, it “would totally be a Richard/Monica situation from Friends. You know, older guy/younger girl screwing like maniacs…” It is HOT romance filled with intrigue and secrets and revenge and oh so much more.
The characters are very well developed and the story is told in dual POV so you always know what the other is thinking. I highly recommend Hard Time but I must warn you, Jeff is my book boyfriend so you better treat him with the kindness and respect he deserves ~wink~.
September 4, 2017
Before I even knew the plot, I could tell Hard Time by Kristen Luciani was going to be a hot, steamy, and very sexual book. As I read more, and met the characters, I found it was also a complex, multi-layered story that drew me in through twists and turns and did not disappoint me!!
Jeff Torres has found himself on both sides of the law - all in the name of justice. One last score to settle was all he needed.... until he met Ariana Carlson. He needed her to complete his plan, but he soon found he needed her for more than that. But could she ever be his?
Ariana Carlson was a publisher to the stars. She ran interference and did everything she needed to do to keep her clients in the spotlight - for the "right" things. When Jeff Torres walks into her office with pictures of her current top star in very compromising positions, Ariana senses more is going on. Little did she know just how much more...
I loved Jeff and Ariana's story and found myself hoping everything would turn out perfect. I loved the humor and irony woven into the plot, and the twists kept me guessing until the end. I loved it!!
If you haven't read a book by Kristen Luciani, then make this your first. It will not be your last, I promise!
Jeff Torres has found himself on both sides of the law - all in the name of justice. One last score to settle was all he needed.... until he met Ariana Carlson. He needed her to complete his plan, but he soon found he needed her for more than that. But could she ever be his?
Ariana Carlson was a publisher to the stars. She ran interference and did everything she needed to do to keep her clients in the spotlight - for the "right" things. When Jeff Torres walks into her office with pictures of her current top star in very compromising positions, Ariana senses more is going on. Little did she know just how much more...
I loved Jeff and Ariana's story and found myself hoping everything would turn out perfect. I loved the humor and irony woven into the plot, and the twists kept me guessing until the end. I loved it!!
If you haven't read a book by Kristen Luciani, then make this your first. It will not be your last, I promise!
October 7, 2017
This is so unlike anything Kristen has written but also the same...lol I know it's weird. I'm so going to struggle with this review because this book is just so Kristen with a touch of Janet Evanovich and a dash of Nora Roberts. That's the only way I know to explain it. I loved this book and it's mystery and how you didn't know what was going on and what was going to happen and then all the surprises that was thrown in from left field that you had no clue that was coming. Then you had all the hot steamy sexiness that is all Kristen. And had me wishing my husband was home so we could take care of some business...lol!!!! I love Kristen's books and I'm never disappointed and I am always surprised!! All of her characters are always spot on and you know exactly who and what they are about. Every thing is always answered at the end of the book. And you know where they have been and where there heads are now. Also this book was dual povs and I love dual povs!!! I recommend this book especially if you like some mystery with some romance. I would actually recommend all of her books but we can start with this one.
September 3, 2017
Jeff was an FBI agent and his goal was to take out the bad guys. However, when things go horribly wrong Jeff is sent to prison for 5 years. When he gets out his goal still is to go after the same man he was after before prison. He must be more careful this time because someone set him up and not only did he lose his job, but got time in jail also. He comes up with a plan to take out his enemy and decides that Ariana Carlson (a Hollywood publicist) is going to be the one to help him achieve his goal. Between the team he has in place and Ariana he's going to make it happen this time (or will he)! However, there are so many things about Ariana that he didn't count on.
Between Jeff and Ariana dancing around each other and her putting him in his place (which was entertainment enough), and Jeff going after his enemy, this book had me so engrossed! There were so many twists and turns! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the author threw in a curve and my mouth dropped wide open!! Not to mention the hot sex scenes!! Kristen Luciani has quickly become one of my "go to" authors!! Great story!!
Between Jeff and Ariana dancing around each other and her putting him in his place (which was entertainment enough), and Jeff going after his enemy, this book had me so engrossed! There were so many twists and turns! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the author threw in a curve and my mouth dropped wide open!! Not to mention the hot sex scenes!! Kristen Luciani has quickly become one of my "go to" authors!! Great story!!
September 3, 2017
Recently out of prison with a score to settle Jeff immediately acts upon his need for revenge but he hadn't factored in Ariana. Not easy to make submit to his whims he finds himself strangely drawn to this woman who could make or break his plans. Ariana is a career woman with an end goal in sight but when the attractive older man plants himself directly in her path she has to choose whether to re route or just roll with it! With a family wedding thrown in Hard Times is a drama filled intense read.
There are plenty of plot twists and turns with a few surprises along the way. The heat between the two main characters is palatable and although there is an age difference it has no bearing on their attraction to one another. The story is also filled with humour, wit and a little sass along the way which it gives it a feel good edge although it's a plot line filled with jealous, lies and subterfuge. I enjoyed it but wished some elements were explored and explained a little more but overall it's an easy read that I found entertaining.
A four star read.
There are plenty of plot twists and turns with a few surprises along the way. The heat between the two main characters is palatable and although there is an age difference it has no bearing on their attraction to one another. The story is also filled with humour, wit and a little sass along the way which it gives it a feel good edge although it's a plot line filled with jealous, lies and subterfuge. I enjoyed it but wished some elements were explored and explained a little more but overall it's an easy read that I found entertaining.
A four star read.
September 2, 2017
This is it! This is my top read this year! There was just so much to the plot! To say there were twists just doesn't do it justice. I loved that there was mystery I couldn't figure out. And, just when I thought I had it figured out, Bam! Another plot twist I did not see coming! Jeff is the perfect anti-hero/hero. I loved the good guy gone bad, gone good or is he really either mystery? His character was complex, but not even close to as complex as Ariana's. The way the characters developed throughout giving you just enough of each to fall in love with both, yet want to keep your guard up because you just weren't sure if the twist would change your love for them kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book! I love books that aren't typical, with twists that catch you completely off guard. I'm talking jaw dropping to the floor, never in a million years expected that, kind of twists! I devoured this one, and even though it's a complete story, no plot holes, no questions left unanswered, I still want more! It was just that good!
September 12, 2017
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*ARC*
I have a feeling like I may be in the minority with this one. I really wanted to love Hard Time, I loved the premise, I was intrigued by the blurb but sadly I just didn’t like it as much as I had hoped. At times I felt bored and at others I didn’t think I could handle Ariana any longer. I am not going to sit here and bash the book because for one thing that isn’t something I do, what doesn’t work for me works for others and that happens. I think I just didn’t click with the story and I had set myself up for failure when I had I thought it would be a book I just knew I was going to love and when I didn’t it went down from there. As always make your own opinion on the book because you may very well love it.
*ARC*
I have a feeling like I may be in the minority with this one. I really wanted to love Hard Time, I loved the premise, I was intrigued by the blurb but sadly I just didn’t like it as much as I had hoped. At times I felt bored and at others I didn’t think I could handle Ariana any longer. I am not going to sit here and bash the book because for one thing that isn’t something I do, what doesn’t work for me works for others and that happens. I think I just didn’t click with the story and I had set myself up for failure when I had I thought it would be a book I just knew I was going to love and when I didn’t it went down from there. As always make your own opinion on the book because you may very well love it.
September 4, 2017
This is a fun story. It was sexy, suspenseful, had a nice mix of action and drama.
Jeff and Ariana have a chemistry that is off the charts. Both have secrets and ambition is motivating their actions in different ways.
Ariana didn't stand for anyone's bs until Jeff threw her off her game.
Jeff came out looking for revenge and has the means to move forward with his plans...but at what cost?
The playing field they were used to have changed to a whole new challenge level.
Ari was my favorite. A strong and ambitious female lead character who knows what she wants in life.
This is my first time reading and reviewing a book by Ms. Luciani and I'm looking forward to checking out more of her work.
Jeff and Ariana have a chemistry that is off the charts. Both have secrets and ambition is motivating their actions in different ways.
Ariana didn't stand for anyone's bs until Jeff threw her off her game.
Jeff came out looking for revenge and has the means to move forward with his plans...but at what cost?
The playing field they were used to have changed to a whole new challenge level.
Ari was my favorite. A strong and ambitious female lead character who knows what she wants in life.
This is my first time reading and reviewing a book by Ms. Luciani and I'm looking forward to checking out more of her work.
September 1, 2017
This story was a bit of a mystery to me, It was very intriguing and keep me guessing as to who was who and what was what. Jeff Torres just got released from prison and he is going after dead set on paying back the guy that sent him there. He recruits publicist Ariana Carlson unbeknownst to her for help, as soon as these two meet the flames and sexual tension is crazy. They both feel something and come together but what if its more. Ariana can't do relationships her job is always number 1 , and Jeff is to hell bent on revenge. The first couple of chapters had me confused, and it was a slow go, then you get sucked in and I was half way through in a blink of an eye trying to figure out who was working on the right side of the law and who wasn't, it definitely kept thing interesting. At the end I keep thinking he is so Uncle Grandpa (cringe). Great read keep me on toes. I happily accepted this ARC to share my thoughts.
September 1, 2017
Nothing in life is easy. Just ask Jeff Torres, ex FBI who was set up and is now free as an ex-con. Jeff is hell bent on exacting revenge and wasting 5 years of his life in jail, but he needs an “in” and he sets his sights on Ariana Carlson. Ariana is a shrewd Hollywood publicist but Jeff never expected her to light him up. Fate is funny and now they are thrown together because of a mutual wedding. What either of them know is that they are both fighting the same fight but they don’t trust each other to lay all of their cards on the table. When their hearts get involved, all bets are off.
There are so many great moments in this story. There are several chuckle worthy scenes, some hot steamy sex and everything else in between. It has a good flow and I could connect with the characters.
There are so many great moments in this story. There are several chuckle worthy scenes, some hot steamy sex and everything else in between. It has a good flow and I could connect with the characters.
September 3, 2017
Wasn't too sure at first about this one when we first meet Jeff. I keep going on with him and his story then it begins to unravel what is going on. Then along comes Ariana with her dilemma that kinda has me going ok humm. When I also see another part of the two of these have connections thanks to a wedding it get interesting. Now she does not seem the kind of woman you get a picture of at first because of the change in character around her sister. Then there is some heat that is so hot you get burnt. While you are nursing that it gets really intriguing and you are let in on what is really going on that throws you for a loop but now you are hooked. This author has been able to pull the wool over our eyes then turn around and give us one hot drama.
September 3, 2017
4 Stars
Hard Time by Kristen Luciani is a fast paced standalone romantic suspense novel. It has everything you'd come to expect from a Luciani book! Filled with twists and turns, I could not put it down!
Just released from prison, Jeff Torres is out for revenge. He doesn't care who gets in his way he will make sure the people responsible for taking away 5 years of his life pays. He wasn't expecting to fall in love in the process. When he meets Ariana sparks fly. And the tension is palpable. But what happens when things are quite what they seem…
From the characters to the storyline, Hard Time was AMAZING!! It kept me guessing and was written very well. I am looking forward to reading more from Ms. Luciani!
Hard Time by Kristen Luciani is a fast paced standalone romantic suspense novel. It has everything you'd come to expect from a Luciani book! Filled with twists and turns, I could not put it down!
Just released from prison, Jeff Torres is out for revenge. He doesn't care who gets in his way he will make sure the people responsible for taking away 5 years of his life pays. He wasn't expecting to fall in love in the process. When he meets Ariana sparks fly. And the tension is palpable. But what happens when things are quite what they seem…
From the characters to the storyline, Hard Time was AMAZING!! It kept me guessing and was written very well. I am looking forward to reading more from Ms. Luciani!
September 2, 2017
Like in her previous books, Kristen gives us an interesting story with many twists. The writing continues to be fantastic and her characters are smart, witty, and entertaining.
Jeff is a man you don’t mess with, he knows what he wants, and he knows Ari will be a challenge.
Ari is used to being in charge and when she meets Jeff, she lets him know she’s not one to lay down and take orders. They are explosive together and their relationship is as hot as can be, even when the lack of trust has them fighting against each other.
With well-developed characters and a dual POV story, it is easy to know what they are all thinking, making the story that much more intriguing.
The story is full of great moments with twists, laughs, and sufficient sex to keep you on your toes.
Jeff is a man you don’t mess with, he knows what he wants, and he knows Ari will be a challenge.
Ari is used to being in charge and when she meets Jeff, she lets him know she’s not one to lay down and take orders. They are explosive together and their relationship is as hot as can be, even when the lack of trust has them fighting against each other.
With well-developed characters and a dual POV story, it is easy to know what they are all thinking, making the story that much more intriguing.
The story is full of great moments with twists, laughs, and sufficient sex to keep you on your toes.
September 2, 2017
When Jeff got out of prison all he could think of was getting the guy he was after in the first place and seeing his son. When he contacts an old buddy of his Ollie he also gets Ariana the PR rep for movie stars so he uses an excuse to get Ollie to set up surveillance on Trey Conlin the guy who ripped off his father and so many others. When Jeff and Ariana meet the sparks fly but Jeff is supposed to be keeping his head on straight and getting this done but Ariana has got his thinking all messed up. Ariana has lots of surprises up her sleeve so Jeff isn't the only one sneaking around. Just when you think you figure out where the story is going it changes, and I just loved Ariana's character.
I requested this book for free from the author and I have chosen to review it
I requested this book for free from the author and I have chosen to review it
August 28, 2017
The set up of this story had me curious right from the start. Jeff is out for revenge and Ariana somehow plays into it, but there's an air of suspense and mystery when it comes to Jeff, which kept me quickly flipping pages, eager to figure this all out! Just when I thought I knew what was happening, nope, I didn't. Kristen Luciani's mind must be a very interesting place! A whole lot of intrigue, twists and turns, hot sex and wtf moments! A smartly written story that'll keep you on your toes.
August 29, 2017
This book was intense and had quite a few shocking moments! I loved Jeff! Ariana and Jeff's story was quite different and very interesting. Kristen writes so fantastic and her stories keep you guessing until the very end! I sure didn't expect some of these twists and turns in this book! But WOW! what a ride!
August 30, 2017
This was a great story from the beginning. Ariana and Jeff's story was filled with suspense. There were twists and turns that kept you wondering until the very end what was going to happen.
It was very well written and I look forward to reading another book by this author.
A must read for sure!!
It was very well written and I look forward to reading another book by this author.
A must read for sure!!
August 30, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. There is so many twist and turns which keeps you guessing. I couldn't put it down. Jeff wants revenge from something that happens in the past. We are left not knowing who's side each of the engaging characters are on. Jeff relationship with Ariana is hot. I love when they are together and couldn't get enough. This is a great read
August 31, 2017
No stranger to the works of Kristen Luciani, I was first introduced to her characters Jeff and Ariana in her short that was published as part of an anthology, Drunk in Love, which benefited St Judes Hospital for Children. I was not satisfied with just that taste. I wanted so much more of Jeff and Ariana and now I have it. Jeff, a mature but extremely hot ex-con, out of prison and out to right the wrong that put him there in the first place. Ariana, a cool, tough as nails PR rep but with secrets is thrust into Jeff's world of revenge but is she as innocent as she seems? The steamy story unfolds with lots of twists and surprises that keep you guessing until the very end. I woke at 3:00am with the one goal - finish this book to see if we get an HEA - happily ever after!
August 31, 2017
No stranger to the works of Kristen Luciani, I was first introduced to her characters Jeff and Ariana in her short that was published as part of an anthology, Drunk in Love, which benefited St Judes Hospital for Children. I was not satisfied with just that taste. I wanted so much more of Jeff and Ariana and now I have it. Jeff, a mature but extremely hot ex-con, out of prison and out to right the wrong that put him there in the first place. Ariana, a cool, tough as nails PR rep but with secrets is thrust into Jeff's world of revenge but is she as innocent as she seems? The steamy story unfolds with lots of twists and surprises that keep you guessing until the very end. I woke at 3:00am with the one goal - finish this book to see if we get an HEA - happily ever after!
September 3, 2017
Jeff just spent 5 years in prison... now he wants revenge! Ariana just wants to do her job and love isn't in the cards. What do you get when a man hell bent on revenge and a woman who has no time for anything but her career come together? Hard Time was explosively hot and filled with secrets and betrayal. The author knocked this one out of the jail cell... and I now cannot say the name Bobbie without reading it Boobie!!
September 8, 2017
Holy sex on a stick. This book is hawt! Jeff and Ari are freaking combustible. I had to take breaks to soak it all in at times!! Best book to count for Kristen! And that's says a lot cause her books are sizzling.
September 2, 2017
Want a book that has it all??? THIS IS IT!!! This book had me guessing from the very beginning and had me completely captivated. The suspense, mystery, characters, flow, all of it kept me turning the pages. Kristen definitely knows how to write a story that is truly one of a kind and keeps you interested from beginning to end. Once you read one of this author's books you will have to read every one of them.
September 3, 2017
Revenge. Going through your life plotting to have your revenge, then life gives you a curve ball. Maybe it's not worth it. Your life was ruined before, a second chance for family , and love may be in the cards. Deception around every turn. This story will hold your attention. Till the last page. Your new book boyfriend will be Jeff Torres. A great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2017
This book was full of surprises. I love books that have twists that you don't see coming. Aria & Jeff are amazing together, but will the secrets destroy what they could have? Mystery, love, lust and betrayal this book will have you wanting to read in one sitting.
I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book
September 3, 2017
Starts off slow but then you will find yourself immerse in lots of intrigue, twists and turns. Add steamy romance and you will find this a book you don't want to miss reading. Great plot and well developed characters.
August 25, 2017
Jeff is a man who does not let things go, “relax. I was careful. Now tell me why you’re avoiding me. Because if I haven’t given you enough proof of it, I’m pretty damn persistent. I won’t leave you alone until you tell me what’s going on..." I liked this book, I loved Jeff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews