HARD TIME by Logan Ryles

5* Most probably a guy's book, but who cares when it's this perfectly executed, no pun intended.

I'm not sure how many Mason Sharpe books there are, but despite not reading them all, I've never felt lost.  This one doesn't require you to have read any of the previous books. Tbh, I can't remember any, despite getting into this series in late 2024.

So, Sharpe's minding his own business but stops for a hitchhiker, who's suddenly giving him vibes that cause his spine to itch. It's not so much the guy's answers but how he holds himself. Then, there's a shootout and a manhunt that takes Sharpe and Shane Hagan on a journey info mafioso NYC and up against cops, the FBI, the bad guys who keep coming, a crooked accountant and his lawyer who has the power to save Shane and his family.

Were it not such a serious tale, I could just see Hannibal from The A-Team saying 'I love it when a plan comes together'. This has it all. 2 guys and a gal with balls of steel. Brothers in arms. And there's guns. And bullets. And machine guns. And bluffing. And gasoline. And cars that won't start, and finally, leverage. There's genius to these guys and this author. Every bit of the tale dovetails perfectly. There's nothing but tension and action. No stupid goofing off or having sex in the middle of danger. Nothing but danger, on-their-feet planning by 2 guys who've been in the thick of it as servicemen, and who're standing by each other, because that's what they're about. Loyalty to a brother in need. It's a low-key but still bam, bam, bam brilliant book. Here's to the next.

It's only January and this is, I think, my 5th 5* book this year. It's a better start than 2024's.

ARC courtesy of Inkubator Books and NetGalley for my reading pleasure. 

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