Hard Time: A Prison Redemption Protector Romance

If he lets the darkness touch her, he loses the only light he’s ever known.

Thomas Street learned how to survive in prison by shutting down every weakness—until one look at Katie burned her into his memory. She was kindness in a brutal place and wanting her was the one mistake he couldn’t afford, so he buried it deep and did his time.

Years later, he finds her again, working in a bookstore, living a quiet life with her young daughter, and believing there’s still a good man underneath his darkness.

Street isn’t so sure. Darkness has shaped every part of who he is.

But when danger threatens what he claims as his, Street doesn’t hesitate. 

Katie becomes his. Katie and her daughter. 

And he’ll risk his freedom, his soul, even fighting the devil himself to protect them.

A sexy, emotionally charged dark romance about redemption, protection, and claiming love against impossible odds.

About the Hard as Nails Series

Hard as Nails is a dark contemporary romance series featuring dangerous heroes seeking redemption through fierce love and loyalty. Each story delivers intense emotion, protective devotion, and hard-won happily-ever-afters.

⭐ What readers are saying

“If you’re looking for a hot, sexy, emotional read, Virna DePaul delivers!”

“This is an author whose work continues to delight.”

“…intense, intricate, and insomnia-inducing.”

“Steamy, heart-warming, and action-packed!”

“The twists and turns of the fast-paced plot are delightful.” 

--Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review)

📚 Hard as Nails Series

Each book can be read as a standalone, but the series is best enjoyed in order.

Hard Time

Hard Case

Hard Core

Hard Place

Hard Act