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When Indali Vadera runs to LA to escape an arranged marriage, borrowing a friend’s identity to stay off her overbearing parents’ radar seems like a good plan. As long as she doesn’t get close to anyone, her secret will stay safe, and her new boss is an easy man to hate. Mr. Vale. The ass who requires his coffee served at exactly one hundred and forty degrees. But when Indi’s friend goes missing, there’s only one person she can turn to for help.

There’s a reason Braxton Vale hires personal assistants he can’t stand. Giving in to temptation could cost him everything. Between running a business empire and fighting with his hopefully soon-to-be ex-wife, he doesn’t have time for distractions, but there’s something different about this new girl… When Brax’s world begins to fall apart, there’s only one group of people he can turn to: his former roommates. But they’ve been keeping secrets too…

395 pages, ebook

First published April 30, 2023

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About the author

Elise Noble

86 books686 followers
Elise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.

Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.


You can get find her current freebies HERE.

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5 stars
128 (87%)
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18 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Siti.
Author 3 books17 followers
May 4, 2023
A beautiful love story with a huge thriller thrown in. Felt a bit like reading two different books in one, though, because the action heat up towards the end chapters. And I was hoping to find out who were the two Blackwood men playing cameo for the rescue mission 🤭😅

Having said that, love love love discovering the new characters and getting to know the new universe within the Blackstone House. And so much setting up for future stories, highly exciting! 😍😍😍
Profile Image for Jezza Mae.
49 reviews
August 12, 2023
Another must read book by Elise Noble.

Hard Limits is the 3rd book in the Blackstone House Series.
A total page turner.
I really love reading this book over and over again.
Profile Image for Leisel.
542 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2023
Author Elise Noble has again totally blown my socks off with her truly creative world of storytelling, with her third instalment in the Blackstone House suspense series. Even though Hard Limits is the third book in the series it could be read on its own out of sequence, but it does contain both characters and little snippets of their pasts' that builds upon the buried deeper storyline in reference to the incident of Blackstone House.
Believe me whatever occurred there it better be answered fully because its one mysterious event.

Again every major character created is incredibly entertaining and some are truly inspirational in their own dark ways. But I do secretly love a few of them and their heroric personas. But one element I've really hooked into and love is the sense of "family" and commitment the central characters from the Blackstone house share with one another. I think its one of Elise's winning strategies she incorporates into both this series and her Blackwood security series.

I found the story really took me on an emotional roller-coaster, where I got to experience moments of both highs and lows and I do feel that I should address that the plot does contain mention of violence that could be a trigger. But on the other side I certainly was left laughing at incidents and lines of conversation throughout. Within the first page readers are gifted with one of many fabulous lines. That line really set the mood for me!
Definitely a very well conceived plot filled with moments that were, humourous, mysterious, incredible investigative works, great character construction and all laced with so much sexual tension... oh, and frustration! Honestly I have never enjoyed reading so much until I came across Elise Noble's literature and her amazing characters.
784 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2023
Hard Limits is the third Blackstone House book. Whilst it can be read as a stand-alone I recommend that the books are read in order, for both the character backgrounds and the ongoing mystery running through all the books which is built on in each book.

Indi and Brixton did not have an unfortunate first meeting in a car park. The second is soon after when Indi walks into his office for a job interview. Both are great characters with problems and secrets and the connection between them is obvious even if they choose to ignore it.

There are several different storylines that are seamlessly intertwined within this book. There are also the recurring characters that I have come to love from the previous books. The storyline itself is excellent. Gradually more details regarding the events at Blackstone House are being revealed although there is a way to go before the reader finds out what really happened all those years ago.

This is a fabulous book and series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Elise Noble once again weaves her magic with characters and storylines, mixes it with a touch of drama and intrigue and sprinkles with a little humour and a heart stopping romance. Not to be missed.
Profile Image for April Kelley.
20 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2023
Wow! Indi and Brax's story grabs your attention right at the start and keeps it to the very end. Indi's encounter with Brax in the parking lot sets the tone for their entire developing relationship. But both Indi and Brax have their own secrets - Brax has a horrible marriage with a nasty prenup & Indi isn't who she is pretending to be. But when Indi's best friend, Meera, goes missing overseas, Indi has to come clean and she and Brax set off on an amazing rescue mission. Brax admits his feelings, escapes the prenup, and Indi gets her dream life. All through the book, Elise's wicked sense of humor makes the characters relatable and a joy to follow. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance/suspense novel! Even though it is book #3 in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone book.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
169 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2023
Hard Limits is a fast-paced, fascinating story populated by a charming cast of vivid, captivating characters.
The story's heroine is named "The Assistant"; she is sensitive, generous, loyal, and desperately determined to pursue her dreams. An explosive team of personages from most of Ms. Noble's books is involved; the former Blackstone household in its entirety for the first time, a hint of Blackwood and Priest's all-female lethal team, which I hope to be reading about soon.
Some sober undercurrents are intertwined in the plot; the tradition of forcing women to consent to combined marriages and the plague of sex trafficking.
Despite the seriousness of the topic, Ms. Noble keeps the tone of the narration light, adding plenty of humorous interludes; she manages the juxtaposition masterfully, making Hard Limits an entertaining and captivating book.
After reading the first few books in the series, I look forward to hearing more about the Blackstone house gang members.
276 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2023
Hard Limits captured my interest with the parking lot mishap. Elise’s humor never fails to endear the characters and their particular circumstances to me. The very first confrontation between The Assistant and Brax interaction sets the tone of their relationship.
The assistant (Indali) working an acceptable job is using her friend Meera ‘s name to hide from her family. This arrangement allows her friend Meera to travel and work abroad.
Braxton is in a marriage with a prenup that makes divorcing his wife next to impossible. Both waiting for the other to have an affair. His behavior is rude, demanding and meant to offset his assistants.
But Meera goes silent and the assistant must come clean with her boss. What occurs is an adventure that is dangerous, filled with intrigue and risk. The Blackstone House old roommates come together to help Braxton.
Hard Limits is the third book in Elise Noble’s Blackstone House Romantic Suspense series. It is another well written book by Elise Noble.
May 2, 2023
This was really fun! One of the things I appreciate most about Elise Noble’s stories is the mix between romance, suspense, humor, and likable, interesting characters. Braxton is a character mentioned in several previous books – a businessman with a very interesting enterprise. His new assistant, his 27th in just a few years, still manages to challenge him, though she has her own challenges to deal with, as well. As usual, the bad guys are outsmarted by the good guys – another great aspect to Elise’s various series. There is more to this story than one would think by reading the first half.

You can certainly read this book as a stand-alone story but why would you want to? Read ALL the books Elise Noble has written and dive into a cleverly constructed universe of related characters, stories, and themes. You will be hooked.
Profile Image for Karen.
105 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2023
Hard Limits (Blackstone House 3) by Elise Noble

I was looking forward to delving into the life of Braxton Vale as I was intrigued by the small glimpses into his life from previous books in this series and I was not disappointed.

A brilliant fast paced adventure with sizzling hot chemistry. Loved loved loved it, could not put it down. Highly recommended!

I recommend that you read the first 2 books in this series to help set the scene.

If you enjoyed this book I’d also highly recommend you read the Blackwood Security series starting with Pitch Black. This is one of my all time favorite series with amazing characters.
Profile Image for Emma.
35 reviews
May 3, 2023
Hard Limits could be read as a standalone but the storyline is such that you definitely get benefits from having read the series. While Indali and Brax's story is good with the excellent character building and learning that I expect from Elise for me it's the intriguing pieces we get that point to the whole Blackstone mystery that really guide the series and keep me coming back for more.

When you purchase an Elise Noble novel you know you are going to get solid characters that grow through the story (instead of staying the same), some humour, some intrigue and just a generally good read. Is why she is one of my favourite authors.
69 reviews
May 5, 2023
As always Elise has written a great story; this one masterfully encompasses challenging relationships of all types, friendships, romance and adventure, bringing in past characters from previous Blackstone House stories, as well as the wider Blackwood world. Hard Limits is addictive right from the start, with sparks flying as Brax and Indi meet, and winds its way through a very enjoyable ride, with a tense bit of adventure towards the end. Well worth the read, and will no doubt be another of Elise’s books that I read more than once. Be warned, it’s hard to put down, so cancel everything and make sure you’re comfortable before you start reading.
Profile Image for Tracie Langley.
14 reviews
May 17, 2023
This is my favorite of the Blackstone House series so far. Loved the love/hate then love relationship between Brax and Indali. There were so many layers to thin book and it was a story within a story. It was nice to have characters from the previous books pop up here and there and I think Alexa and Jerry might be my new favorite characters. I can't wait to see what happens next with these two! I also enjoyed that there are Blackwood references and am hoping for a cross over with the two series in the future..
Profile Image for Sandra.
388 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2023
I already love the Blackwood series and this series is just as good with lots of amazing characters you'll fall in love with. Brax hires assistant number 27 who might change his life for the better if he ever gets rid of his horrible wife Carissa.

I loved learning more about the Blackstone House crew and I truly admire Alexa's skills while Jerry reminds me of Ana from the Blackwood series with her syringes..

This book can easily read as stand alone but I bet you will want to start with Hard Lines.
33 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2023
This book has two stories in one book. We start with Indi and brax, their tumultuous beginnings and just as that seems to be concluding, Meera disappears and the search starts for her. In enters my second favorite band of misfits, Priest's crew. The banter made me laugh, and we learn more about Priest's girls shananagins. I am still loving the search for clues about the Blackstone murder along the way.
Five stars, will definitely reread. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kenisha Lewis.
42 reviews
May 2, 2023
Indali didn't want to forced into a arrange marriage and become her mother, she wanted to pursue medicine and marry for love. but things never go as planned. So she switches her identity with her bestfriend Meera, who could pass for her twin. Who knew she would become a temptation for her boss a married man going through a messy divorce. But the real Meera also finds trouble she wasn't looking for and her only hope is Indali and Braxton but the truth must come out first.
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
401 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2023
Fantastic!

This is an excellent example of Elise Noble's ability to write a captivating story. There are so many twists and turns that it kept me guessing abouy what was going to happen next. If you've read other books in this series then you will be happy to finally get Brax's story.
64 reviews
May 8, 2023
A great follow on for this series. After reading the previous books, I was preparing myself to not get along with the main characters, but I was once again surprised. The start and early-mid was fast paced and gripping, but I did find myself struggling towards the latter part of the middle.
Looking forward to the next instalment

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
4 reviews
May 10, 2023
Interesting Perspectives

Elise Noble always depicts women as strong and capable (which we are). This story was fun, and tastefully erotic. Inside is smart and educated, and breaks away from her familial roots. The adventure part isn't as complex as some prior books, but still a great read.
290 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2023
I love all her books

I have every book written by Elise and can honestly say I have loved every single one of them. This book was no exception heartbreak love edge of the seat drama. Special compliment is that I have reread them more than once that’s how good they are. Thank you Elise

I recommend all her books

1 click now you will not be disappointed
3 reviews
May 1, 2023
well worth waiting for

Unfortunately I have to read her books at once and that leaves months before I can read the next ones. Always informative and entertaining. Will be re-reading the old ones to refresh my memory ready for the next instalment.
Profile Image for Noel.
12 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2023
Reading this was very satisfying. Some mystery, romance, a little naughty. A lot of funny. Elise somehow manages to make her books multiple categories of book into one. This latest installment doesn’t disappoint. When Innocence meets experience life gets interesting.
5 reviews
May 12, 2023
No body writes the “DAMSEL IN DISTRESS” romantic thrillers better than Ms. Nobel!
This book is another example of Ms. Nobel’s unique plot design and writing talent that kept me on the edge of my seat, beginning to end!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this
3 reviews
June 25, 2023
Another amazing story by Elise! I loved Brax and Indie since they are as different as two people can be. I also loved how we got to finally see almost everyone from Blackstone house in this book! Can't wait for the next book in this series.
1 review
April 3, 2024
Another awesome story!

I will never get enough of Elise’s writing! She is a true master of character development and the way she connects all of her books and series is just magical!
10 reviews
April 30, 2023
Great read. Book has it all hidden identity, international bad guys, best buddies, bad marriage, justice for the good guys, and of course true love.
Profile Image for Fola Samuels.
8 reviews
April 30, 2023
A very interesting book. I recommend, as always Elise gave her all and deliver a page turning and interesting book. I love it
May 2, 2023
fabulous as always!

Amazing story, hard hitting but excellent writing as always!
Elise noble is always my go-to and pre-order everything without even reading the blurb!
2 reviews
May 4, 2023
Elise Noble does it again!

Another absolute cracking read from Elise, with a little Blackwood thrown in for good measure. My favourite author by far.
11 reviews
May 4, 2023
Great book, loved Brax and Indali's story, great twist and turns.  I'm loving the Blackstone House series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
May 13, 2023
Great story and compelling characters

Great story and compelling characters made this a good read. If they made it a movie, I would definitely want to see it too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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