Tag Archives: Kristen Ashley

Embracing the Change ( River Rain 6) by Kristen Ashley-review

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Embracing the Change (River Rain 6) by Kristen Ashley-review & excerpt

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Add Embracing the Change to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3VkUOsl

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date

That Kiss…

Gorgeous New York socialite, Nora Ellington has been waiting a very long time for her happily ever after.

So long, she’s given up on it and has decided, even though she’s the plus-one friend without benefits to a man she’s head over heels in love with, an HEA will forever be out of her reach.

Handsome billionaire Jamie Oakley thought he’d had two happily ever afters in his life. However, neither lasted long, and both ended in tragedy. He’s not about to try it again or put his children through the trauma Jamie has learned from experience undoubtedly will come their way.

And he’s made this decision even if the woman who’s become his constant companion is a woman he loves straight to his soul….and wants with everything that is him.

But then, one night, Jamie loses control and kisses Nora.

He can’t go there.

She can’t go on without it.

They’ll never be the same.

Or will they?

•••••••••

REVIEW:  EMBRACING THE CHANGE is the sixth instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult RIVER RAIN romance series. This is socialite and heiress Nora Ellington, and billionaire Jamie Oakley’s story line. EMBRACING THE CHANGE should not be read as a stand alone as many of the references, and previous story line couples figure prominently throughout the current time line. Jamie is the father of Judge Oakley (Chasing Serenity), and Nora is best friends with Mika (Making the Match)

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be mild triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Nora), and omniscient third person (Jamie) EMBRACING THE CHANGE follows several years in the life of our story line couple. Jamie Oakley has loved and lost twice, both relationships ending tragically but he gained a daughter and a son. Nora Ellington, heiress and socialite’s only marriage was fraught with deceit and betrayal but her three, now adult children, are the light of her life. Throughout the years, Nora has rescued and aided Jamie as his world began to spiral but now it was their turn together to form a union between their two families, and everything it entailed.

The world building follows several pathways including all of Nora and Jamie’s adult children scheming to get their parents together. From an yacht excursion to a new grandchild, to blackmail, family secrets and the past refusing to let go, Jamie and Nora must weather the storm together, in an effort to finally find peace and their own happily ever after.

The relationship between Nora and Jamie had been building for several years but both had been married (Jamie twice), and although not necessarily happy, but happy for now. Nora is the quintessential socialite, almost an over the top caricature of wealth and money (calling everyone ‘darling’), designer labels and the ultimate friendship with a support group of four gay men known as the G-force.Jamie is a businessman whose own family tree deviates between the branches, and in this, our hero must contend with the reality of what was, and what may never be. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including Jamie’s son Judge (Chloe) and daughter Dru; Nora’s children Allegra and Darryn, Nico and Felice, Valentine and Archie; Nora’s ex Roland Castellini, as well as several cameos and mentions of previous story line couples and characters.

EMBRACING THE CHANGE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and jealousy, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and thought-provoking; the romance is seductive and fated; the character are dynamic, sassy and determined.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
After the Climb
Chasing Serenity
Taking the Leap
Making the Match
Fighting the Pull

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

His fork clattered on his plate, the sudden sound surprising me so much, I gave a slight jump as Jamie turned fully to me.
“Right, we’re here.”
Oh dear.
I wasn’t sure what “here” meant.
But I was sure I didn’t want to be there.
He carried on. “I know you don’t want to talk about it, and I’ll give you more time, but I do want to talk about it. However, for now I’ll just say, I can have you as I’ll allow myself to have you.”
As he’ll allow himself to have me?
What on earth did that mean?
“And in so doing, I have you,” Jamie continued. “You mean something to me. You’re mine. You’re a part of my life. You’re a member of my family. And I think you know I take care of those I love, Nora. That being the man I am, I cannot countenance this jackass annoying you or taking your time or infiltrating your life in any way that does not involve the children you share. Am I being clear?”
You’re mine.
I take care of those I love.
You’re…
Mine.
Those…
I…
Love.
“Nora,” he called. “Am I being clear?”

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Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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The Woman by the Lake (Misted Pines 3) by Kristen Ashley-review

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The Woman by the Lake (Misted Pines 3) by Kristen Ashley-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 11, 2024

Nadia Williams needs somewhere peaceful to sort through her grief after her mother is brutally murdered. She finds a cozy cabin at the side of a tranquil lake in the quaint town of Misted Pines in the Pacific Northwest.

The minute she arrives, she knows it’s perfect.

The very night of her arrival, however, someone—or something—is scratching at her window.

The next morning, she meets her one and only neighbor, Doc Riggs. He’s a rough, good-time guy who rubs Nadia wrong immediately. They clash, and neither of them are happy to be sharing their lake.

But soon, Nadia learns the lore around her cabin, and how the townsfolk are certain it’s haunted by the ghost of the man who was murdered there fifteen years before.

Riggs and Nadia are suddenly thrown into a tangled web of history, betrayal, grief, secrets, with only one thing certain.

Someone—or something—wants them off that lake.

••••

REVIEW:THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE is the third instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult MISTED PINES romantic suspense series focusing on the people of Misted Pines. This is single father and contractor Andrew ‘Doc’ Riggs, and primary school teacher Nadia Williams’ story line. THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary..

Told from first person perspectives (Nadia) and third person (Riggs) THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE follows Nadia Williams as she takes a leave of absence from her job, escaping the memories left behind in Chicago, Renting a cabin by the lake in Misted Pines, Nadia would come face to face with her neighbor, contractor Doc Riggs, the man with whom Nadia would fall in love but all was not well in Misted Pines, and the cabin she was renting would become the focus of ghost stories, hauntings, and a case of unsolved murders. As Nadia, Riggs, and Sheriff Harry Moran began to research the history of a family murder, Riggs would find himself embroiled in his own family squabble with the mother of his nine year old son. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Nadia and Riggs, and the potential fall-out as our couple, and the town of Misted Pines must reconsider what happened in the past and why.

The world building follows several paths; is detailed and intriguing as Misted Pines holds too many demons that have yet to let go. Add the usual small -town gossip and busybodies, as well as those who deem themselves above everyone else, and our couple must contend with secrets and gossip wherever they go.

The relationships between Nadia and Riggs begins acrimoniously as Riggs is known to throw obnoxiously loud parties. Nadia was hoping for to take time to rest, relax and reconsider her future but never expected to find herself falling for a man, and his nine year old son. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the opt, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, enthusiastic and often questionable secondary and supporting characters. We are witness to the return of Cade and Delphine (The Girl in the Mist 1), Rus Lazarus (The Girl in the Woods) as well as Sheriff Harry Moran. We are introduced to Riggs’ son Ledger, as well as Rigg’s mom Gail, and friends Storm and Viggo, Bubbles and Lucille, Rigg’s questionable ex Angelina, and several local residents of Misted Pines.

THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE is a story of secrets and lies, murder and mystery, betrayal and obsession, family and friendships, relationships and love. The thought provoking premise is intriguing, haunting and dramatic; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are stubborn, honest and charismatic

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Girl in the Mist
The Girl in the Woods

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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ROCK CHICK REMATCH (Rock Chick 9.5)by Kristen Ashley-tour

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ROCK CHICK REMATCH (Rock Chick 9.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Kristen Ashley-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 23, 2024

In high school, Malia Clark found the man of her dreams.

Darius Tucker.

But life hits them full in the face way before it ever should. Darius makes a drastic decision to keep his family safe and Malia leaves town with a secret.

When Malia returns, she seeks Darius to share all, but Darius finds out before she can tell him. At the same time, she finds out just how much Darius has changed in the years she’s been away.

She just refuses to give up on him.

Until he forces her hand.

Secrets come between Malia and Darius, at the same time Malia has to worry about weird things going on at the law firm where she works, her kid wants a car and she’s stuck in slow-cooker hell. Luckily, her ride or dies have her back.

And in the meantime, she might just learn she never should have lost hope in Darius Tucker.

••••••

REVIEW: ROCK CHICK REMATICH by Kristen Ashley is instalment 9.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult ROCK CHICK erotic, romance series, and a part of the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights. This is Darius Tucker and Malia Clark’s story line. ROCK CHICK REMATCH can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as Darius and Malia’s story is revealed throughout.

Told from first person perspective (Malia) covering approximately sixteen years, ROCK CHICK REMATCH focuses on the acrimonious and strained relationship between our story line couple. Approximately sixteen years earlier, a then sixteen year old Malia fell in love with our story line hero but life would deal Darius and Malia a devastating blow, and for the next sixteen years Darius would come in and out of Malia’s life whenever he wanted or felt he was needed. Fast forward to present day, Darius is a changed man, a new job, a new perspective, and Darius wants another chance with the woman he has never stopped loving, a chance at the family he has always wanted.

The world building follows Malia as she struggles with her love for a man who is keeping secret a life she knows nothing about. Pushing Malia out of his life, Darius knew he was protecting those unable to protect themselves but sixteen years of secrets and lies meant Malia would struggle between head and heart to forgive the man she never stopped loving.

The relationship between Darius and Malia is fractured at best. Sixteen years earlier, after professing their love for one another, Darius’ life imploded, and he walked away from the only woman he would ever love. Malia moved, desperate for a support system from the people she loved but upon her return, Darius would discover the secret Malia has kept for several years. With Darius coming in and out of Malia’s life, she still knew very little about the man she believed wanted something else. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, colorful, energetic and fun secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous story lines including the ‘Rock Chicks’.

ROCK CHICK REMATCH is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, desperation, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing, heart breaking and captivating; the romance struggle in the face of deception and secrets; the characters are broken, desperate, determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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Fighting the Pull (River Rain 5) by Kristen Ashley-review tour

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Fighting the Pull (River Rain 5) by Kristen Ashley-review & excerpt tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2023

Hale Wheeler inherited billions from his father. He’s decided to take those resources and change the world for the better. He’s married to his mission, so he doesn’t have time for love.

There’s more lurking behind this decision. He hasn’t faced the tragic loss of his father, or the bitterness of his parents’ divorce. He doesn’t intend to follow in his father’s footsteps, breaking a woman’s heart in a way it will never mend. So he vows he’ll never marry.

But Hale is intrigued when he meets Elsa Cohen, the ambitious celebrity news journalist who has been reporting on his famous family. He warns her off, but she makes him a deal. She’ll pull back in exchange for an exclusive interview.

Elsa Cohen is married to her career, but she wants love, marriage, children. She also wants the impossibly handsome, fiercely loyal, tenderhearted Hale Wheeler.

They go head-to-head, both denying why there are fireworks every time they meet. But once they understand their undeniable attraction, Elsa can’t help but fall for the dynamic do-gooder.

As for Hale, he knows he needs to fight the pull of the beautiful, bold, loving Elsa Cohen, because breaking her would crush him.

•••••

REVIEW:FIGHTING THE PULL is the fifth instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult RIVER RAIN erotic, romance series. This is thirty-year old, billionaire businessman Hale Wheeler, and twenty-seven year old, celebrity journalist Elsa Cohen’s story line. FIGHTING THE PULL can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading book one AFTER THE CLIMB for backstory as it pertains to Hale’s father Corey Szabo.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including talk of suicide, child abuse, and bondage and discipline, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Elsa) and third person perspectives (Hale, Heath) FIGHTING THE PULL follows the building romance and relationship between Hale and Elsa. Elsa’s interview with billionaire Hale Wheeler was about to go off the proverbial rails as Hale was struggling with revealing anything about himself but a few minutes with Elsa found Hale reconsidering the who and what of our story line heroine. A pretend relationship, a potential stalker, and the heart falling for someone who couldn’t love themself found our couple battling the heart break of betrayal, and the dramatic loss of a father that had yet to be acknowledged. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Hale and Elsa, and the potential fall-out as Elsa is caught in the direct line of fire, and Hale is unable to forgive himself for the damage that is caused.

The world building focuses on three severely dysfunctional families with insights into child abuse, neglect, infidelity, divorce, and the resulting suicide of a man who struggled to come to terms with what happened and why. Kristen Ashley pulls the reader into a heart breaking and emotional look into deteriorating family values precipitated by greed, jealousy, betrayal and vengeance. Innocent children will pay for the sins of the parents but sometimes the child pays more than anyone could have imagined.

The relationship between Elsa and Hale begins acrimoniously as Hale is reluctant to be interviewed by Elsa Cohen but Elsa and Hale are kindred spirits, each suffering with the endless emotional abuse and betrayal by the people sworn to love them the most. As Hale and Elsa come to terms with their own relationship, the past is determined to destroy our couple, taking aim at the woman with whom Hale is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative with some light scenes and discussion of bondage and discipline.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and often destructive secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples. We are introduced to Elsa’s embattled family, and Hale’s bitter and remorseless mother, as well as Elsa’s co-workers and Hale’s security team.

FIGHTING THE PULL is a story of betrayal and vengeance, loss and acceptance, greed and jealousy, acceptance and love. The haunting premise is heart breaking, emotional, raw and honest; the characters are tragic, animated and starting to heal; the romance is seductive and spicy.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
After the Climb
Chasing Serenity
Taking the Leap
Making the Match

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

The thing on my mind that I wasn’t admitting was taking more headspace than it should was the fact that Hale had texted the day before.
Again.
Why he wasn’t letting himself off the hook about this interview he never wanted in the first place, I did not know. And it wasn’t going to be me who let him off the hook. Oh no. Not officially.
But I wasn’t returning his texts, so unofficially, the guy should take a hint.
We’d made a deal almost a year before. The deal was, I’d kinda, sorta lay off his family, he’d give me an interview.
I couldn’t totally lay off his family. They were the most celebrated celebrities in the world. Even the ones who hadn’t sought that out, like Chloe Pierce and Judge Oakley.
But there were a great many different kinds of celebrity news, and it didn’t seem like Hale Wheeler had cottoned on to the fact I wasn’t a mudslinger.
Sure, I also wasn’t an objective journalist. But I wasn’t TMZ either.
Nugget of news: you could share gossip for a living and still be classy. I was proof of that (or I thought I was).
I had my key ready to put into the four locks on the door to the building where my studio was in Brooklyn, and with practiced ease, I was out of the New York autumn morning cold in no time.
I locked the door behind me and headed to the space in the sectioned off warehouse that I rented for my studio.
I had to unlock that door too (only three locks this time), and once inside, I practically ran into Chuck, my cameraman, who was for some reason right there and crowding me.
My space was small, but this was weird.
I looked at his face, and…great.
We’d probably been burgled.
It wasn’t like I had a ton of expensive equipment, but what I had was hard won. I had offers coming in, and they were healthier than I’d allowed myself to dream, but I hadn’t signed on any dotted line. So, for the foreseeable future, ongoing operating costs, and any expansion, was on me.
I didn’t have time to deal with police reports and insurance companies telling me how little they could actually replace seeing as some small line in their contract exempted them from doing what I paid them to do. Nor did I need to be shelling out to replace stuff.
“What’s up?” I warily asked Chuck.
“Hale Wheeler is here,” he whispered.
Oh no.
That was worse than being burgled.
My gaze flew beyond Chuck to my set which was a one-step dais on which sat a mint green velvet swivel chair with a glass-topped gold side table beside it. These were in front of a greenscreen backdrop we could make anything we wanted it to be. Though usually it was subtle pastel green and peach swirls against a soft white with the words “Elsa’s Exchange” repeated throughout.
And damn it all to hell, there he was.
Tall, ridiculously handsome, athletically built Hale Wheeler, the richest man in the world.

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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PERFECT TOGETHER by Kristen Ashley-review tour

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PERFECT TOGETHER by Kristen Ashley-review tour

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 13, 2023

Wyn and Remy Gastineau were perfect together…

Until, without warning, Remy walks out on their life, their love and their marriage.

Wyn is blindsided and heartbroken. It takes her years to get over the loss of Remy.

Sometime later, their children call a family meeting and Remy is acting strange. Wyn refuses to hope. Remy has moved on. She must do the same.

But she’s wrong.

Remy wants her back and he’s pulling no punches. He’s determined to do the work to piece together the marriage he shattered. Forced by circumstances to tell Wyn things he never wanted her to know, Remy reveals his tragic secrets.

As the family reels from pain long buried now laid bared, Wyn realizes instead of letting go, she has to hold tight to the man and the family they made that’s perfect together.

•••••

REVIEW: PERFECT TOGETHER by Kristen Ashley is a contemporary, stand alone, erotic, second chance romance focusing on the Gastineau family: Remy and Wyn, and their children Sabre, Manon and Yves. For fans of Kristen Ashley, there is a slight cross over with the author’s RIVER RAIN series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Wyn) and several omniscient third person (Remy, Yves, Sabre) PERFECT TOGETHER follows the rebuilding relationship between Wyn and Remy Gastineau, and the reconciling of a family destroyed by secrets and lies.

Three years earlier architect Remy Gastineau walked away from his wife of nineteen years, stylist Wyn Gastineau, leaving behind his family, his children and the woman he loved. Fast forward to present day, Remy has asked his family to his house, a family meeting that is about to change the direction of everyone’s life. As Remy battles to heal the fractured dynamics between himself and his immediate family, the damaged and mutilated past is about to revise the course of the Gastineau family, once again. A friendship broken by hatred and animosity; a relationship destroyed by betrayal and obsession; and a family shattered by lies and abuse must come to terms with a past and present clouded by denial and rejection, and a future that is eased by acceptance and love.

We are introduced to a colorful and somewhat questionable cast of secondary and supporting characters including Remy and Wyn’s immediate family including sons Sabre and Yves, and their daughter Manon; Remy’s parents Collette and Guillaume Gastineau, as well as Wyn’s PA Noel, and her besties Bernice, Bea, Kara and her husband Reed, actor Fiona Remington, and Remy’s ex Myrna.

PERFECT TOGETHER is a story of fractured family dynamics, secrets and lies, abuse, animosity and vengeance, acceptance and love. The premise is heart breaking, emotional and raw; the romance is a second chance love; the characters are struggling but learning to thrive.

Here’s hoping the author has plans for Remy and Wyn’s three adult children.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share

THE GIRL IN THE WOODS (Misted Pines 2) by Kristen Ashley-review

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THE GIRL IN THE WOODS (Misted Pines 2) by Kristen Ashley -review tour

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 21, 2023

This body would be the last for Zachariah Lazarus…

The Crystal Killer’s latest casualty was discovered in a sleepy town in the Pacific Northwest, Misted Pines.

His years in the FBI, and tracking the Crystal Killer, have taken their toll on Rus. He lost his marriage to the job. And the burdens he carries for the victims was crushing him.

Misted Pines has recently survived a killer’s rampage and a town scandal that made global news. The media was primed to devour a new story. So Rus already has his work cut out for him.

But it’s more.

Something is just not right with this latest victim.

As Rus works with the local sheriff to unravel the mystery, the victim’s employer, Lucinda Bonner, decides she’s going to do everything she can to help.

To help Rus find the killer. To help Rus survive the hunt. To help Rus navigate the intricate, and sometimes sordid, history of the town of Misted Pines.

And to help Rus let go of his burdens.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE GIRL IN THE WOODS is the second instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult MISTED PINES romantic, suspense, series focusing on the small town of Misted Pines in the Pacific Northwest. This is FBI investigator Zachariah ‘Rus’ Lazarus, and business woman Lucinda Bonner’s story line. THE GIRL IN THE WOODS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from third person omniscient perspective (Rus) THE GIRL IN THE WOODS focuses on the search for a serial killer nicknamed the ‘Crystal Killer’ in the wake of leaving a crystal gem in the victim’s hands. Zachariah ‘Rus’ Lazarus has been working the Crystal Killer case for years, and a another possible victim has been found in the small town of Misted Pines but Rus isn’t positive that the new case is connected, and a possible copy-cat may have found a mark. As Rus begins to interview the people in the victim’s life, our hero will come face to face with business woman Lucinda Bonner, the victim’s boss, and sometimes mother like mentor. Rus never expected to lose his heart in Misted Pines but something about Lucinda drew Rus like a moth to a flame. As Rus and the local Sheriff’s department continue their investigation Rus suspects the killer is someone he knows, someone who is tied closely to our story line hero. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Rus and Lucinda, as Rus begins to ferret out the possibilities, and the real chance there is more than one killer for their current investigation.

The relationship between Lucinda and Rus begins when Rus must interview our story line heroine. Lucinda Bonner is a single mother, a business woman whose family has lived and worked in the town of Misted Pines for over one-hundred and fifty years. Zachariah ‘Rus’ Lazarus’ family history, like Lucinda’s, is questionable at best, and we are privy to the dark and dangerous backstories of two people who wanted more than their families had offered. As Rus continued to search for the truth, our hero must come to a decision about his career going forward. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word, used only once, more for shock value and maturity rating.

We are introduced to several colorful secondary and supporting characters including Lucinda’s nine year old daughter Madden, and her father Jaegar; Rus’s adult children Acre and Sabrina, his ex Jennifer (via phone) as well as the return of former Green Beret, former FBI field agent, former profiler turned contractor and single father Cade Bohannan, his twenty-seven year old twins/private investigators Jesse and Jace Bohannan, as well as local law enforcement, gossips and the ‘coven, and questionable townies. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE GIRL IN THE WOODS is an intriguing and edgy mystery/murder/thriller of obsession and madness, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic, haunting and tragic; the characters are strong, animated and spirited; the romance is stirring and intimate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one GIRL IN THE MIST

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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Making the Match (River Rain 4) by Kristen Ashley-review tour

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Making the Match (River Rain 4) by Kristen Ashley-review & excerpt tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 20, 2022

Decades ago, tennis superstar Tom Pierce and “It Girl” Mika Stowe met at a party.

Mika fell in love. Tom was already in love with his wife. As badly as Tom wanted Mika as a friend, Mika knew it would hurt too much to be attracted to this amazing man and never be able to have him.

They parted ways for what they thought would be forever, only to reconnect just once, when unspeakable tragedy darkens Mika’s life.

Years later, the impossible happens.

A time comes when they’re both unattached.

But now Tom has made a terrible mistake. A mistake so damaging to the ones he loves, he feels he’ll never be redeemed.

Mika has never forgotten how far and how fast she fell when she met him, but Tom’s transgression is holding her distant from reaching out.

There are matchmakers in their midst, however.

And when the plot has been unleashed to make that match, Tom and Mika are thrown into an international intrigue that pits them against a Goliath of the sports industry.

Now they face a massive battle at the same time they’re navigating friendship, attraction, love, family, grief, redemption, two very different lives lived on two opposite sides of a continent and a box full of kittens

•••••

REVIEW MAKING THE MATCH is the fourth instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult RIVER RAIN romance series. This is forty eight year old, multi-media artist Mika Stowe, and former professional tennis player turned doctor Tom Pierce’s story line. MAKING THE MATCH can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person (Mika) and several third persons perspectives including Tom, using present day and memories from the past, following several intersecting paths, MAKING THE MATCH follows the second chance relationship , of a sorts, between forty eight year old, multi-media artist Mika Stowe, and former professional tennis player turned doctor Tom Pierce. Years earlier Mika Stowe fell in love with a married man but Tom Pierce wasn’t about to stray from the woman he loved. Life and everything it had to offer including birth of children and the death of a lover, betrayal and divorce, secrets and lies would ultimately forge a history ; dual paths that would collide when a mysterious package is delivered to our story line heroine, a package that reveals the destructive nature of power and control but Mika struggles with what she believes to be a betrayal by the man she once loved, a betrayal directed at someone else. As Mika and Tom begin to rebuild their friendship, a blending of families reveals heart break and the pain of disappointment, and miscommunication when the past comes looking for forgiveness and acceptance. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Mika and Tom, and the potential fall-out as Tom battles with the guilt of betrayal, a battle he has imposed, all on his own.

Meanwhile, the world of professional tennis is about to face the fall-out of the ‘me too’ movement, when several women come forward accusing past players, coaches and sponsors of sexual harassment and blackmail.

The relationship between Mika and Tom is a friends to lovers that struggled in the face of timing, other relationships, perception and loss. Tom’s divorce from the woman he once loved revealed a different side to family and relationships, wherein blame is often the proverbial two-way street but gossip and the media don’t tell the whole story, a story misinterpreted by our story line heroine. Mika has suffered in the face of tragedy and loss but, once again, life goes on, pushing forward, until there is often no longer a place to push forward to. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and broken secondary and supporting characters including Tom’s children, each of whom is struggling within the family dynamic: Chloe Pierce and Judge Oakley (Chasing Serenity 2) , Matt, Sasha; Tom’s former wife Gen and her husband Duncan (After the Climb 1) ; Mika’s eighteen year old daughter Cadence; friends, family, business partners and exes.

MAKING THE MATCH is a detailed, complex and dramatic tale of betrayal, second chances, acceptance and love. The premise is impassioned and captivating; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined, edgy and moving forward.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
After the Climb
Chasing Serenity
Taking the Leap

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

 

She looked beyond him and called, “Hey, Mom.”
Suddenly, Tom felt like he’d been punched in the chest, his breath not coming easy.
Dragging some in, he turned and saw Mika standing there.
She was wearing a kaftan dress with a low V at the neck, draping sleeves and a string through an empire waist that gathered the material. The print on a black background was mostly reds, oranges and pinks with bright accents of green and blue and turquoise. She had some flat, embroidered mules on her feet. And her still-golden hair was up in a messy knot on top of her head.
Even though she was dressed like she was hanging around the house, she wore makeup. Mostly neutral but with black cat’s-eye, drawing focus to her eyes and the startling sea-blue color of the iris. She had some delicate chain bracelets at her wrists and a number of piercings in her ears, with studs or small hoops running up the shell, and dangling beads coming from the lobe.
She looked the picture of what a poet, photographer, novelist, filmmaker would look like. An easy style that was not unique, but she made it that way.
She was also still one of the most attractive women he’d ever laid eyes on.
In fact, he’d go so far as saying she was in the top two, vying for number one.
“Tom,” she greeted.
“Mika,” he replied, and then was surprised yet again in his short visit to her home.He saw a soft pink rise in her cheeks, the kind a woman got when she felt nervous or didn’t know what to do with flattery, something he hadn’t offered, unless she caught it in his gaze.
She looked to her daughter and ordered, “Scram, kid.”

 

 

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share

Taking The Leap (River Rain 3) by Kristen Ashley-Review Tour

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Taking The Leap (River Rain 3) by Kristen Ashley-Review & Excerpt Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 15, 2022

Alexandra Sharp has been crushing on her co-worker, John “Rix” Hendrix for years. He’s her perfect man, she knows it.

She’s just not his perfect woman, and she knows that too.

Then Rix gives Alex a hint that maybe there’s a spark between them that, if she takes the leap, she might be able to fan into a flame. This leads to a crash and burn, and that’s all shy Alex needs to catch the hint never to take the risk again.

However, with undeniable timing, Rix’s ex, who broke his heart, and Alex’s family, who spent her lifetime breaking hers, rear their heads, gearing up to offer more drama. With the help of some matchmaking friends, Rix and Alex decide to face the onslaught together…

As a fake couple.

••••••••

REVIEW:TAKING THE LEAP is the third instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult RIVER RAIN erotic, romance series. This is thirty four-year old former smoke jumper/firefighter John ‘Rix’ Hendrix, and twenty-eight year old, Alexandra ‘Alex’ Sharp’s story line. TAKING THE LEAP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Rix and Alex’s story line begins in book two Chasing Serenity.

SOME BACKGROUND: River Rain, owned by businessman Duncan Holloway, is a large chain of stores concentrating on outdoor life including camping, hiking, rock climbing and trail walking, that has ventured into philanthropy and camps for children and youth.

Told from first person perspective (Alex) and dual third person (Rix and Judge) TAKING THE LEAP focuses on the building but fake romance and relationship between thirty four-year old former smoke jumper/firefighter John ‘Rix’ Hendrix, and twenty-eight year old, Alexandra ‘Alex’ Sharp, and the upcoming wedding of Alex’s sister Blake. Alexandra Sharp is descended from royalty but refuses to play the games her mother sets into motion. Estranged from her family- her distant father, controlling mother, and the questionable sanity of her older sister, Alex has always preferred to remain in the background but her sister’s wedding is about to place the spotlight on our story line heroine when she brings co-worker and amputee John ‘Rix’ Hendrix as her plus one. Alex has crushed on Rix for as long as she can remember but Rix has a dark history, a past mired in betrayal and loss, and a reputation with the women as a one-night stand kind of guy. Working together for River Rain Outdoor Stores and their Kids and Trails programs forces our couple to dwell on their mutual attraction but Alexandra remains unconvinced in the face of history, and the ‘fake’ aspect of their relationship that will quickly turn into something more.

Alexandra Sharp is a beautiful, intelligent, shy and somewhat withdrawn woman who has spent most of her life on the sidelines watching as the world, and her family continue to implode. Alex is not naïve; she is not a fool nor a door mat but a woman who is willing to speak up when needed, and defend herself against those who are hoping to tear her down including several members of her immediate family but Rix Hendrix is all about protecting the woman with whom he will fall in love, a woman who does not need protecting when all is said and done. Rix is offering a friends with benefits relationship with our story line heroine, a relationship that co-workers and close friends see as a prelude to disaster.

The relationship between Rix and Alex is one of mutual attraction but Alex’s overt shyness is a detriment to her personal and social life. Rix often mistakes Alex’s awkwardness as not interested, but her ambivalence and uncertainty is but a side effect of her family history of distance and control. Alex is determined to prove she is worthy of love but Rix’s past is hoping for a second chance, a chance that brings with it too many memories of betrayal and negligence. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word in my romance story lines.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and sassy secondary and supporting characters including Chloe and Judge (Chasing Serenity), Judge’s father Jamie, and sister Dru. We are introduced to Alex’s family-her sister Blake, Blake’s fiance Chad, and their parents Helena and Edward, and her friends Katie and Gal, as well as Rix’s ex Peri, and his brother Josh, Hailey and Kinsley. Adding commentary is gossip columnist Elsa Cohen.

TAKING THE LEAP is a story of love and acceptance, betrayal and loss. Kristen Ashley pulls the reader into an emotional tale of dysfunctional dynamics wherein one family is unable to accept the world as it is, preferring live in a world of their own making. The premise is edgy, dramatic and tragic; the romance is provocative and intimate; the characters are heart breaking yet inspiring.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
After the Climb
Chasing Serenity

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

What kind of coffee drink do you like?
I could have lied, and when I saw him at the office, said I was driving when I got the text and that was why I didn’t answer.
But there was a part of me that was so excited to get my very first text from Rix, and that part was strong.
So strong, that thought didn’t even occur to me before I texted back with oodles of curiosity, Why?
Because I’m buying you a coffee, babe.
Another babe.
That was three.
Highly inappropriate, even infantilizing.
I said not one word about the “babe.”
Instead, I texted, Iced Chai.
Once I sent that, I texted, Mocha latte, iced or hot.
And on its heels, I sent, For just hot, flat white.
Then I got nervous that I might be sounding like a goof.
So nervous my thumbs couldn’t seem to stop tapping letters, and I therefore texted, I assume you want to know what I want right now, rather than all that I like. So just to say, I tend to be a coffee explorer, since I like coffee. And caffeine on the whole. That means the list is kinda long. But if you’re asking for right now, which you are, because it’s chilly this morning, flat white.
After I sent that, I realized that I was absolutely sounding like a dork in sending it, all of it, including the three before. As such, I watched in agony as Rix’s three dots cycled and cycled and then they did it some more.
Until I got, How much coffee have you already had?
This would have been funny if it wasn’t so mortifying.
Just one, I responded miserably.
Try to cycle down cuz you’ll have another when you get to work. Later.
I decided I’d texted enough, so I let that lie.
It didn’t lie for long.
Rix showed at my desk at River Rain (which wasn’t going to be my desk at River Rain for very long, it’d be my desk at Trail Blazer since we were moving the next day, Judge’s office furniture, mine, and some unused stuff they had sitting around was all going to the new offices for temporary use because the telephones and Internet were being hooked up that day and it was time to occupy Trail Blazer).
Rix set my flat white down while I valiantly attempted not to blush, he made no attempt whatsoever to hide he totally did not miss I failed at this endeavor, smiled a smile that I wanted to think was friendly, but instead it seemed sexy, this thought being exacerbated when he muttered under his breath so I almost couldn’t hear it, “Only you could make a rambling coffee order adorable.”
I sat frozen.
Rix winked at me and said in his normal voice, “Bottoms up, Alex.”
With that, seeing as he was in his chair that day, he wheeled away.
Since there was a lot going on with packing for the move and tech hookups and such, I only had to deal with Rix in passing for the rest of Monday.
However, Tuesday morning, I was shoving stuff into my bag at home, preparing to head down the mountain to dig into the move, when my phone chimed.
OK, I have ten minutes, explain today’s coffee order.
Yes.
Another text from Rix.
A startled laugh escaped from me because he was being funny.
I then texted back, You don’t have to buy me coffee.
To which he texted, I know I don’t.
Then I sent, I’m just saying, we’re good. We had a blip last week. But now we’re great.
We’re great?
Damn.
Why did reading those two words texted by him make my breasts swell?
Good. Great. I mean, things are fine. You don’t have to butter me up with coffee.
So coffee is a way to butter you up?
Oh God.
What was that?
Was it flirty?
Or was it just being funny and friendly?
Or was it just a kind of getting-to-know-you, valued co-worker, but in a jokey fashion?
Tell him what you want and stop texting, Alex! I admonished myself.
I did not stop texting.
Well, yeah. Kinda. Like I said, I like coffee.
You did say that, so maybe you’ll tell me what kind you want this morning.
Time to get beyond this.
Iced Chai.
That’s tea.
Oh my God!
Flirty?
Or jokey?
I’m feeling tea today, I replied.
Right. And then he sent, That only took five minutes. I’d fill the other five by asking you what kind of donuts you like, but we got a lot to get accomplished today. I’m sure I’ll enjoy your dissertation on that, but I’d prefer to sort out my office so I can start doing the shit I’m getting paid to do.
He one hundred percent did not need my views on donuts then.
Therefore, I noted, Good call.
He sent a smirk emoji, which shared the impossible.
Rix could even make emojis sexy.

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share